saving birds

This morning we walked in Bonnie's Salisbury neighborhood. She has routes. The east route. The west route. And variations on all the routes to add or subtract hills. This one was LV flat.

We were near the park and there were several lime green 4-pack rings on the ground. (Why are beverage companies still using these things? The dangers to animal life is well known. I digress.)

When I walk, I walk past/over all kinds of trash. There is not enough time to clean the streets as I walk, and it looked like there was quite a party at the park last night. Let's just say the sales at BK were very good.  I did walk past the lime green 4-pack rings. Maybe a whole two steps. But I had to go back and pick them up. I could not leave them sit. A goose from the pond my get it's neck in them—and I don't even like them.  Bonnie and Megan kept going. When Bonnie looked back she probably thought WTH?

I carried those buggers for nearly two miles. When we got back to Bonnie's, I forgot to take a picture of them before Megan cut them up.

Tonight school starts. I should begin to see my walking numbers go out. Still don't have a chance in hell of catching my friend with her "working retail" steps. But I'm going to try.

I also signed up with the Wellness Center (that's the fancy name for the nurses office) at NCC for the 10K a day challenge. That should help keep my fat butt moving.

irt and monocacy park

There was a Boot Camp class at the Hokey Playground today and three of the gang were planning on going. So we planned to walk the IRT afterwards. But things happened on Saturday night and everyone but Megan backed out. And she didn't really want to do it alone, so we ended up walking earlier.

We also ended up doing the entire loop—5.3 miles.

The IRT is a nice walk. Fairly flat. Visually interesting. You meet a lot of friendly people because it it such a popular spot. The baby did fairly well with the longer walk. He got fussy and then fell asleep.

Bonnie rated the the facilities an P-2.5.

After I returned home, Lydia sent me a text—she felt well enough to go out for a walk. Wanting to avoid Musikfest on both the north and south side we headed to Monocacy Park. Another happening place. Again, the lot was packed. Could be because someone was getting married at one of the pavilions.

We took the nature trail that rail next to the creek. We encountered a family laying in hammocks in the creek. Looked delightful. We also encountered a lot of downed trees.

 Here's me climbing over a couple. Slow and steady. Have I mentioned I had Birks on?

On the way back, Lydia noticed a rock moving. Turned out to be a turkey hen. Her dinner is laying next to her.

We crossed the lot and the street and looped the park. While Lydia was taking pixs on the waterfall, I hit the comfort station. The last time I was there there was a fish in the sink. Today, it rated a I-3.5. The toilet tissues was padlocked to the roller. Are things so bad that people steal TP?

Of course we walked the dog when we returned home.

new hope and washington crossing

Yesterday we all went to New Hope to do the Volkssport border crossing walk. When we were done, we headed to Washington's Crossing and did it again.

This trip was more complex than most. We had to take two cars. the infant car seats only allow one passenger in the back. In many ways it's terrific. Since you are following people you obey the speed limit and every sign. In other ways it's not. One gets the light, the other doesn't. One gets a little ahead and turns, and the other gets lost. (That would be me.)

The start point for the New Hope walk was a Ramada way out of town. Then we had to drive back into town to do the walk. We did a little of New Hope walk, then crossed the bridge and saw 14 turtles, then headed out the D&R (Delaware and Raritan) Canal path. Quickly we came to a detour and followed it. It returned to the trail at — you guessed it — the turning point. We headed back into town and back over the bridge to New Hope.

 Megs leave the little on in New Jersey, while she stays in Pennsylvania. We won't tell Papa.

I'm in Jersey. Bonnie is in Pennsylvania and Lydia is straddling both states.

The route wound around New Hope and picked up the canal path near the Locktender's House. Megan couldn't take the baby down the steps so the Stephens' family went on an adjacent street and Lydia and I went to the D&L. Of course, we misplaced each other. Phoning wasn't working so I said to Lydia let's go to Main Street and just stand there. They'll come. They did.

Then a pitstop at the train station to change the baby (who flirted with the conductor) and for the adults to use the restroom (I-3.5). Then it was back to the car.

After a stop for a late lunch it was off to Washington's Crossing in New Jersey. The start point for that walk. New Jersey State Parks charge for parking on weekends. Who knew? There was a little chaos finding our way into the visitor center but we finally got there and signed in.  The ladies room (I-2.5) had no changing table for the baby so Megs changed him on the sink!

Then we headed off to walk back to Pennsylvania! The sidewalk on this bridge is skinny (and not turtles). The bridge is skinny. We kind-of went off course and walked around the Pa. side of the park, stopping at the Visitors Center. It's beautiful. Looks fairly new. (I-4.5. I bet it's a 5 first thing in the morning!)

We decided not to follow each other going home. I came back thru Pennsylvania. Bonnie thru Jersey. I wanted to stop at Bowman's Hill Tower for the "best view of Bucks County." And to climb stairs. The ranger was closing the park when we arrived at 4:15. (The pix is from Wikipedia.) On Wikipedia I read that they remodeled in the 80s and put in an elevator. I wonder if stairs are still an option. You only must climb 23 for the top most point.

When we got home, I walked the dog. He was happy.

walking vacation, day 1 and 2

My nieces "Foxy" and "Kitty" were supposed to come up and stay with their Aunt Bonnie for two weeks. A set of circumstances prevented that. But I already had the vacation planned, and we still needed to pick up the crib, so off to Louisville we went.

I thought we'd get about 1000 steps day one. Mostly a driving day. We headed from Eastern Pennsylvania and went to The Wilds. I saw this animal conservation park on television maybe 15 years ago on Jack Hanna's show. Mom and I used to watch it Saturday afternoon.

 On the open air bus. It was hot and windy.

We planned this because we thought Foxy and Kitty would enjoy it. They would have. It was excellent. Two and a half hours of driving thru pastures looking at wild animals do what comes naturally. It was a safari, so to speak. There were two places where we did some walking. It really added up.

When we pulled off the interstate, we were at about 1/8 of a tank. We were going to get gas before heading into The Wilds.  All the gas stations at the exchange were boarded up. We wnt anyway. Bonnie said the car didn't ding yet.  It dinged as we were leaving. She get's 18 miles to a gallon. OnStar said the nearest gas station was 17 miles. We breezed into the BP on fumes.

Then it was off to Xenia, the sight of Tuesday's walk. We had horrible storms driving thru Columbus and missed the by-pass. The 2 hour drive to Xenia took over three hours. We were going 35 on the interstate!

After checking into the Ramada in Xenia, we walked across the shopping center lot to the Mexican restaurant. It was delicious. It was 8 pm. We last ate at breakfast at 8 am.

Total steps was about 13,000. Far cry from the 1000 I thought we would get. I also  discovered I left my FitBit at home.

The next morning we got up and did the Xenia walk. Why Xenia? There is a Volkssport program were you walk in all the cities from A-Z. There are four places in the entire US to do X. You guessed it, Xenia is one.  The instructions were one side long, with no map. My south Bethlehem instructions are three pages plus a map. No history, no information. Turn left, turn right. That's it.

After walking we went to Bob Evans on the outskirts of town, stopped at Radio Shack for a new FitBit, and headed to Louisville.

a five turtle day

Today we walked on the D&L from Bethlehem toward Allentown. We went about 1.5 miles in, then turned around and came back. In all it was about 3.5 miles. The parking lot was large.

This  portion of the trail usually has a lot of turtles. The trip out we didn't see any. The trip back we saw five.

Best part. The baby slept the whole time.

When I got home I took Adonis for a walk. He's at my house overnight. The non-air-conditioned during a heat wave house. So far, so good.

When I finally turned on the computer there was a email from Michele, the walking coach and sugar smart coordinator. They are having a 1-year check in. Shit. I've fallen off the wagon, slowly, but surely. I'm back to grazing. I'm back to eating crappy. I have 21 days to get my shit together. Wish me luck.

The book must be popular. They are doing a 2nd edition.

someplace new!

Today we went to the Mariton Wildlife Sanctuary. I'm always looking for someplace new to walk, or in this case hike. I should have taken my stick!

It was hilly. It was rocky. there were signs that said Danger Cliffs. Yep, my kind of place.

Bonnie was still sick (bronchitis) so it was just me and Lydia. This place is near Raubsville, off 611.  We went 412, 212 and then on every back road in the area. When we reached the no outlet sign we kept going. And going. We stopped some pedestrians and asked if there was a nature center. They said at the end of the road. It was.

It was nice. there was a parking lot, a nature center (closed) and bathrooms that could be accessed even when it was closed. The trail maps were in the bathroom.

We decided to do the "river outlook" trail first. I figured there would be a hill. Best get it over with first. Silly me. We went downhill to reach it, holding on to trees and each other. We climbed back up to get out. (Pictures just never show how steep the hill is.) We should not go on trails that feature this sign:

this was out clue to turn around. But no, we didn't take it.

Then we went back to the main trail and went up and up and up. When we reached the top, there was two paths. One going up yet again. Another going down. We went down and eventually returned to the lot.

Sadly we only went about a mile and a half and it took 50 minutes.

walking alone

Friday I walked alone. I don't like walking alone anymore. I'm a spoiled brat and enjoy having people with me. But Lydia was working. Bonnie was sick. And Betsy's father was dying. I was left to my own devices.

Thursday I received an email from Dave, the president of the Liberty Bell Wanderers. We were out of envelopes in Allentown. Originally I figured I'd fill the box on my way to Betsy's. But I wasn't going there, and the box still needed envelopes.

The plan. Fill the box. Walk the Allentown Parks walk. But just the 5K. Filling the box was easy. But the lobby was crowded with all Cedar Crest alumni. It was reunion weekend. I went to Cedar Crest. I've never really been to a reunion. It was fun eavesdropping.

Now should I go to the start point by the pool or not. The route circles around Lake Muhlenberg and comes back past the car.  I knew I'd do the first mile and pack it in. So I parked at the Pavilions. There was no way I'd come close to the car so the temptation to quit would be eliminated.  And it worked!

Three miles. Solo. Unless you count all the goslings and the ducklings.

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.

fifteen turtle walk

Well, maybe they are tortoises. I'm not sure. But you'll need to wait to hear that story.

Lydia arrived about nine and we headed to Canal Park in Allentown. I get there you need exit Hanover Avenue right before the bridge, go under the bridge and cross the railroad tracks. Then go another half mile to the boat launch.

We arrived at the railroad tracks and the lights were blinking and the cling, cling, cling was clinging so we stopped. No gates here. In a few seconds we heard the train. But it seamed to be slowing down. Trains at this intersection are typically long because there is a freight yard really close to the park.

We could see the engine and it was getting slower and slower. It stopped right at the intersection. But did not block it. Now what do you do. Wait? What are the rules for a stopped choo-choo? We waited about 2 minutes. The engine never moved. So I put Geneva in gear and we crossed the tracks.

After parking we walked toward Bethlehem for a half hour and back.  Then we walked down to the boat launch.

We were only five minutes into the walk when we saw the first turtle. Then the group of six which reduced quickly to five. Clearly one is camera shy. Then another batch of two. Then another one. In total it was 14 or 15. The last one would not let us take his pix. He was huge. Maybe six or seven inches.

Why are there so many turtles in this part of the trail? I have no idea.

On our way back from the boat launch, Lydia saw the railroad tracks and need to take a picture. Why that girl steps on live tracks is beyond me. In taking the pix I also managed to get the power tower. Clearly the choke vines are trying to choke it. It looks cool.

walking in more circles

Lydia was sick last night — apparently she's allergic to Phillipsburg — so Bonnie and I walked alone today.

Our original plan was to do a Volkssport walk. Instead we went to Trexler Park and walked in circles...again. For the first loop we took the high trail and said hi to the good general. Then took a side trail off toward Tilghman street, and then around Cedar Crest back to the General. On the second loop we took the low trail. I think together they are about three miles.

Today we saw some cardinals. Red birds are becoming a theme.

walnutport's canal trail

Today Lydia and I walked in Walnutport. We parked at the Slatington Trailhead for the D&L and walked across the bridge to Walnutport.

Sometimes the D&L follows the canal. Other times, it follows the old railroad bed near the canal. That is what happens in Northampton and Slatington. So both Northampton and Walnutport have canal paths that follow the canal. Saltington also has what they call a slate heritage trail.

I've never done Walnutport's path before. It was nice. It's divided by Main Street, and runs north for about 1.5 miles, and south for maybe 2 miles. So all in all it is a 10K round trip.

We walked on the one side to the first lock, then turned around, crossed Main Street, and went down the other side. We went past another lock and the lock tenders house, a totem pole, a waterfall and some white ducks.

Now I've walked all three paths in that area. Today we did a little more than 3 miles.

Before I went to Lydia's, I stopped at the airport to return my rental car. I was planning on rerenting without the insurance to get the cost down.

Previously when I rented a car, I reserved, I researched, I planned ahead. Clearly I don't do well with emergency renting. I returned the car. When I checked it out they told me there was a chip in the windshield.  When the girl examined it there was scratches at two places on the bumper. I drove it from their lot home and back. I did not look at it before I drove away. Stupid. Clearly the over priced insurance paid off. I am responsible for the "damage".  The one set can be buffed out. The other there is paint removed. Now either my neighbors are horrible at parking, or that damage was there when I took the car. I think it was the later.

I returned the car, and re-rented it. With the "damage" clearly marked. I didn't want to take any insurance because at $55 a day it's expensive. But clearly it just saved my butt. Normally I tell them I'll use my personal insurance. But I have a super large claim in right now. I don't need more complications. So I just took the smallest amount they have. Just in case something else happens.

The crappy weekend continues.

snakes and skunks and owls oh my!

Today was the Tail On The Trail walk event at the Rt 33 Boat Launch. The D&L runs thru it. Bonnie was sick so had to cancel. We don't know what happened to Dawn. So it was just me and Lydia.

We arrived just in time for the animal demo from Wildlands Conservancy. They brought along a ball python, a skunk and a barred owl. That's me holding the snake. He was a little cold, so he stayed balled up.

The skunk was entertaining. He wanted out of his cage. As soon as she unlatched the door, he didn't come out. Silly skunk. Then, when he realized he was free he tried to make a run for it. This fellow is 40 pounds and only a year old. He's had the good life. Why in the world would he want to go back to nature? Besides, he had his stinker snipped. He wouldn't last a week.

The owl was impressive. He had a broken wing, but that didn't stop him from trying to fly off either. He can squeeze 200pounds of pressure with his talons. Needless to say, the skunk went away before the owl came out. Or the owl might have thought lunch!

Both nocturnal animals have been trained to be awake during the day and sleep at night. Totally against nature. But easier for the caretakers. The owl is about 17. They've had him 15 years and he was full grown when he arrived. That's about 2.

 Before we started we took our pix wearing our matching shirts. But you really can't see them. This was some of the swag we received for doing the challenge. So was the magnet on Lydia's car.

Then we headed down the boat ramp to hit the trail heading towards Freemansburg. Another group headed towards Riverside Park. It didn't matter, it was  two miles each way. The third choices was both sections for close to nine miles with the parking lot and boat ramp.

It didn't take long for Lydia to start shooting pixs. And look! She multi-tasks. Shooting with one hand, talking on the phone with the other.

The first part of the trail, maybe a half mile, was narrow. One person wide. The rest was wide. We walked two miles out and two miles back. The total was closer to 5 miles with the boat ramp and the size of the parking lot.

Then it was off to Hugh Moore Park for the Canal Museum and the locktenders house. We had our tickets from August that we needed to use up. This is the last weekend of the season. I'm my mothers daughter. Tickets do not go unused. Between the walk from the lot to the museum, and the walk from the museum to the locktenders house, and then the walk to the field to see the mules, we added another 1.6 miles.

then, when we arrived home, we took Big A for his walk. All in all it was an almost 7 mile day.

Tomorrow Bonnie and I are headed to Snyder County. We'll do that Volkssport walk, and the Northumberland one, and check 2 more counties off our books. Of course, they may never be filled. 14 counties don't even have walks!

evening, then morning walking

Last night I went to the walking clinic at the Steel. They will be continuing thru the month and maybe into October if, and only if, we have 6 people. Right now we have 5. LYDIA WE NEED YOU. I will feed you, Pat will watch A, and I'll pay the fee. With the half coming up it will be a win win. Pleassssse.

Last night we walked up to the Greenway then headed towards the Skate Park for intervals. We came back and headed toward New Street.  Then we practiced form—heel / toe. First you walkedon our heels (tough!) and then our toes (easy), over and over. Then we worked on posture.

We left the Greenway and headed down to First Street to the parking lots, and worked on intervals again. Finally we stretched and went home. Nice night. I had to walk back up to the Greenway for my water bottle.

This morning Bonnie arrived bright and early and we headed up towards St. Luke's, out Seneca and Brighton, and crossed the Hill to Hill Bridge. We came off the Second Avenue ramp, out Spring, around the park and into Sand Island. We did the one mile loop that includes the D&L, and then went past Fritch Fuel to check out the other side of Sand Island. At no point in that park is a D&L trail head sign. WTF?

On our way back to Lehigh Street Bonnie found this turtle. I thought he was a rock. We rescued him from the street and placed him on the grass facing the river. Hope he makes it home.

Then it was over the Fahy Bridge, down the steps and into the Banana Factory. Walkers (an mothers of toddlers) know where all the bathrooms are. I looked at art. Some was good. Some was dreadful. Then we headed home. Total, about 5 miles.

Tomorrow is the photoshoot for the Sugar Crushers program. I'm supposed to bring this list of clothes that fits. I haven't had clothes that fit in years. I have two sizes, too big and too small. The list includes jeans. Guess I need to go shopping. I have one pair of hand-me-downs left and they have serious baggy butt.

After the dreaded photoshoot, I'll be walking with Betsy and Bonnie in Betsy's hood.

Saturday is the Volkssport 10K in Tamaqua.

It will be a busy weekend!

allentown-parks volkssport walk

Today Bonnie and I tested out the new Allentown-Parks volkssport walk. They are going to retire the "town" one because people don't like walking in creepy neighborhoods to get to cool places. Sadly that's the reality. Maybe when the waterfront reopens I can design a walk that takes you to the art museum, America on Wheels, Trout Hall, ect. without creepiness.

I picked Bonnie up at 7 and we headed to check in at the Comfort Suites. Often check-ins are at hotels/motels. They are open 24/7. After checking in we went back to the car and read the directions. One by one. It was hard and funny because I know where Cedar Creek (aka Beach) Park is.

We parked and started to follow the directions. First stop, Allentown's first "destination" playground.  It's amazing. And totally accessible to everyone. We walked thru the maze of activities on the wheelchair ramp. We would have gone down the extra long slides, had it not rained last night. If I was 2 feet shorter I would have climbed in this spider web. It looks so fun. Maybe I'll need to borrow a child.

Speaking of rain,  it rained hard last night in Allentown, a couple inches an hour. The creek was full and raging. Quickly we discovered that much of the trail was flooded. Entire sections of the lawn were flooded. It was a mess. Our feet were soaked. Several times we went off trail to avoid water. The ducks were swimming on the lawn. And Allen's band was practicing and trying hard to avoid it.

New since the last time I was here (two million years ago) were the "do not feed the geese" signs. $600 is a serious fine.

 We saw no geese. Only geese poop.

We left the park, went to Cedar Crest, back to the park, and headed into west Allentown. When we arrived at Cedar Crest Blvd., we crossed and went into Trexler Park. Made the loop around Trexler, taking the higher road to say hi to the good general. Then out and back up Chew street to Muhlenberg College. Finally we returned to the park via Ott Street.

Today was Bonnie's 10th Volkssport walk. Finally she can send in her Starter book. Next week will be her 11th. We'll be headed to Tamaqua for that one.

Tomorrow, I'm not sure where or how we will walk. The D&L? Intervals? Steps at Lehigh? Guess I need to decide soon.

saucon valley rail trail

Lydia sitting on a throne made from a tree stump.

Today Lydia and I did 10.5 miles on the Saucon Valley Rail Trail. Basically we walked from Hellertown to Southern Lehigh and back.

I've never walked the whole thing. Some things I noticed. When you change towns, the stripe color on the posts changes. Full mile posts are tall. Half mile on a little shorter. And quarter miles posts are short.

New things—the Hellertown section now has interpretive signs to read. The Lower Saucon section had a small lot and a port-o-potty. Now it has a large lot, picnic tables, and two port-o-potties. The Upper Saucon section has dog poop bags, recycle bins and trash cans. Overall, great improvements. There are also benches now along of of the trail.

 Railroad spikes and other debris, as yard art, on the trail.

Lydia did well the first half. Then the cramps kicked in. Then some odd hip pain. I knew she was in trouble. She only spoke when spoken too. That's not her. We got to the lot and I said, "if I knew where this was I'd pick you up". It turns out it was off Bingen Road.

Then I said "When we get to Meadow Road, you can wait and I'll walk back and get the car".

"At Meadow Road, we'll only be a mile away from the car. I'm not giving up". Secretly I was doing a happy dance. The old Lydia would not have said that. Not only did she not give up, but she went to the farmers market with me afterwards.

We always find butterflies on these walks. Lydia says they are her mom watching out for her. I guess there are a lot worse things to be reincarnated as.

Also a fawn near Meadow Road.

Thursday we leave for Erie. The half is on Saturday. Normal length walks resume after the half.