Yesterday, I decided to try the Old 16 Road loop again. This time, though, I walked in the other direction–clockwise instead of counter-clockwise–and I took the footpath through the southeastern suburbs. Otherwise the route didn’t change. Imagine my surprise when it turned out to be some three kilometres shorter than what I walked on Friday. The footpath must be a shortcut.
A light rain was falling when I left the house, but it stopped after an hour or so. It was quite warm for mid-April and I was able to walk without my coat. I was carrying dog biscuits again but Mr. Angry Dog didn’t make an appearance. Maybe he was spending the day inside. Three other dogs came out to take a look at me, but they were safely behind a fence. So I didn’t get to test my treat theory again. Too bad: I really need more data.
When I got to the Cowessess Gas and Grocery, I stopped listening to Mark Maron’s interview with David Byrne and started listening to meadowlarks and the sound of the wind in the power lines–an unearthly, resonant growl.Walking in the other direction, I noticed new things: railway tracks, a slowly collapsing barn, a “road impassable when wet” sign, a home quarter that’s been cleared for the plough with a bulldozer.
I walked through the university and stopped by the Visual Arts department’s open house for a glass of iced tea. Then I headed home for a Guinness and a rest. I’m still surprised that the footpath cut the distance so significantly; if I walk this route again, maybe I’ll stay on the street, to make it a little longer. In any case, it’s good to know I’m getting closer to being prepared for my long walk in June.