Entering the Low Tide Area

The best walk is at the beach on the Cape’s bay side at low tide. Specifically, it’s in the town of Dennis. Either begin the walk at Chapin Beach and take a right (East) or at Mayflower Beach and take a left (West). Both beaches have parking areas and both fill up early. In the summer there is a parking fee. But this area can be and is walked in all seasons. Remember to go at low tide!

At Low Tide

So why is this such a great walk? Well, it’s all about the magic of the low tide . Depending on the day, the low tide can add a couple hundred of yards to the beach. The low tide area is basically flat but there are lower areas trapping water forming pools and even streams. Much of the sand is smooth, but there are area where the water left the sand formed into various shapes. The sand also varies in colors with the whiter sand at the water’s edge. You will see the seagulls chasing the fish and the dunes along the shoreline. As you look out at the sailboats passing you’ll notice that the water varies in color. You won’t hear any steel drum music and no one will be dropping a lei over you head, but this is a beautiful spot!

Sand Shapes

So there’s great scenery, what about walking? Step one is to take off your shoes. Step two is to wander out to the water’s edge. From there head in the direction that looks most interesting. You can walk through the water a bit or through the various sand textures, or just zig zag your way back and forth to the shore. and the waterline. The most interesting section is off of Chapin Beach. There’s plenty of space to walk and there are no crowds. You can easily get enough exercise, mental relief, and enjoyment in this area.When you walk is over, you might want to consider staying around for lunch, dinner, or a drink. On Taunton Avenue, very near the walking area, there are two good restaurants: Chapins and Gina’s.So if you’re in the coastal Massachusetts area, or will be, you might try this walk!

As it turned out the countryside in Calcinelli provided the perfect backdrop for a perfect walk. Here’s why:

• Exercise value: The distance was about eight miles. At the beginning of the walk I had to climb a tall stairway, then a steep hill. There were several other smaller hills along the way.
• Great Scenery with changing views: Mountains, meadows, and wooded areas provided natural views. Farmland, red roofs, bright colored houses, and brick walls provided great man made views.
• A unique setting: The Italian countryside!
• Tranquility: During the longest stretch of the walk (about six miles), I didn’t see a car, hear a lawnmower, tractor, music, not even a human voice.
• Comfort: Even though it was a hot day in the low nineties, it wasn’t humid, there was a breeze, and most of the roads were shaded.

The walk started after finding a tall set of stairs near the main street. From the top stair I could see all of Calcinelli and a few other areas. From this point on, this was more like a country walk. From there I followed a road which continued to climb the hill. I followed that road noticing that farmland started appearing on my right. A few large homes appeared on my left.

In another few minutes there were only occasional farm houses and distant mountains. Even though it was Spring and about 80F (27C), one mountain still had snow still on it. Next there were open fields and wooded areas. I chose a road which took me downhill and seemed to follow the line of the hills on the right. At the bottom of the hill there was a house to my left, a very old yet well kept farm house. An aging man was tending to a small garden in his side yard. The right side of his house had a few rows of Olive trees and the remaining areas of the property were yielding wheat. Then for about a mile it was just open fields with hundreds of poppies in bloom.

After the fields, the next views were of a couple of farms, one of each side of the street. The one on the right seemed to have the most crops. Somewhat near the road was the owner’s house protected by a set of gates and a decorative cement and iron fence. Large trees shaded the house and there was a neatly planted set of Olive trees, then a variety of other crops - including grapes. I took another look at the house across the street. Then I realized that its setting was much grander. That house was high on a hill, near a vineyard. The Olive trees seemed to form a small forest, and his crops were changing the color and texture of the fields. I took another picture.

Between these two farms, I didn’t see anybody working. I didn’t even see or hear a dog or cat. All I could hear was a few birds and the breeze. The road turned and went through a patch of woods putting me in view of a sloping meadow and more hills. As you look at the hills from a distance, you see large sections of trees, surrounded by areas of different shades of green. Within the green areas there are tan, brown, yellow, and orange houses with dark red roofs. Around the house you can see more shades of green then a combination of other colors making up the garden. More photos.

The road now started climbing and by this point I had completely lost track of time. At the top of this hill there was a freshly plowed field. Way off to one side I could see a man walking along the edge. In the past hour or so, this was only the second person I had seen. From this point the vineyards dominated the fields. The scenery continued and so did my picture taking.

The road finally ended in Lucrezia, the next town over. I took another road back to avoid repeating the same route. When I returned I gave the walk a great review. My daughter in law called it La Passeggiata Perfetta (The Perfect Walk). I’m inclined to agree because when an experience is really good you keep thinking about it. Well, I’m still thinking about it.

From our hotel I walked to street running along the beach. The were families arriving at the beach, surfers carrying their boards, and others out walking. But I felt like I was walking a bit faster than the others I saw. I probably was because I knew I had about a three mile walk before I could start the walk up Diamond Head.

At the end of the street I followed a residential road until and eventually entered the Kapiolani Park area. (I later learned this park is the largest and oldest public park in Hawaii.) I has a number of recreational features including a zoo. For me it was just part scenery along the way.

After passing the park, the walk became steeper. By now it seemed that I was quite a distance from the hotel and there had been no sign of Diamond Head. As I crossed the street to get a better perspective, I was almost hot bit a person walking backwards. (Never saw that before.) I asked the next person I saw if I was headed in the right direction. I was.

The continued to climb the hill until I saw the entrance. Again, there was a hill to climb, then, a tunnel, then the park entrance. It cost me a dollar to enter. (OK, most walks are free.) As soon as you are inside the park there’s a warning sign about what’s ahead. This is to prevent those not in shape from attempting the climb. This is where the trail starts.

The first part of the trail is paved. Some of the path is surrounded by small trees and fields. The sun had now moved into a position to better provide direct warmth. This combined with the breezes coming off the ocean to make the walk incredibly comfortable. The paving ended and was replaced by a dirt trail as it should have. The paving seem a but unnatural for this area. Up ahead I could see the rise of Diamond Head.

The trail weaved sharply to the left, up a small hill, the sharply to the right and across a steep decline. Railings along the way keep this area safe for walkers of all skills. The trail wound around another hill before another climb started. This one involved a series of left and right bound trails scaling the next hill. At the top a long trail lead to set of stairs 0 ninety nine to be exact. You then enter a tunnel and climb for a bit more. There’s another tunnel and another smaller set of stairs and a small exit area.

This exit takes you outside to some great scenery. You can now see the ocean and a lighthouse, but it gets better. I followed the trail around a bend and in front of me was the last set of stairs which take you to the summit. From there You can see all of Honolulu, the mountains, the ocean, and everything in between. As you would expect from Hawaii - all of it is beautiful and very photogenic. I spent some time looking around and out at the views. I walked down the stairs and around the other side at the other views.

Then a thought hit me. I need to get back to the hotel and find my wife. Its time for breakfast, and to get ready for the cruise.

One walk started after we traveled by bus, then by a boat to a nearby island. From there we split into small groups and walked along the coast for a while. Following our guide, we turned onto a trail and proceeded into the woods. The area became hilly but not challenging. We were ascending and it wasn’t long before scenery appeared. It started with a mountain view with a river below. Our trail followed the river. The trail then began a slow decline.

From the bottom of the hill we could see much more of the river. Mountains were now in sight in front of us and across the river. The river seemed to be flowing into the mountains. Not far from this spot we were led into a small lodge where we were issued a paddle and a life jacket. Our plan was to then take a Kayak to a glacier at the end of the walk. As we arrived at the bottom edge of river, we could see our kayaks waiting. We could also see part of the glacier. We were able to see the rest of it by kayak. Once we were satisfied with our glacier view, we returned to the river bank and turned in our gear. It was time to get back to the walk.

We took many other walks in Alaska and all were interesting and offered great scenery. I would have to say that The Best Walk was the walk we took on a glacier in Juneau. Why was this the best? I would have to say because of the uniqueness of it. It took a helicopter to get there and once on the glacier, it felt like we were on another planet!

This may or may not match your situation exactly, but consider this: Most work situations offer little exercise and are stressful. And in addition, some work atmospheres are less than enjoyable. (Seriously) Given this, it might make sense to use the break at lunch to reverse these effects. Try reading the following list of lunch ideas and determine which ones provide the proper therapy.

• Go to a dinner or restaurant
• Go to the store or run errands
• Eat at the cafeteria
• Read a book
• Eat at you desk
• Just keep working
• Play cards
• Make phone calls
• Surf the net or play video games
• Go home
• Go sit in your car
• Walking

Are
you
ready to
start walking at
lunch?

You have to admit that walking fits the bill pretty well. It offers exercise and relieves stress. Walking with coworkers can be very enjoyable and taking a walk alone may offer some well needed solitude. In both cases theres fresh air and a change of scenery. Now look back at the list. Are you ready to start walking at lunch?

The Freedom Trail in Boston, Massachusetts is a 2.5 mile red-brick walking trail that leads you to 16 nationally significant historic sites, every one an authentic American treasure. Preserved and dedicated by the citizens of Boston in 1958, when the wrecking ball threatened, the Freedom Trail today is a unique collection of museums, churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, parks, a ship, and historic markers. The Freedom Trail was conceived by local journalist William Schofield who had the idea that the historic sites of Boston could be made more accessible to residents and visitors. The trail begins at the Boston Common and winds its way through downtown Boston, the North End and Charlestown ending at the Bunker Hill Monument. It tells the story of America’s first patriots as they fought for freedom against the royal army.

Rapid City is a very walker friendly place. There are paved and natural walkways all over the city. Most are in parks and offer good scenery, parking, picnic areas, and restrooms. Many of the parks connect through walk ways to other parks. Because Rapid City sits in the foothills of the Black Hills, the most of the scenery is inherent, but it is not without a few man made enhancements such as gardens and bridges.

Canyon Lake Park is easy to drive to. Just pull in and start walking. The Lake is in view as are the ducks in abundant supply. The area’s around the lake are well kept. You’ll find gardens, various recreation areas, streams, and woods. At the center of the lake is a gazebo reachable by causeway. General there aren’t any boats in the lake other than an occasional paddle boat. The walkways do not go completely around the lake. On the far side of the Lake there is a campground and a residential community. So it’s best to park at one end, walk to the other, then walk back.

This post is being written from Rapid City. So far I’ve been one walk at Canyon Lake, and have another planned after work tomorrow. It’s a good walk, but not the best. The Best Walk in South Dakota will be written about in another post. Please stay tuned.

1. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

2. Beaufort, South Carolina

3. Zion National Park - Cedar City, Utah

4. Silver Falls State Park, Silverton, Oregon

5. Chicago, Illinois Lakeshore Walk

6. Santa Fe, New Mexico

7. Woodstock, Vermont

8. Boston Freedom Trail, MA

9. Coronado, Cal

10. Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Our walk took place this morning (April 8th) and there are still patches of snow on the ground. The temperature was in the low thirties (F) and it was windy. However the sun was shining enough to keep us comfortable except for the shadier areas. And, as with most walks, the body heat kicked within the first twenty minutes. As a matter of fact, we walked at a faster pace ensure that process worked. It did. As we walked along the shore, we noticed that the scenery was good on both sides of us - in the woods and lakeside. At a couple of spots in the woods you can see stone walls - a common sight in the New England woods. We’re told they were build by farmers years ago as they cleared the fields. The walls marked either field or property boundaries.

We saw a couple of joggers and walkers coming the other way and all were friendly. At about the three quarter point of the walk there were a few noisy ducks. (It’s amazing how much noise just a couple of them can make!) By the end of the walk we wished that the trail was longer. The next time we visit Gates pond we’ll go around a second time.

There’s something else that makes this a great walk. It’s real easy to get to. It’s right off of Route 495 and very near the 495 / 290 intersection. If you get off Route 495 at exit 26, take Route 62 towards Berlin. Then take a left on Taylor road and follow it to the end. That’s it. It’s easy to get to and a great walk.

This area was once a military reservation and was an annex to Fort Devens (in Ayer, MA). Almost all signs of the military complex are long gone. However we did walk by a small Air Force compound at one end. We saw a tracking tower in a fenced in area. There were a couple of trucks parked there, but no other signs of life. We walked by then spent our time walking along the long abandoned roads. There’s not a lot of variation to the landscape, but there are a couple of streams, hills, and at one end a small pond. In a couple of spots you can see that the park is a work in progress. Trails are being worked on in the wooded areas and a few small signs announced the upcoming demolition of the military remnants. The small Air Force base appears to be there for the long haul - but it’s off to one end.

Our walk started along on a trail system in the wooded area. But the walk was hindered by icy snow in the shadier areas. One we noticed there were clearer walk ways, the temptation to use change trails was just too great. Our “new trails” were in fact the abandoned military access roads. Away from the shade, the sun could now warm us. We didn’t mind that at all since it was a rather chilly morning in low high 20s(F). This was my wifes first long walk since before Winter started. She was glad we found an easy walk. Judging the distance by the time we spent, we walked around six miles. The quietness of the area made this a very pleasant experience.

Here’s the answer from Dr. Dean Ornish, a clinical professor of medicine at UC San Francisco:

“All things being equal, you will burn more calories by running an hour than walking an hour. It is true that walking a mile will burn more calories than running a mile — although it takes longer to do so. When you run a mile, you’re burning mostly sugar, or
carbohydrates, which is how your body gives you fast energy in bursts. When you walk a mile, it gives your metabolism time to switch from burning carbohydrates to burning fat.”

So walking wins. But, let’s say they are equal, or almost equal. Again, walking wins because it’s just more enjoyable to walk.

“Let us be honest. We have made a mess of things. That life in which we participate, loosely labeled “modern” has failed to live up to its billing. It is a stressful existence, hurried, often superficial, acquisitive, and not much mindful of the roadside, except as we hurtle past. Worse, it is a life indoors in offices, stores, malls, and high-rise monuments to the administrative age - an unnatural life by any standard.

In the mail, advertisements are advanced for two thousand-dollar exercise machines, three-thousand-dollar-a-month “health vacations”, and limitless other expensive bodily manipulations. The rational is obvious: having manufactured an intolerable mode of existence, we ought to purchase manufactured reliefs. Behind it all lingers the embarrassed sense of being less well off than our grandparents, who had a genuine physical existence, however rough, in a real, physical world. We have, in the name of slick affluence, outsmarted ourselves. And thus we languish in the chromium-pipe racks of the health clubs, imagining what it might feel like to move naturally in a less mechanized world.

The alternative to this deliberate discomfort is so beautifully simple, so close at hand, that we don’t see it. Come walk in the woods. Stroll along the New England shore and reconnect with that world beyond the concrete. Discover whatever suits you. You will need no exercise machines, club memberships, health resort treatments. A decent pair of walking shoes, a small day pack, and some binoculars will suffice. Walking, away from the man-made world, exhilarates, refreshes, restores, empowers, ennobles. It costs essentially nothing.

For decades physiologists have extolled the systemic virtues of walking, but one does not need to medically research the obvious. It simply feels better. One of the reasons our grandparents thrived in a world with fewer things was, of course, that they walked. My paternal grandfather, though he had a horse, walked at least fifteen miles per day as a patrolman covering a beat in the tougher neighborhoods of turn-of-the-century Boston. In his eighties, he could pick me up with all of my hundred pound weight hanging on one arm. He had never been to a health club, but he walked.

The benefits of cruising New England’s wooded shore are more than physical. Psychological payoffs from walking through unspoiled countryside free of human rearrangement are legion. Once, sitting next to the summit of New Hampshire’s wintry Mt. Washington eating a near frozen sandwich, I watched an unexpected human presence approach through the clouds. A successful bored businessman joined me on the top, having made an accidental, almost impossible ascent of the iced-up mountain. Largely unprepared, out for a walk, he had negotiated buried trails and ice gullies or worse, and here he was! He was lost, in danger, but he had never escaped from his office quite like this before and he was deliriously happy. All of his business success had left him bored and stalled, but a tough walk on the mountain had restored his excitement for living. One can get this feeling of rejuvenation in the natural world without clambering up a mountain, of course. A walk in nearby woods, perhaps with the rolling ocean as a backdrop, can do the job nicely. One needs only to begin.”

.

.

Good walking,

John Gibson

About the author (from the back cover of “Walking the New England Coast”):

John Gibson has been introducing hikers to New England’s special places for over 15 years through his books: 50 Hikes in Maine, 50 Hikes in Southern Maine, and Walking the Maine Coast (now in its second edition). Hallowell, Maine is his home when he is not out tramping the trails in New England, Ireland, or Western Europe. 

• Reduce your risk of a heart attack. Walking keeps your heart healthy by lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) and raising high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol). A regular walking program also reduces your risk of developing high blood pressure, a factor that also contributes to heart disease.
• Manage your blood pressure. If you already have high blood pressure, walking may reduce it.
• Reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Regular exercise reduces your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. If you’re a woman, overweight and at a high risk of diabetes, walking can improve your body’s ability to process sugar (glucose tolerance).
• Manage your diabetes. If you already have type 2 diabetes, taking part in a regular walking program can improve your body’s ability to process sugar, lower your blood sugar, reduce your risk of heart disease and help you live longer.
• Manage your weight. Walking burns calories, which can help you manage your weight.
• Manage stress and boost your spirits. Going for a brisk walk is a great way to reduce stress. Regular walking also can reduce feelings of depression and anxiety.
• Stay strong and active. As you get older, walking for physical fitness can prevent falls, help you stay mobile and maintain your independence.

We entered the park and took a path to our left. This brought us uphill where we could see that to our right was a sharp drove off. Closer inspection revealed that it was a cliff peering over the chasm - a great view. The trail continued and slowly wound its way to the lower level. From the we turned right, entered the chasm, and began climbing over the rocks. After about twenty minutes into this section we stopped to catch our breath. We then slowed down a bit and began zig-zagging across the area until we noticed a few rock climbers. We stopped to watch them for a while. Later we learned that they were a group of students from a nearby college. From this point we were able to walk to another trail which brought us back near the entrance of the park. We spent some time following a trail on the other side of the chasm, then circled back to the entrance.

The combination of unique scenery and the various challenges make this walk worthwhile.

Purgatory Chasm Legend:

Hobomoko (the Native American devil) carried a woman to Purgatory Chasm after she had murdered a “white man”. When the woman began to fight, Hobomoko hit her head against a boulder and attacked her with a tomahawk. The bowl-like depressions show where her head hit the boulder, the ax-marks where the tomahawk struck, and the footprints in the vein of stone where he carried his victim’s body to the edge of the fissure.

Park Directions:
Purgatory Chasm State Reservation is located in the south-eastern part of central Massachusetts.

From the east & west: Take Mass Pike to Exit 10A, take Rt.146 south into Town of Sutton, take Purgatory Road Exit, take right at end of ramp onto Purgatory Road, park is 1,000 feet up the road.

From the north and south: Take Rt. 495 to Mass Pike, head West on Mass Pike to Exit 10A, take Rt.146 south into Sutton, take Purgatory Road Exit, take right at end of ramp onto Purgatory Road, park is 1,000 feet up the road.

- or -

From the north:

Take Rte. I90 south to Rte. 290 south into Worcester;

Take Exit 12 at Brosnihan Square onto Rt. 146 -Millbury Street;

Head south on Rt. 146 into the Town of Sutton;

Take Purgatory Road Exit, take right at end of ramp onto Purgatory Road, park is 1,000 feet up the road.

“The Barnstable County Commissioners and the Cape Cod Commission are working with citizens and organizations from across Cape Cod to create a Capewide network of walking trails. This network is called Cape Cod Pathways. When complete, Cape Cod Pathways will extend from Provincetown to Falmouth and Bourne and provide a connection between the Seashore and the Cape’s wooded interior, between the peninsula’s historic villages and remaining backcountry. Through the work of many volunteers and civic and environmental leaders, the Pathways east-west trail between Provincetown and the upper Cape is approximately now one-third dedicated.

Cape Cod Pathways was initiated in November 1993. Since then the project has garnered widespread support from the Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates, Cape Cod National Seashore, town officials, conservation organizations, businesses, and other groups. Trail planning currently under way in Cape Communities will result in newly dedicated trails in the years ahead.

The creation of a Capewide trail network is an ambitious undertaking that requires planning, mapping, community organizing, fundraising, special events, publicity, negotiation of land and easements, clearing, and construction work. Volunteers are needed to assist with these and other tasks to help bring the trail network from plan to pathway! Call (508-362-3828) or e-mail the Cape Cod Commission for further information.”

Many of the scenes from the recent movie “Wild Hogs” were filmed using Madrid, New Mexico as the backdrop. Madrid is a small community with a population of about three hundred - many of which are artists. While watching the movie I was reminded of a walk we took a few years ago. We traveled to New Mexico with another couple to see the International Balloon Festival in Albuquerque. The trip was suggested by a local ballooner who said that if all went well he might be able to give us a ride. After spending a couple of days watching the balloons depart and touring the fairgrounds, we decided to see what else New Mexico offered.

From Albuquerque Santa Fee is easy to get to via its easy to Route 25. We stayed for a couple of hours walking around the Santa Fee business area. Basically its a collection of shops and museums featuring a Southwestern theme. While there we learned that we could take the more scenic Route 14 back. We were told that this area is also known as the Turquoise Trail and is much more scenic.

Most of the ride back was indeed scenic with colorful rock formation and desert scenes. We soon arrived at Madrid. There is a small uptown area there with side streets leading you up several hills. And, as you might expect, it looks very Western. On one side of the street a diner caught our attention. It was about two in the afternoon and we had forgot about lunch. We went in and to our surprise a blue grass type group was getting ready to play. The music was enjoyable so we took time with lunch. The lead singers voice seemed far superior for this venue, but it made our experience that much better.

After lunch the shops caught the woman’s attention. The guys went for a walk. We took the first side street up to the hills and as with any hill, the higher we climbed the better the scenery. And, in this area of New Mexico the scenery was so much different than anything we had seen, that it was worth stopping a few times to understand what we were looking at.

Years ago Madrid was once a mining town, but once the mining stopped it became a ghost town. But in the early 1970’s, artists and craftspeople arrived. They converted old company stores and houses into quality shops and galleries and services. As a result, you can see still find an abandoned house or even an old piece of furniture out in the rocky hills.

For the most part we stayed along what seemed to be an unused road until the road stopped climbing. We then cut across a field to gain access to an open area which allowed us to continue our climb. We passed a sparse scattering of occupied and unoccupied. dwellings. From the top of the hill we could look down at Madrid. From there we found a dirt road which circled the hill and took us back to town’s center. Other than the unique scenery, this walk offered another benefit. The weather was perfect. It was a dry, slightly windy eighty degrees (F). And, the sun was out. It was a great walk and we debated about extending the walk, but knowing there was more to see ahead, we decided to find our spouses and see what the next stop offered.

So far all of our walks have originated from Hudson. In order to take The Best Walk along this trail, park on Washington Street in Hudson near Brooks Pharmacy. You’ll see the trail crossing the street, but head in the other direction South towards Marlboro. This section is mostly wooded and later offers a view of the Fort Meadow Lake. There will be some bicyclists and joggers passing once in a while but for the most part its a quiet walk. Once you walk for a while, you’ll notice that the trail system is new and is well kept. As you cross from Hudson to Marlboro, you’ll go through a tunnel under Route 290.

We were impressed that this tunnel was put in place just to support this trail! Once in Marlboro, a trail map is posted to help you determine how long you wish to walk before turning around. Our walks generally take us to the Assabet Valley Regional School then back. And, if we have the time, we’ll go back past the parking area in Hudson, cross Washington Street, then across a bridge over the Assabet River. (Another impressive part of the trail!) From this point the Hudson down town area is straight ahead. We then find ourselves stopping at either Ariba Coffee or Harvest Bagel. before heading back to out car.

• Go on your lunch hour.
• Try parking a half-mile from your workplace, meaning you’ll walk a mile round trip to your car.
• Take a 15-minute walk before or after dinner.
• Make walking a family event. Bring your kids or other relatives.
• When at the mall, take a loop around the complex before stopping at any stores.
• Schedule time into your week to walk. Make an appointment with yourself.
• Once a week, pick a store or coffee shop to walk to instead of driving.

From the street you descend to the walkway using a wide set of stairs.As you arrive at the lower level you are greeted with a pleasant variety of natural and man made features. The side walks along the San Antonio River are well shaded and lined by shops and restaurants. The River Walk winds and loops under bridges. On both side of the river are sidewalks.

We spent what was left of the morning walking along the sidewalks. For lunch we chose a sidewalk cafe and took our time. All during the walk and while we ate we noticed the river was somewhat populated with sight-seeing boats they called River barges. The rides cost about $5.00 for adults and it takes just under an hour. We took a ride and enjoyed it. After the ride we started walking again.
Along the way we stopped at one of the shops. While there one of the owners told us that the River Walk was the second most popular tourist attraction in Texas just behind The Alamo. So without even trying we had seen the top two Texas attractions and it was only two in the afternoon. The more we walked, the more we liked the River Walk. All areas were well decorated and it was easy to walk around. We were glad we were able to spend the day there.

History of The River Walk from Wikipedia:

The River Walk was the idea of architect Robert Hugman in the late 1920s. As an alternative to paving over the troublesome San Antonio River, Hugman drew out a plan he called “The Shops of Aragon and Romula” which allowed for both flood prevention and commercial development. Hugman maintained his office along the shallow river, despite warnings that he would be “drowned like a rat” and its early reputation as a dangerous hole. (The River Walk was declared off-limits to military personnel at one point.) Hugman persisted, and his office can still be found next door to another early presence on the River Walk, the landmark Casa Rio restaurant.

Crucial funding came in 1939 under the WPA and resulted in the initial construction of a network of some 17,000 linear feet of walkways, about 20 bridges, and extensive plantings including the live oaks whose branches are visible from street level.

Through the following decades the network has been improved and extended, without losing its original character.

We use this mountain for snow skiing in the winter and for trail walking in the warmer mounts. By the way, Mount Wachusett offers pretty good skiing for a relatively small mountain - probably the best without crossing into New Hampshire, Vermont, or Maine. For walking (or hiking) there is a wide range of trails to choose from. There is a visitors center with a couple of rangers on duty offering advice and trail maps. The toughest trail takes you to the summit in a about an hour, but you do have to climb over a fair amount of rocks. On the other extreme, there are a few trails with only only modest inclines.

From the Summit you can see Mount Monadnock to the North and, on a clear day, Boston to the East.

1. Don’t have enough time.

But, you DO have enough time. If you work you can walk before or after work, or during you lunch hour. Its more likely that your business is more of a perception brought on by stress than a reality, but let’s say that you are that busy. Well, walking will help you get in better shape helping you cope with your schedule, and give you some time to think about, sort out, and prioritize a few things. The irony of this is that by spending the time walking, you become more efficient and GAIN TIME!

2. I get bored

Well, it shouldn’t be boring. If you are walking on a tread mill or around a small block over and over again, I agree hat is boring. Another example of a boring walk is circling a quarter mile track, which people in my town do! A walk should be done in area that provides some type of scenery and should not be repetitive. You should walk in a relatively quiet area where your not dogging traffic because you should be related. Then you allow mind wander and relax. Then you can think clearly, come up with a new idea or a solution - all while your getting exercise. Believe me, this is not boring. The Best Walk to avoid boredom is taken in a scenic, natural area.

3. I’m tired and out of shape - walking just makes me sore.

Walking is the best place to start. Take small walks and gradually increase them. It will only take a couple of weeks if you walk four or five times a week. If you legs hurt, try walking on softer ground. I don’t think that there’s any disagreement that getting in shape is not only a good idea - but it’s necessary. By the way, you will find that you will gain energy and be less tired.

4. I already belong to a gym.

There’s nothing wrong with belonging to a gym, providing you use it. If you don’t use you gym membership, you in good company. The majority of gym members simply stop going. However, let’s say that you do use you membership. You should still walk. Walking provides you with fresh air, relaxation, and possibly some exercise that you’re not getting at the gym. Perhaps you could skip the treadmill at the gym and concentrate more of the weights.

5. I think that there’s better ways to exercise.

There are better ways to get a workout depending on what you are trying to accomplish. However, considering that walking enhances your physical and mental condition and is done in fresh air, there is no better exercise!

6. It’s too cold or rainy.

That’s possible, but it’s also possible to dress for it. If you were going snow skiing, you would dress appropriately. Just apply the same logic to a walk. And, bring an umbrella.

7. I don’t know where to walk.

You can walk anywhere but remember The Best Walk to is taken in a scenic, natural area.

8. I’m not sure I’m properly equipped.

This is something too many of us get hung up on. You don’t have to go shopping before you go walking. Within reason, all you have to do is to start walking no matter how you’re dressed. You can make adjustments as you go. A coworker I walk with at lunch where’s boat shoes every day. No harm has com to him so far. Don’t get me wrong, there is attire that works very well and will enhance the walk. But, its more important to get started walking.

9. I don’t know how to get started.

The best way is to start is to decide on a walking location that offers the most scenic appeal and start walking there. As you continue walking, make a hobby out of selecting more interesting walking areas.

10. I weigh too much.

Walking is great for weight loss. You will burn more calories walking for an hour than running for an hour. Start slow and work up to longer walks and get thin.

]]> http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?feed=rss2&p=176 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=186 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=186#comments Tue, 24 Apr 2007 02:35:27 +0000 Hank Rhode Island http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=186 The Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island

For an anniversary present a few years ago our children gave us a great gift - a weekend at a bed and breakfast in Newport, RI! Our anniversary was in September and it we took the trip in October. In New England an October weekend can be warm or on the chilly side. This weekend was cold! But, we enjoyed every minute of it. This was our first stay at a Bed and Breakfast and we really liked the social atmosphere. The hosts were excellent and so were the other guests staying there. (We stayed at the George Champlin Mason House.) During out stay we walked all over Newport and toured a couple of the mansions. But what we really enjoyed was the Cliff Walk.

We almost missed it. Saturday afternoon we walked along Ruggles Avenue not knowing we were within a few steps from the the famous walking area. During breakfast the next morning we listened to the other guests describe the great views they saw. Later that morning we were on the path between the Mansions and the ocean - The Cliff Walk. The walk is three and a half miles long and offers views of the ocean on one side and mansions on the other. It was both a natural setting and a historic one.

As mentioned before the weather was brisk and being in the breeze of the ocean increased the wind chill. But the scenery was great and we were enjoying being in Newport. We stepped up the pace of the walk and before long we began feeling warm. As any couple might do, we walked along and talked about all that was going in our life. Thinking back this was one of the first times I realized how much a walk can put you at ease. A couple of sections of the walk offered some protection from the wind, not much bit enough to keep us walking. Near the end of the trail there were some rough spots. As we entered that area we found we were being sprayed by wind blown sea. (This area has since been improved.) As we turned around we noticed a couple of sailboats going by. We decided to keep walking in the opposite direction.

Don’t let the word “Cliff” in The Cliff Walk bother you. The walk isn’t that high and the railings keep you safe. All but there very end of the walkway is easy (the part we skipped).There were a couple of surprises too. On was we found that many of the areas between the mansions were left in their natural condition. The other was the peacefulness of the walk. Probably because of the weather, there wasn’t many others talking the walk that day. But that was just fine. The Best Walk is peaceful and scenic.



]]> http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?feed=rss2&p=186 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=194 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=194#comments Wed, 25 Apr 2007 03:53:37 +0000 Hank Canada http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=194

Great Winery and Lakeside Walks

Over the years we’ve decided to travel in October - possibly because it’s our last chance to enjoy the remaining warm weather before Winter closes in on us. Our trip to Niagara-On-The-Lake was no exception - and we did have warm temperatures. Since the trip was suggested by our friends Steve and Kathy from Guelph, Ontario, we invited them to join us. All of us stayed at a Bed and Breakfast in the nearby Wine Region.As you probably have guessed, Niagara Falls is pretty close to this area. And, if you haven’t been there, you should - but you also need to see Niagara-On-The-Lake. The town was named the Prettiest Town in Canada and all you have to do is go there to see why. We traveled from Massachusetts flying into the Toronto Airport. On the way to the Bed and Breakfast we stopped by Niagara Falls. The rest of the time was spent walking around the Niagara-On-The-Lake area. If we travel there again (and we will) we’ll do the same thing. Looking back, we spent a day walking through the wineries, a day at a wine festival in nearby St. Catharines, and a day at Niagara-On-The-Lake. All offered good walks. I would say The Best Walk was along the Lake. As for the best wine tasting, …well, they were all good. (There’s no such thing as bad wine tasting.) We also enjoyed the company and the dining and everything about this trip.
All of the walks through this area are easy and pleasant. The photo to the left is of Fort Niagara, now a tourist attraction in the State of New York. The picture was taken standing on the lake shore of Niagara-On-The-Lake. It’s a close as it looks and is completely unguarded (at least it was when we were there). As you can tell, we are very fond of this area. And, there is no doubt that this is a great place for walking. Try it!
]]> http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?feed=rss2&p=194 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=195 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=195#comments Thu, 26 Apr 2007 03:18:10 +0000 Hank Phoenix http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=195 At one point in my career I was required to attend a training class in Phoenix, Arizona. I was to arrive there Sunday and stay until Friday afternoon. Due to the flight schedule and the two hour time change from Boston I was checked into my hotel by one in the afternoon. The hotel was right smack in the middle of the city and the city is quite large. As a matter of fact, I learned that Phoenix is the sixth largest city in the United States. There was something I learned: Phoenix is hot! And I was there in June. The temperature was over a hundred and who knows how much of an effect the city cement the city’s cement had. But I decided on walking anyway. Why? Well a.) I was curious and wanted to see the city and b.) From all I had heard, Phoenix had a dry climate and dry heat was easier to deal with.

So I put left the hotel and started walking. I decided to start by just going around the block and I felt the heat immediately. Up aways I could see traffic light which was probably where I would take a right turn. It took longer to arrive at that corner than I thought, but no problem - I had all afternoon. After turning right I had a pleasant surprise. This street was shaded by the tall buildings. Good deal! But it was still hot and I was beginning to feel like I was in an oven. And, I was starting to appreciate humidity. I kept walking and after what seemed like half in hour I was at the next next corner. I’ll tell you what - Phoenix has some huge blocks! Next I was walking on a parallel street to the hotel, I was feeling the full effect of the hot sun. The sun was reflecting off of the various windows and was blinding. (Did I forget to say that it was hot?) Now I was getting thirsty!

I thought about about what I was doing for a couple of minutes then turned around and headed back to the hotel. I decided to continue my walking plan until after dinner when it should be cooler, maybe in the nineties.

By six that night I had another plan. I wanted to see the desert. I drove to the nearest highway, picked a direction, and started heading away from Phoenix. I didn’t have to go far. In no time at all there was desert on both sides. On my right I could see several roads that went into the desert. I drove for a bit longer then took a rode in. That road was paved but had no traffic. Next I took an unpaved road which went to the left, then pulled over between two cactus plants. I got out and started walking. Here the temperature was comfortable.

In one direction I could see that the unpaved road went towards a hill around which the vegetation was thicker. Around me there was plenty of cactus. Many of the plants seemed to be evenly spaced. Some had branches which reached out and wrapped around another plant. I also noticed that the sand and the rocks has many shades of brown. After walking for a about twenty minutes a jeep went by. Possibly there was either some housed near the hill or whoever was driving the jeep was there for recreation. As I walked along I decided that this was many times more enjoyable than the city walk. Before long I reached the hill and started to ascend. About five minutes later I noticed a couple of houses and that the road I was following went to a garage of one of the houses. This was quite a driveway! And, parked right there was the jeep I saw.

From here I walked back to the car and then drove back to the hotel. During the week I took one more walk in the desert. The scenery on the second walk looked almost the same - but that’s good. The desert scenery is excellent!

]]> http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?feed=rss2&p=195 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=202 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=202#comments Fri, 27 Apr 2007 02:57:10 +0000 Hank General http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=202 Many walking enthusiasts started walking to loose weight

Probably just as many started walking for the exercise - to get in shape for some other activity. I confess that I started walking for both reasons. But what keeps walkers walking is that they enjoy it. They enjoy the fresh air, the scenery, and the body movement. It just feels good.

But since there are many walkers who are trying to shed pounds I decided to offer the food and exercise diet I used. After loosing a shirt size I keep almost the same routine. With all that said, here is the simple diet:

• Before breakfast: Walk three miles on most week days, five miles on Saturday and Sunday.
• Breakfast: Just fruit most days. Vary the fruit from day to day. Also have granola, oatmeal, or a high fiber cereal with a fruit topping two or three times a week. Water and one cup of coffee.
• Before Lunch: Walk two and a half miles.
• Lunch: Just salad most days, chicken salad once in a while (no bread or high calorie dressing). Water.
• Dinner: Fish or small portion of poultry, lots of vegetables, no bread. Water. Vary the fish and vegetables.
• Snack: unsalted nuts, uncooked vegetables, or fruit.
• All Day: Drink water.

Do:

• Drink plenty of water
• Increase the length of the walks
• Vary the meal content

Don’t:

• Consume Carbs
• Consume food with high sodium content
• Stop walking

Remember:

• The Best Walk will be the walk you take because you simply enjoy walking!
]]> http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?feed=rss2&p=202 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=222 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=222#comments Tue, 01 May 2007 02:55:03 +0000 Hank New Jersey http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=222 There is another view of New Jersey…

Most of you know New Jersey. You’ve driven through it after surviving a crossing the George Washington Bridge, or the New Jersey Turnpike. You’ve seen the refineries off of the “Garden State” Parkway. Maybe you been in that sprawl of casinos in Atlantic City, or taken a wrong turn in Trenton, Newark, or Camden. The fact is - everybody has a New Jersey story, and somebody else can top it. But, could it be that not everyone knows the rest of the story. That would be the one about the part of New Jersey’s quiet parts - because seriously, they do exist!

Of all the states, New Jersey has more people per square mile than any other state - over 1,100! Yet with all that population there is a large agricultural area located in the South Central part of the state creating wide open spaces which differentiates it from the rest of the state. New Jersey became known as the Garden State in recognition of the many truck farms that feed residents in New Jersey and nearby states. These farms are among the smallest in the nation but rank among the most valuable in output per acre.  But, you have to know where to fine them.

Last weekend we traveled to Pittsgrove Township New Jersey. My brother Howard, his wife Linda, and my nephew Sean live there. Howard works for the Department of Agriculture and travels throughout New Jersey. We arrived Friday night and awoke Saturday morning ready for a walk. It was The Best Walk we had taken in NJ. We walked with Linda and Howard and had conversations that we should have had long before that walk. We saw the scenic part of rural New Jersey that most would not even try to find - but we found it and enjoyed it. We walked along the long farm roads that you would only expect to see in the center of the country - and here we were in New Jersey! Even growing up in New Jersey I was only slightly aware of how quiet and peaceful this area is.

As we walked along we were able to see newly plowed fields, a few cows, fields with new crops sprouting, orchids, and houses with an over supply of acreage, all of which seemed to belong there. We then walked for a while and saw horse riding lessens in progress and a barn that had already stood too long. Again, they seemed to belong there. As we turned up the next street we were then able to see swampy areas that were just the right tough of scenery for our walk and a lake that was dumping the overflow water into a stream. All the things we saw seemed to be in balance.

My brother called this walking course “The Long Block”. (We took “The Short Block” Sunday Morning.) All of us totally enjoyed being out on a good weather day in the Spring in the fresh air, but more importantly we were out catching up on old times.

Since we’ve been back I’ve wondered how many times do you hear “Let’s go for a walk and talk about it.”? Do you ever wonder what does the walk have to do with it? Maybe the answer is EVERYTHING.

]]> http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?feed=rss2&p=222 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=223 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=223#comments Fri, 04 May 2007 10:47:25 +0000 Hank General http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=223 Walking Benefits Immune System

From: DH Owens of http://www.cyberparent.com/walks-walking/immunity-benefits.htm

In addition to other benefits, walking brings with it an immune enhancing benefit.

Even moderate levels of regular walking have been shown to enhance the immune system, helping our body fight off illness and even reducing the incidence of certain cancers.

How can walking enhance your immune system?

Exercise, including walking, has been proven to boost immunity by causing the body to produce more natural killer (NK) cells. These cells constantly monitor the areas germ enter out body and destroy any cell they dot recognize.

It helps health in other ways, too.

Walking and all physical activity increases blood flow and raises oxygen levels in the body. Oxygen stimulates the immune system to repair damaged tissue.

Regular walking reduces fat around your stomach. This helps to lower your insulin levels.

Regular walking can cut your risk of bowel cancer in half according to a report by the US Surgeon General.

Walking can play an important part in combating the depression, fatigue and stress that accompany daily life.

You need to walk everyday to continue to boost your immune systems because the benefits are short-term.

]]> http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?feed=rss2&p=223 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=225 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=225#comments Sat, 05 May 2007 04:42:44 +0000 Hank Alabama http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=225 Last week’s business trip took me to Huntsville, Alabama. Our flight left from Boston early Monday morning, there was a plane change in Washington, D.C., and we were working at our destination by noon. That night I set the alarm for 5:30am and turned in early and was out at 6am the next morning. The hotel desk clerk suggested that I take a right at the first stop light and follow the sidewalk for a while.

Huntsville was a surprise. It’s a modern city with scattered high tech companies, industrial parks, and department stores in between. From the landscape we passed it was very clear that that the this community is very much into work - particularly the aerospace industry. We learned that Huntsville is home to the rocket manufacturing at Redstone Arsenal and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. It is nicknamed “The Rocket City” for its close history with U.S. space missions. Most of companies in the area support this industry. There is virtually no unemployment in this area. So, you ask, why was Huntsville a surprise?

I had never been to Huntsville but I had a pretty good preconceived vision of it. Thanks to Jeff Foxworthy, my mental picture displays a flat area with a lot of red dirt. There are older buildings in need or repair, small diners serving grits, lots of people wandering around with cowboy hats and driving beat up pickup trucks blaring Lynyrd Skynyrd music. Well, at least I got the red dirt right! All I can say is that based on my three days, I had Huntsville all wrong.

The hotel on a busy road near our manufacturing plant destination. There were plenty of hills nearby but none close enough to drive to before starting work. So my walk would be along the sidewalk. My plan was to keep taking right turns and I would circle back to the Hotel. If I got back too early I would just go around again. After taking the first right I was delighted to find there was less traffic on the street and it was fairly quiet. This stretch of the walk was long and was slowly taking me up a hill. I passed a park on the left and a few empty lots on my right. There were also several entrances to a couple of industrial parks. From the top of the hill I could see that my next turn was coming up.

As I turned there was a college and a church. Then another church. I felt that I needed one more church to mention that this is part of the Bible Belt, but instead there was open land with trees neatly planted along the edges. After a while I came to another corner. I did a time check and estimated that I would be back by 7am thus completing an hour’s walk. Soon after turning I passed another church on the right, then another right next to it and one across the street. OK, now I can mention the Bible Belt… but I already did. Well this road seemed much longer than the road I should be in parallel with, but I kept walking. I finally stopped at what looked like a turnpike. This was a signal to me that I had probably missed a turn and walked too far. I turned around.

Another time check revealed that I didn’t have enough time to completely reverse my walk. I needed to find a more direct route to the Hotel and asking directions was out of the question. There was nobody around to ask. About ten minutes later I saw a large apartment complex to my left. With any luck the back end of this would put me in better proximity to the hotel. As a walked between the buildings I started wondering if my coworkers would have to send out a search party. I then became more determined to get back on time. The apartments led me to a dead end road then a small creek in front of a large field. It appeared that the creek could be jumped and that on the other side of the field was another street. Away I went. The jump was easy and I was able to land on dry red dirt. From there it was just a walk across the field covered with tall grass - no problem, but the grass was pretty wet. When I came upon the sidewalk I realized that I was back at the start of the walk. All I had to do is take a couple of lefts and I was back at the hotel. I walked in the lobby almost exactly an hour from when I started.

Just after lunch we drove over to the NASA center and walked the grounds. The displays were excellent. If we have another trip to Huntsville I would like to spend more time looking at those exhibits then go for a walk along the Tennessee River.



]]> http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?feed=rss2&p=225 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=261 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=261#comments Fri, 11 May 2007 03:03:02 +0000 Hank Philadelphia http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=261 So why would you go to Philadelphia to go for a walk? Well, actually… there are quite a few reasons, but walking wasn’t the reason for our visit there. We periodically go to Philadelphia to visit our daughter Julie and her boy friend Kevin. During our visit most of the time is spend walking through the sections of the city.
As I’ve mentioned before, I do think The Best Walk is in a natural setting. However, Philadelphia is a very good city for walking and it’s interesting! If you looking for a city to walk around in, this is one to try. There is quite a bit to see and a lot of history. Like any large city, this one hums with activity, but not so much so that it feels crowded. Rather, it feels comfortable and walking through the city is aways fun.

Our walks in Philadelphia tend to be randomly selected - if selected at all. We just start walking and end up somewhere. If we walk too far in one direction, we’ll take a cab back. I’d say the general direction we walk in is determined by what restaurant or site we’re trying to get to. We get there and then we keep walking. Therefore, our trips to Philadelphia offer quite a bit of exercise.

So if you’re in Philadelphia, where is a good place to walk? Probably just about anywhere. You could go to South Street or Market Street, to Penns Landing or Old City. You can see the first Post Office, the Betsy Ross house, or the Liberty Bell. It’s all there! There are plenty of sidewalk cafes, local flavor stores, ice cream stands. And, don’t forget the museums…. and the zoo… and the Eastern State Penitentiary tour. There’s a lot of places to walk to and through.

On our last two trips we’ve walked in Old City. There the streets are lined with Sugar Maple trees and many of the sidewalks are brick. We walked across a cobblestone street and went to an “antique” ice cream shop. While eating the ice cream we walked by the first post office. From Old Town, the Penn’s Landing entrance is in sight and a short walk. Perhaps Old Town is a good place to start. Then again, maybe South Street is. Or, maybe you could just leave you car somewhere and head in any direction. We did!


]]> http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?feed=rss2&p=261 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=279 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=279#comments Sun, 06 May 2007 03:13:45 +0000 Hank Cape Cod http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=279 At the start of the weekend I dropped my wife off at Logan airport so she could visit her cousin in Florida. I decided to use some of the weekend to check on our house in Cape Cod and mow the lawn. The house was OK, then there was bad news and good news. Bad news: the lawn mower didn’t start. Good news: Free time. Better news: Perfect weather. In other words, “Time for a walk!”

After calling our stand-by lawn service I headed for Brewster’s Cape Cod Museum of Natural History. This is located on the left side of Route 6A if you’re heading East. I had heard that The Best Walk in Brewster was there. It crosses the marsh, leads to Cape Cod Bay, and passes a stream. I parked and then asked about the trail. I was also told that since I wasn’t entering the museum, the walk was free.

The walk was interesting right from the beginning. Most of it is a narrow sandy path through the woods. There a markers here and there to identify the different tree types along the way. The first section was straight. It later turned off to the left. The trail started on a decline which lead to a wide marsh field. In order to cross the field without getting wet the museum folks provided a boardwalk and a bridge. While crossing the marsh a large Osprey nest came into view. Streams formed in several spots. I later noticed the streams had widened due to a progressing tide change. The most striking thing about this area is the vastness of the marsh.

After crossing the marsh I found the sand much looser. I followed a path through a small sand dune, then down a set of stone stairs to the final stretch before the beach. A family was walking along the beach. There were two kayaks in the water. To the right was a sand bar serving as a social setting for seagulls. This area is know for its abundant supply of sand eels which are chased by Sea Bass and the seagulls. I walked for a while along the beach for a while then began walking back taking the same path. Just after climbing the stairs, I decided to take another path back.

This path followed a stream which seemed to go in the general direction of the museum. There was a hill and a coupe of winds. It the turned to the right and up another small hill. To my left I found a grave from the eighteen hundreds. (This is fairly common in Cape Cod’s preserved areas.) From this point it was a short walk back. It was a great walk on a great day and I had forgot all about my lawn mower!


]]> http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?feed=rss2&p=279 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=304 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=304#comments Wed, 09 May 2007 01:34:23 +0000 Hank Boston http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=304

In the Boston area? Visit World’s End



Located just South of Boston is the town of Hingham, MA. There on Martin’s Lane you can find the pride of Hingham: a park with the peculiar name of “World’s End”. The origin of the park’s name was either forgotten or is a well kept secret. Even more peculiar is the fact that such a beautiful place was given such a grim name. If you’re looking for The Best Walk in the Boston area, this may be the place!

Last Sunday I drove from our house in Hudson to visit my son Brian in Quincy. We worked on a deck for a while then decided to take a walk. Brian suggested that Worlds End might be a good place to try. He had heard that this was a great place to walk and that it was only a short drive from Quincy. Before long we paid the five dollar admission and we were in. By the way, this is one of the few walks I’ve had to pay for. But, I had no objection. Once you’re on the trail you can see that the park is well kept.

The trails take you around the outside edges of a peninsula where you can see the rocky coastline. We walked over four miles on paths that offered dramatic views of the Weir River, Hingham Harbor, and the Boston Skyline. The walk wasn’t at all challenging - just pleasant. And, we noticed that there are public restrooms, benches, and a drinking water fountain.

As we walked both my son and I were carrying cameras and both were put to good use. There are views in every direction. World’s End presents itself as a conundrum, hills lined with trees and open fields, but no houses. The rolling, open terrain will makes you feel like you’re on the landscaped grounds of some English estate. The story is that there was once a plan for house construction - but that never came to be.

This land is now preserved and maintained by a set of trustees - a victory for those of us suspicious of “progress”. As a matter of fact, this park’s proximity to Boston make this natural setting that much more unique. As you may have guessed, we had a great walk. We enjoyed the views, the conversation. and the sun was shinning. OK, that’s enough writing for now. Its time to plan the next walk!

]]> http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?feed=rss2&p=304 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=305 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=305#comments Thu, 10 May 2007 12:22:32 +0000 Hank General http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=305 For me, this week has been hectic. A situation came up which kept my wife and I out all of Monday night into Tuesday morning. Then, because of previous work commitment, I was unable to sleep late. The next morning even coffee couldn’t restore my energy. I was tired, only partially effective, and by lunchtime I was behind on my work. My immediate thought was to work through lunch and postpone my daily walk. I needed to catch up.

For the last year, I take a walk every day at lunch. Most days I walk with one or two of my coworkers. Some days I walk alone. For every day I walk its a better day. I’m more relaxed and my thinking is clearer. There’s also the exercise benefit, but what keeps me walking is that I just enjoy it - getting outside, the conversations, the fresh air. But that morning I was under stress. I was late on a couple of small projects and with a little more than two hours sleep I needed to push as hard as I could. Not only would I pass on the walk, I would not eat lunch. All I would do was work. Work. Work. Work.

Then I started thinking. What else could I sacrifice in order to catch up on work? Then one of my coworkers stopped by my desk and said that I looked pretty stressed. I smiled and said “Yeah - that’s the way I feel!”. After talking for a couple of minutes I started to relax. Then I suggested that it was time for a walk.

Why the sudden change? I thought about that as during my walk that day and decided that its about priorities. There are things we do every day that we always do. Those things may vary somewhat from person to person but virtually everyone behaves in a manner which they think will help them survive. So why the sudden change? I realized that for me walking fell into the highest category. Its part of my survival. The benefits of walking are too great (and there’s too much of a downside of not walking). Therefore I went for my lunchtime walk. It wasn’t The Best Walk- but it was a very important walk.

I returned to my desk with a fresh attitude and a couple of ideas on how to move my projects along. My only concern was why I considered skipping the walk in the first place.

]]> http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?feed=rss2&p=305 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=318 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=318#comments Sun, 13 May 2007 01:36:50 +0000 Hank Maine http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=318

Walking in Ogunquit, Maine

On two occasions we’ve spent a weekend in Ogunquit, Maine. I was joined by my wife Karen and our friends Kathy and Stan. Our visits were in the Spring and were spend at Anchorage by the Sea hotel. Anchorage by the Sea is on the Marginal Way walking trail which is clearly The Best Walk in Ogunquit.From the hotel, a walk on Marginal Way takes you to the harbor of Perkins Cove and to Ogunquit Village. The walk is very easy and very scenic. Virtually anyone can walk this trail and everyone enjoys it. The walk keeps you in view of the rocky coast line and Ogunquit’s white sand beaches. As you leave the trail and enter Perkins Cove, the scenery continues. If you’ve been to the Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island, Perkins Cove is very similar. I recommend the Cliff Walk and Marginal Way - They’re different enough to appreciate walking on each. Since our visit was in the Spring, there were only a few others on the trail. We were told that that situation changes dramatically in the Summer and the trail gets crowded. During both stays we walked in a loop taking Marginal Way to Perkins Cove then taking Shore Road back to the Hotel. Although the scenery you view is in a natural setting, the walk itself is man made. As a matter of fact, except for a wooden bridge, all of the walk is on pavement. The emphasis is on the scenery ans it’s worth taking the walk for that reason. By the way, if you’re bring your wife or girlfriend on this walk, there will be no complaint’s. There are plenty of shops in the Perkins Cove and Ogunquit Village. (Consider that when you’re deciding how much money to bring.)
So what else do you do in Ogunquit, Maine? Of course that depends on the individual, but there are plenty of good restaurants, shopping areas, and a great karaoke bar on Shore Road. But most likely, you’ll be walking on Marginal Way.
]]> http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?feed=rss2&p=318 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=338 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=338#comments Tue, 15 May 2007 01:51:36 +0000 Hank Central MA http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=338

Walking Around Lake Boon

Many times I’ve mentioned that The Best Walk will always be in a scenic, quiet, and natural setting… but let’s be realistic. There are many days that walks are constrained to what’s immediately available. In those cases neighborhood walks are a good thing. They can be relaxing, put you in better touch with neighbors, and solidify your connection to your immediate surroundings.We live in the Lake Boon area of Hudson, Massachusetts and walking in this neighborhood has its pluses and minuses. The scenery offered by the lake is certainly a plus. On the minus side, there are narrow streets with no sidewalks to provide a buffer from an occasional fast moving car. We’ve found that the best time to walk is early in the morning because at that time the streets are quiet and there’s almost no traffic. We took this walk last Sunday morning.From our house on Lake Boon Drive, we kept to the side of the street as we headed towards the lake. The street ended quickly as we approached a set of lake front houses. A left turn put us on a mile long stretch to a narrow street build over an earthen dam. This is the far side of the lake where Lake Boon’s runoff spills into the Assabet River. Here it’s common to see people fishing in the lake - the prize fish being the Large Mouth Bass. The causeway offers a good view on the right looking across the lake. On the left the view is also good. It takes in a large area of woods, then the Assabet River. At the end of the causeway, there’s a house with the Assabet River behind it. The same house has a lake view with a lake front beach area. Did I mention that I really like that house?Sometime before the causeway we had crossed into the town of Stow without any announcement. Lake Boon is in the towns of Hudson and Stow - more so in Stow.

We took the next right which took us up a small hill. Between the houses, the lake is still in view. Looking at the houses, you can see a transition still in process. All of the houses in this area were cottages. Lake Boon was at one point a seasonal community. Vacationers came for the summer, mostly from the Boston area. But as the population expanded, some started taking residence along Lake Boon. Why not? The lake offers, boating, swimming, ice skating and fishing in the winter - and the cost of living is less that Boston’s. In order to make living in this area practical, the cottages had to be winterized and enlarged. Over the years the area transformed into a year round community. And, the home improvement projects still continue.Where we live was wooded land a few years ago. Our house is now about four years old. There are houses near us that are brand new but many were the original cottages that have been renovated and anyone can see that the renovations vary quite a bit. If you look real close, there are a couple of cottages remaining. All in all, this area offers a very diverse choice of homes of any price range - any style, any age.As we arrived at the intersection of Pine Point Road and Sudbury Road, we were provided with a choice. With the walk to this point taking us one and a half miles backtracking would provide us with a three mile walk. Or, we can cross Sudbury Road and walk around in a newer residential area. Our choice was to take a right on Sudbury Road which continues around the lake. Note that this choice is only reasonable at low traffic times such as Sunday mornings.

The long Sudbury Road stretch takes you past a couple of lake views, a soccer field, and a boat launch on the right, and a conservation area on the left. It ends at Hudson Road which is the primary connecting road for the nearby towns. Hudson Road becomes Route 62 and Main Street in Hudson. A right turn brings us back into Hudson a few minutes later. This road is always busy and put simply - This section is never a good walk! The trick is to take as detours as possible. Doing so we’ve managed to minimize the the walk on this street. The last detour off of main street takes us back into our street completing a five mile walk.

It was a good walk. We had good weather, good conversation with my wife, and the exercise was good. There is no question that we’ll be taking more walks around Lake Boon.

]]> http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?feed=rss2&p=338 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=360 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=360#comments Tue, 22 May 2007 02:26:29 +0000 Hank Philadelphia http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=360

Walking in Philadelphia - Part 2

Because my daughter Julie and my soon-to-be son in law Kevin live in Philadelphia, we visit there somewhat often, and as mentioned in a previous post, when we visit - we walk. They live in Center City not far from the Philadelphia Museum of Art. On our last visit we arrived on a Friday night and during dinner I mentioned that I was interested in getting up early and taking a walk. Kevin suggested that I head for the Art Museum where I would have a choice of walking areas.

I began the walk at about 6:30AM and proceeded towards the museum. In just a few minutes it was in view. I circled around it and noticed a walkway directly behind it. A sign on the walkway announced that this was the Schuylkill River Park. In front of me was a stone wall with a very well designed path and stairway descending to the river level. Then another sign: “The Schuylkill River Water Works”.From this spot the scenery looking out at the river was excellent! I was pleased with what I had found so soon into the walk. My only problem was which way to go.

I took a left. The area immediately behind the museum was the most decorated with a fountain, a statue, and a wide brick sidewalk. I followed the path under a bridge From there I could see a large number of cyclists assembling for a race. The path seemed to used equally by walkers, joggers, and the less serious cyclists. On my right I could see a family of ducks along the river bank, the Schuylkill Expressway on the opposite side, and behind that - the city. The park offered an escape from the busy sidewalks and streets while providing a constant reminder that this is Philadelphia. The park must have been designed to expose some of the best sections of the city’s skyline. After walking under another bridge or two I noticed that the sounds from the expressway became louder. I also noticed that it was time to turn around.

I walked back past the Water Works and went out on a man made peninsula. There were two men fishing along the side. I could see another section of the river being used for crew racing. Boats were entering the river from a set of nice looking houses. That section reminded me of the boat houses along Boston’s Charles River. I decided to head in that direction. Later I learned that that section off the Schuylkill was known as Boat House Row.

In order to continue walking toward the boat houses I had to leave the Schuylkill River Park and enter a section of Fairmount Park. I walked past the boat houses and then along the sidewalk for a while. Knowing this was taking me too far away from where we were staying, I decided to turn back while staying in the park. Before long I was back in front of the Art Museum. Checking the time I decided I needed to get to my daughters house - time for breakfast.

Later that day I may have learned where The Best Walk in Philadelphia is. We drove to the Valley Green Inn in the Chestnut Hill section where my daughters wedding will be. In front of the inn you can see the Wissahickon Creek and the Wissahickon Creek Park. The area is loaded with scenic trails of all levels. A walk in that area is now being planned.

]]> http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?feed=rss2&p=360 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=363 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=363#comments Fri, 25 May 2007 20:10:52 +0000 Hank General http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=363

Is walking is a microcosm of life?

Generally my lunchtime walk is somewhat of a social event. My coworkers and I meet every work day noon. But due to a couple of vacation days, I walked alone today. And, when I walk along I tend to think more. Today’s thoughts were about whether walking is a microcosm of life or not. (No, I’m not crazy. The philosophical thoughts can be explained by a song I heard recently comparing a walk to life experiences.)

I considered that just like life…

• Each walk has a beginning and an end
• The length of a walk can be extended or shortened.
• The walk may present unforeseen challenges.
• You can change the direction of the walk.
• You choose the location of the walk.
• The conditions you walk in may vary.
• The walk may involve variety or can be repetitive.
• You can be in a hurry or take you time.

But I think the most important point I came up with was that..

• The walk is much more meaningful if you enjoy it.

Think about it. If you enjoy every walk you take, you are far more better off than those who force themselves to walk. Now think about your responsibilities, who you socialize with, and what your hobbies are. Are they enjoyable. When I’m walking, there is no doubt I’m doing what I want. If I can walk more - that’s better. Can I apply that logic to all other things in life? The sad answer is no and that’s the wrong answer! But enjoying every day (just like enjoying every walk) is the best way to live.

So I think that learning to enjoy the journey more is a great goal and for me, a good part of that is finding The Best Walk.


]]> http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?feed=rss2&p=363 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=365 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=365#comments Sun, 27 May 2007 13:54:44 +0000 Hank Walk for Health http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=365

Can walking actually improve your bain?

One of the less spoken about benefits of walking is the positive effect on the brain. Rather, it is much more common to hear that walking offers good for exercise and stress relief values. Then once in a while you’ll hear that walking clears your head. Well, it actually does clea your head - physically, andas a result of that it improve the brain’s functionality.Basically, walking oxygenates your brain. It increases breathing and heart rate so that more blood flows to the brain. Because of this, memory skills, learning ability, concentration, and abstract reasoning are improved. Continued walking slows the decline in brain density in white and gray areas, and other effects of aging. Physical activity is needed by our bodies and the best activity is The Best Walk.

There is another way to look at this. Let’s say you “work with your brain” every day. Maybe you constantly work on complicated tasks solving complex problems, but you work at desk and you seldom receive any exercise. Is that good enough? Considering the benefits mentioned above, the answer is “no”. Constant use of the brain’s logical will imrpove the brain but it doesn’t negate the need for physical activity - both are needed.

]]> http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?feed=rss2&p=365 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=368 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=368#comments Mon, 04 Jun 2007 03:16:40 +0000 Hank South Dakota http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=368

Is The Best Walk in South Dakota’s Black Hills?



In a previous post I mentioned that I frequently travel to Rapid City, South Dakota for business and that the Rapid City area has excellent walking areas. Because of the demands of my job, I rarely have enough time to take advantage of the really great walking areas such as The Black Hills and The Bad Lands. So on my last trip, I decided to change that.

I started with a map from the rental car service which clearly differentiated the Black Hills areas from the Plains. The perfect area would be a spot that I could get to quickly and have enough time for a good walk. This would have to occur after work and before darkness set in. I picked Thunderhead Falls, a tourist attraction in the town of Hisega. Hisega is on Route 44 just outside Rapid City and just inside the Hills. So after work the first day, I was on my way.

I found Thunderhead Falls was well marked and easy to get to, but it was closed. From what I could see, this place was too bounded by private property for a good walk. I walked for a while longer and then went on to find another spot. On my drive out I remembered seeing a very scenic spot off of Route 44, so I drove in that direction. When I saw the scenic area again, I turned onto a dirt road bearing the name “Falling Rock Road”. The road had a couple of turn around areas which would make a good spot to leave the car. I stopped at the second one and took a path leading into the woods.

The path took me up a slight incline but for the most part I was walking in a straight line. In less than five, I was walking up a small hill. At the top was a memorial to a child who had died here. From there I looked around and there it was – a magnificent canyon. It was picture perfect with steep cliffs, a river running through it (Rapid Creek), and various shades of green in every direction. Noticing the time was about 7:30pm, I wondered how much the day’s earlier sunshine added to the beauty. I maneuvered around to different vantage points and could see that on one side it was a long straight drop. Instinctively, I looked back at the memorial.

I thought about following Falling Rock Road for a while, but it would be dark soon and I was alone – I didn’t even see another hiker. During the drive back to town a plan was starting to form. I would return to this spot, go down into the valley and spend a few hours hiking through it. But unfortunately, my job situation didn’t allow me the time.

That night I did several internet searches to find out more about the area I was at. “Dark Canyon” came up a couple of times, but it was inconclusive. The next day I was able to check with a couple of Rapid City “old timers” and get a confirmation – I was definitely at Dark Canyon! I also learned that a few years back there was a party there and it became somewhat out of control, resulting in… the memorial. What I found intriguing was that there were few who knew of the canyon by name or location. However, one of the outdoors men explained it to me: “The scenery you saw is all through The Black Hills. You don’t need a map or directions to find it. There are canyons, cliffs, and waterfalls in every direction. You only saw a tiny fraction of what’s out there.” His last sentence resonated with me because I now know The Best Walk is out there – somewhere.

]]> http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?feed=rss2&p=368 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=384 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=384#comments Thu, 07 Jun 2007 04:37:00 +0000 Hank General http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=384 From: www.sparkpeople.com

Walking outside is an energetic way to enjoy the fresh air and get a workout at the same time! Before you lace up those sneakers, here are some important safety tips you’ll want to consider to make your next walk The Best Walk:

• Find a buddy: Walking with someone can be a great motivator and make the time more enjoyable. In addition, there is always safety in numbers. If you do have to walk alone, make sure you tell someone your route and the time you expect to return.
• Wear reflective gear: If you will be out during the early morning or evening, wear light colored clothing or reflectors. A warm up suit with reflective strips, walking shoes with reflective material on the heel or a reflective belt (available at most sporting goods stores) will all make you more visible to oncoming traffic. Also try to walk on well-lit streets if possible.
• Walk facing the traffic: Especially if there are no sidewalks or pathways on your route, the “rules of the road” say you should walk against the traffic. This also keeps you aware of any potential danger coming towards you.
• Vary your route: This is for safety as well as enjoyment. It is much more interesting to experience different surroundings from time to time. This also prevents anyone from memorizing your route and perhaps knowing the best time to approach you.
• Beware of drivers: Do not assume that drivers know when pedestrians have the “right of way.” Be especially cautious of driveways- most drivers are watching for oncoming cars, not walkers.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Watch for ice, water, bike riders, cracks in the pavement, or any other hazards in your path. It can be very easy to trip and fall without warning, which can be especially dangerous if you are alone.
• What to bring: It is a good idea to carry pepper spray, a cell phone or an alarm in case you get into trouble. It can also be helpful to carry a walking stick or umbrella in case you need to fend off an unleashed dog. Maybe bring a dog of your own as a companion and for safety. Always have your I.D. with you in the event that you become disabled.
• What not to bring: Do not wear any jewelry that might draw someone’s attention. Do not wear headphones- they can prevent you from hearing oncoming traffic or someone coming up behind you. You should always be aware of what is happening in your environment.

With a few easy changes, you’ll make your walking experience as safe and enjoyable as possible!

]]> http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?feed=rss2&p=384 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=386 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=386#comments Fri, 08 Jun 2007 11:04:16 +0000 Hank New Jersey http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=386

As a Child, this was The Best Walk

As I thought back to when my enjoyment of walking began, I came to the conclusion that it started during my childhood. My favorite walk would take me to a small lake that had formed in the shape of a bell (”Bell” Lake). With a muddy bottom, weeds, etc. it was not a swimming lake. Rather, it was more of an over sized pond providing scenery for nearby residents and recreation for kids. I was between the age of 9 and 12 at the time and I remember Woodbury (N.J.) as a small city with its uptown section connecting to the uptown sections of other cities. It seemed that you could travel across the entire state and stay uptown. But as a child, that was not where the action was. (Not yet.) Bell Lake was in another direction and everything a child would want or need could be found right there. If you weren’t at school, you were at the lake! You could go fishing, ride a raft, cut down trees, hunt turtles, bike ride through the woods, skip rocks, or just hang out. A typical day started early and stopped around dinner time. Here’s some reasons why Bell Lake was special:

Pipe Walking

One end of the lake an overflow system formed a small waterfall which flowed into a second basin. On the lake’s other side a stream flowing into the lake. That stream flowed through a pipe large enough to enter. There was water in the pipe but only the bottom. By stretching our legs out above the waterline, we could walk into the pipe. But a walk into the pipe was done reluctantly. It was dark and inhabited by rats as evidenced by the activity just outside the pipe. (Rats Swimming) There were two rules to pipe walking: travel in groups and bring flashlights.It took about 20 minutes to go from beginning to end. The pipe went under a set of apartments and a parking lot then ended at another stream. Except for the flashlight held by the “point man”, most of through of the journey was spent in darkness. There were strange sounds from inside the pipe which we assumed to be rats. Once we came across a couple of bats which offered another explanation for the noises. When we reached the other end, we would take a vote to decide on returning through the pipe or walk around it. On one trip we encountered another group of pipe walkers coming right at us. After some discussion, we figured out how they could climb around us so that neither group had to change directions. As an initiation to Bell Lake, newcomers were challenged to pipe walk with us.

Raft Hunting

Bell Lake’s second basin was surrounded by woods. On one side there was a peninsula know as “The Point”. The Point was the best spot to fish and to find turtles. Overgrowth of sticker bushes and vines made getting to The Point tough, but it was worth it. One day buried in the bush we found raft complete with a pole. We gathered our fishing gear and launched the raft. Forgetting about fishing, we traveled to parts of the basin we didn’t even know about. There were no canoes or power boats out there – we had the lake to ourselves! At the end of the day we found a new hiding spot for the raft - after all, the raft was now ours. To our dismay the raft was not there when we returned. After a couple of hours of searching, we found it hidden in another spot. This business of finding the raft, using it, then hiding it continued all summer.There is no doubt that we spent more time walking around looking for the raft than we did riding it.

The Hatchet

At some point I joined the Boy Scouts. This entitled me to Boy Scout gear such as a back pack and a canteen. It also allowed me to present a convincing argument to my parents that I needed a hatchet to cut firewood. One day I spotted a piece of plywood in our garage and the light bulb in my head went on. I called a friend to help me carry the plywood, my hatchet, some nails, and my Dad’s hammer to the lake. We were going to cut some trees down, nail them to the plywood, and build another raft. We walked back into the woods and set up shop. It was a lot of work but the hatchet was cutting down trees. We noticed that the trees fall rather slowly. Another idea surfaced. Once of us would climb the tree while the other one cut the tree down. The one in the falling tree would jump of just before the tree landed to avoid injury. This actually worked and it was a great ride! Unknown to us, we were being watched by a man who soon approached us. He took away the hatchet, told us to stop cutting his trees down, and walked away. My Dad had to go get the hatchet back from him. Two lessons were learned that day:

1. Don’t cut trees down on that side of the lake (with the private property) and
2. it’s easier to use the other raft.

Bell Lake Today

My brother still lives in New Jersey and on a rare occasion we’ll take a ride back to Woodbury. The ride always takes us back to Bell Lake. We’ll get out and walk and in no time we will begin to tell of our adventures there. Anyone who grew up in that area can’t help but to think back on those days of simple fun.
Today the first basin of the lake is still a park, but the rest of it is surrounded by private homes. The last time we rode by there, we saw a couple of kids carrying fishing rods and somehow that sight made my day!

]]> http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?feed=rss2&p=386 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=391 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=391#comments Sun, 10 Jun 2007 03:40:03 +0000 Hank Florida http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=391

A Great Walk in St. Petersburg, Florida

More times than we expect, great walks occur spontaneously. This was the case last October. While staying in St. Petersburg, we found ourselves wide awake before sunrise and decided to walk along the beach. Because of the darkness, I debated whether to bring a camera. We decided to have a cup of coffee and wait for the sunrise to start. Then we would go with the camera.

We left our hotel room, walked across a small boardwalk, and entered the beach area. The visibility wasn’t the best, but seeing that the sun was rising was encouraging. We took a right with the Golf of Mexico on our left. The water’s edge is flatter and firmer, its easier to walk there. For those reasons we stayed near the water, and it allowed us to splash our feet in the water! Two things were immediately noticed: 1.) We were the only humans on the beach and 2.) There was an incredible amount of bird activity. They were busy and noisy. We could only assume that these birds woke up pretty hungry. As with most beaches, the majority of the birds were Seagulls but we found the Pelicans more interesting because of their fish catching ability.

Looking back at the sun’s position, we could see that the view of the sunrise through the palm trees was a beautiful site. Looking towards the Gulf, the sky and the water seemed to be changing color as the amount of light increased. We could see that the rocks in the jetties were now taking form and battle over perching positions was raging on one rock. Up ahead we could see that the beach line would be taking a turn to the right allowing for an inlet. We decided that the inlet would make a good place to turn around.

As we arrived at the inlet, we noticed that at its mouth there were more Pelicans – and they also seemed to be having a good breakfast. A couple of Seagulls approached, but they were no match for the Pelicans who promptly chased them away. We had walked for quite a while but the sun was in no hurry. The daylight was still dim, but for us it was just right. We were enjoying what we might be The Best we’ve taken in Florida.

As we headed back, we suddenly saw a number of Dolphins in the water. They were moving fast in every direction. We assumed they were also getting breakfast. Trying to get a picture of them was difficult. As soon as the camera was pointed at one it would dive into the water. Without exaggeration, there must have been thirty of forty Dolphins. I caught a picture of two. The Dolphin activity continued as the sun began to rise at a faster pace. We were now no longer alone on the beach. Others were walking and seemed to enjoying the scenery as much as we were. Before long we were approaching the boardwalk taking us back to the room.

About an hour later we went to breakfast with the others we were vacationing with and talked about the walk we took. They promptly asked if they could join us the next morning. We did enjoy another walk along the same route, but it was the first spur-of-the-moment walk that is best remembered.

]]> http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?feed=rss2&p=391 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=404 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=404#comments Fri, 22 Jun 2007 03:14:07 +0000 Hank Philadelphia http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=404

Wissahickon Valley Park



Until recently my walking experiences in Philadelphia have been limited to sidewalks taking me through the different sections of urban landscape. But that was before I learned about the Philadelphia’s Fairmont Park System which has over 200 miles of scenic, recreation trails and includes all the city’s parks. My daughter lives in Philadelphia and during our visits we started walking a couple of trails along the Schuylkill River: The Loop and the Water Works. Then recently we discovered the Wissahickon Valley Park. For a wedding location, my daughter chose the Valley Green Inn which is in the Chestnut Hill Section of Philadelphia and in the Wissahickon Valley. During our previous visits to the Valley Green Inn we noticed the abundance of scenery and walking trails just outside the inn. That trip didn’t allow enough time for walking, but I did read about what was there. What was most intriguing was that so many consider this Philadelphia’s best walking area. So my next goal was to see for myself. Well, last week her wedding brought us to the Chestnut Hill section and the day before the wedding there was enough free time for my sons and I to explore the Wissahickon Valley trails.

Part 1

To begin our walk we drove to the Valley Green Inn, chose the path to the left bearing the name “Forbidden Drive” and started walking. (Forbidden Drive is only forbidden to motorized vehicles.) Although one can walk, jog, bicycle, or horseback ride on this trail, we saw mostly other walkers. To our left the creek was in constant view. Off of this trail there are other smaller trails to follow which are good for hiking and lead to higher elevations. We also saw evidence of mountain biking - but none passed us. After a while we followed a trail back to Forbidden Drive. From there we walked back past the Valley Green Inn and about a mile down we came upon a covered bridge on our right. We learned that this is the “Thomas Mill Bridge” which is the only historic covered bridge still standing within the corporate limits of Philadelphia. Only foot traffic may pass through the bridge. We walked through the bridge then turned around and started the walk back. Looking back we noticed that the bridge has unusual sawtooth decorations along the roof line. We stopped a couple of times to get closer to the creek and to photograph a Heron.At this point I was very impressed with the area. The walking areas had good variety and there was great scenery everywhere. Also, the people we passed were friendly. Everyone we saw smile and said “good morning”. Another point was that was absolutely no litter to be found - none! It seemed impossible that to be in such a country type environment and still be in the city. But was this The Best Walk in Philadelphia? At this point I wanted to see a bit more before I was 100% sure. It would take one more walk to convince me.

Part 2

The next day (Saturday) was the day of my daughter Julie’s wedding. The wedding was scheduled for 6pm. Many of the guests were using this day to see some of the sites nearby. As for us, my wife and daughter had plans for a shopping trip. Shipping the shopping trip provided me with the opportunity I needed. I decided to walk to the uptown Chestnut Hill area then start walking towards the creek. I would take a number of random residential streets to get a good view of the German influenced architecture in this area while heading in the general direction of the creek. In less time than I expected I had seen a number of very impressive houses and was walking past a series of dead end streets. I took that as a sign that the creek or at least the park must be nearby. It was. The next street over brought me to the entry path. I spoke to an outbound hiker who confirmed that the creek was ahead. He also volunteered that this was The Best Walk in Philadelphia.

Within ten minutes the elevation began to rise and I found myself on a ridge looking down at a stream. This section was extremely scenic! I followed that trail until it intersected another trail which I could see it lead to the creek. As I walked up to the creek I could see a couple of kids fishing on the other side. I followed the path which took me through a number of turns and climbs. There were other streams entering into the river with a couple of them displaying a small waterfall. Most of the streams had paths running beside them. As I stopped a few times to catch a closer view of the creek, I noticed there were a few large trees uprooted. Some time later the trail led me to a street. (This wasn’t the same spot where I entered.) On the other side of the street was a parking area for trail users. I crossed the street and asked directions for the way back to Chestnut Hill.

I followed the directions precisely, and the directions took me along the sidewalks of some busy streets - the Germantown Avenue to name one. But I really didn’t mind that part of the walk. The first part made up for it. I am now convinced that Philadelphia’s best walk is in the Wissahickon Valley.

More Information


• Wissahickon Valley Park was a favorite subject of artists and writers like Edgar Allen Poe and John Greenleaf Whittier, who visited the area frequently for relaxation and inspiration.
• The 1,800 acres of Wissahickon Valley Park are part of Philadelphia’s 9,200-acre Fairmount Park, one of the largest city parks in the world.
• The Park is criss-crossed by more than 50 miles of often-rugged trails.
• For a map of the area go to The Best Walk in Philadelphia
]]> http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?feed=rss2&p=404 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=425 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=425#comments Sat, 23 Jun 2007 04:13:25 +0000 Hank General http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=425 Dog Walking Tips

Source: Condensed from About.com

1. Train your dog
2. Walk on leash
3. Walk where dogs are allowed to walk
   
4. Carry a pooper scooper
5. Carry water for both you and your pet
6. Allow the dog to rest
7. Identification Every dog should have a couple of forms of identification
8. Is Your Dog Ready? Before taking a dog on a 10K Volksmarch consider if the dog is healthy enough, has the desire, and is trained enough to walk the distance at your side. You should get an OK from your veterinarian if your pooch has any sort of medical problem, is overweight, etc. Work up to the longer distances with them by doing the shorter distances first.
9. Trails The dog walkers generally preferred country walks and trails that had sidewalks or paths well off the road.
10. Books to Explore “Running with Your Dog” by John A. Sanford and “On the Trail with Your Canine Companion, Getting the Most out of Hiking and Camping with Your Dog” by Cheryl S. Smith
Note: Another great source for all dog related information is: DogBoston.com - and, you don’t have to be from Boston to appreciate it!
]]> http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?feed=rss2&p=425 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=429 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=429#comments Mon, 25 Jun 2007 02:23:35 +0000 Hank General http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=429

Could The Best Walk be found in Memphis?

The other day I was searching for songs about walking to see if the lyrics would be worth writing about. I was looking for a song that would provide motivation to walk at a specific location. When “Walking in Memphis” popped up I immediately recalled the song’s sound. Although the lyrics are loaded with fantasies, I thing the song may inspire a few to visit Memphis. As a matter of fact, I know I would like to go to Memphis, see a few blues shows, and go for a long walk around the city. Since I’ve never been to Memphis, it’s hard to say if The Best Walk could be found there, but please feel free to comment if you have been there!


Walking In Memphis

Artist: Marc Cohn

Put on my blue suede shoes
And I boarded the plane
Touched down in the land of the Delta Blues
In the middle of the pouring rain
W.C. Handy - won’t you look down over me
Cause I got a first-class ticket
And I’m as blue as a boy can be

Walking in Memphis
Walking with my feet ten feet off of Beale
Walking in Memphis
But do I really feel the way I feel

Saw the ghost of Elvis
Down On Union Avenue
Followed him up to the gates of Graceland
I watched him walk right through
Now security they did not see him
They just hovered ’round his tomb
There’s a pretty little thing
Waiting on “The King”
Down in the Jungle Room

Walking in Memphis
Walking with my feet ten feet off of Beale
Walking in Memphis
Do I really feel the way I feel

They’ve got catfish on the table
They’ve got gospel in the air
And Reverend Green be glad to see you
When you haven’t got a prayer
You’ve got a prayer in Memphis

Now Muriel plays the piano
Every Friday at the Hollywood
And they brought me down to see her
And they asked me if I would
Do a little number
And I sang with all my might
She said
“Tell me are you a Christain”
I said “Ma’am I am tonight”

Walking in Memphis
Walking with my feet ten feet off of Beale
Walking in Memphis
But do I really feel the way I feel

Walking in Memphis
Walking with my feet ten feet off of Beale
Walking in Memphis
But do I really feel the way I feel

Walking in Memphis

]]> http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?feed=rss2&p=429 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=432 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=432#comments Tue, 26 Jun 2007 02:27:54 +0000 Hank General http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=432 During a recent conversation I commented that litter is found on very few of the trails I use. I think that there are many reasons for this - all of them good. Perhaps the increased concern for the environment is now taking effect, but whatever the reason it definitely enhances the walking experience - the effects of nature are seen and felt more.

As important as litter prevention is, there are other ways to protect the walking areas. The following is from the Leave No Trace Code:

The Leave No Trace Code

Plan Ahead and Prepare

• Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you’ll visit.
• Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
• Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
• Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups.
• Repackage food to minimize waste.
• Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

• Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
• Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
• Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
• In popular areas:
• Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
• Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
• Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
• In pristine areas:
• Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
• Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.

Dispose of Waste Properly

• Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter.
• Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
• Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
• To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.

Leave What You Find

• Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch, cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
• Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
• Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
• Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.

Minimize Campfire Impacts

• Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
• Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
• Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
• Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.

Respect Wildlife

• Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
• Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
• Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
• Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
• Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.

Be Considerate of Other Visitors

• Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
• Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
• Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
• Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
• Let nature’s sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises
]]> http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?feed=rss2&p=432 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=433 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=433#comments Mon, 02 Jul 2007 01:21:22 +0000 Hank Cape Cod http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=433

More about Cape Cod’s Best Walk



OK, you can’t really walk on the Cape Cod water. But, when you walk in the Chapin Beach area at low tide, it sure looks like the other walkers are doing some pretty good magic. It was explained to me that this illusion is caused by an uneven sand line combining with a wide area of shallow water. Well, it looked to me just like they were walking on water. Then I looked out across the water at several sandbars forming small islands and decided to do some island hopping. This walk from island to island across the shallow water was quite enjoyable. The sun was warm but not too hot. In all directions, the scenery in any direction was great… sailboats passing, sand dunes, volley ball games in the distance, and people walking on water. What a perfect day! The low tide area had formed a “new beach” well over a hundred yards wide and who know how long it goes - certainly long enough for a great walk. But, you might ask, “Why is this worth writing about?”.

For those who like walking along the beach, this is as good as it gets. Those who walk along the beach spent most of their time at the edge of the water. The water is refreshing and sand is most comfortable there. It just feels good to be by the water. The air feels cooler and fresher. Imagine enjoying the entire beach as much as the water’s edge? Well, guess what? That’s the way this beach is. That’s why this is The Best Walk on Cape Cod and that’s why it’s worth writing about!

This is the second posting about this area. To view the first post, visit: Cape Cod’s Best Walk
]]> http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?feed=rss2&p=433 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=441 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=441#comments Tue, 03 Jul 2007 21:58:48 +0000 Hank General http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=441 Today’s lunchtime walk was different - different trail, different scenery, and a totally different location. I’ve never walked in this area before. This is because I’ve changed jobs and today I started walking at lunchtime near the new company. Today’s walk was exploratory – an attempt to determine the direction for future lunchtime walks. In other words I was just wandering around.

A job changes can be a stressful event. Mine was. I had worked for my last company for a bit over four years before I made a decision to change jobs. That’s not a long time to spend at a company, but it was in this case if you consider the travel, long hours and the working over weekends and holidays. I guess I felt like I was leaving a company that I felt connected to and as a result I had a lot of apprehension about giving my two week notice. But I did, and I was suddenly told that that would be my last day. I wasn’t the first to leave the company and go to where I’m at now – and they didn’t want any more! So basically, I received an unplanned paid two week vacation. Don’t get me wrong - I love vacations, but this one sure didn’t feel right.

But that’s behind me now. I’m now with a different set of faces, different technology, a new cube, and new “stuff” to do. As in any new job, I’ll soon have to justify my existence and assure them that hiring me was the right decision. I’ll also have to find a new walking area and if I’m lucky, a couple of walking buddies.

I found that walking is more common at the new company. So is running and biking. As a matter of fact they have a shower in two of the bathrooms and a third one in the company gym. Today’s walk was spent meandering and reading the names of the companies on the various entrances of nearby companies: Bose, EMC, American Superconductor, etc. I stayed on the same sidewalk and walked for a mile or so before cutting across a couple of the EMC parking lots. I was looking for a more interesting path. The parking lots are surrounded by woods and I found that a long drainage trench had been cut into the woods and was filled with rocks. On both sides of the trench, there are paths. On my next walk I’ll walk along those paths to see how far they go. Also, with such a large area of wooded land, I suspect that there are other paths. So I would say that the situation at the new company looks good for walking, after all, I still have quite a bit of stress to relive.

]]> http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?feed=rss2&p=441 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=446 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=446#comments Thu, 05 Jul 2007 18:38:21 +0000 Hank Walk for Health http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=446 Lunchtime walks are great stress relievers. They flush out the morning stress to make room for the afternoon stress. And I don’t think anyone disagress… there is plenty of stress in the workplace! Employees create their own stress when they can’t find an email message, take on too many projects, attempt to multi-task too much, and work too many hours. As for my personal experience, I would have to plead guilty to all of the above. So I go for walks. Then, the Employers cause just as much stress when they micro-manage, assign ambiguous projects, and change all the priorities. Some employers actually believe that causing stress is good for production! And, I’ve been a victim to this – and again, walking helps.

But wait a minute – I just found out that there is such a thing as Good Stress! Maybe you’ve already heard of it. I didn’t. It’s sort of like good cholesterol or good fats. I guess I have to be careful when I walk that I don’t reduce the wrong stress type.

For me it was like learning that coffee and chocolates are good for you. Just as I can now overindulge in those, I can now safely absorb all the stress I want… well, not really. The proper name for good stress is “eustress”. According to www.medhunters.com, you get good stress from things like being excited after being called for an interview, the thrill of getting a promotion, and the desire to perform well. Its also know as drive, zeal, or motivation. And, good stress is a desirable in the workplace.

Let’s put it another way. If you went into work early because you just couldn’t wait to get a status report done, could that be good stress in action? Or, maybe you get excited about staff meetings. More good stress? Maybe. Hmmm. I’ll guess I’ll have to go for a walk and think about it.

]]> http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?feed=rss2&p=446 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=450 http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=450#comments Sun, 15 Jul 2007 20:57:00 +0000 Hank General http://thebestwalk.com/walks/?p=450 The Following information is from: http://www.walkinginfo.org

How many people walk?

The 1995 Nationwide Personal Transportation Survey, which covers trips of all kinds, 5.4 percent of trips were by walking. This represents 56 million daily walk trips covering 20 billion miles for the year.

Why do people walk?



For what purpose do people walk?



Why don’t people walk?



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