The Best Walk

Captain Samuel Holden was the first to call this remote region home in 1820. He looked out over the quiet waters of Wood Pond at an unnamed mountain until the day he took his young daughter’s hand, looked into her eyes, and said, “That’s your mountain now. Sally Mountain is located in Jackman, Maine. A walk to the top and back is 4.8 miles and the climb is listed as a moderate challenge.

Last Saturday (8/11/2007), two of my sons (Mark and Brian) and I climbed to Mount Sally’s summit. One of the first challenges was getting accurate directions to the trail head. It’s shown on a local map and the couple at the lodge we stayed at gave us directions. But we drove up the entrance road without being able to relate it to the map or the description. But asking a local passing by solved the problem.

We drove to another entry road where we parked outside a gate. The “parking area” would hold three cars at best. Our car was the second to park there, but we didn’t see another person until we returned from the hike. We walked through the gate down a grown over dirt road and a field taking us to railroad tracks. We followed the tracks for about two miles. We crossed a bridge and then started looking for the trail on the right. My son Brian spotted the trail - a directional sign in the weeds confirmed it. We had arrived at the trail head.

Along the entry way to the trail there was a short wooden boardwalk to keep us out of the mud. This was evidence that the trail was maintained. From that point on it was purely a natural environment. In August everything is in full bloom making the trail itself very scenic, but it blocks the lower views. We would have to wait for the summit for that.

Due to the narrowness of the trail, we walked quickly through along the narrow trail in single file. The first stretch was easy and it took us a while to realize that we were slowly going uphill. I would say maybe a third of the hike was like that. Then it became very clear that we were climbing and walking over rocks. No big surprise, after all we were going up a mountain.

It was in the last section that we felt we should question the “moderate challenge” classification of Sally Mountain. Every step brought quickly brought us higher and higher. Two of the three of us could have been in better shape for this climb and I was one of the two. As a result we stopped to rest more frequently and drank more water, but we kept going.

We continued to climb and take breaks. The climb grew steeper and a bit later we were standing at the summit looking out at the great views. We spent some time walking around the mountain top taking pictures. The map showed that the trail continued down the other side and eventually up another mountain. Not knowing exactly where we would end up, we went down the same way we came up.

The Descent was easy and no rest stops were taken. Before long we were leaving the railroad tracks and heading towards the car. Except for a couple of exhaustion attacks, we thoroughly enjoyed the hike - the views, the exercise, the good company.

It was about 11am when we left this area. From there we drove to Moxie Falls for the next walk and the subject of the next post.

Captain Samuel Holden was the first to call this remote region home in 1820. He looked out over the quiet waters of Wood Pond at an unnamed mountain until the day he took his young daughter’s hand, looked into her eyes, and said, “That’s your mountain now. Sally Mountain is located in Jackman, Maine. A walk to the top and back is 4.8 miles and the climb is listed as a moderate challenge.

Last Saturday (8/11/2007), two of my sons (Mark and Brian) and I climbed to Mount Sally’s summit. One of the first challenges was getting accurate directions to the trail head. It’s shown on a local map and the couple at the lodge we stayed at gave us directions. But we drove up the entrance road without being able to relate it to the map or the description. But asking a local passing by solved the problem.

We drove to another entry road where we parked outside a gate. The “parking area” would hold three cars at best. Our car was the second to park there, but we didn’t see another person until we returned from the hike. We walked through the gate down a grown over dirt road and a field taking us to railroad tracks. We followed the tracks for about two miles. We crossed a bridge and then started looking for the trail on the right. My son Brian spotted the trail - a directional sign in the weeds confirmed it. We had arrived at the trail head.

Along the entry way to the trail there was a short wooden boardwalk to keep us out of the mud. This was evidence that the trail was maintained. From that point on it was purely a natural environment. In August everything is in full bloom making the trail itself very scenic, but it blocks the lower views. We would have to wait for the summit for that.

Due to the narrowness of the trail, we walked quickly through along the narrow trail in single file. The first stretch was easy and it took us a while to realize that we were slowly going uphill. I would say maybe a third of the hike was like that. Then it became very clear that we were climbing and walking over rocks. No big surprise, after all we were going up a mountain.

It was in the last section that we felt we should question the “moderate challenge” classification of Sally Mountain. Every step brought quickly brought us higher and higher. Two of the three of us could have been in better shape for this climb and I was one of the two. As a result we stopped to rest more frequently and drank more water, but we kept going.

We continued to climb and take breaks. The climb grew steeper and a bit later we were standing at the summit looking out at the great views. We spent some time walking around the mountain top taking pictures. The map showed that the trail continued down the other side and eventually up another mountain. Not knowing exactly where we would end up, we went down the same way we came up.

The Descent was easy and no rest stops were taken. Before long we were leaving the railroad tracks and heading towards the car. Except for a couple of exhaustion attacks, we thoroughly enjoyed the hike - the views, the exercise, the good company.

It was about 11am when we left this area. From there we drove to Moxie Falls for the next walk and the subject of the next post.

Filed under: Maine on August 15th, 2007 | No Comments »

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!

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!

Filed under: General on June 6th, 2007 | No Comments »

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.

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.

Filed under: Central MA on May 14th, 2007 | 1 Comment »

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!

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!

Filed under: Canada on April 24th, 2007 | No Comments »

The Hudson and Marlboro sections of the Assabet River Tail Trail have recent opened offering an excellent set of paved trails for walkers. The Assabet River Tail Trail is being built along the former Marlborough Branch Railroad line, which ran from 1850 until 1980. It connected the communities of Marlborough, Hudson, Stow, Maynard and Action, where it met the former Boston-Fitchburg Railroad(now operating as the B&M/MBTA Line). The Marlborough and Hudson trails are almost complete. When complete, the trail will extend to Action.

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.

The Hudson and Marlboro sections of the Assabet River Tail Trail have recent opened offering an excellent set of paved trails for walkers. The Assabet River Tail Trail is being built along the former Marlborough Branch Railroad line, which ran from 1850 until 1980. It connected the communities of Marlborough, Hudson, Stow, Maynard and Action, where it met the former Boston-Fitchburg Railroad(now operating as the B&M/MBTA Line). The Marlborough and Hudson trails are almost complete. When complete, the trail will extend to Action.

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.

Filed under: Central MA on April 17th, 2007 | No Comments »

Due to business travel, I often find myself in Rapid City, South Dakota. During each stay work pressure competes for all of my time making walking a challenge. This is a shame because this state is nothing less than a paradise for walkers who enjoy great natural scenery. And I have taken some great walks here. However, most of my walks are at a Canyon Lake Park out of convenience. It’s a good park with walk ways and plenty of parking. The scenery is pretty good too, but it’s a distant second place to the beauty of the Bad Lands and the Black Hills. So when I leave work with an hour or two of spare time, Canyon Lake Park works just fine.

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.

Due to business travel, I often find myself in Rapid City, South Dakota. During each stay work pressure competes for all of my time making walking a challenge. This is a shame because this state is nothing less than a paradise for walkers who enjoy great natural scenery. And I have taken some great walks here. However, most of my walks are at a Canyon Lake Park out of convenience. It’s a good park with walk ways and plenty of parking. The scenery is pretty good too, but it’s a distant second place to the beauty of the Bad Lands and the Black Hills. So when I leave work with an hour or two of spare time, Canyon Lake Park works just fine.

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.

Filed under: South Dakota on March 29th, 2007 | No Comments »

It was a cruise that brought us to Alaska. As we planned the trip we talked about whale watching, seeing glaciers and the fun offered by a cruise ship. We didn’t talk about walking. Yet when I look through the photos from that trip and reflect back on that vacation, the best memories are from the walks we took. As the cruise line moved from port to port it served the important role of delivering us to new walking areas. Well, almost. We often had to take a second form of transportation such as a bus, smaller boat, canoe, or even a helicopter. But most destinations eventually involved taking a walk. And, the walks in Alaska have a lot to offer. The picture to the left was taken in Skagway shortly after arrival. The main street area is small and the mountains are in constant view. While walking in this area it doesn’t take long to realize that nearly every other person walking arrived by cruise ship. It’s also clear that you are very close to some great natural scenery.

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!

It was a cruise that brought us to Alaska. As we planned the trip we talked about whale watching, seeing glaciers and the fun offered by a cruise ship. We didn’t talk about walking. Yet when I look through the photos from that trip and reflect back on that vacation, the best memories are from the walks we took. As the cruise line moved from port to port it served the important role of delivering us to new walking areas. Well, almost. We often had to take a second form of transportation such as a bus, smaller boat, canoe, or even a helicopter. But most destinations eventually involved taking a walk. And, the walks in Alaska have a lot to offer. The picture to the left was taken in Skagway shortly after arrival. The main street area is small and the mountains are in constant view. While walking in this area it doesn’t take long to realize that nearly every other person walking arrived by cruise ship. It’s also clear that you are very close to some great natural scenery.

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!

Filed under: Alaska on March 4th, 2007 | No Comments »

Cape Cod is one of the most popular places to walk in Massachusetts. As a matter of fact you can’t go anywhere without seeing people walking. They go for the beach but walking gets equal time. They walk early in the morning, late at night, and all through the day. They walk in all seasons - in all weather. You will see casual and serious walkers of all ages. The walking seems to occur everywhere, but primarily at the beaches, parks, walking trails, and through the neighborhoods. OK, you r probably thinking, that’s about everywhere. But we have to ask, where is The Best Walk!

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!

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!

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!

Cape Cod is one of the most popular places to walk in Massachusetts. As a matter of fact you can’t go anywhere without seeing people walking. They go for the beach but walking gets equal time. They walk early in the morning, late at night, and all through the day. They walk in all seasons - in all weather. You will see casual and serious walkers of all ages. The walking seems to occur everywhere, but primarily at the beaches, parks, walking trails, and through the neighborhoods. OK, you r probably thinking, that’s about everywhere. But we have to ask, where is The Best Walk!

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!

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!

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!

Filed under: Cape Cod on March 4th, 2007 | No Comments »

Want to enjoy travel more and keep fit? Walk.

	Relying heavily on input from my walking partner, my wife, I recommend this book. The author writes about how, through walking, three woman strengthen their friendship and become good listeners. Each has their own story. They also had a great idea. Through rewards for every mile walked , they financed their vacation. if you are a women and enjoy walking, this book is for you.
	We’ve made a few trips to visit our daughter Julie and her husband Kevin in Philadelphia - and taken a few walks there. You can walk along the Schuylkill River, through the woods in Fairmont Park, or visit historical sites. Click here for more about Philadelphia. Pictured to the left is Julie and my wife Karen.
	Once every year or two we make a trip to Florida. On our last trip spent a couple of days at St. Petersburg Beach. One morning my wife and I woke up before dawn and couldn’t get back to sleep - so we went for a walk. This picture was taken at sunrise. To find out more about that walk,l click here.
	One of my favorite get aways is Maine. My sons and I go there for winter and summer activities - which includes walking and hiking. This picture was taken at Moxie Falls. If you like a variety of outdoor activities, you’ll love Maine! And, check out the White Water Rafting photos. It’s all right here.
	One of the best walks could be in San Antonio. It’s true. Why? It’s the River Walk! You’ll find great scenery, plenty of activity, and see lots of people out enjoying themselves. It’s just fun - and different! To find out more, click here
	Do you like walking around in a small town? Try walking around in a small town in Italy. If you think it’s about the same as anywhere you better go here. Find out what it’s like to walk in Calcinelli!
	Visiting Cape Cod? Want to find out where the best walk is? You might be surprised at where Cape Cod’s Best Walk is.
	What’s it like walking around Israel? Due to a business trip, a new walking experience took place. To find out about it, click here.
And there’s more! Just following the Post Category Links.

Want to enjoy travel more and keep fit? Walk.

	Relying heavily on input from my walking partner, my wife, I recommend this book. The author writes about how, through walking, three woman strengthen their friendship and become good listeners. Each has their own story. They also had a great idea. Through rewards for every mile walked , they financed their vacation. if you are a women and enjoy walking, this book is for you.
	We’ve made a few trips to visit our daughter Julie and her husband Kevin in Philadelphia - and taken a few walks there. You can walk along the Schuylkill River, through the woods in Fairmont Park, or visit historical sites. Click here for more about Philadelphia. Pictured to the left is Julie and my wife Karen.
	Once every year or two we make a trip to Florida. On our last trip spent a couple of days at St. Petersburg Beach. One morning my wife and I woke up before dawn and couldn’t get back to sleep - so we went for a walk. This picture was taken at sunrise. To find out more about that walk,l click here.
	One of my favorite get aways is Maine. My sons and I go there for winter and summer activities - which includes walking and hiking. This picture was taken at Moxie Falls. If you like a variety of outdoor activities, you’ll love Maine! And, check out the White Water Rafting photos. It’s all right here.
	One of the best walks could be in San Antonio. It’s true. Why? It’s the River Walk! You’ll find great scenery, plenty of activity, and see lots of people out enjoying themselves. It’s just fun - and different! To find out more, click here
	Do you like walking around in a small town? Try walking around in a small town in Italy. If you think it’s about the same as anywhere you better go here. Find out what it’s like to walk in Calcinelli!
	Visiting Cape Cod? Want to find out where the best walk is? You might be surprised at where Cape Cod’s Best Walk is.
	What’s it like walking around Israel? Due to a business trip, a new walking experience took place. To find out about it, click here.
And there’s more! Just following the Post Category Links.

Filed under: Uncategorized on March 1st, 2007 | Comments Off