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On the Trail

 



Yesterday when the writing part of brain was stuck I solicited suggestions for getting myself unstuck. A friend recommended fresh air and movement. I have that on my agenda for today. 

Today’s search for topics brings us someone who clearly knows and benefits from this already: Howard County resident George Pelikan. Here he is biking the Old Ellicott City Connector Trail.


Video from the YouTube channel of George Pelikan


It’s not long, about two and a half minutes. In case you have wondered what the Connector Trail is like, this will give you a pretty good idea. (I don’t know the music Pelikan has used for the soundtrack and he doesn’t appear to have credited the musician. Grr.) I imagine that observing the changes through the seasons here could be pretty amazing.

Parts of the video feel a little bit like being on a thrill ride but it’s mostly pretty mellow.

If you’re interested in learning more about this relatively new trail, (Spring, 2024) take a look at this page on the Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park website.

OEC Connector, Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park

In trying to find out more about mountain biker and YouTuber George Pelikan I accidentally stumbled upon his alter ego.



That’s right: The Embroidery Dad. During the pandemic shutdowns Mr. Pelikan took up a hobby which turned into a bit of a side-gig for a while there.  “Electrician by day, embroiderer by night. Professional digitizer and embroiderer.” 


Samples of work by The Embroidery Dad


Wow. Why wasn’t he just baking bread like the rest of us? Oh, wait. He was. 

I do not know Mr. Pelikan. After serendipitously bumping into him on YouTube, though, I do know I am inspired to get more active and be open to unexpected hobbies. 

Post Script:

When my sister worked for The Campaign for Yale, history/Christianity scholar Jaroslav Pelikan* was the Dean of the Graduate School. She was somewhat amused to discover that, if you gave under a certain amount of money, they had a stamp to ink in his signature on the acknowledgement letter. If you gave over that amount, the Dean himself would sign it.

This distinction was known in-house as either a “canned Pelikan” or “a personal Pelikan.”

These are the things I remember and yet I don’t always know where I put my keys.  - - jam




*probably unrelated 


Village Green/Town² Comments 

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  1. Julia A. McCreadyJanuary 5, 2026 at 4:34 AM


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