My feet hurt.
My legs are sore.
My back aches.
I am tired.
I am starting to cry for no known reason,
and I am in one of the most amazing places in the world.
Maybe you have been there too. This happened to me in Moscow Russia, Rome, Italy, Costa Rica, Washington DC, New York... almost every big city trip has challenged my stamina. There is nothing worse than being too pooped to pop while traveling. I learned early in my travels that fatigue can be a wet blanket on the excitement, wonder, and pleasure of discovering a new experience.
“I walk so I can walk.”
Some people train for sports events, triathlons, marathons or to lose weight. I train on a regular basis so I can travel. Preparation is a big part of any trip and I recognize that I need to be physically ready to tour the world. I can get the best airfare, the cheapest rooms, and the most exotic food, but if I’m not feeling well… all could be wasted time, money and effort.
Twice a week I practice yoga, and two or three times a week, I go to George Brown’s Fitness and spend an hour on a treadmill listening to podcasts. Some of my favorites are “Grammar Girl”, “Get it Done Guy”, and “Extra Pack of Peanuts Travel Podcast”. Or sometimes I just listen to music and let my thoughts wander on my next walkabout or what to write in my next blog post.
When I am not traveling far and wide, there is a terrific destination right outside my front door. One of my favorite Walkabout Workouts is a long walk along the Clovis Old Town Trail and the Dry Creek Trail. I took my blog photos along the route.
The hike to Old Town Clovis
Reflecting upon the Dry Creek Trail.
I remember the Clovis Old Town trail when it still had railroad ties. The City of Clovis worked with the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy to transform the railway that ushered fruits and vegetables through town, into a paved pedestrian trail.
“The Clovis Old Town Trail begins near Fresno Yosemite International Airport on the southern edge of Clovis and continues north along Clovis Avenue. The trail skirts many residential and commercial areas, with easy access along the entire length.”
I usually catch the trail in my neighborhood at the Trailside Shopping Center, Willow and Nees, The trail traverses South to Cottonwood Park where it connects with the Dry Creek Trail.
Sometimes there is water in Dry Creek at Cottonwood Park.
It takes time to take a hike. But you only have time for the things you make time for, and the reward is a longer, healthier world wide walkabout.
A walk is a good time to reflect on the last trip and the next adventure.
Sycamores and gingkoes change color and drop their leaves with the change of seasons. After a Walkabout Workout on the trail, I find I have a better attitude and a more positive outlook.
It is a moment of relief. A time to take a breath.
When on a Walkabout Workout, the far becomes near and you can see details in the small things nearby.
And, I face the world with a better view.
Inky Cap Mushrooms along the trail.
My Fitness Partner regularly joins me. We walk and talk and make plans for our next adventure and solve any problems of the day. Sometimes, I try to ignore my fitness commitment, only to be reminded that I really do want to "walk so I can walk." If not for now, then for our next trip.
Frequently we include lunch along the way, or a stop at the Clovis branch of the Fresno County Library.
My Fitness Partner at the Dry Creek Trailhead on Shepard Avenue, Clovis.
My late mother would say, "You will never have anything nice if you don’t learn how to take care of things." I want my bogy to be nice to me when I travel, so I own the responsibility for my health.
There have been times when we have counted as many as 21 different bird species.
I am thankful for living in a community that is a worthy travel destination, full of beauty, peace, and interesting places to walk. I am safe, and I can enjoy a beautiful environment right outside my front door. Maybe you have such a place outside your doorstep.
I enjoy traveling every week, with a Walkabout Workout. .
I walk because I can walk. I hope you do too.
