Last Saturday was Mer’s day, and she had us drive south again, this time to the home of Kenyon College. We got to the very pretty campus a little before noon, and we found a very pleasant bench to sit on to await the arrival of Sarah, one of Mer’s former students. Mer and Sarah had stayed in touch, and we were having lunch together and touring the campus with Sarah as our tour guide.

Sarah was a few minutes late, so we got to sit in the shade on a perfect day, and people watch. Mer and I are now at an age where all college kids look really young, and it was fun to see young people being young – tromping around campus and biking and hanging out.

Sarah met us and we headed toward south campus, which is also where the one street of small businesses are. We decided to get lunch at a local deli, but it was mobbed, so I suggested we come back after 1:00, and Mer and Sarah agreed. Sarah showed us around the southern, mostly residential, area of Kenyon. There are lots of trees, and the trend is toward smaller and more apartment-like dorm living (although the do have a seven-story dorm there as well). It is a lovely spot.

We got back to the deli after 1:00 and ordered lunch. We tried to sit outside since it was so pretty out, but we had to move from our table because bees found us. Then they found us at our new table. Then they found us on a bench. And again on a second bench. We finally lost them on a third bench and were able to finish our food in relative peace.

After lunch, Sarah took us on the tour of the northern, mostly academic, part of campus. The buildings are all older looking and feeling, and the campus has a classic feel to it. We were able to go into several buildings, and it looks like Kenyon has quality facilities. It was a great visit. The only disappointment for us is that Sarah is having a hard time finding any Christians on campus to hang out with. I don’t expect a secular college to be dominated by Christians, but I usually assume there will be some, especially when Kenyon was founded by Methodists. Sarah is a quality young woman, so I hope she can get connected soon.

After we said goodbye to Sarah, Mer had me drive down the hill and across the street to a paved waling trail that ran next to a stream. We walked that path for about twenty minutes before turning around and heading back to the car. It was a great path, and I was surprised that we only saw four or five groups of people while we were on it. We headed back home having had a rather grand day on campus.