Walk 8

tt was a warm day on October 1 when I took walk number 8 to "places I had never walked before." 

My destination was Oak Ledge Park in Burlington, Vermont. Actually, I've been here many times, but never to take an extended walk. Along the shores of Lake Champlain, this is one of the most scenic of all the recent places I've been.

 

.

I never noticed these rocks before.
 

Lovely flowers along the fence.

 Thanks for the warning!

Sit on the rocks and view the lake! One of my favorite places to be.

Walk 7

Before we moved to Vermont, Geo came here to check it out. He said, "Shirley, you will like it here." He had his photo taken at this park. A few months later, we moved to this beautiful state. Now many years later, September 22, 2023, is the very first time I'm at this park!

The park is downhill between two roads. It is much larger area than I had expected.

There are two tennis courts here, a baseball field, a basketball court, picnic tables, and grills, a playground, and even hopscotch. None of this is visible from either road.

There is even a "little library" here.

 

This would be a great park to take the family. I only wish we had been here when our daughters were young. So close, but undiscovered by us all these years. I would not have been here if it were not for my decision to walk in "new places where I've never been before." 

I'll be back.

   

Walk 6

I am waaay behind in being current with my posts about the walks I've been taking. I completed Walk 6 on September 17. It was along a busy road where our town meets an adjoining town. I've driven on this road what seems like a zillion times, but I've never walked here. I parked in a small lot near the river.

To get down to the river, it was steep and rocky, so I did not want to venture too far on my own.

I didn't make it all the way down to the river, but I did get a better view.

Here's a view of part of the trail from the top of the bridge.

This has been one of my favorite walks because it was a challenging one and it has given me a better sense of the beauty here that I never would experience by just driving by. 

Walk, Day 5

I am continuing my walks, places where I've never walked before.

There's a street that loops off one that I travel often by car. There was never a reason to take that loop, and it does not appear to be particularly scenic. There are some corporate offices located here, and lots of undeveloped land. I parked the car and began my walk.

I passed by the Ben and Jerry's. I hadn't realized that this was one of their locations.

Even though there is a lot of open space, the land is really well maintained.

 There are a few picnic tables here, no doubt for the workers. (What look like balls in the background are rock sculptures.)

I discovered that this street is quite scenic after all. And another one to return to for more walks.

Walk, Day 4

There's a street I drive on frequently in the next town. There are trees and bushes along the sidewalk. I noticed what looked to be a path off from the sidewalk. 

A few weeks ago I parked on that street to walk on the path. To my surprise, there was a scupture garden! Who knew?

The path was actually a loop around the garden. The sculptures could be viewd from different perspectives.

(Notice one of several benches.)
 

I was happy to discover this garden while summer flowers are still in bloom. 

I will keep this place in mind as a somewhere nearby to come, just to take time to relax and enjoy nature.

 

Walking Day 3

A few weeks ago, I needed to go to Waterbury. I parked in the lot behind the new library. I was surprised to see what looked like a garden with a trail. I decided that after my meeting, I would see where that trail leads.

I continued walking under the trellis.

From there I walked along the grassy trail that led down to a graveled road. From the road I could see the Winooski River and the bridge. 

When there's a bridge, then I will cross it to see what's on the other side.

Although I could continue, I thought it best to turn around and return to my car before I went too far.

Coming back through the garden, I noticed picnic tables. This, too, would be a great place to return and bring lunch!

Walking, Day 2

Friends told me about a rec path behind a local school. I've never walked it, so this is where I headed for my second of ten new places to walk. I was not disappointed.

The pathway curved and continued towards a bridge.

 
There was a "little library" along
the way. (Yes, I picked up 
a book. 😊)

 

This rec path is close to home. Now that I've been here once, for sure I will be back.

No More Running

"I have to take something away from you. No more running."

That's what my physical therapist told me at a recent appointment. It was not news I had wanted to hear.

Running has been one of my very favorite activities. I feel so healthy when I can run and this gives me a lot of joy. When I began experiencing upper leg pain, however, I decided I needed professional help to get better. At my appointment I learned that the muscle pain is due to a hip joint problem and running most likely will make it worse. I am scheduled for gentle stretching exercises and pool therapy.

So yesterday began Day 1 of my new walking program. As a goal I plan to walk in 10 different locations where I have never been before. Walking, rather than running, will definitely slow me down. I recalled what my oncologist had said: It's not how far you can go, but that you keep moving. So I am continuing to move, but at a slower pace. And that's not so bad.

I went to a rec path in a neighboring town. I took a slow walk, just appreciating the beauty of nature. Of course, I took photos.

I am so grateful for each and every fast, slow, easy, difficult, painful, exhilarating mile I've experienced. It's hard to let go of an activity that has taught me so much and that has helped me be physically fit.

Now it's on to a new adventurous beginning. I think I'm off to a good start.

Brunch!

It's not often we go out for brunch. A new restaurant opened not far from where we live, however, and it has great reviews, so Geo suggested we try it. We were not disappointed.

The restaurant is Railroad and Main, and it is new and spacious. The staff is experienced and friendly. The brunch menu featured so many interesting options that it was difficult to choose. I opted for one of the Eggs Benedict menu items, and Geo decided to try the "Dog Park" which included pancakes, eggs, home fries, Canadian bacon, and toast.

I'm generally not a fan of home fries, but these were about the best I've ever had. 

So we are adding R & M to the list of one of our favorite places to go when we want to eat out.

A wonderful treat on a Sunday morning.

Please check out my other posts on Resolutions.  Thanks for following!