a true test of the new sneakers

Tuesday Pam and I did a short walk at Woodland Hills Preserve. This former golf course is in the first stages of becoming reclaimed by nature. Mostly meadows, some trees have been planted and protected and a fair number of them have died. It's not a place to walk or run in the heat of summer. There is little shade cover.

 I've been here a few times before. There are now three trails. A short red paved ADA loop trail, the blue trail which is about a mile and goes thru the middle of the property. And the more interesting green trail that is about 2.5 miles and navigates the properties perimeter. The longer trail features a few sand and water traps which have been reclaimed by nature. Plus there's a few mature trees that used to divide the golf course greens.

The paths are macadam (ADA section), broken macadam (the old golf cart roads), a lot of grass, and very little gravel. The grass paths are well mowed, but they were a little long this time. Probably they came that afternoon to mow!

We choose the green trail. Trails are not well marked at beginning, but improve greatly as you get deeper into the walk. I decided because of the time, we would not do the one mile as well. I had a class to prepare for. The perils of teaching one long day a week.

It was the first real test of my new sneakers, and they were actually comfortable. I didn't even realize I had them on. Imagine my surprise when the next morning I woke up with sore feet and blisters. Well I think they are blisters. I can't see them. They are my right foot and I have limited vision in that eye. Plus I'm fat. Seeing the bottom of my feet is tough.

Friday is make or break time. We're doing nine miles at the end of the D&L. I will cover as much of my feet as I can with moleskin, and wear lighter socks. I will hope for the best. And if the worse happens my Berks will be in my backpack. Ready for service. If I can walk 60 miles in them, I certainly can do nine. After Friday, only five more trailheads to go.

Miles/Steps:    2.5

Weather:         low 60s, sunny, breezy

Wildlife:          three doe, heard bullfrogs, lots of bird noises

Photos:           Pam Lott