The D&L Blog

Building Connections on the D&L Trail

There’s something about walking and talking that strengthens relationships and builds connections. When someone says, “We should get together,” the default is often a bar or restaurant. Or maybe your kids are restless and you’re thinking, “Get out of the house!” but where? Walking and talking on the D&L Trail is the perfect answer to both situations.

Last winter I attended a virtual “Connector’s Summit” hosted by Chad Littlefield. During that internationally attended Summit, I “met” a person from Orefield. When we realized we were in each other’s backyard, we committed to a future in-person meeting…and that finally happened this fall. We met at Saylor Park in Coplay and walked for an hour on the Ironton Rail Trail.

It was such a lovely way to get to know another person. Unintimidating. Comfortable. Great bonus to get off our work screens and get some steps in and fresh air. That trail will be connected to the D&L in the near future. The possibilities of trail time in that area are many, with more on the horizon.

I regularly walk with a best friend, and we very much enjoyed a section of the trail south of Race Street in Catasauqua. Again, we’re excited for the continued improvements and CONNECTIONS that are coming in that area.

Different Ways to Make Connections on the D&L Trail

I have led conversation “walk and talks” with women from church on sections of the Bethlehem Heritage Paths. These are interesting side tours from the D&L Trail near Sand Island in Bethlehem.

When kids are home or cousins are in town we often get outside for a walk. We did the spur route in Slatington over winter break. My husband and I had first become acquainted with that trail when walking the D&L Heritage Half-Marathon several years ago. It’s a GREAT way to “brush the stink off” and get out of the house. I have found teens are more open to talking when their bodies are busy walking and when they are not directly in your sights being inspected. It’s so much less intimidating to share a few sentences at a time if you’re passing by amazing scenery and getting a good workout.

One year the “kick off” event for the Get Your Tail on the Trail 165-Mile Challenge at Sand Island was delayed. We participated in the postponed event and got to meet Track Cyclist and St. Luke’s Ambassador Mandy Marquardt. She had done some volunteer educational work for my employer, it was great to be able to thank her and give her an update on the impact of her contributions.

Walking is such a nice alternative to sitting. I have found conversation flows easily. Getting into a routine of meeting friends for trail time has really strengthened my connections. Time on the trail has expanded my circle of friendships and allowed me to be more fully “known” by others.

Time on the trail has also strengthened my family’s sense of community.

The D&L events and the trail itself feed our curiosity. We return to a spot to explore more. We say “What is that power plant?” “What is that building?”

And once we’re off the trail, we keep exploring and wandering, getting more familiar with our own community. Recently we discovered and have returned to give business to Homestead Coffee Roasters in Upper Black Eddy and Trauger’s Farm Market in Kintnersville.

We feel more connected with each other and with our community thanks to the Trails. Maybe it’s time you put a walk-and-talk trail conversation on your calendar and get more connected!

Rebecca Escott
Bethlehem, PA