COUNTRY ROADS

Friday, March 20th, 2026

Moundsville, West Virginia

Jagannatha did real good time on the road to our destination, New Vrindavan, West Virginia. In six and a half hours we reached this rural community. We chanted on the way and absorbed periods of silence.

It was beautiful looking out observing the window at the trees, all leafless, but wild and wonderful. Had I the right gear on, I would liked to have lept out the car and trek through. Perfect temperatures and no mosquitoes.

I was surprised to hear Jagannatha say, “I know the song ‘Country roads, take me home’ ” by John Denver. He hasn’t been in the west that long. I guess its easy to pick up on the classics.

Once we reached the community where some deliberate coniferous trees were planted in the mix of the forest, a welcome party was there to greet us. Hugs and sit downs followed. With Madan Gopal we chatted about the greater world and also our world of Iskcon.

To compensate for the stretch of our drive, Jagannatha and I circled the lake where there is swan life, peacock life and one big groundhog to the side. A deer was grazing. The male peacocks showed off their blue green enchantment. A visitor from nearby admired the birds. I wonder if the birds with their beautiful train (rear feathers) picked up on her stark purple hair. Apparently they can see colour.

Spring is tomorrow and I’ll be doing some presentations to leaders coming from the north-east areas of the States. As the sun slowly falls through stubborn clouds, many folks arrive, those I haven’t seen for lives (or so it seems).

MAY THE SOURCE BE WITH YOU

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