insulted on the trail

It was not as hot today—77 on Lydia's phone. But it sure was humid.

Bonnie didn't walk today, she went to the Kutztown Folk Festival instead. Lots of walking, of a different variety. Lydia went this afternoon with her "family". Hopefully the rain holds off for both of them. Looks like it's not supposed to hit here until about four. But it's awful dark out.

I picked up Lydia in Northampton, and Dawn in Walnutport, and we headed for the Slatington/Walnutport Trailhead.  We hiked from Walnutport toward Laurey's Station on the D&L. Slowly but surely I'm getting that challenge done.

Maybe other people are too. It was pretty busy, especially bikers, today.

This section of the trail must follow an old railroad bed. There were deteriorated tracks in the weeds. I love how nature is in charge. The tree above is growing around the rail.There was also a triple stone column that might have been a railroad bridge over the river. That's where Lydia took the picture. I forgot my camera. (She uses funky filters on her phone pixs. Please be assured that I do not have a weird skin disease.)

We stopped for many pictures. One I would have liked to have taken was someone's home. It looked like a junk yard. They even had coqs. They needed a really big fence to hide the ugliness.

My favorite stop was to shoot the skeleton riding the bicycle. On the front of the tree branch it said "dead end".

Oh, the insult. Almost forgot. I hadn't planned to include it but Lydia pretty much dared me. We were getting near the end of the hike, and we were all very sweaty. I had poured what was left of my water onto me. Things were getting silly. I don't remember how it started but Lyd said when you get really sweaty you "smell like aunt Sharon." She might as well have taken a knife and stabbed me. My sister Sharon stinks. All the time. She still stinks when she gets out of the shower. Her clean clothes stink. When she gets sweaty it is really bad. But we are all kind-of used to it.

I mentioned the exchange to her twin sister. She thought it was hysterical. Sharon comes walking in the house and do you know what she did? She says "Lydia says Gayle stinks worse than you do." OMG. I was aghast. I nearly disappeared into the floor. Tact is not her strong suite.

Tomorrow I start the around the world challenge.  If it's not raining Bonnie and I will be out at 6:30 walking. We have a funeral at 10. I'm thinking we should explore that trail under the bridge again. See if we can find where it goes. Maybe we should call Stephanie and see if she wants to come.

three walks and the day has just started.

Busy morning.

At 6:30 I was on Bonnie's doorstep to walk in South Allentown. I had seen a stray trail in Trout Creek Park and wanted to see where it went. She was game.

Trout Creek Park is under the Susquehanna Street Bridge and goes to about 8th Street. The main trail there is in rough shape. There is a comfort station, but it's locked. There is a great playground there, and plenty of places to fish. The park is used heavily. I guess you bring a pee jar.

We were the only ones in the lot. It was 6:45 am after all. We headed toward and under the bridge until we came to fallen trees. We couldn't really go much further. So we turned around and headed to 8th street, down to Dixon, and back toward South 4th Street. When we arrived at the "humane" society, we headed into the little development. We're walking toward the back of the shopping center when we met a woman out walking. We said hi. She walked past and stopped. "Are you walking to Price Rite?" "Yes." She told us about how she walks in the development, and has gotten creeped out a couple times by Price Rite. We told her to walk with us. Her name is Stephanie and she drives school bus, so she's off for the summer. She's about to turn 50 and wants to lose the weight. Sound like anyone we know?

When we arrived at the shopping center I asked how far she was going and she said she usually goes to McDonalds, then heads back. The same direction we were headed. So then I asked if she wanted to walk with us—we were headed to the bridge and under it to pick up the car. We'd drive her home. She hesitated — she didn't think she could go that far—but said yes.

While crossing the bridge we found another trail on the other side of the creek. When we returned to the creek, we investigated and found the trail head. I wonder if that new trail replaces the one with the fallen trees and over growth?

It was fun having a new person to walk and talk with. We gave her some hints and website. We exchanged contact information. If we're ever in Allentown we'll let her know. She walked a total of a mile with us.

After dropping Bonnie and Stephanie off, I headed home. Lydia had already arrived. After getting Adonis settled in we headed to the Tail on the Trail (link is for FB pg.) event at Canal Park on the D&L. We were coming down the hill from Hanover Avenue and encountered a train. It was long. Probably took 10 minutes to go thru.

We registered and they had sunscreen in a glue stick form. Very cool. Much easier to apply to the face. The also had apples, oranges, and a trail-mix making station. Since the event was sponsored by St. Luke's, the trail mix making supplies had no nuts available. They did a pretzel, multi-grain Cherrio, banana chip, dried cranberries and raisin mix.

It was a group walk. The Facebook page says about 100 participants. I would say mostly walkers, a handful of bikers, and a couple runners, including the president of St. Luke's Allentown. If you walked to Bethlehem and back it's 8 miles. They were monitoring two miles out and back. Four miles was plenty for me. It's a nice shady trail. That's good to know for when we do the Bethlehem to Allentown and back walk in a week or two.

On the walk, the canal was muddy. A couple people were fishing. You couldn't see fish, you fished on blind faith. We encountered turtles twice. The one in the image above is a mom and child. You might have to click the pix to see her. She's above mom on the tree trunk.

THE BATHROOM WAS OPEN. First time in the 6 years I've been going to the park that it was open. I was so astonished I had to take a picture.

It said on a sign that was tacked up, that the pavilion was rented for today. It was beyond disgusting. Everything —tables, seats, floor—was covered with goose poop. If they are going to rent things like that out it should be cleaned first. Really? Lets talk food safety. I would have left.

We returned home we headed out for my third walk. This time with the furry man himself, Adonis.  He was a hot and tired puppy when we came back. Lydia mowed the lawn and I made lunch.

Tomorrow we are going to Slatington and doing the D&L toward Palmerton. I'm picking Lydia up at 7 am. Looks like another early morning.

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News Flash!
Lydia was logging her Tail on the Trail miles last night and discovered "other" as a location. There is a drop down menu with all the trail heads listed. The last one is "other". It looks like as long as you do 165 miles and tell them the location, you're good. The woman making the announcements today eluded to it also. Logging is on the honor system.

Though I'd like to do all 165 miles on the D&L, realistically I can't commit 10+ miles to it every week. "Other" takes away some of the burden.  I am planning on going back thru the blog, and write down total miles for any trails we walked on.

I might make the 165 miles after all.

new art walk?

My brother sent me this link from the paper the other day. There's a possibility of an art walk surrounding the Greenway. Looks like it will be concentrating on the cross streets.

I hope it actually has art. The one in Easton is supposed to be an art trail, but doesn't have art—yet.

Exciting developments. Now if they could spruce up third and fourth streets.

Also in the paper I saw that they want to give licenses to food carts along the Greenway. Overall, I don't like that idea, much. Third and Fourth streets have tons of great (and not so great) eating places, a few with entrances on the Greenway.  Really, one should be able to walk two or three miles without snacking.

Now it's different at the skatepark. By the time you reach that section it's residential. Having a snack truck there might be a good idea.

walking clinic

Last night was the walking clinic sponsored by the cities rec department. It was held at the Rose Garden and run by Michele Staten, from the Walk You Butt Off program. There was only six people in the group.

Lydia came for supper, and we left early. The dog wanted to go for a walk. There wasn't enough time. So we skipped out on him. We got to the park early and looked at the roses, then headed over for the clinic. It was similar to the four hour one we did last fall. Just much shorter.

It started out with paperwork. Everything today starts with a wavier. Then we took a moderately paced walk around the park. That was the warm up.

Followed by stretches and drills. That's Lydia doing the ladder. We also walked on our heels (hard) and toes (easy).

Then the man event. Intervals. Last night we did a pyramid. Gradually building up speed and endurance and then bringing it down.

We ended with more stretches and a cool down. You can see how sweaty we were looking at the final pix. Lyds head was dripping wet.

It was so much fun, we're going next week.

walking in the heat wave.

It's summer. There's another heat wave. What a surprise.

This time of year I like to walk early in the morning. The earlier the better. I'm up at 5ish. However, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday I have a 7-3 job. Not conducive for walking. Especially when I have to drive a half hour. So I walk at lunch time or after work.

Monday night Lydia called. Her power was out, and would be out till the next day. "Can we sleep there?" she said. She and Adonis arrived an hour later. I have an ancient energy sucking air conditioner in the living room. I rarely use it. I really want air when I sleep. But the dog had on a fur coat, he needed air, I cranked that baby up.

When I got home from work yesterday he was ready for a walk. It was 3:45 the hottest part of the day. We only went to the cemetery and back.  Maybe a 1/4 mile. I felt like I walked three.

After dinner, Lydia and I went down to the Greenway to walk. There is precious little shade on the Greenway at 6 PM. Since I was last there they did add a little playground for children. Lydia tested the equipment. (See above.)

When we arrived back home, Adonis was ready for another walk. We had planned for the cemetery again, but it was doggie rush hour. A doesn't do well with other dogs. It was pretty shady by this time, and a little cooler, lucky dog got an almost full walk.

Total mileage, 3 miles.

Tonight I'm going to a walking clinic sponsored by the Recreation Department.  I think Lydia is coming. She was on the fence about it last night. Bonnie will decide if she's coming along after she sees how hot it is. It's gonna be hot.

lost and found trails and ticks

I had a brilliant idea last night. Let's walk this morning from Allentown's Canal Park to Hanover Township. Turned out to be not my best idea, but it was an adventure.

I've walked the section from Allentown to Bethlehem numerous times, but never the other direction. Thank goodness Bonnie has a sense of humor.

We headed out at about 7 am. To beat the heat, humidity, and Hanover Avenue traffic. We headed over the Hanover Avenue bridge and down the ramp to the Canal Park. Half way down the ramp we saw a trail head sign. I said "Oh look, you can get on the trail here, too. It must join the regular trail." But why would you? There is no place to park.

We parked in the lot at the park, and went down to the trail head. The way to Bethlehem was obvious. The way to Hanover Township not so much. So we followed what looked like a trail in the right direction. It got narrower and narrower, and downright skinny. (See photo above.) We searched for the exit. When we found it, we moved out to the road and walked along the canal. There was an opening in the woods. It was not an entrance. So we doubled back and headed up the ramp. There was a "sidewalk".

When we finally reached the trail it was beautifully paved and straight uphill. It was away from the canal, and a mule would have never made it pulling a boat. Then it leads to a steep downhill. We arrived at Bradford Street and nothing.

We decided to go back to the car, this time walking in the street and not on the crazy disappearing path.

Bonnie wanted to test my theory about Allentown park bathrooms, and they were indeed locked.

We got in the car and headed to Hanover Township. We decided to go from that end and see what we did wrong. The Hanover Township Canal park is beautiful. Much more developed since I was there the last time. The trail there was grass. Ultimately it lead us to Bradford Street. Clearly, you are supposed to walk on Bradford. Mostly without sidewalks. At rush hour on a Monday. No thank you.


As we got in the car, Bonnie saw a tick on her leg. We then did a tick check. I had Pat do another when I got home. I am so used to walking in the city and bike paths, that I've totally forgot about ticks. Bad Girl Scout. There is now Deep Woods Off in my bag keeping the sunscreen company. Now I have to wear two gross products. I'll be glad when the Tail on the Trail challenge is over. We won't be walking as much in the woods.

Today was an adventure to be sure. More of one than I expected. Last night I checked the trail map. Clearly, I read the wrong thing. I thought it said it was underdeveloped. It actually says "Planned future linkage and trail development". Ooops. Actually, it wouldn't take much. Mow the area we were walking, wider, on a regular basis.  Add some signs, make a walking lane on Bradford street, add even more signs. Signs are a really good thing.

The next section goes from the park to Northampton. I know the Northampton end is barely passable. I've walked a few feet on it with Lydia. Next Monday we will try the Hanover Township Catty end and see how far we can go before it gets nasty. The trail map says "Unimproved, open, travel at your own risk".

Wednesday night I'm going to a walking clinic. No Zumba for two weeks.

passport finished!

Today Bonnie, Dawn, Lyd and I went to Hugh Moore Park in Easton. It was a two-fer walk. It qualified for both the Passport to Fitness and the Tail on the Trail Challenges.

We met at my place and headed to Easton using the back roads. Of course I made a wrong turn and ended up on the wrong road. I could get us to the right one, but the bridge was out. Very frustrating. We could see the park but not enter it! I almost had to have Bonnie press Starr's button for directions. But alas, I was able to get us to the park.

We parked, and I said, the bathrooms are this way. I know that's always our first stop. I did not remember them being a half mile away!

We entered the trail at the canal boat ride. They didn't start running until 1 pm, so there was no using the BOGO tickets today. We'll have to use them another weekend, since the rides are only Wednesday thru Sunday. Guess they can't over work the mules!

This section of the trail was grass and loaded with goose poop. By there were no geese in sight. After we had switched to the macadam path, we found the geese. There was, well, pooploads of them!

We walked for about a half hour before we found the post. It takes a while with four people doing rubbings.

The trail turned to gravel for awhile, and we finally reached the lock.  Dawn and Lydia were always behind us, but usually we could hear them talking so they were not far. When we didn't hear them, we turned around to make sure they were there. However, there was never a need to double back to get them.

After crossing the lock, we headed into the woods and took the upper path. I thought they both went the same place. The upper path is an old railroad track and it goes to the hump yard. The hump yard has a big "no trespassing" sign (Norfolk and Southern), so we doubled back.  We were going to take a cut off path, but that just led us to a bird watcher in a tent!

We returned to the trail. At the start, it was decided that we'd walk an hour one direction and then come back. The hour came about a mile away from the Forks of the Delaware. I gave the others a choice and we decided to continue on and reach that milestone. We were so close.

Then we turned around and headed back. The D&L in Easton is bright and sunny. We took some cut off paths into more wooded areas. It was hot and humid today. A little shade goes a long way. We arrived back at the car at exactly 10:30. Seven and a quarter miles. After a stop at the Wawa for the bathroom and gas (no hiking back to the park bathroom!) we arrive home by 11. Adonis was waiting for his walk!

Another half mile with Adonis. Then Bonnie, the roomie and I headed to the Saucon Valley Farmers Market. More walking. Bonnie dropped us off and then we headed for Illicks Mill to have our finished Passports verified. My pedometer says I walked 8.5 miles today. I feel it!

Lydia and Dawn both achieved personal bests for distance today. (:

Tomorrow Bonnie and I are going out at 7 am to do the Allentown to Hanover section of the D&L. It's about three miles one way.  This challenge is 165 miles over 5 months. Right now I'm at a total of 18 miles with 18 only weeks left. Two of those weekends I'll be out of town for other walking events (the Biggest Loser Half Marathon in Erie, and the Freedom Walking Festival in D.C.). So let's drop that to 16 weeks. That means I'm going to have to average nine miles a week on the D&L. That's gonna be tough! Because if I break the 100 mark, I'll have to finish. I know what I'll be doing Monday morning for the rest of the summer.

Wednesday, since I don't have Zumba, I'm going to a walking clinic at the Rose Garden. Lydia is coming for dinner and coming along. I think Bonnie might be coming too. Bonnie and I know what to expect. Lydia, I'm not so sure.

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Trail Update

The Palmer Bike Trail that goes from Easton High School to Riverside Park off 25th street was always a bit of a pain. If you wanted to go to Hugh Moore Park, you had to walk on a road with no shoulder. It was dangerous.

I'm happy to report that the connecting trail is done! All you need to do is cross the street and keep walking till you get to HMP. That's very exciting if you're walking the whole D&L, or training for an ultra walk or marathon.

laughing at my nightmare 5k

This 5K was a little different. It was advertised as a run, walk or roll. I was a little disappointed that only the organizer was rolling! (Though there was a guy with one leg. He was running.) I had visions of a fleet of wheelchairs. Oh well. But there were bunches of walkers

It was a well organized race. I think it was the first race I've ever done that started with a prayer for our safety and success. It started and ended at East Hills Moravian Church, and went up Shakespere Road, looped around the education park, and came back. The course had up and down hills in both directions and a fair amount of shade. Except at the schools! All proceeds went to the Laughing At My Nightmare Foundation.

We ran into Michelle from Walk Your Butt Off. She's having walking clinics the next two Wednesdays in the Rose Garden. Since I don't have Zumba I might go.

Bonnie finished in about 50:30, me at 50:48 and Lydia at about 54:50. Michelle, finished in less than 35 with the slow runners. I can only dream about going that fast.

Yesterday I didn't walk at all. I went to see Suessical, The Dr. Seuss Musical. Then went to the Turkish resturant where Bug had Turkish bubble gum flavored soda. Unilke something you'd find in AMerica, it was clear and didn't taste like the whole pack of Bazooka. The flavor was very subtle. She was happy mom said yes to soda. When I returned home I spent over two hours washing windows.

Tomorrow we're headed to Hugh Moore Park in Easton. Hopefully we'll find out last Passport marker while we're there, plus get six miles on the Tail on the Trail challenge. Lyd is in the 20s and Dawn is in the 50s. We've got some catching up to do!

must. stop. eating. frozen. treats.

It has been beautiful the past two or three days in the Lehigh Valley. Perfect weather for walking. No excuses allowed.

Today at lunch my colleague and I walked down to center square, and back. I wish I would have taken my camera. The new Crayola Experience exterior is visually terrific. (I borrowed this pix Lydia took a couple weeks ago from her FB page!). Actually that whole block is starting to come back to life. I love when a city revitalizes.

The alley side of the building is a huge Crayola mural. Next time we walk down I'll take the camera.

While I was walking I planned an Easton walk for the Volkssporters. I bet it's a 10K, or darn close. We'll see.

We headed down Bank Street to go to the Purple Cow Creamery. Bank Street Creamery. Same place. New name. Long story. They weren't open yet. Whoo Hoo. Calories saved! we turned the corner and discovered Frozenlandia. It looked like a chain, but it's locally owned and operated. Just one store. Could have fooled me. Frozen yogurt has to be slightly more healthy than ice cream. Less fat at least. They have these huge cups and they sell by the ounce. It's self serve. 49 cents an ounce. You could easily have a $10 cup if you are not careful. Especially when adding toppings. Mine was a hair over 4 ounce. I mixed pomegranate raspberry with wild, wild berry. It tasted like pomegranate and strawberry. Quite lovely. but I must stop eating frozen treats. It's becoming a habit. All walks lead to a frozen treat.

After dessert—I still hadn't eaten lunch—we had to walk back up College Hill. Hopefully that burned two or three of the calories I just ate.

Tuesday and Wednesday we also walked around College Hill. Last night I went to Zumba. The people are always the same. I really only know one persons name beside the instructor. Last night a woman came up to me with a pretty accent. She also walks, and apparently often follows me, but can't catch up. She asked where "I lived" and I said "Bishopthorpe". "So do I" she replied.  "One way or two way side"? "One way" and she gave me the number. We live about a half block from each other. We'll be walking home together from now on. But not the next two weeks. No Zumba. Gladys is on vacation.

No walk with Betsy and Bonnie tomorrow. I've borrowed a child and am going to Muhlenberg Summer Theatre's Suessical. Can't wait.

forging creeks, covered bridges, searching for sign posts

It's Monday and Bonnie's still off for her hand, so we walked together. Since we have eight of the ten Passport walks done, we decided to find the one at the Game Preserve. Toughest one ever.

Since it was the covered bridge  trail, we turned off 309 at the sign for the covered bridge tour. We quickly arrived at a bridge. The wrong bridge!  It was Rex's bridge and we could drive across. So cool.

We continued on the road because Bonnie saw another covered bridge tour sign. Low and behold in a few minutes we saw the Trexler Nature Preserve signs (Game Preserve is politically incorrect.).  In a minute or two we arrived at the correct bridge —Geiger's bridge. We could drive over that one too. Be still my heart.

Parking was easy. And the trail head was easy to find. Everything is very well marked there. We started on the trail, on the opposite side of the bridge from the parking area.  I was told that the Passport marker was on an established sign. That turned out to be incorrect information.

The trail isn't that long. Maybe a mile and a half.

We entered the trail and walked until we reached the pedestrian bridge.  It's right past where you walk/drive over the forge. We searched all over for the sign. Lots marking tree. None making the Passport. It was nowhere. We even asked the guy cleaning up. He had no idea. But he was relocating some toads and they were cute. Didn't want them hit by his weed wacker. I should have gotten out my camera.

We went back over the bridge and checked again. This time I pulled off my Birks and walked over the forge. Current was fast. Water was high at parts. But it was so fun. Bonnie walked around. Her mother and husband would have killed her if she went in the water.

After completing the trail we still couldn't find the marker. We drove, then hiked, up to the Nature Center. They had a roof top vista, as well as a green roof and solar panels. On a clear day like today you could see forever. Not a soul, however, could be found to ask about the Passport marker. Having no choice, we returned to the bridge, and re-did the trail, walking slowly and carefully looking for the marker.

Finally we found it.

Coming from the opposite direction, the pedestrian bridge, it would have been obvious. But not coming from the bridge. For those looking, it where the double yellow trail breaks off of the covered bridge trail.

We decided to follow the covered bridge tour signs to go back the way we came in. Only we didn't. We didn't know there was a third bridge. Schlicher's bridge in bad shape. Tree's are down, siding is coming off. I think she's going to need more than a little TLC to be restored to her former glory.

Today I reached 750 miles on my FIt Bit Tracker. The email said I have walked the length of California. That's kind of cool.

"there is a trout in the sink"

Today we did the Monocacy Nature Trail for the Passport To Fitness challenge. It's a small wooded section of the Monocacy Trail. The MT runs along the creek from Illick's Mill, thru Burnside Plantation, to Sand Island.

Lydia bagged out this morning. She thought she, the boyfriend, and his kids might be going to the Philly Zoo today for Father's Day. With rain looming in the forecast, they didn't go. Instead I got this email "Zoo is out today. ... Talked to Dawn late last night. We are going walking in about 15 minutes. Will likely cross paths with you at Moncacy."

We never crossed paths, but did telephone each other. We knew they were still there when we started because her car was in the lot. There were also a ton of runners. A 5K was going on. Oddly, they had no one stopping traffic on Illicks Mill Road. I'd be so angry.

Lydia and Dawn, and Bonnie and I, were looking for the Passport to Fitness marker. When we arrived near Burnside, I told Bonnie to call them. Nope haven't found it either. They were trying the other side of the loop. I was hoping it wasn't on the loop because it was muddier than the Dirty Girl. We turned around and came back.

We were close to the railroad tracks again, and I said to Bonnie, we should start checking benches and things because there were no posts. And then I saw a little flash of light in the flickering on the leaves. THE POST. It was surrounded by skunk cabbage.

Bonnie on the trail. She's facing north. For these directions walkers would be headed south towards Burnside. Trash on the left, marker on the right. Below, do you see the person in white? That's about where the marker is.

If you're hiking/searching: from the Monocacy Park parking lot, do half the loop, turn right, cross the railroad tracks. Follow trail for about 5 minutes. It brings you back next to the tracks for a couple minutes. When it heads into the woods again, start watching. It's 25, maybe 50 feet on the right.

Instead of going thru the mud again, we walked down the railroad tracks, back to the lot, across the street and started searching for the comfort station. The creek was wall to wall fisherpeople. One of the fisherladies left their trout in the bathroom sink. YUCK.

We went back up the other side. Marveled at the work of the WPA and how well it's held up, headed to the car and went home.

Later, Pat and I went back with our books to the environmental center.  We we're supposed to check in at six walks. We've done eight.  By checking in we both received a $2 coupon for Wegman's, and another of our choice. Most were coupons to the gift shops at each of the environmental centers. PPL provided a bag of goodies which tempted me, but I don't need more stuff. I ended up taking the BOGO canal boat ride tickets at hugh Moore Park. We still need to do that park, and a nice ride on the canal will be lovely after the hike.

While I was there, I mentioned the skunk cabbage issue. They are going to send a volunteer out to cut it down.

Shortly, Sharon and I will be headed to Ahart's. But will that take me to 15,000 steps today? I think I'll come up short.

tail on the trail challenge

Today we headed for the D&L canal path. You'll see that a lot this summer. We have 165 miles to do to meet the challenge!

The plan was to start in Bethlehem, head to Freemansburg, and come back. That was not meant to be. There was a 5K race on Sand Island!

So we drove to Freemansburg and did the 3-mile section between Freemansburg and Sand Island. When we arrived, they were mowing the canal! Clearly, water is not allowed in that section. The rest of the canal was ready to overflow.

Each milestone on this section of trail, is about a mile apart. Makes for an easy gauge of where you are. It's about a mile between the New Street and Minsi Trail Bridges. Then another mile to the Freemansburg bridge. The trailhead is on the other side of town and Freemansburg is exactly one mile long.

When we finally arrived back in Bethlehem the 5K was over.

All the sections I've walked on the D&L are pretty wide, and well groomed. But the section between the Freemansburg and Minsi bridges has always been narrow. You have to walk single file. Rumor has it that they will finally finish this section next year. I hope so. And they removed the port-o-potty in Freemansburg. That stunk.

We broke from the canal path to use the bathroom on Sand Island. I was going to walk the actual trail to find the Passport to Fitness marker while the others took the direct route to the comfort station. Not necessary. After we crossed the bridge onto the island, the post was right there. We did our rubbings on the way back.That leaves Trexler, Monocacy and Hugh Moore left on that challenge.

That seven miles we did today is the start of our serious training for the half marathon. Bonnie and I can do it, we did it in Atlantic City. But Lydia doesn't have the endurance yet. She's getting better. I think we finally broke the four mile wall.

We'll gradually make the walks longer. That's why the D&L is perfect. It's flat, even, for the most part, and has bathrooms. Except in Allentown. (Always locked!) When we do the four miles from Allentown to Bethlehem, we'll start in Allentown. Bethlehem's bathrooms are open. Won't make that mistake again.

Hugh Moore might be good for next week. Another two-fer. The Passport markers and another three mile section of the canal towpath, to the Forks of the Delaware and Lehigh. Another six mile walk.

Lydia is very influenced by advertising. For weeks she has been talking about a Hot Chocolate Coolata. I looked up the calories and said not worth it. Today, she said, I walked seven miles, I earned the Coolata. So I went to the DD drive-thru and got one—with three straws.  It tastes like really cold chocolate milk. Certainly not worth the calories.

We came back over the Minsi and headed down Third. We came across the Art District Farmers Market. They were closing up, but farmers will stop packing for breathing customers. I had no money with me, so know I owe Bonnie. She knows where I live.

Tomorrow I think we're doing Monocacy. Lydia may have a Father's Day date at the Philly Zoo.

secret trap door

At 9:30 I picked up Bonnie for therapy, and while she exercised, I went to Betsy's to go walking. The two places are less than 10 minutes apart. When Bonnie finished therapy, we had planned to walk at Trexler Park, but the phone rang and changed everything. The roofer was on his way. We went straight to my place.

Thankfully, eight to ten shingles were not missing from my roof. Instead, I had a secret trap door. Exciting, huh? The roofer said they used to put them in for easy access to the roof. I saw the trap door in the attic. I thought it went to a crawl space. I like bats, but I don't want to have a close encounter with them. (Slate roofs are perfect bat habitats. They eat my bugs. Everybody is happy.) Apparently you went in one trap door, thru the crawl space and out the other. No need for giant ladders.

The whole roof was checked and only 4 slates added. The flashing around the trap was reattached, the door covered with aluminum, and the shingles re-nailed. I now have a white square on my roof!

After he left, we decided maybe to walk in Bonnie's hood. We stopped for gas and decided to try Polish Water Ice. Interesting. Creamy like ice cream, but no dairy. (140 calories, 5 ounces.) Tasted like water ice. Mostly. I had root beer. It tasted like a root beer float. Remember those?

By the time we got gas and returned to Bonnie's house, neither of us really wanted to walk. So we played hookey.

Tomorrow, 6 miles on the D&L—Bethlehem to Freemansburg. We should encounter the Sand Island Passport to Fitness marker. Maybe we'll finish our books Sunday. That leave Monocacy Park and the Game Preserve to do.

walking in the drizzle

As anticipated when I returned home Adonis was waiting for a walk. He pretty much jumped me. It was the fastest he's ever walked. Minimum smelling and stopping.

When we got back the roomie said "Lyd needs the poodle skirt from the attic for work." Sure, Ineeded to go up there anyway.

I had called the roofer this morning, during the storm, for an inspection. I had seen a slate on the ground yesterday. And one after hurricane Sandy. The person answering the phone asked "do you have any water coming in?" I told her I'd check.

I opened the attic door and stepped in water. Poop. Got the skirt and went for rags and buckets. It hadn't rained since about noon. During dinner, another huge downpour. Went upstairs and found where the water was coming in and cleaned it up, again. Then I headed to the yard. I could see nothing.

I went, walked to the top of the alley, until I finally found a place where I could see the side of my roof. Right there at the seam, 8-10 shingles are totally missing. I don't know how long it's been like that. I've taken the Christmas stuff up to the attic and brought down the Easter stuff, and took that back up. Then I saw a stain on the floor, but didn't know if it was new or not. In hind site I know now it was new.

Lydia and I then walked up to Bottom Dollar, did some shopping, and came back lugging groceries. Afterwards we took Adonis out for another walk.

Now I'm just praying it doesn't rain till the roofer returns my call and ultimately fixes it.

Update
It rained all night. Apparently Mother Nature was not happy.

rain, rain, go away

I love rain. And snow. And pretty much any weather event that does not send me soaring into the atmosphere like Dorothy to Oz. Although, if Oz was a guaranteed destination, I might rethink it.

This morning was another morning of torrential downpours. Sadly, none of the water is going into the ground, it is coming down too fast. It's just heading for the sewers and the rivers. (Left is Willy Wonka's chocolate river, aka the mighty Delaware.)

All the storms lately did motivate me to call the roofer to check the roof. The insurance company to review my insurance, and start looking for someone to point my foundation. Know any good masons?

Yesterday was beautiful. I walked around campus twice. Once in the morning while the servers were down. The second at lunch time. Then in the evening I headed the big five blocks to Zumba. I'm perplexed. I can't do it, and maybe do only 40% of what the others do. Should I continue to do it? It isn't fun. But it isn't torture either. I don't like it, but I don't dislike it. I like the people. And it's one less hour to spend with the roomie. Am I wasting my $6 a week? See what I mean. When I ask myself WWJD (what would Jillian do) the answer is stay. Maybe I should try and find a free Tai Chi class. I liked that. Or yoga. Wait, I can't do that either. All questions. No answers.

Lydia called last night. She wanted to know if the roomie wanted a furry friend for the day. If there isn't a downpour when I get home, I'll take Adonis for a walk. If it's not raining after supper, I'll go with Lyd for a walk.  My pedometer isn't even at 5,000 yet, and I walked at lunch. Office jobs are heck on your activity level.

monday and tuesday

Well, as suspected, Monday was another minimal day. But at least I made 6000 steps. The rain was awful. It was weird too. One minute the sun was out. The next it was pouring.

I spent the morning with a friend. I took her to an appointment, we went to Perkins and then back to her place. Then I met Bonnie and we took Lane Bryant by storm. Okay, I did, she was good. I have the shiny pants to prove it. Even Pat thinks the outfit I wore today looks nice. Why the shopping spree? Even though I'm not losing any weight, I've gained 5 pounds, all my clothes are too big. I look like I just got off the boat.

Today was better. After work I went to my colleagues house and walked instead of being dropped off a block away. Then I walked to Ahart's for some groceries. I hadn't planned on shopping. Pat called and said Lyd was coming for dinner. I've been eating down the freezer so there is nothing extra in there. Since I didn't have the car, and didn't plan to shop, I had no bags with me. I had thought about putting some of my groceries in my lunch bag, and carry the rest, but before I knew it the cashier had them double bagged in plastic.

I walk to the store a lot. I always use my cloth bags. Long handles, you can throw them over the shoulder if need be. And they have structure. I have to tell you, plastic bags are hard to carry. They dug into my hands until my hands hurt. My wrists hurt. Even my shoulders hurt. I finally ended up slinging them over my shoulder. I'm sure I looked very silly walking down the street.

On Sunday, Lydia suggest we pick a day to walk during the week. The thought of doing the half is looming for both of us. We gotta get ready. So she's coming for supper and we're going afterwards. Plus a dog walk. Think 10,000 will be easy today. I'm already near 7,000.

After supper:
Adonis got his walk first. He was a very happy doggie. We brought him back and left him with Pat, and then headed up Bishopthorpe to Seneca. My sibs and family should recognize where the pix was taken—our old house. Lyd took it with her phone and added a funky aging filter. I do not have a huge brushburn down my leg. Nor were there stains on my shirt. Honest.

We headed out Seneca, up Mohician and down to Ostrum. Out Brighton to the bridge, back Wyandotte and home Broadway. Total it was about 2-3/4 miles in an hour. (The dog walks slow. He is a noisy Nelly.)

Oh, and Lydia reached Bronze on the Presidential challenge.

races, dog walking, pickles, and cirque du solei

Sunday was the Saucon Loves Boston 5K at the Hellertown Grist Mill, on the Saucon Rail Trail.  Lydia and I met her friends Mandy and Dawn there.

The 5K was just for runners. The walk was only 2 miles. Lyd and I decided to do it anyway because the proceeds went to the survivors fund for medical expenses.

It was a nice, organized race. Out and back on the trail. 

But I have two rules for 5Ks. First, you don't take down the finish line before the walkers are done. Second, you stop traffic, not the walkers. They broke the second rule. Pissed me off big time. My finished time was 35:48. It could have been minimum of 30 seconds shorter, if not a full minute. It felt like we stood at the intersection forever.

After the race was over, we headed down the street to the Saucon Farmers Market. If the pickle guy was there, Pat wanted pickles. Thank goodness he was there. I bought two different pickles, Lyd got artichokes (pictured), and I got garlic stuffed olives. I could have bought much more, but that is way too much salt for me. These puppies will need to last.

I also bought red Russian kale. The farmer said it wasn't as bitter as regular kale. We'll see. I also bought the prettiest head of lettuce I've every seen at the same stand. If youu want baked goods, that market has a ton of bakers.

 When we returned home and walked the dog, of course.

Then it was time for round two. Alan dropped off Bonnie, and we headed downtown for dinner. We finished about an hour before the bus was to come and spent the time walking around downtown Bethlehem. Then we grabbed the bus and headed to Camden.


We arrived in Camden an hour early, so we walked on the Camden waterfront for a while. There was a also a game at the ballpark.

Finally, we headed for the big top.

I spent four hours sitting on a bus and managed to get nearly 16,000 steps in. That won't happen today. The torrential downpours are back. I'll have to find Walk At Home videos online. I used to have 2 DVDs but they were borrowed and never returned.