walking vacation, day 7

We arrived Saturday night and went to the hotel that hosts the walk box. They were booked. They sent us to a town a couple miles away to the Comfort Suites. They were booked to. Everyone was booked. There was a film festival in town, a motorcycle rally, and a huge accident on the Interstate. Who would have thought that a sleepy town in West Virginia would have no room at the inn?

The Comfort Suites clerk was wonderful. She called around. The Knights Inn 10 miles away had 2 rooms left, but wouldn't hold them. By the time we got there, they were gone. They sent us across the street to the Roadway Inn. Finally, a room for the night.

Since we did the Volkssport check-in at the host hotel Saturday night, we parked near the middle school. No use walking the long driveway for nothing. Getting the instructions early allowed us to read them, and become familiar with them. That saved us a lot of time.

I believe this was an 11K. We headed toward "downtown" and they were setting up the Farmer's Market. Bonnie decided to get peaches on the way back. there is a historical marker on every block in this town. We walked around town a bit more, then headed into the university, and across the bridge to Maryland. Once we crossed the bridge we headed down the path and snaked around to almost the canal path. Instead, we turned right into the woods. It was a rustic trail. I wished I would have brought my walking stick. It was a climb back up the hill.

When we reached the lawn of Fairy Hill we were soaked with sweat. So what do we do? Take a tour of the house. Lucky for us the air conditioning was broken. They had fans running. We did not get overly cooled down. While there we bought National Park Passports and started collecting stamps. Something else to carry and never fill.

Then it was back down the drive, and back over the bridge.  Back thru the university's athletic fields, and back thru town. Somehow we read the instructions wrong, and I missed the farmers market. So we drove down, Bonnie hopped out of the car, and I drove around the block. Those peaches smelled good.

On the way out we stopped at Antietam National Battle field. Why not? We were in the 'hood.

six down, four to go

Today Bonnie and I did two of the Passport to Fitness walks.

The first was in Riverton at the Martins Creek Environmental Preserve, and the PPL / Lower Mt. Bethel Twsp. Trails. There are a total of five trails. This open space, forest, farmland, park land surrounds the PPLs nuclear power generating station. Google maps said it would take 48 minutes to get there. I think it was closer to 40. Which was nice.

We did the macadam trail (purple) around the visitors center. That's only a 1/4 mile. Then we did a portion of the Riverside (blue) Trail. Maybe a mile. I would have like to have gone all the way to the nuclear reactors. (Well, not all the way. I'm sure there is a really huge fence at some point) However, the trail became more and more narrow. Barely passable. Clearly, nobody has been using that portion of the trail. Finally we turned around and came back. Some day I'd like to take the yellow trail which runs next to the road. But today, that was totally in the sun. Perhaps that's an afternoon hike another time.

For those of you looking, the Passport marker is after the little bridge. Oh, and remember your crayon. I had the books, but no crayon or pencil. I did the best I could with my key. Bonnie's is better than mine. If they (the people who collect the books) don't like it, I always have a photo of each marker to prove I was there.

We really didn't need the sunscreen while hiking at the Preserve because the tree canopy was so dense. Most of the time you couldn't even see the river, and it was 15 feet away. We should, however,  pack some Deep Woods Off! I think I might have some in the garage.

When we returned to the Welcome Center we found not only bathrooms, but 24-hour bathrooms. Those of you who do not use park bathrooms may not understand our joy. Many times they are only open the hours of the welcome facility or environmental center. Sometimes, like in Allentown parks, they are never open. It's hit and miss.

We hopped in the car and headed to Jacobsburg State Park. We parked at the Boulton Historic Site lot. There was signage, and a trail head marker, and lots of trails. But none were marked. Confused,  we decided to drive to the other entrance, and easily found the Henry's Woods Trail. About a half miles or so in, we found our marker. (In the parking lot I found a pencil!) We kept walking straight after the official trail ended. Guess where we ended up? You're right, at the first parking lot. We turned around and came back. 

The bathrooms were open there too. Twice in one day! Clearly the state has not touched the potty budget...yet We returned to the car again and headed home. Today I think we spent more time driving than walking. Maybe a total of4, 4-1/2 miles.


Saturday we'll do the one at the Monocacy Nature Trail and Sand Island. We can turn in our first six walks at the Environmental Center (one of the few open Sunday's). I think we get a Wegman's coupon. How much, don't know. Then after we finish 10 we turn it in again. Hopefully, they don't keep our books. I'm kind-of getting attached to it.

All that remains is the covered bridge at the Game Preserve (I can never remember what the new politically correct name is...Trexler Nature Center, maybe?), and the D&L in Easton. That day will be a two-fer, getting mileage for the Tail On The trail challenge. But that needs to be a less hot day. No shade on half that trail.I've walked it before.

After taking Bonnie home, I was going to try to find a cool spot and relax. Who comes driving up but Lyd and Adonis. She and her boy-toy are taking his kids to the LV Zoo today. Why anyone would go to a zoo in this heat is beyond me. All the animals will be hiding. Anyway, the roomie said, sure we'll take the dog.

So I walked the dog. And used the leash he earned walking the Idita Walk this winter. I'm fairly sure you'll see it on the Idita Walk FB page. Then later, right before she came back, I walked him again. These were short walks. Just to the cemetery and around it. Too hot for a longer walk. He was not happy. He knows we always go for a long walk.

poole wildlife santuary

Today Lyd and I headed out to the Poole Wildlife Sanctuary to meetup with the Center Valley Outing Group. It's part of L. L. Bean's  Outdoor Discovery Series. They do every activity that L.L. Bean sells gear for.

Today was to be a snowshoe hike, but alas there was no snow. So it was just a hike. I'd say two miles. It took about an hour. Lots of hills and even some stone stairs. Plus a large wood path that went over the flood plane. Surprisingly I was in the front of the pack for the whole thing. Of course, because there was no snow, that pack was about seven.

We met in the lot. Before beginning, we had to sign a wavier, which surprised me. (I think it's one a year.) Then we introduced ourselves. There was another Lydia and she was about the same age. It's such an old fashioned name it's always a surprise to meet someone with it.

In the parking lot they were talking about the trails at South Mountain Park. I've never hiked there, but since the park is at the top of the mountain, my guess is it is hilly.

On the way home Lydia needed groceries so we stopped at Giant. While waiting to check out I looked at the February Prevention magazine The same thin, blond girl from the website was on the cover, and featured in the story on Walk Your Butt Off. Only two women from the group were featured in the "I lost..." section. When I was emailing back and forth there was four people. Things are much clearer. So I didn't buy the magazine.

When we arrived home Adonis was itching for his walk. So we headed outside and hit the pavements again. Furry friend in tow.

When I returned home, a Brownie was calling about buying cookies. Thank goodness they don't arrive till late February.

I'm thinking Jacobsburg tomorrow. But I'm not sure if Bonnie can go in the woods yet.

hawk mountain

Yesterday Lydia, Zahra and I went to Hawk Mountain to hike. I'm glad I have a student who likes to hike. Zahra is from Yeman. She and Lyd got along well.

Hawk Mountain is now a paid trail. (I only knew that because NCC's International program was planning a hiking trip last weekend, and HM was ruled out because of the fee.)  The last time I went there it wasn't. But that was a lifetime ago.

We parked at the Visitor's Center, paid our fee, and headed to the trail. The volunteer ticket taker took our picture.

The first part of the trail was just dirt. We stopped at the south lookout, and the intern gave us all sorts of information. Frankly it went in one ear and out the other. Shortly after that the trail got rockier and rockier. To get to the north point, we climbed a staircase made from rocks. Then turned the corner and there it was. A cliff of boulders. I stayed near the back. I'm a wuss. Lydia went a little further.

Zahra, went the fartherest. She said it's rocky in northern Yeman, and took off to explore. I was calm when I could see her green scarf. I was not when she disappeared behind the rocks. I kept thinking, what will I tell the international coordinator.

When she came back we all headed to the front most rocks. I felt old, and out of shape. Clearly I am not flexible or fearless.

But we all made it out safe and sound. I'm just a worry wart like my mother.

It took 1.5 hours to get to the north lookout and less than a half hour to get beck. But then again, we stopped a lot on our way there.

After looking at the pictures, many butt shots, I need to get rid of these jeans. They are too big.

This morning I had my first episode missing sugar. Really missing sugar. We had waffles for breakfast. Waffles with just butter are gross. No 10x, no maple syrup, not even any gross pancake syrup. YUCK.

Off to pick up Bonnie. We're doing the 9th street stairs in Allentown, then hiking thru downtown.

prevention magazine and skittles?

How's that for a headline.

Well I fell off the sugar wagon yesterday and ate Skittles. Mostly out of habit. I ate them all and didn't feel well afterwards. But I brushed myself off and got back on the wagon. this morning I didn't make french toast because everything I could think to top it with was fat (butter!) or sugar (Maple syrup, pancake syrup, karo, honey...). Made dippy eggs instead.

Yesterday was hard. There were brownies at work. And Munchkins. And I was well past bored. Oh well, to quote Scarlett, "tomorrow is another day."

This morning I also found two emails from Prevention. About the dreaded photo shoot. I was hoping they forgot about me.

I am contacting you regarding the walking workout feature you are participating in for the February issue of Prevention Magazine.

Sending a HELLO...and my contact info. 

We will be setting up a photo shoot of each of you as the success image of your progress for the story.

Please send me a little more info about yourselves.

Where are you located?

Sizes...top, bottom shoe. bra.

your availability over the next 2 weeks.  I realize Thanksgiving is in there...we can work around that.

Not sure if we will bringing you into NYC or sending a photographer to you.

 Ooh. Trip to NYC. Yeah. But then the second email came.

I hear you are all in the Emmaus area.

Any chance you are all available this weekend for a photo shoot?

Looking to do a quick photo of each of you walking outside.  Working on finding a local park with a nice scenery.

Let me know if this weekend works for all.

Would like to shoot it before the holiday if at all possible

 So it looks like my 15 minutes of fame will happen Sunday. 

Tomorrow we're going hiking at Hawk Mountain.

Today, I'm doing the three miles with Betsy. Also shopping to fill the Holiday Hope Chests. Much of the money I use to fill them comes from money I pick up walking.

I also signed up for the Biggest Loser Half-Marathon in Erie, August 17. A six hour drive is far, but from the list it doesn't look like they are doing major cities.  It will be a lovely long weekend away. I've always wanted to go to Presque Isle State Park. I think there's a lighthouse. I just looked. There's three! And a 90 minute boat tour. I am so there. "experience the scenic beauty of the Peninsula and Erie waterfront while viewing three historic lighthouses." I don't think I'll be able to get Bonnie and Lyd to stay in a cottage or a yurt. I think they'll need air conditioning.

fat girl, flying

Today was the day Lydia picked to do the zip flying adventure at Camelback mountain. Personally, I'd like to do the treetop course.

The original plan was Lyd and Bonnie were going to fly in this seat-like thing, and I was going to take pixs. But with Bonnie in the hospital, and no takers for the extra ticket, I had to do it.

I think Lyd enjoyed it. I didn't. But I didn't hate it either. Would I do it again? Hell no.

We checked in and took the shuttle bus to the top of the hill.The area marked lot is the parking lot. The end of the "ride" was just a little further.

First thing they do is weigh you. Heavier person goes on the right. (I was on the left!) Then they strap you into the seat thingy. The seat is held by a real, rather than novelty, carabiner. There's a gate in front of you that is locked. After you are strapped in they undo the carabiner and unlock the gate.

Leaving the gate is terrifying. There is no turning back. I screamed like a girl and had a death grip the whole time. The actual ride, might have been okay if I could relax, but I couldn't. The end was horrible.  The top pix is me coming in for my landing.

Then we headed to Bushkill Falls. I didn't remember so many rocky, steep, trails and steps! Online we read 1267—as much as the stair climbs we do. It was two miles, we did it in 2 hours.  Lots of water falls, both big and small. Lots of bridges and scenic overlooks. We worked up quite a sweat.

It's been quite an athletic weekend. School begins tomorrow. For me summer is over. I can't cross a single "to-do" off my list. Oh well.

My next challenge—the 10K on Labor Day.

no walk in the woods

Disappointed. I doubt very strongly I'll do the walk in the woods today in Emmaus. We're having freezing rain. It's icy. It took me 20 minutes to walk 1.5 blocks and home. The salt truck hasn't come. It's only 10 am, so things might change dramatically by 12:30. But I doubt it.

Screenshot from the Weather Channel website.

going for a real walk

the bird house covered in ice.

Well, hike. But let's not split hairs.

It's been another week of shoveling, chopping, step-ups and walking tape. It's getting old. I really just want to be outside. But with over a foot of snow, ice, and sleet I didn't see how that was possible. Then I read today's paper.

Emmaus is having a Snowblast winter festival. All looks fun, especially the ice bar, but what really piqued my interest is the Winter Hike on Saturday. We meet near Rodale and I guess head up to south mountain. I hope my hiking boots still fit. Or maybe I should wear my Wellies and my rain pants that I bought for the 3-day. Hope they still fit.

My head is spinning with excitement. No tapes, not stairs, and no snow or ice to relocate. Weeeeeee.

Another piece of good news. Bonnie is going to try Volkssport with me. She likes the idea of 10ks too.