Saturday, December 3, 2016, seven mindfulness walkers began in Fig Garden shopping center to stroll west through quiet, mature neighborhoods, through the sprawling campus of LinkCare, across Shaw, then back through older ‘county-island’ neighborhoods, along the canal walkway, and then to see the elaborate decorations on Van Ness.
The highlights from walkers included: pleasant, peaceful, quiet, unknown neighborhoods tucked in, nice neighborhoods that are familiar from memories with kids at Bullard, enjoyed the whole walk, route through neighborhoods, canal, and along Christmas tree lane during the day before opening night. Walkers commented on how much work it takes for homeowners to prepare. Amazed by the extensive lights and decorations at the Alexander’s who won the national lighting award last year. Walkers enjoyed the ‘secret’ nature path along the canal.
Sights: little duck families in canal, noticeable architecture and varied housing and yard layout, really interesting to guess when things were built and remodeled over time. Many are now re-doing front yards, installing raised garden beds in front yard in unique way that makes it look nice. Walkers talked about the ‘Arizona house’ with cacti. Walkers were happy to find the unlocked gate that allowed a stroll through the beautiful campus of LinkCare, a counseling center for ministry and church staff. One neglected house and overgrown yard with rusting car seemed out of place. Walkers smiled at the biking mom pulling kids in bike trailer along Van Ness. Walkers commented on the Ba Hum Bug display with tall barbed fence. Walkers noticed some front yard fencing/gates, but mostly properties were open and welcoming. Many houses were set back off the road. Walkers struggled to walk along West which was busy with traffic, and thought it was county island because the sidewalk ran out. The taller walkers commented on the well kept back yards that they could see from the canal bank. Walkers appreciated the port-a-potties set up along Van Ness in anticipation of the many walkers.
Fresno has fall colors! Beautiful brilliant colors in the trees – bright colors, really beautiful.
Smells: roseberry bush, Dennys, cigar, carmel corn/baking, dryer sheets.
Sounds: birds, kids playing in playground behind church, ducks, lawn equipment, blower, only a couple of barking dogs – fewest barking dogs, Salvation Army Bell.
Ending thought: These are our brothers and sisters in Fresno. All of our lives and futures are tied together.
Facebook photo album: https://www.facebook.com/pg/fresnomindfulnesswalks/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1867373553549390
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