second snow shoe adventure

Lydia did finally arrive. We left the dog with the roomie ("my baby is here!") and headed to Monocacy Park.

The lot was slightly plowed. It was not as bad as the one at the rail trail. I strapped on my snow shoes and we did the 1 mile nature trail loop. Lydia wanted to take snow pictures. At one point the trail was so narrow by the creek I was afraid I would fall in. Good thing it's not deep. But it would be cold.

Climbing over fallen trees also was a challenge. Should use poles I guess.

Then we walked down the railroad tracks toward the mill. Illicks Mill Road was totally clean, so I took off my snow shoes and put them in the car. I should have carried them to the other side of the street. We headed to the waterfall expecting it to be frozen.

I also expected the creek to be more frozen. Every day at Lafayette I watch the ice float down the Delaware. There has been ice dams all month in Philly. But the Monocacy was running freely. The mallards were swimming, but no Canadian geese could be seen. I guess they can't stand the cold? Maybe they finally went back to Canada.

Then it was off to BJs, and AC Moore. When we got home, a certain doggie wanted a walk. I'm a sucker, we took him.

decision time—women in the outdoors

Shooting a crossbow, Women in the Outdoors, 2011

The other day I received the flier for this years Women in the Outdoors event. I last went in 2011 and shot a cross bow. A highlight of this fitness journey. Though it has nothing what so ever to do with fitness. It has to do with the inner Girl Scout that begs to be let out. Pretty much monthly.

I don't know why I didn't go in 2012. Last year I didn't go because they didn't offer enough things that I'd be interested in. This year they are. Last time I said I need to shoot a gun. I'd like to do the crossbow again. And I've always wanted to kayak. And Lyd has always wanted to geocache and that's offered.

The choices from the brochure:

HANDGUNS: A qualified instructor will provide a broad spectrum of information about the safe operation and fundamentals of shooting handguns. At the end of this class, you will be capable of safely and confidently shooting a variety of different caliber handguns and will have the opportunity to do so.  

CONCEALED WEAPONS – SHOULD I CARRY?: If you are considering carrying a handgun for defensive reasons this course is for you. Participants will get a basic review of the application procedure to obtain a Pennsylvania concealed carry permit, learn the areas/circumstances where they can and cannot carry a concealed handgun, review available options to conceal a handgun, and most importantly, determine what situations would justify the use of deadly force.

SELF DEFENSE: Effective self defense incorporates the mental attitude and physical fortitude to significantly raise the chance of getting out of a threatening situation. This workshop trains participants to suppress panic and react immediately.

RIFLE MARKSMANSHIP: Come join us for fun and action on the firing range. Learn the fundamentals of marksmanship skills with an opportunity to shoot at targets with .22 caliber rim fire rifles.

SHOTGUNNING/TRAPSHOOTING: In this class, you will be familiarized with different types of shotguns, ammunition, proper gun fit, and gun cleaning. Participants will have the opportunity to shoot clay targets on the range.

TURKEY HUNTING 101: This class is all about Wild Turkeys and will focus on anatomy, how to distinguish between males and females, and help to familiarize the participant with sounds and habitat of the wild turkey. We will also discuss preparation, scouting, equipment and strategies associated with hunting them.

WATERFOWL HUNTING 101: If you’ve ever had an interest in hunting waterfowl and wanted more information on the subject, this is the class for you. Participants will learn duck and goose calling basics, as well as suggestions on how to lay out blinds and decoys.

KAYAKING: After you learn about the types and styles of kayaks available, you will have the opportunity to practice paddle stroke techniques and safety procedures on the water.

ARCHERY 101: Experience the thrill of hitting the mark using a bow and arrow. Whether you’re interested in the sport for backyard recreation, competition target shooting, or hunting, you’ll learn about equipment selection, and get lots of hands-on instruction at the outdoor range.

ADVANCED ARCHERY: We will do plenty of 3-D target shooting in this class with a focus on form and technique to improve and maintain accuracy. Proper equipment, shot placement, and recovery in a hunting setting will also be discussed. Please bring your own archery equipment for this class.

CROSSBOW BASICS: If you’ve never tried shooting a crossbow, it’s easy and a lot of fun. In this hands-on introductory course you will learn the basic functions and dynamics of the crossbow. Our instructors will cover modern crossbows and accessories, shooting and handling, responsibility, laws, and safety.

FLY FISHING: Learn basic fly fishing techniques and gain the fundamental knowledge you’ll need to get started in the most refined form of fishing. The course also offers information which will help you select a rod and reel, line weight, baits, and lures.

DOG TRAINING: Mark Wolfskill, proprietor of Pheasant Valley Farm, and Karen Shannon, guide and dog trainer at PVF, will present an overview of basic gun dog training, including basic field obedience, introduction to birds and gunfire, and a demonstration of a simulated hunting situation using live birds.

ANIMAL–HUMAN CONFLICT: “There’s a skunk living under my shed! Now what should I do?” Humans and wild animals often share the same spaces, and sometimes this can result in conflicts regarding where the animals nest, what they eat, and even property damage. Learn how to properly handle some of these conflicts, so you can minimize troubles between you and the furry and feathered critters we co-exist with on this wonderful planet.

OUTDOOR FIRST AID: This course is hands-on, providing the skills and confidence needed for making medical care decisions for those who spend time outdoors. Preparedness, stressing the “buddy system”, fracture stabilization, bandaging, recognizing serious injury/illness, and animal bites, will be covered.  

GEOCACHING 101: Geocaching is a hi-tech treasure hunt that challenges participants to find hidden treasures using a GPS, and has become the fastest growing sport in the world. This class will explain geocaching and how the game is played. We will also review the history of the GPS and, of course, go on a hunt or two.

BASKET WEAVING: This workshop is intended to give the beginner weaver a good start in learning the basics of basket making. You’ll have personal instruction in creating a basket to take home. *Additional $5.00 class fee required for materials.

BLUE BIRD BOXES: We will be covering information on Blue Birds, as well as learning to identify blue birds and their songs. You will also build a blue bird box to take home. *Additional $5.00 class fee required for materials.

SOAP CRAFTING: Also known as “melt & pour soap making”, this hands-on class will go over different popular techniques. We will start with a pre-made glycerin soap that you will melt, and then add scents and things like herbs, powdered milk, or clay. We will discuss other interesting things you can add to your soap, and finally, you will see how to package your works of art to impress. We will have a question and answer session before the close of class. All students will take home handouts and 2 bars of soap. *Additional $5.00 class fee required for materials.

OLD FASHIONED KETTLE PROCESSING: Let us share a Pennsylvania Dutch tradition of yesteryear. In this class you will watch a demonstration on how to make venison scrapple the old fashioned way, using kettles set up over wood fires. Plus, you’ll get to sample the finished product.

CAST IRON COOKING: Why is this such a great way of cooking? Because you can make anything in a cast iron pan! Scrumptious roast meats, delightful vegetarian dishes, delectable hors d’oeuvres, aromatic breads and sinful desserts. This class introduces the basic skills required to cook with cast iron, along with cleaning and care of your investment.

OUTDOOR COOKING: Cooking in the great outdoors is a big adventure for most. A good starting point is to learn a few basic outdoor cooking methods, as well as types of available equipment. So, sit back, relax, and let Master Outdoor Chef Mike Vaka bring out the culinary genius in you.

I can only pick four. But which four? The underlined ones I took the last time. Plus on on editable plants which is not being offered this time. So the in red are my first choices. I think. The ones in brown are second choices. Maybe. I'd like to do things that I cannot do elsewhere.

It's $55 for the day. Yeah, that's steep. However, it includes b'fast and a home made / grilled lunch (that Bonnie probably can't eat, if she'd come along.) It also includes membership in the National Turkey Wildlife Foundation. That means another year of turkey hunting magazines. The membership, I am fairly sure, is an insurance thing. The rest of the money goes to education programs and protecting habitat. It's a win-win, right?

I do know at this event you walk a lot. Especially if you have a class at the waterfront. The Ontelaunee Rod and Gun Club property is huge.

Thinking about it....

snowshoes and almost getting a ticket

I haven't done any real walks this week. It's been snowing. And snowing. And snowing. So all I've really done is shoveled. And walking tapes. And sadly, walking from the office to the bathroom and back a zillion times. I managed to get to 10K steps 5 out of the 7 days. Didn't make my 70K goal, again.

On the bright side, all that snow gave me an opportunity to try out my snow shoes for the first time.

I retrieved them from their perch in the garage, and headed to pick up Bonnie. (Lydia was hosting a coffee hour.) I realized that I lost the little paper that said how to adjust them so we went to LL Beam. The nice man adjusted them. Bonnie found me a coat. On sale. My old Land's End jacket is at least two sizes too big. But it comes in handy when you have six layers on.

My shoes adjusted, we headed to the car and out to the street. The light was red. We waited. And waited. And waited. Finally, I turned right, and went up a bit and made a U-Turn. Right at the no U-Turn sign. As a copy was driving past. He waited for me. I was sure I was getting an expensive ticket. I made an illegal turn right in front of me. But he left me off the hook! I got the follow the rules, especially in this weather lecture. Yes, Sir.

Finally we arrived at Upper Saucon Park and the gates to the main park were locked. I went down to DeSales and turned around and headed for the library lot. The trail goes behind the library.

The snow was deep at places. I'm sure it has been drifting.  Because of the snow we couldn't find were to enter the trail, so we just went into the woods. Oops. Missed it. We were in the section that isn't finished yet. We followed the tracks of a cross country skier.

After having to climb over a mound of snow, we finally got to the trail. In front of us was either Bigfoot, or another person on snow shoes. Alas, it wasn't Big Foot. Good thing because the battery on my camera was dead! Again. I really hate that it gives you no low battery warning. Bonnie did take some photos on her phone.

We went about a mile out, and a mile back. I felt like I walked a 10K. Using snow shoes is supposed to burn twice as many calories. I guess that is true.

We past people on cross country skis, snowshoes and lots of dogs. They need to plow at least one lot. Parks are not a one-season place.

On the way home I stopped at Popeye's for shrimp for the roomie and chicken for me. Now I'll need to do another hour of exercise.

Lydia is coming over shortly and we are headed to BJs for dog food. Maybe we'll walk there. Or maybe we'll go to the Monocacy trail. Stay tuned.

a cold walk at cedar beach

Todays' plan was to do the Allentown Volkssport walk-Cedar Beach and Trexler Parks. This was the trail Bonnie and I tested in fall.

It was cold, it snowed. We didn't do the full 10K. We were wusses and did only 5K. You can only walk so far into the wind before your face falls off.

We checked in at the Comfort Suites and headed toward the pool to park. We took off east and went around Lake Muhlenberg completing one side of a figure 8.

We headed out the road, crossed Ott street and headed toward the Rose Garden.

We went past the Rose Garden and the trail leads up to Cedar Crest College, around the quad, and comes back down to the park. In this section of the park is one of those Fitness Trails that are in many parks. Lydia discovered that they we equipped on one side for wheelchair use. Who knew Allentown was so progressive? They are actually really nice. They must be new. Most parks have rotting wood or warped plastic.

We were almost at Trexler Park and I couldn't stand the wind anymore. Bonnie checked her watch and we had gone 1.88 miles. Good enough for me. We could visit General Trexler another day. He isn't going anywhere.

We headed back. The improvement in the weather was 100%. The wind was now at our backs. It was almost pleasant. We wandered thru the Rose Garden, did a couple sets of stairs, and worked out way back to the Pool.

On the way back we found this cool tree.

fat girl plunging

 Before the Plunge—with coat and without.

Today was the Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge into the Delaware. The last time I did it was in 2010, down near Philly. The water was cold. thank goodness it was not during the Arctic week. Today was about 34.

Firs thting I needed to do this morning was sweep the snow. It was only maybe a half-inch, so no shoveling was necessary.

Bonnie came about 10. We planned on arriving in Easton about 1.5 hours early for the noon start. Why? We had a walk to get in! After parking we went to Scott Park to sign in. I was in the third wave. Thankfully I didn't have to wait the hour till the 13th wave. I might have chickened out. I only had to wait 10 minutes.

We walked around and stopped at all the vendors. Should have taken a bag. I brought chips, Mike and Ikes, soft Pretzels and Wawa juice for Pat. We visited the photo booth, got some hot choloate from DDs booth, and Bonnie took her picture with the Wawa goose.

We had so much stuff we had to go back to the car, before heading over the free bridge. We headed up the Main street hill and walked about a mile to Shappell Park, walked around the park and back toward the bridge.

 Before crossing we headed up the Boylan Street stairs. All 146 of them. Then back over the bridge to the lot. After grabbing my bag, we headed toward the event. We arrived 10 minutes before the start. Perfect timing. I didn't take off my warm clothes until they started calling wave two.

Finally it was our turn. We went down to the start. And into the water we went. I went in to about my waist. Some crazy people put their heads under. Even though in the safety speech they told you not to. You can see one of the rescue boats in at the far right of the pix. Not a boat nor an ambulance was needed. Thank goodness.

I came out and immediately put on my pants and fleece jacket. I also took off my water shoes. (Note to self. Buy new water shoes.)

We hiked up the stairs to the park and headed back to the car.

All in all we walked four miles.

my 2013 fitbit report

I use a FitBit tracker to track my steps. Best. Pedometer. Ever.

Every week they send me my report. I can also look online. Weekends are high. Workdays sometimes very low. I've been using it since January of last year. The year end report is fun. So I thought I'd share it.

I bet I would have made it to 2000 if I didn't have interruptions. There was three. A week were it was wonky and they sent me a new one. A couple days when the battery was dead. And when I lost it in Collegeville at a Volkssport walk.

ten surfaces

Today Bonnie, Lyd and I went walking on the north side. We started at the city center, headed up Center toward Washington Avenue with a stop at Eryn's.

I promised no big hills so when we arrived at Greenwich, we hung a left towards New. Then Lydia said, "the mural is still there!" I never noticed it, how is that possible?, so we hiked back to see it, then headed out the alley.

Parked a half block away from the mural was the coolest car, made of random junk. At first I thought it was a hot rod. Then we got closer. It was made of random stuff. The trunk handle was a hot water faucet. The windows were stained glass. The doors were lined with jeans. The stick was a beer tap. Covervette engine. Coca Cola bottle opener door handle. It reminded me of the old song where the guy built the car from parts he stole from the auto plant...One Piece At A Time, Johnny Cash.

The guy came out of his house to talk to us. He looked like part of the cast of Duck Dynasty.

We headed up New past Elin's old house and into the cemetery. Lydia wanted to say hi to her grandmother. Then we went looking for mine—my great grandmother. Or is it great-great. I forget.

Then out Washington, back to the city center via Main and Church. The walk was nothing spectacular until we started counting surfaces

1)  brick
2)  cobblestone
3)  slate
4)  brownstone (stairs)
5)  stones
6)  grass
7)  dirt
8)  grass
9)  concrete
10) macadam

snowy, cold week

It's hard getting in walks when the weather is this bad. It's bitter cold and has been snowing frequently. The weather is warming up, but again a walk was cancelled because of snow.

Tuesday it was bitter cold. My campus center walk did not generate nearly as many steps as I thought it would. Bummer. So while watching The Biggest Loser, I spent the better part of the hour power walking the living room. Small steps, really fast, into the office, out the hall, into the downstairs bathroom, around the kitchen table .... then repeat over and over. Sometimes I just went back and forth. Sometimes I did a couple loops around the table. I just kept moving

Wednesday I worked. I should have gone to Zumba, but it was the only time I'll be able to go till summer, so I coped out. Sadly, I did not make my minimum 10K steps. And I'd really like to change that to minimum to 15K.

Thursday Bonnie and I did the south Bethlehem Volkssport walk. We modified a bit because we walked too and from my house. We also stopped at the store on the way home. We managed to to a 10K plus. With the Monclair and Carlton hills on the way home. Carrying groceries.

Today I was to walk with Betsy, but it was cancelled due to weather. Instead I shoveled snow. I am not complaining. They were calling for freezing rain and/or wintery mix.  I will take snow over ice any day. So I walked to the grocery store shortly. (I go to the store once, twice a day. It's a long story.) I came back with frozen, wet feet. Sadly the sidewalks on Delaware were worse than the ones on Broadway. I thought for sure with all the doctors offices they would be good. Wrong.

Tomorrow they are calling for heavy rain. Looks like another wash out.

Today I went to log into my Tail On The Trail tracker. Even though the event ended in November, Bonnie discovered you could still track on the site. About a month ago they announced they would be doing a winter mini-challenge. Thirty miles in 30 days. Or, for over achievers like me, 90 miles in 30 days. I routinely do 100 miles a month, plus, so that will be easy—weather cooperating. But I do have snow shoes. And walk at home tapes. An a route thru the living room. I should be okay.

I need to be okay. There is the final weigh in for the Sugar Crushers (now called Sugar Smart) test panel. They claim this is the final one. I've heard that twice before. I gained about 5 pounds over Christmas. I need to get back on the program so at least I weigh the same when they weigh me in. Eating clean and healthy in winter is tougher. I heart comfort food.

polar vortex

 It's about 3°F. -17 just looks colder this way.

Polar Vortex. A fancy schmancy way of saying it's really cold out. I think it's really funny how suddenly weather people get their panties in a gather about this stuff. Every storm now has a name. Every weather event suddenly has a title.

Apparently the last one was in 94. I remember it well. I was camping with the Girl Scouts at Mosey Wood. Real temperature -8F.  We had the Blueberry Hill cabin but most of the girls chose to sleep outside, in the cold. We used latrines too. No indoor potties. And we had to walk to get to them.

Bonnie and I planned to walk this morning. With the snow on the ground, we planned on taking our Iditawalk picture. But she called this morning and bagged out. So I'm left to my own devices.

I'm at school right now, so I've decided instead of risking frost bite, I'd walk the college center. It's four floors. I'll take a spin around each floor, then walk up the steps and do the next floor. Repeat until I get to the library and then come back down. I think it might be a 30 minute workout.

Gotta burn off those holiday calories.

three kings day. the 12th day of christmas.

I had a volunteer shift at the crack of dawn, and then did some grocery shopping (300 gas points coupon = 30 cents off!).

I had barely gotten the groceries away and Bonnie call. She had to go walking. Being house-bound with guests, remodeling and the weather was driving her stir crazy. The freezing rain hadn't started yet (it didn't start till well after noon) so we went.

We chose to go down to the Steel. Between the casino and ArtsQuest's 3 Kings Festival we figured the roads and sidewalks would be very clean. For the most part they were.

We parked in one of the ArtsQuest lots, and headed out First to Polk. Then up to Second to Founders Way. Then up to Third, and toward Sands Blvd. Down to the outlet mall, and around the trestle.

Back to First, and back to ArtsQuest. Then we did it again.

It was cold, but a good walk. Good idea on Bonnie's part. I had planned to go out later alone. Good thing I didn't. It became icy quick.

Yesterday I walked up to Bottom Dollar. The sidewalks on Broadway were iffy, at best.

Friday, I walked down to Aharts. The sidewalks were worse then.

fat girl shoveling

It snowed! I really have no idea how much. At some places on my side walk it was 3 inches deep. At others, a foot. It's blowing around like crazy. My guess, about 6 inches. The paper hasn't come yet. I can't find anything on the internet. And the television channels are all having a snow wet dream.(The weather person just said 7.2)

I was out shoveling early, maybe 7:15 am. It's now about 10 and the neighbors are coming out one-by-one. If Sharon still lived in the 'hood we would have been out about 5:30!

It's odd just having to do my property. At one time we were doing five—two elderly neighbors, mine, Sharon, and the empty house in between. We would often do the house next to Sharons also. Then people moved in, the elderly went to live elsewhere, and Sharon moved. Last year my friends house was up for sale, and I did their property. But, thankfully, it sold.

Still I was out there shoveling for the better part of 90 minutes. I did the front and quickly realized I was under dressed for the "arctic blast". My hands were like ice pops. My ears felt like they were going to fall off even though I was wear 2 pairs of gloves and a hat. I came in for warmer gloves, and a hat that covered my ears, and went out again. When I finished that initial batch, I came in for breakfast. After the neighbors shovel out their cars, I'll go tidy it up, and dig out the storm drain. I don't want everyo nes melting snow in my basement.

Then I went out and did the patio, back sidewalk and the driveway. Thank heaven for my neighbor that plows snow in winter. He always plows the alley in front of my house, and then down the hill and out to the street. The city rarely does it. We always joke that they only plow the street if there is a funeral. That isn't quite true. But it seems like it.

All in all I only did about 3000 steps. I was kind-of shocked. My upper body—clearly my weakest point—feels like I spent the morning with Ali.

(OMG! The snow plow just went up my street.)

I think tomorrow I need to help Bonnie unpack her cupboards. Maybe after that I can go to Saucon Valley and try my snow shoes out on the rail trail. It's been a year since I bought them and they have never been worn. Hopefully Bonnie can come along to take a picture. We wear the same size, we could take turns.

In a little while, I'll head out for a snowy walk to the grocery store. I think I'll take the scenic route thru Lehigh. Still don't think I'll make 10K steps today.

(OMG! The snow plow just went up my street AGAIN. Miracles do happen. Will the alley actually get done?)

eighth day of christmas

On the 8th day of Christmas (aka New Years Day) I walked alone.

Today was the first official day of my new Bethlehem South Volkssport walk. I had to do it. Even if I had to do it alone. I was going to be Start #1.

I left the house and walked down to the south Bethlehem Comfort Suites. The official sign in point.  I was delighted that the person on duty knew what I was asking for. He even offered me a pen, and asked how far I had walked so far today.

 During December, and thru Orthodox Christmas, the Comfort Suites hosts the South Bethlehem Historic Societies ethnic tree display. One tree per country. I didn't count them, but my guess was 20. Clearly south Bethlehem is diverse. All had some sort of creche under them, and an angelic figure on the top. It's been years since I spent much time looking at them.

I was start 1, but forgot to take a picture. I also discovered that there are no envelopes in the box. Looks like Bonnie and I will need to do some box maintenance.

The trail goes up to Lehigh, and back down to the Greenway, out the Greenway to the Casino. Around the casino, the outlet mall and hotel and under the Hoover Trestle.

That's where I found Mother Nature decorating the ruins. Clearly this scoop is shoveling icicles. Then it's thru Arts Quest and into Fountain Hill and back to the Comfort Suites. I skipped that part. If I was going to Fountain Hill, I was going home.

On Graham Street I found these little marks. I wonder what they are going to be doing?