Walkers began at East Rotary Park which was lively with squirrels and birds on a cool, sunny morning. Welcome walkers Sheila, Beth, and Nikiko, and to new walkers, Kathy and Nancy. Kathy is visiting from Washington State and decided to join us!
Walkers met Jerry who was sweeping the curbs and sidewalk in his neighborhood by Eaton Elementary. In a conversation, walkers learned that Jerry is retired after 61 years as a big-rig truck driver. He sweeps curbs and sidewalks in his neighborhood every day, about 12 to 13 houses per day, eventually making his way around the block. Jerry told walkers that he’s not interested in spending his time watching TV, but enjoys finding ways to help and contribute to the well being of his neighborhood. Wow, walkers were so inspired by Jerry’s outlook on life!
Highlight: Walkers were graciously invited into the back yard of Brad and Cathy Davis, who live on this walking route. Walkers were thrilled to experience their secret zen garden, with lovely chimes and fountains, garden statues, and friendly benches tucked back into a shady corner of their property. Wonderful!
Walkers enjoyed the variety of environments on this walk – orchards, dirt paths, sidewalks through residential neighborhoods, developments from the 1970s and 80s, a shopping center, and a surprise stroll through a back yard with a zen garden. Comments from the walkers included: friendly yard sellers! beautiful flowers. The roses were rockin it this morning! Enjoyed the sounds of birds early on, but then the traffic got louder throughout the walk. Remodeled houses – improvements, upgrades, front steps replaced with ramps.
Walkers noticed few children outside playing on this beautiful morning. Walkers discussed how a residential neighborhood like this one, with large front and back yards, is like having private parks, and people may be less inclined to utilize parks and community meeting spaces. One walker is a botanist, and noticed a lack of insects – may be due to close proximity to ag areas that are treated with insecticides.
Walkers chuckled at the comment about how noisy humans are – noticing how the orchard is a sound buffer to traffic and yard equipment. However, all the sounds of humans, birds, dogs, chimes heightened our awareness of how sounds create a picture of the environment – the sound scape, or bio-acoustics of our city.
Walkers talked about feeling safe even in unfamiliar areas by walking with a group. One walker said that her sister lived in this neighborhood, and after walking it this morning, enjoyed the neighborhood so much more than she imagined she would.
Walkers appreciated the pre-walk reminder to keep shoulders back and head up- looking out toward the environment as we move through it. Walking and noticing keeps walkers aware of the present moment, and reduces the mental noise of rehashing the past or stressing about the future.
To see all the photos from Walk 45, yr 3 from East Rotary Park, check out:
Google photo album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/8pvrYNsTdd4Cv8Vk1
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