Summer Sap Road
May 26, 2015
In my woods there are sap roads and pathways. On these trails you will find footprints, mine and those of woodland animals. I go there sometimes to think, to pray or just to be alone. I find this place to be magical. I have watched it change in many ways since I became the owner and caretaker. I appreciate having all this green space to enjoy and share. I salute people who also place value on places such as these.
Among my friends is a man named Mark who is a champion for Ashtabula County. He has been in charge of the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. He will be leaving that post and taking over the helm at the 503 Corp. I am sure he will do an awesome job there as well, but my thoughts tonight revolve around his energy for open space, parks, vineyards and damn near anything Ashtabula County.
I share his passion for gardening, homesteading, family and self reliance. We have shared many conversations regarding market gardening, the greenway trail, connections, networking and apple cider! I helped him learn to raise and butcher home grown pork. I has been a fun journey to watch, but better still, to be along for the ride. I am pleased the Mark has found another niche for himself here in our county. It is good for him and it is good for us!
I will walk in my woods. I will share this farm through word and deed. I will get my energy from the footprints and pathways in my woods and on my heart. This farm touches me and restores me. I find peace here. I make friends here. I am proud to say that I was able to help a young man embrace the values he had all along. I am proud to be a mentor, a friend and a fellow small farmer. Congratulations and good luck Mark Winchell
6 Comments so far
Leave a comment
RicelandMeadows 
Very nice tribute Ralph. We, here at the visitors bureau will miss him a ton!
Comment by Jacklyn May 27, 2015 @ 9:15 amI feel the bureau is in good hands with you, but no doubt, Mark will be missed in that capacity!
Comment by ricelandmeadows May 31, 2015 @ 4:43 pmRalph you are a great friend and an incredible mentor, thank you for all you have done to help me reconnect with the land. Your guidance and support have helped to shape my life and I promise I will pass along the traditions you have taught me to another generation of land stewards!
Comment by Mark May 27, 2015 @ 3:03 pmMark, paying it forward is all that I could ask for you to do. Thank you for the kind words!
Comment by ricelandmeadows May 31, 2015 @ 4:41 pmThankfully this year I left only a footprint rather than a @ssprint 😉 giggle ~ it is sometimes a slippery slope – LOL
Comment by Charlie May 30, 2015 @ 6:02 pmYes, but you did wear some mud home…LOL
Comment by ricelandmeadows May 31, 2015 @ 4:41 pm