Or a special treat from Whit’s? 

Once in 2018 and once in 2020 I bicycled a significant distance for a Whit’s treat.  The main difference being the first time was both a greater distance than the second and the treat was a nice, geographically convenient add-on to the real reason for the trip (first two-day journey, carrying camping gear).  The second time, Whit’s was the destination.

With Covid having cancelled events that practically define summer for me, I decided my Independence Day celebration in this novel (this ain’t fiction, though) year would be riding 20 miles to Whit’s in Sunbury.  I invited Jerry Nussbaum, who lives almost within view of the Ohio to Erie Trail, to join me.  He was so pleased with the idea that I found him pedaling toward me as soon as I turned onto his road.

Six conversation-quick miles later we slapped on masks, studied the lengthy menu board, and soon were seated in the shade on a hot day enjoying a chilled concoction of the sweet, creamy stuff.  And conversation with laughter.

We got back on the bikes and pedaled south, 6 miles for him, 20 for me.  The only hill was at about mile 18, and I burned the last of the Whit’s fuel there.  That’s what my legs suggested.  I got home and retreated to a lawn chair in the backyard shade where I directed tomato-conjuring thoughts toward the garden.  Summer had really only just begun!

(When I started writing this, I checked the interwebs for actual answers presented on the Klondike commercials.  Before I got there I clicked on “Are Klondike bars unhealthy?” because it promised better entertainment.  Here’s the conclusion: “Somehow the square design is deceptive, as these desserts actually weigh 85 grams, making them one of the largest and unhealthiest options available.”  That inspired an additional thought from the world of TV marketing: “Hey, Vern.  Do I have ‘Stupid’ written all over my face?”)