volkssport bus trip to lackawaxen

Saturday Lydia, Bonnie and I took a bus trip to Lackawaxen. Exciting, I know. But they rarely offer walks in that area, and we needed Pike county! It was also a destination for the new Border Crossing special program.

The bus picked us up at the Quakertown Park and Ride. It was great not having to drive to Philly. We wouldn't have gone if we did.

We arrived at Zane Gray's house about 10:15. All the paper work was covered on the bus. We picked up our instruction and started walking. It was an odd route. Pretty much out and back, with variations. First we headed to the highway and crossed the Lackawaxen river. Then turned around and came back. We went past Zane Grays house, and headed toward the Roebling's Aqueduct. For those who went to public school like me, and never learned this stuff, my computer dictionary says it is a "a bridge that is constructed to convey water over an obstacle, such as a ravine or valley."

Crossing the Aqueduct we entered New York. We stopped to take this lovely picture. I look really thin in it. Note to self, stand in the way back! Bonnie and Lydia teased me all day about my hat. I really don't think it looks that bad.

In New York, we went under the bridge and out the D&H canal towpath. (Delaware and Hudson).  We turned around and came back and then back over the aqueduct. and back to Zane Grays house. Then we went into the house and did the little tour. Lots of books. Dick would have loved it. He loved Zane Grey novels. We walked about a 6K.

Then we went for a buffet lunch at the Laxawaxen Inn. It was horrible. Poorly organized, and perfect for 1965—tons of carbs covered with cheese and dressing, and meats, covered with calorie laden sauces. Not a single vegetable. Not a green thing anywhere. The plate were at least 12 inches if not larger. And they were piled high. I ended up eating two meatballs and some baked ziti. And the fruit from the ham. Then I went and got ham. The food sat in my gut all day. My body was saying WTF?

We went outside to wait and met this huge fella. If the almighty google is correct, he is a Cecropia Moth (Hyalophora cecropia). His wingspan is up to 6 inches! His life is two weeks. After mating, he dies withing three days. (There's a going out with a bang joke in there somewhere.) this guy wasn't moving much. I think he had his fun and his number was up.

Then it was back on the bus and off to Milton. The museum where we parked (They have Lincoln's blood soaked flag. Why is that not at the Smithsonian?) was having a special Boy Scout program and wasn't open. So we headed to Grey Towers. The last time I was there I was in a car. It's a three mile walk from where we parked to the top of the hill. And there was no time for a tour. We walked the ground and then headed back down. Through a bit more of Milton and back on the bus to come home.

It was 9:30 when I arrived home. And I had to start my online classes. I finished about 12:30, and got up this morning for a 5K.

windshields and walks

Friday driving to the YW a pebble hit my windshield on route 378. Ended up with a hole and spider crack. So I came home and made an appointment for today to have it replaced. Told them I needed my car for work at 12.

I took it up this morning, and walked home, did some work and waited. At 11 I called and asked the status. They were working on it, it would be done soon. About 11:45 or so they called it was done but i had to wait four hours to pick it up.

What?

The sealant must cure for four hours or the sealant won't cure.

Why the hell did you tell me that before. I told you I needed to use it by noon.

Shit, I was in big trouble. I get home from work after they close, and needed the car before they opened in the morning. So I walked up to get my keys, briefcase, pay and work out a plan. Plan A call friends who are retired. They aren't home. Plan B walk walk home and take the bus. And I forgot my briefcase.

The bus was an experience. About a year ago they totally revamped our bus system and it's awful. Less runs, more waits, but worse all new numbers and routes. Pat sat there and figured out the bus issues —101 goes to NCC—and I looked for change for the bus. The timing worked out better to walk over to the transportation center and take the 101 to NCC. I planned to leave the students out a hair early, and take the bus home.

I ended up eating in the cafeteria. It's the first time I ever wanted more food than a salad, and they had nothing I could eat on a blood work/doctor week. I'm shocked our students aren't enormous. Thick crust pizza, burgers, fries, fried everything, pasta smothered in sauces. No sandwich station. We all know, salad bars a mine field also. There were pre-packed veggies and fruit.

Ended up making a salad, then stopping at the vending machine and getting trial mix to add protein.

While I was grading waiting for class to start, my phone rang. It was my retired friend, offering me a ride home.

taking sharon to work

Now that school is winding down I should have more time to walk. And sleep. I was up at 3:30 with plans to grade. I thought, let's rest another half hour, and fell back to sleep. Didn't start till almost 5.

Monday Sharon left me a note. I can walk tomorrow. My first client is late in the morning. I thought she wanted to walk around the hood. Nope. She wanted to walk to work. So we did.

As we headed out Broadway we heard the bus. It slowed down and came to a crawl next to us. (the light was red)  The bus driver motions for her to get on. I signaled no. I shook my head, and crossed my arms. It was funny. I'm sure she got teased today. I guess that's what happens when you take the same bus nearly every morning.

We headed down Broadway, took the corner to Brodhead, out Third, thru the Banana Factory lot and up the stairs to the bridge. After crossing the bridge, we went around the city center part way, thru the sculpture garden and up more stairs. (She was not happy at this point.) Then out Church. I left her at Church and Main and headed over the Hill to Hill and home.

I think we are doing it again Thursday. With all the construction on the southside it's going to be difficult to vary the route.

A trip to Wawa

This morning I made an innocent trip to Wawa for milk. I was in the car and following the city bus. As I approached Broadway and Delaware a family got off the bus to walk the 2 blocks to the grade school. Now in Bethlehem, if you live more than 1 mile away, you ride the school bus. These people took the bus maximum 7-8 blocks. Mom was really overweight. The kids were overweight. The walk would have done them good. Besides, who want's to throw that kind of money away everyday to ride the bus. It's $2.50 per person! Even with passes it's got to be $1.50.

Then as the bus pulled away the girl child, maybe 6 years old, took her empty two-quart Gatorade bottle and tried to toss it over the hedge into someones yard. I was aghast. First of all she was drinking Gadorade with no exercise, and it was 8:15 am. Then she was obviously trying to throw her trash into someones yard. And when she missed she left it lying on the sidewalk. The mother didn't discipline her. She ignored it and the family jaywalk across the street.

I was livid. Another stupid parent, doing stupid thing in front of their children. These kids will not grow up to be productive members of society. I can assure you that.

By the time I reached the Wawa I had settled down. Coming in thru the other door were fit and healthy parents wearing workout clothes. They were sweaty and didn't have an ounce of fat between them. The child was a bit overweight wearing his school uniform. I attributed it to stocking up before a growth sput. He was maybe 10. He walks into the store and gets Gatorade and a chocolate doughnut for breakfast. And his parent let him. In a store full of better choices.

Since when did Gatorade become a breakfast drink? These kids aren't playing football, or little league or running a marathon. They don't need the stuff that's in there. They need vitamins and minerals and protein and stuff like that. OMG I beginning to sound like my friend Angel.