What would it look like to walk 32 kilometres–20 miles–around town? Today, it looked like this:
It wasn’t the most exciting walk, I’ll give you that. I walked out to the east end of the city and ate a sandwich. Then I walked to the south end and drank an iced latte. Then I headed north again, towards home. Along the way, I saw lots of birds and flowers and rabbits and gophers, and even more tent caterpillars. In some places, the sidewalk is black with their droppings and the trees have been stripped bare.
If it’s not the most interesting walk in the world, why do it? The answer is easy: I found out last summer what happens when you attempt a big walk without getting ready for it–you have to quit early because of blisters and exhaustion–and I don’t want that to happen this time. So I walk all over town, hoping the kilometres will make a difference when I’m on the road in two weeks.
I ran into one of my colleagues, Craig Melhof, and we chatted briefly about what I’m up to and what he’s doing. And a young fellow at Starbuck’s–a pipefitter, originally from Ottawa, who likes living in Alberta better than living here because of the mountains–told me to make sure I take good pictures with my camera. I’m doing my best, although sometimes I know I need to take more time composing the shot than I do. I’m always eager to get walking again.
Once again, no blisters, which is very encouraging. And I made it home before the thunder started! What else could you ask for?
Hey Ken
You are really hitting your straps by the looks of things. We really need to start upping our waling frequency and distances in preparation for the camino for the same reasons as you mention. Alas, these cold and dark Canberra mornings and evenings are not making it any easier!
I have been thinking a lot about you going and wanted to share something meaningful with you as a kind of Aussie blessing for your walk. We have a poet/cartoonist called Michael Leunig who is beloved of most people in this country because of his whimsical truth telling and wisdom about life. I’ll finish this little reply with a piece of his that I wanted to share with you.
How To Get There
‘Go to the end of the path until you get to the gate.
Go through the gate and head straight out towards the horizon.
Keep going towards the horizon.
Sit down and have a rest every now and again,
But keep on going, just keep on with it.
Keep on going as far as you can.
That’s how you get there.’
If you google the title you will probably get a link to the actual cartoon which has great little figures to match the words.
Keep going, my friend, just keep on with it.
Neil
Nice flower shots Ken. Interesting your comments about the caterpillars. Your area must be in a different part of the seven year cycle. I’ve looked for them on my apple trees, but so far none seen. By now there will be signs. You sound ready to go…a good thing as its just about time.
I sense Neil’s concern about starting preparations for their Camino. It is more difficult in the late fall and winter. I know he will get things going soon because like you he knows what to expect. Really looking forward to seeing him in a couple of months.
Walk on amigo!