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.

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An Unexpected Discovery

I signed up for the Mile A Day challenge. The goal is to walk outside for one mile for fifty days. It is, I believe, an international program with participants from the United States and Canada.

One mile a day - that should be easy enough. I was placed on a team with about 40 other participants. On the app I discovered that there was a "leaderboard," and that some participants were walking two, three, four and more miles each day! Being very competive, I decided I needed to step it up and began walking at least three miles, or more, even doing seven miles in one day, just to increase my standings on that leaderboard. (I never knew I could walk seven miles in a day!)

A few days ago I decided to walk on a nearby dead end road. I had never before walked or driven to the end of that road.There never was any reason to. To my surprise, at the end of the road was public access to a nature trail. I never knew it was there, and it is just one mile from where I live! 

If it were not for the Mile a Day Challenge, I may never have discovered that this trail was here.

It's a rather lengthy, winding trail. I did not take it to the end because I did not know where it was leading. However, I emailed one of my walking friends about it. I hope to meet her there before long so that both of us can enjoy walking this trail together. 

(Oh, and the last I checked, I was #1 on the leaderboard for our team! Challenge accepted and met! 😎 )

Falling Down and Getting Up Again

Our grandson was learning to ice skate. He kept falling on the ice. He was very, very discouraged. Then our daughter signed him up for ice hockey with 6, 7, and 8 year-olds.

"What?! Ice hockey? He can barely stand up on skates! How is he going to be able to play?" I was doubtful.

Our daughter tells me that one of the first things the coach taught them was about falling. Falling and getting up again. So our grandson looked around and he saw that everyone was falling on the ice. And they were getting up. It was an "eye-opener" for him. To fall isn't such a bad thing after all. In fact, to fall and get up again is good. This was a turning point for him. And he continued to improve.

So over the weekend I had the opportunity for the first time to see him play. Yes, he fell, but he got up and continued playing. AND, he scored his very first goal! To see his joy and the smile on his face really touched my heart. 

I came home from that game feeling newly energized and motivated. Our grandson showed me perseverance, even through discouragement. And he showed me that much that can be achieved when we don't give up, even when we fall. And we can do more than we think we can.

So yesterday I went for a walk. A slow walk, but a long one. I hoped to go for at least 4 miles. I kept thinking of our grandson and his perseverance and his joy. And I kept going. I walked for over 5 miles! I can do more than I think I can.

Not only that, but I actually watched an NHL ice hockey game on TV for the first time and enjoyed it. I kept thinking about our grandson on the ice.

From our children and grandchildren, we can be inspired, motivated, and learn new insights. 

"Go!"

An Autumn Walk with Stella

The lingering warm autumn days are to be savored. A long cold winter is before us. I'm especially enjoying walks these days with our minnie beagle Stella. 

Mad River in Waitsfield, Vermont is a favorite destination. 

We enjoy the trails near the river, and those that lead to the rocky shores of the river.

Waitsfield and the Mad River - a beautiful place to be in all seasons.

Stella, we need to plan a another trip here after the first snowfall!

A Farmers' Market and a Nature Trail

One of the things I like best about where we live is that we are never far from a recreation path or a nature trail.

Yesterday we went to a Farmers' Market in the next town where there were many vendors, entertainment, and a lot of people.

I decided to explore the area. Not far from the Farmers' Market I discovered a trail I had not seen before. I wondered where it would lead.

As I walked along, I noticed that there were paths people had taken to the river that was alongside the trail.

I continued along the main path.

The path led between the river and the field.

 

Rather than walking on, I turned back to return to the Farmers' Market (and a huge oatmeal berry bar I bought at one of the stands).

I'm feeling grateful to live in such a beautiful state and one with so many Farmers' Markets to enjoy each summer. This is an easy trail I look forward to walking again.

It's Hot! To the Beach or to the Woods?

The other day it was 91 degrees F. I wasn't able to get to the beach, so I took a walk in the woods. Actually, it was a nature trail off the local recreation path.

I crossed a bridge over the brook to get to the trail.

No doubt there were crowds at the beach, but I only met 2 other people while I was hiking in the woods. So still, so peaceful, so cool.

 

A favorite place to be, especially on a warm summer day.

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What a Glorious Day in June!

Today was one of those perfect Vermont June days, with the temperature in the mid-70's, and bright sunshine after a few days of light rain.

It was just after 3 PM when I went for an easy run on the recreation path. I was coming home over the neighborhood bridge when I stopped to take a few photos. This one is my favorite.

  What a glorious day!