Reflection, Walk 43, Yr 2: Saturday, October 1, 2016, nine mindfulness walkers began at Vinland Park, at Hwy 168 and Gettysburg. Three walkers were first time mindfulness walkers. Walkers were surprised at the close proximity to Clovis city limits.
Sights: Plants peeking over the highway–little spindle that goes all the way up. A pot belly pig in a front yard. Is this a county island, and does it allow pigs? Tons of Speed bumps.
Early Bonadelle homes. Walkers commented on how Hwy 168 changed the neighborhood, cut through streets, separating neighbors and neighborhood streets. Increased noise level. Value of homes went down after Hwy 168 came in. Winery side–Clovis side had pavements, curfew laws.
Leaky Acres–no human trespassing –surprisingly clean. Walkers saw a candle tribute to a man who died in front of the Assembly of God church.
Blue herons–rare to see. Walkers noticed many cats in these neighborhoods. One roaming dog.
Birds — one tree was filled with song birds–it was beautiful music. The birds liked the one tree.
Developer planted a ton of magnolias –it looked like cotton. When you pull, it will have a thread like cotton. Never realized how pretty magnolias are at this time of year.
Sounds: Cars — exhaust, motorcycles. Restarting wall helped it be quiet–but the other side was loud. Planes. Only one dog barking–surprisingly. Rustling palms. TVS on outside at Buffalo Wings.
Smells: Restaurants — buffalo wings, bull dog grill, new bark smell — hoping the city is using the new bark. Cooking bacon. Dumpster smell that we passed.
Feelings:
Interesting to see so many details. It’s different walking with a group, being quiet–it forces you to look around at your surroundings. Walking by yourself, you talk, you have music… Sort of hard to stay quiet. One walker described walking where she lives, on the Van Ness bike path–it was a different experience walking with a group and not talking. Nice cool walk.
What was invisible that is now visible? Plants by freeway, grove of trees. Surprised by two big churches. Stone figures by freeway 168 — mysterious. Didn’t realize the little street between freeway and car dealership — secret street. Never realized Winery went through (on Shaw).
Even though there was major construction going on at Vinland park, it was crowded as early as 8 a.m. with soccer and volleyball.
These are our brothers and sisters in Fresno. All of our lives and futures are tied together.
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