Reflection Walk 48, Yr 2, (Walk #100) from Sunnyside Country Club

Reflection, Walk 48, Yr 2, from Sunnyside Country Club.  Four mindfulness walkers met on a lovely cool morning in southeast Fresno on Butler in the heart of the historic Sunnyside neighborhood, under towering trees and to the sounds of birds and golf carts.  Walkers met Debbie in her beautiful front yard that was full of her artwork, handmade stepping stones, glasswork, moose carved bench, large dragonfly made from ceiling fan blades (see photos).  Walkers met Elaine Bowlin inside her home during her estate sale.  Elaine’s husband, Glenn Bowlin, passed away in August.  Glenn was an irrigation expert and water conservationist.  Glenn had an amazing collection of antique sprinklers (see photos).

Walkers said, “seeing these homes makes me curious about the history of Sunnyside.  I’ve driven in but never noticed the homes behind the gates.”  Walkers strolled along the tracks at the backside of the golf course with old houses to the north and west and new homes to the east and south.  Walkers noticed the towering trees above the roof lines compared to the sparse green above the roof lines in the new neighborhoods to the east and south.  Walkers talked about walking on the edge of old and new, and at the intersection of Fresno, Clovis, and Sanger.  Walkers were greeted by 3 or 4 neighborhood people willing to chat and recommend places to walk.

Walkers wondered about the the story/history behind the train tracks.  It’s narrower than the Amtrak lines and looks maintained.  Is it used?   Maybe we should ask Paula Lloyd who writes the history column in the Fresno Bee.  Paula?

Smells:  wet mowed grass, woods, dew/wetness, dryer sheets, cigarettes, garbage or rotten fruit, burning debris….Sounds: train in the distance, distant roar of military jets from National Guard base at Fresno airport, frequent barking from large dogs, birds chirping, three occasions of loud music blaring from car windows (rap, deep base, country music)  loud motorcycles, blowers, mowers, golf carts.  Many moments of relative quiet under the trees and along the dense foliage of the track trail with just birds and crunch of our steps.  Greetings from residents sweeping or drinking coffee on the porch.  Sounds of people talking from a backyard morning gathering.

Sights:  big trees, citrus trees with ripening fruit, front yard art (Debbie came out to greet and check on us), fountains, only one house with bars on porch or windows, walkers only saw 2 kids in back yard, big/deep yards, lady running with her dog, variety in architecture, really cool unique architecture and landscaping, one house had a pool that seemed to be in the front yard.  Many houses with solar panel.  These homes seem inviting.  Unique and varied architecture.  A more welcoming feel with deep yards and landscaping and no chain linked fencing.  Newer developments in the city vs. county islands.  Walkers talked about the mix of campaign signs since we are at the intersection of Clovis, Sanger, Fresno.  The worn path along the tracks.  Some graffiti on the walls along the tracks.

What walkers didn’t see:  few if any sidewalks. (Walkers thought this was county island.) No homeless people, but did see signs of belongings, bedding, and trash along the tracks.  No kids out playing/riding bikes.  A runner recommended we walk along the canal and said, “it’s late enough the hobos should be gone.”  No abandoned shopping carts.  No front yard dogs running along barking at walkers.  No razor wire.  Walkers did talk about the cacti planted at the back fences of homes along the tracks.

Walkers talked about the recent news of gang arrests in southeast Fresno.  Walkers felt comfortable walking in this area without noticing criminal or gang activity.  Walkers talked about the extreme contrasts that can exist even within one section of Fresno.

Walkers imagined more walking paths, maybe along the railroad tracks.  This track/trail could connect to canal trail.  Walkers saw the entrance to a canal walking path at Butler and DeWitt with many walkers and cars parked at the entrance.

Who decides about county island areas?  It’s really weird where city and county stop and start.  What’s the benefit or costs to living in city vs. county.  Police?  Fire?  Garbage pickup?  Voting?

Walkers discussed how enjoyable it is to walk in these neighborhoods, beautiful inviting homes, serene, mature trees are so inviting.

These are our brothers and sisters in Fresno.  All of our lives and futures are tied together.

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