catty

Yesterday we walked in Betsy's neighborhood like always. But first we had to stop in Catty to pick up the Heritage Patrol flower order. What I didn't realize was that we'd have to pick it. I probably did 3000 steps in the greehouse alone.

When we stopped for gas, this mural was on the building next door. As you know, I get easily distracted. So as Bonnie pumped gas, I took pictures. Enjoy.

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.

oops!

I haven't really spent much time in Catty. But we were going there to make wreaths today. Bonnie thought it would be a good idea to walk in Catty before wreath making.

I went to google pedometer and mapped out a catty route. There was this large green area that I thought was a park with lots of trails. It became apparent pretty quick it was a golf course. We didn't see any signs saying we couldn't enter. (I did see several for adjoining agricultural areas.) I can now see why golf is such good exercise, if you don't drive around the course.

We were having a lovely time walking in the golf course, when the man mowing the lawn (in December?)  stopped Lydia and told her we were trespassing. Didn't we see the signs? It was posted. No. If we would have saw the sign we wouldn't have gone in.

Oops. Bonnie and I were far ahead and Lyd tried to call but I didn't have my phone. So while Bonnie was in the job johnny, they caught up and gave us the bad news. I don't think we could have gotten out any sooner than we did, unless he gave us a ride.

As we were leaving we saw the sign in the driveway. Oops. They need to buy more signs. Or a fence.

So we picked up the route I mapped out. Sharon was pooped, so Lydia short-cut her way back with Sharon. Bonnie and I continued. We got back to the greenhouse at the same time.

over the river and back

Today was a simple walk. I was short on time. Had a lunch date with my Asian students.

We (Bonnie, Ly & I) left my place, headed up to the hospital, ad out to the Hill-To-Hill bridge. Then headed over the bridge, thru the Christmas village, and back over the Fahy Bridge and home. About 3.85 miles. Then of course we took Big A for his 1/2 mile walk.

At noon I headed to Easton to pick up my Chinese students. Then back to Bethlehem to eat at the Malaysian restaurant. Lots of driving. Belinda having a car spoiled me. Since I don't instagram your stuck looking at food here.

I just finished the sugar-fast and it was not the time to order bubble tea. Mine's the pink one. Holey Moley was it sweet. I don't remember that from the last time I had it. This time the balls were black-ish color. I chewed one, but couldn't pick a flavor. The white is coconut, and peach is iced Thai chai, and the orange is juice.

The portion sizes were not over the top like American Chinese places. Probably still bigger than they should be and I ate everything. I ordered Malaysian veggies with curry. It also had squares of tofu. The veggies were potatoes, eggplant, peas, broccoli, peppers and cabbage in a red-brown curry sauce. My tastebuds are still wide awake. A little spicy for me.  It came with rice in a separate small bowl. It was delicious and I don't think horrible with calories.

I'd go again. The girls said it was good.

Tomorrow we are walking in Catty. Bonnie and I have a wreath workshop at 10:30, and then the indie craft fair at the fearless afterwards. Lyd will meet us in Catty at 9:15 to walk.

Off to make a route now. Know nothing about Catty. This will be an adventure.