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EastcoastTrek ’23 – Our recap – Maryland, South Carolina, New York & District of Columbia

~ Fred Thomas, III ~ Leave a comment

“Our feets is tired but our souls [are] rested”  Mother Pollard, renowned Civil Rights activist

Those who know us (Judith and me) understand our philosophy of trekking or touring spots of interest on a low or non-existent budget.  Another difference in trekking is the sacrifice (lots of walking) required which is why many don’t dare venture into the experience.  At the same time, many know about our trekks and are fascinated about the adventure – but as we warn BEWARE!!! Our friend Renie who is a foodie extraordinaire and who hails from Laurel has grown into a real tropper. For this journey, my sister Angela decided to give it a shot and we all had a great time.

We just successfully completed our EastcoastTrekk 2023, and the following recap is provided.  This trek is important to us because we culminate it paying homage to the 1963 March on Washington which includes participating in events to commemorate the event.  For this trek we needed to stretch it out but due to budget restrictions we needed to employ some creative strategies.

Departing at LAX, we did the red eye to Baltimore.  After getting a brief nap at the Aloft Hotel Renie picked us up so we could grab lunch. From there we headed to DC so we could drop off our larger luggage before heading to Union Station to catch Amtrak for Charleston, South Carolina.  We did a daytrip and later in the evening we boarded Amtrak for New York.  It was also a day trip and later we boarded the Amtrak Acela for DC where we spent several days with March on Washington activities.  Renie picked us up the last day which was Tuesday, August 29th, and we headed back to Baltimore, while also making a lunchbreak at world famous Pappas Crab Cakes.

I use an Epson pedometer watch which does a great job in documenting steps/miles, etc.  Based on the data from the watch for this trek we did 56.2 miles!!!!

FIRST STOP – CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA   

The International African American Museum (IAAM) was supposed to open January 2023.  Our group was all set to be part of the inaugural visitors.  Unfortunately, the venue was dealing with some issues and the opening was postponed.  After some consideration we decided to wrap our visitation during our EastcoastTrekk which is always the end of August.  In addition to visiting the museum we took time to visit the historic Mother Emmanuel AME church as well as our friend local Charlestonian, Joe Brown.

Here are some pics from our trek……………………………………

60th Anniversary March on Washington

AMTRAK

International African American Museum – Charleston, SC

Jackie Robinson Museum – Manhattan, New York

Foodie Excursion

Convenience Fees/Surcharges for using Debit-Credit Card

~ Fred Thomas, III ~ Leave a comment

Whether you are a consumer (like me) or a business owner cost is always a key consideration.

Lately, I have noticed companies adding convenience fees, surcharges for using debit/credit care, health fees to pay for employee health benefits and/or a living wage issue.  No doubt, operating cost are a critical component in pricing a product.  Some merely add the cost to the product, some separate it as a specific cost, some list the cost on your bill but leave it as an option for you to decide, then some absorb it so that customers don’t feel alienated and decide to take their business elsewhere!!!

“my accountant said I need to pass those cost on to my customers,” store owner

“we need to use the fee income to help pay for employee health benefits,” store owner

The practice is not new but as our society relies on technology via credit card, debit card, smartphone app, etc. it is interesting to note the slippery slope businesses must navigate as if not handled properly they run the risk of losing hard-fought customers.

What are your thoughts and/or your experiences?