Jenn's Journey North

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Jenn's Journey North A walk along the East Coast Greenway in memory of my husband, Michael Popper. We all know you can’t predict the future. That was me on a day in June 2016.

But when you go head first, slamming into that future, and are thrown violently around, so much so that your life is completely different when you go to bed at night than when you had first awakened, what can you do? What was supposed to be a kayaking day trip in Maine turned into a nightmare that claimed the life of my husband, Michael, and almost mine, too. How do you awaken from that nightmare? In all honesty, you can’t fully do so. You’re faced with the emptiness on so many levels, from the moment you wake up. But you also must move forward. It doesn’t mean you forget; for me, it means I will always treasure the time I had with Michael. I wish it was longer, of course. Who wouldn’t? Michael was special – he was kind, funny, goofy and nerdy. He was Santa to many kids in my neighborhood, and he probably had more fun than any of those children. And every day I think of him often. I’ve also thought of a way to honor his memory, and do some good at the same time. So here goes… in 2018, I will be walking from New Jersey to Maine along the East Coast Greenway. Why New Jersey? I live in Plainfield, and the ECG runs near my town, through Nomahegan Park in Crandford, so that will be my starting point. And why Maine? Well, we visited every summer for over ten years, and stayed on the Schoodic Peninsula. The accident took place in an area called Gouldsboro, and it so happens that the ECG runs through that town. My goal is to raise funds to support the East Coast Greenway Alliance and a group called Freewalkers, that inspires people to get out and walk. Michael and I had done some walks with the group, and I think you should check out their calendar of events! My aim is to make this interactive. You can walk with me, you can support my goal of $15K, and as the walk commences, follow my updates and maybe even put me up for a night or two. I’m not receiving any money personally from the funds raised. I look forward to you joining me on my journey north!

I've got some new places (and ones I've driven right by and didn't know about) to add to my list of places to go!
04/12/2026

I've got some new places (and ones I've driven right by and didn't know about) to add to my list of places to go!

Retired National Geographic photographer and Maine Filmmaker, Bob Krist goes on a road trip.

This documentary may be of interest. It features rail trails across the U.S., not just Seattle.
10/16/2025

This documentary may be of interest. It features rail trails across the U.S., not just Seattle.

"From Rails to Trails," premiering Oct. 15 on PBS, chronicles how tens of thousands of abandoned tracks were converted to trails over 60 years.

2016 will be ten years since losing Michael. Thoughts on a reunion walk along the East Coast Greenway Alliance in summer...
06/12/2025

2016 will be ten years since losing Michael. Thoughts on a reunion walk along the East Coast Greenway Alliance in summer 2026? Who’s in?

So happy to see the progress our Union County Connects friends are making!
10/02/2023

So happy to see the progress our Union County Connects friends are making!

The NJ transportation department awarded Union County $1M to design and construct the bikeway.

Yes! East Coast Greenway Alliance
09/18/2023

Yes! East Coast Greenway Alliance

The Union County Board of County Commissioners are proud to announce that Union County has received a sizable award of $1,000,000 for design and construction of a new bikeway. The new route will carry riders crossing the Goethals Bridge in the City of Elizabeth, through the Borough of Roselle and connecting to the East Coast Greenway in the Township of Cranford. Called the “NY Connects to Union County NJ East Coast Greenway Bikeway Project” this exciting project has received generous funding through the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s Local Transportation Projects Fund program.

“We are exceptionally grateful to the NJ DOT’s Local Transportation Projects Fund program for their generous support of the NY Connects to Union County NJ East Coast Greenway Bikeway Project, which aligns perfectly with my “Building a Stronger Union County” 2023 Chairman’s initiatives,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “The funding will enable us to move forward with this essential initiative, and further enhance transportation options in Union County by the creation of a new bi-state link for riders using the Goethals Bridge protected bikeway lane. It is part of our ongoing efforts to improve our transportation system for Union County residents and visitors.”

The NJ DOT’s Local Transportation Projects Fund program is designed to address specific, focused local transportation issues throughout the state. This project is a vital step toward creating a more accessible and interconnected transportation network within the region. It aims to develop a comprehensive bikeway system that will connect Union County to the larger East Coast Greenway network promoting active transportation, reducing traffic congestion. The Greenway is a trail network from Maine to Florida.

The funding from the NJ DOT’s Local Transportation Projects Fund program will be used to support various aspects of the “NY Connects to Union County NJ East Coast Greenway Bikeway Project”, including planning, design, construction, and maintenance of the bikeway infrastructure. The project will create safe and accessible pathways for cyclists and pedestrians, contributing to Union County's commitment to sustainability and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.

“Union County looks forward to working closely with the New Jersey Department of Transportation to ensure the successful implementation of this project,” said Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Union County Transportation Advisory Board. “As the project progresses, further details will be shared with the community about the project's timeline and key milestones.”

The New Jersey Department of Transportation is currently in the process of fully executing the agreement for this project. For additional information about the “NY Connects to Union County NJ East Coast Greenway Bikeway Project” and other transportation-related initiatives in Union County, please contact Liza Betz, Transportation Planning Manager, Union County Bureau of Transportation Planning at (908) 558-2273.

Some trails are near, some far!
06/26/2023

Some trails are near, some far!

The 500-mile Camino de Santiago has inspired a host of new treks in places from Canada to Bhutan that let travelers take the slow route. Here, a guide to the new trails.

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