tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55358340816723296882024-03-14T00:55:58.455-04:00Keep Smiling Keep MovingI'm just a happy dork. My goal in life is to finish and have fun and to try to make a difference while I''m at it.Paula T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07540410643185737698noreply@blogger.comBlogger673125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535834081672329688.post-57275257281460625052024-02-18T13:47:00.004-05:002024-02-18T13:47:56.640-05:00Horse Shoe Trail Section 4 Route 100 to Downed Tree and Back The title of this section would have been Route 100 to Warwick County Park if it weren't for the downed tree (and thensome). We attempted to go around to the left but it became obvious pretty quickly that we weren't getting past this obstable without significant climbing through and over thorny vines and branches. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJ4Q_ioh18cs4Akc6Wn3FPqsUUhv98eQuf-CjjGtZD6ZGkfrSBG-e_Xp8go8YGV4aRM0Ki1SIdrQwdBdgL5P6qdxuEJ_1CINK_QWdiDkEFV7MfxIqmmwe_MxeHREMXBBWDvUP9YJJWYfebre2l8xkTmDuf7peVk6i3UXwetsUPLVvhYx3mz4MkzUwyK0/s4000/20240218_102127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1848" data-original-width="4000" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJ4Q_ioh18cs4Akc6Wn3FPqsUUhv98eQuf-CjjGtZD6ZGkfrSBG-e_Xp8go8YGV4aRM0Ki1SIdrQwdBdgL5P6qdxuEJ_1CINK_QWdiDkEFV7MfxIqmmwe_MxeHREMXBBWDvUP9YJJWYfebre2l8xkTmDuf7peVk6i3UXwetsUPLVvhYx3mz4MkzUwyK0/s320/20240218_102127.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><div>So we turned around. Turning around gave us two crossings of the same creek and double the views of the pond at Welkinweir. </div><div><br /></div><div>Keep Smiling Keep Moving</div><div>-Paula </div></div>Paula T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07540410643185737698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535834081672329688.post-22609768869988520332024-02-10T14:31:00.004-05:002024-02-18T13:39:33.479-05:00Horse-Shoe Trail Section 3: Warwick County Park to SGL 43 at Harmonyville Road. <p>Last weekend we had hoped to once again attempt the section between Brightside Farm Park (BFP) and Route 100. However, weather, wind chills and a blood donation have kept us off the trail for too many weeks and 11.1 miles felt like too much. Instead, Elaine, Dave and I went to Bryn Coed Nature Preserve and, despite getting lost, had a wonderful time. We covered 5.5 miles that day. </p><p>Returning home from that outing I decided to refigure the sections to build back up to 10 to 12 miles. The other thing I decided was that two attmpts at BFP to Route 100 was enough for now. We are already out of order so we'll go back to that later. That brings us to today's section, 5.9 miles from Warwich County Park and the SGL 43 parking area on Harmonyville Road. </p><p>This section follows French Creek with several crossing of streams feeding into the Creek.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQhyphenhyphenj9h8MyF6H9KlKaDWnLpsgmRSnmE5xBIaTE7Bq11Hl05-Npzkn-zDotaEjP6gH5XF4PKJfKmLsO-CeDLBWDQbGmER21jRinTn8Ewe6vTaWmvy6WRZQ3zVHkpLwOW0qYF6pF1oj6UILx4XgEhNZt6HkD2PYmTHL_PwH-z1zrWeD3FlhxcR4dzKhBIY0/s4000/20240210_085728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1848" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQhyphenhyphenj9h8MyF6H9KlKaDWnLpsgmRSnmE5xBIaTE7Bq11Hl05-Npzkn-zDotaEjP6gH5XF4PKJfKmLsO-CeDLBWDQbGmER21jRinTn8Ewe6vTaWmvy6WRZQ3zVHkpLwOW0qYF6pF1oj6UILx4XgEhNZt6HkD2PYmTHL_PwH-z1zrWeD3FlhxcR4dzKhBIY0/s320/20240210_085728.jpg" width="148" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">January snow and rain has the Creek <br />running at a decent height and pace.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1848" data-original-width="4000" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsNN-LJC8wLIKDlaIfdK8HVfc04VyecCILC7u_t-VTaSSCDR1zv_IRKFEyIbiQaR24lcgbgMPM6rbZdezisYjnWJUk4A_-losnwGQ9XqW9hMm3D-l1DuVQ15Ad2_-iSSQBFdQbSGSKHV5I6unA3b0XsP6k1-_RwQ5FjQv6nAOBy6zEBRSNqmZQeYv0e1c/s320/20240210_102910.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stream crossing were plentiful today.<br />Rock for hopping were jsut as plentiful.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">No one got wet 👏</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>The perk of this section is the ease of visiting <a href="https://www.saintpetersbakery.com/" target="_blank">St. Peter's Bakery</a> post hike. 💖</p><p>The question of the day is "Why is the village alled St. Peter's"? While I can find <a href="https://www.brandywinevalley.com/blog/post/st-peters-village-is-a-step-back-in-time/" target="_blank">many refernces</a> to the village and its history, none shares the origin of the name. If you know, please let us know. </p><p>Keep Smiling Keep Moving - Paula </p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Paula T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07540410643185737698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535834081672329688.post-84492897683120096252024-01-14T09:40:00.006-05:002024-01-14T09:42:19.262-05:00Flexibility Revisted<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIpwAJ2OEl2_76Z6Nh8VYEr0vPXby83BFZRiA4CwNiFnfXwmob0Zw9Q279e0OvjjZKaeH-mv_RmbbuTU1KMWwt5VwDryrE9esaAC1dsfLzvHSou1eoCmQSYkfEeCRcsJ6UUdx5VuuqE-tKp0eoUGSMaEF2P-vmuM-zg9IkEcA2Pl9yaQdLNMgSM175KcU/s1848/20240114_083821.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1806" data-original-width="1848" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIpwAJ2OEl2_76Z6Nh8VYEr0vPXby83BFZRiA4CwNiFnfXwmob0Zw9Q279e0OvjjZKaeH-mv_RmbbuTU1KMWwt5VwDryrE9esaAC1dsfLzvHSou1eoCmQSYkfEeCRcsJ6UUdx5VuuqE-tKp0eoUGSMaEF2P-vmuM-zg9IkEcA2Pl9yaQdLNMgSM175KcU/w200-h196/20240114_083821.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Since this is a four day weekend for me, I planned on two hikes. <a href="https://keepsmilingkeepmoving.blogspot.com/2024/01/horse-shoe-trail-section-2-sgl-43-at.html" target="_blank">Friday</a> and again today. If the title of this post has not already clued you in then, SPOILER ALERT, I did not hike today. <p></p><p>Physically I have recovered from Friday. Expected wind chills in the mid-20s to start is tolerable. Been there done that and have a few tricks up my sleeve for that. Some of them literally up my sleeve*. The snow of course was not an issue. It was the rain mixed in followed by high winds with gusts in the 30 to 40 mph range. I'd end up with a chill that would last until next weekend! </p><p>So instead I opted for a short walk to enjoy the sunshine while it lasts. I had received a Wawa rewards coupon for free birthday coffee good until 1/14/2024. Today is 1/14/2024. Except apparently that means midnight before the coupon expiry date. Still got my coffee just had to be flexible yet again. 😎</p><p>Keep Smiling Keep Moving (even when the weather and your coupons conspire to try to make you frown) LOL</p><p>-Paula </p><p>* Or down your sleeve as the case may be. Put your hydration tube down your sleeve in below freezing weather and your water will remain water :) </p>Paula T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07540410643185737698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535834081672329688.post-48294665396685418902024-01-12T15:42:00.005-05:002024-01-12T15:44:58.973-05:00Horse-Shoe Trail Section 2: SGL 43 at Harmonyville Road to Gravel Lot on Geigertown Road. <p>Today's hike is brought to us by the letter F for Flexible and Fall. </p><p>Flexible because even the best laid plans may go awry when you forget that you are hiking on a Friday not the weekend. The planned section for today should have picked up where we left off two weeks ago (at Brightside Farm Park) and ended at Collinson, Inc on Route 100. Fortunately, I remembered last night that parking at Collinson is only permitted on weekends and holidays as they have a business to run during the week!! So much for my plan to hike each section in order. </p><p>In case you are wondering (and if you're not, skip ahead), I couldn't switch my hike day to tomorrow due to yet another round of heavy rain coming tonight. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gsPoMSv8hO0g8OQ04KyvtG_x6rkMseR4bcCsupk1-18fkh9tT8u83OASDeq7P78bhVzrTMAbSe0b6hG9FF1460WIHmudI9ASMg8dy5ne19sB8pArWn8nq7FQYR2god8pAt939hVmVSzxyPBPCbHLXh-pYbKCZtKjGgEcmJraKG5ulShmqe9qUCtWMvo/s3968/20240112_085750.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1832" data-original-width="3968" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gsPoMSv8hO0g8OQ04KyvtG_x6rkMseR4bcCsupk1-18fkh9tT8u83OASDeq7P78bhVzrTMAbSe0b6hG9FF1460WIHmudI9ASMg8dy5ne19sB8pArWn8nq7FQYR2god8pAt939hVmVSzxyPBPCbHLXh-pYbKCZtKjGgEcmJraKG5ulShmqe9qUCtWMvo/s320/20240112_085750.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>After leaving my car at Giegertown Road we travelled in Dave's car to SGL 43 at Harmonyville road and hiked together to Hopewell Furnace (about 2 miles). From here I continued on to my car and Dave went back to his. </p><p>The remainder of the hike was in and around the grounds of Hopewell Furnace area and French Creek State Park. Signs informed me I was travelling in and out of permitted hunting areas as well. I was properly dressed for that and felt safe. It was strange, though, during well signed "No hunting" areas to hear the sound of gunshots coming through the trees from the Gun Club not too far away. </p><p>I saw a couple, a single hiker and a mountain biker today. The mountain biker was coming up behind and I stepped off the trail to let him pass. He stopped and commented on the condition of the trail. In spots it was very wet with boot sucking mud. He said "I've been coming here for 30 years and have never seen it this bad". I asked where he came in from. He said Harrisburg. I let him know that the snow they got in Harrisburg last week and this past Wednesday was all rain here. </p><p>The trail here (as in much of PA) was full of rocks and roots. Many of it camouflaged by leaf cover which brings me to the other word of the day FALL. I'm impressed with myself that it only happened once. But it was a doozy. My sunglasses and Perki went flying. I am fine but suspect I'll be feeling it tomorrow. It was a bone rattler. </p><p>The rocks, roots and mud made for slow going to day. 10.25 miles and 4 hours & 43 minutes after leaving Dave's car I was re-united with mine. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn48t1m6tugLpWZ4fgBs1st0d1rddOPKoK_wrc2OtLYLxzSBTiqOw_Wk0ocz1W-ARA4Qtk44k1T8JzErLsMSdk9pExFSgaSMK400MdcdRGKT303JKZ-pIWes0ZDi6qHjBJAdXh2JZ2esFXLTBEy9UGSpA-Pw7tnqpY0GJZXrDMqAverutCzxgf3q0IMZ8/s3216/20240112_131430.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1488" data-original-width="3216" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn48t1m6tugLpWZ4fgBs1st0d1rddOPKoK_wrc2OtLYLxzSBTiqOw_Wk0ocz1W-ARA4Qtk44k1T8JzErLsMSdk9pExFSgaSMK400MdcdRGKT303JKZ-pIWes0ZDi6qHjBJAdXh2JZ2esFXLTBEy9UGSpA-Pw7tnqpY0GJZXrDMqAverutCzxgf3q0IMZ8/s320/20240112_131430.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Keep Smiling Keep Moving - Paula </p>Paula T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07540410643185737698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535834081672329688.post-30067517254048247762023-12-30T15:52:00.018-05:002023-12-30T16:01:35.592-05:00Horse-Shoe Trail Section 1: Washington's Headquarters to Brightside Farmpark<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0LzSFko6pTI9m6zR6wq79S3zzRgXBLxh4IiwJgFG27QrRSOTNYUbkuRQ9KAPF5JAfAu61fX-j2R3duttsAn6C1_Y9gMlWpeAcVyOxxCpxgrnwg_Ld035ko4VwmVwQx7tWxPVAYXrUbYmfBYHh4vfgAjtHqFbPka-olA1RDM5GpcNW91Up2evCO8KaBkM/s2340/Screenshot_20231230_135614_Connect.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2340" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0LzSFko6pTI9m6zR6wq79S3zzRgXBLxh4IiwJgFG27QrRSOTNYUbkuRQ9KAPF5JAfAu61fX-j2R3duttsAn6C1_Y9gMlWpeAcVyOxxCpxgrnwg_Ld035ko4VwmVwQx7tWxPVAYXrUbYmfBYHh4vfgAjtHqFbPka-olA1RDM5GpcNW91Up2evCO8KaBkM/s320/Screenshot_20231230_135614_Connect.jpg" width="148" /></a></div>I've decided to celebrate my 65th year by tackling a hiking bucket list item - an end to end section hike of the Horse-Shoe Trail. And now that it's been said 'out loud', how is that I'm in my 65th year already? I guess time really does fly when you are having fun. <p></p><p>Since my first hike on this trail in December 2012, I've hiked all of Maps 1 though 4 and a portion of Map 5. Some of the sections on these maps I've hiked multiple times. Now, I will make a specific effort to start at the beginning and continue one section at a time to the end. With Dave's help we'll car hop our way across the state from Valley Forge to Harrisburg.</p><p>With the help of the 2023 HST Trail maps, I've divided the trail into 12 sections averaging 12 miles each. I am limited to weekends and will need to work around other weekend commitments. I'd love to finish before Memorial Day. I'll hike in rain and snow. I won't hike in thunder and lightening (not on purpose anyway) and I prefer not to hike in a torrential rain. So we'll see how weather affects our schedule. </p><p>Also, it hasn't snowed more than a dusting in almost 2 years in eastern PA. Now that I've made these plans, I feel a blizzard coming on. No, I won't hike in it but it's a good thing I miss the snow or it would be tougher to laugh at that. </p><p>For today's section we left my car at Brightside Farm Park and took Dave's car to Washington's Headquarters. My watch measured .38 mile from the rest room near the HQ parking lot to the <a href="https://cart.hstrail.org/history-of-the-horse-shoe-trail-club-conservancy/" target="_blank">Henry Woolman monument</a> that marks the eastern terminus of the Horse-Shoe Trail. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ELWdzZLnzpRrq8GKMEi4s_81HJXXZHEFTZad-OdWiXKPHK45atYcPoqFfbwAp5NiLagKy-3lMclkpSVnXVKn2v-NQ97BHOWF8rx6eUtlnZ8gzJwkgo9McTHi5pG78Avql6CsX9tbPnveVrouvctqC05ANIIhx3ePnJK8dabnF8XEss8NzIU2gz_xxU8/s3968/20231230_080405.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1832" data-original-width="3968" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ELWdzZLnzpRrq8GKMEi4s_81HJXXZHEFTZad-OdWiXKPHK45atYcPoqFfbwAp5NiLagKy-3lMclkpSVnXVKn2v-NQ97BHOWF8rx6eUtlnZ8gzJwkgo9McTHi5pG78Avql6CsX9tbPnveVrouvctqC05ANIIhx3ePnJK8dabnF8XEss8NzIU2gz_xxU8/s320/20231230_080405.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was not possible to get us and the monument<br />in the same photo.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Dave and I hiked together to the spot where the HST and the Valley Creek Trail meet (about .3 from the beginning of the HST). Dave went off on his own hike out to the Covered Bridge and I continued on to my car. </p><p>Those who follow my hiking trips on Facebook know that I take A LOT of pictures. I can't help it. I'm enamored of Mother Nature's beauty and the many animals and people I see on the trail. For this end to end adventure though I plan to limit my photo taking. At least on these first sections that I've travelled so many times already. Today I challenged myself to find something interesting to photograph at 2 mile intervals only. There were times when I wished I hadn't made that challenge to myself but I did stick with it. 😀</p><p>For those in the know of this section, the Tinman is back. On the opposite side of the trail now. It was nice to see an old friend. Tinman was not at a 2 mile interval though so no photo. Despite how much I wanted a selfie. </p><p>This section by trail map definition is 10.4 miles. There is a re-route at about mile 3 and this combined with the distance from our car brought my total mileage today to 11.44. I feel pretty good considering my last long hike was 12 miles on August 12th. Since then our outings have been inconsistent and usually in the 4-6 mile range. So yeah considering all that ... I feel pretty good. My joints and many muscles are tingly but I can walk up and downstairs without two footing it and only wobble the first few steps out of the chair. At my age, the wobble is there more often these days regardless of whether I've been hiking. Today it takes a few more steps than usual. There is no doubt I'll sleep well tonight. </p><p>The hike began a little before 8 am. It was 36 degrees with a bit of a breeze. I wore two layers on my torso with a fleece pullover on top of that. About 7 miles in I wished I had a lighter jacket to change into. I had two layers on my ears to start but was able to remove the headband at about mile 5. I packed a peanut butter and jelly sandwich cut into quarters and ate one piece at 2, 4, 6, and 8. I barely drank enough water trying to avoid the need to pee. This section does not have opportunities for that. </p><p>One section down. 11 to go. </p><p>Keep Smiling and Keep Moving -Paula </p><p>P.S for those who wonder what happened to <a href="https://keepsmilingkeepmoving.blogspot.com/2023/04/a-new-challenge.html" target="_blank">wanting to do the Brandywine End to End in April</a>, I've abandoned that idea. The need to maintain a certain pace to make the cutoffs is the main reason. While I can keep the pace it leaves little room to enjoy the hike. The secondary reason is the lack of consistency in our outings (mentioned above). I don't think I have enough time to work up to a single 28 mile hike. </p>Paula T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07540410643185737698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535834081672329688.post-61049494722621060442023-07-22T15:36:00.003-04:002023-07-22T15:44:50.611-04:0012 Hours; 300+ miles; 2 phantom addresses and 6 tubs of margarine<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB66-xSsCRxOq7RiUbGsXOyTnbbPDtMMW-LA_TB_aPNM-jHTFH_0_C4qwI4j7lWXrY44YJGkiDobZuD6duVtKeZHEdLkYAEx7596hynxauujuMIy_14kxjKtbAabNyco5KY54iUElTLLNknIH9mFK2YSMAF7WT5fbQ03esxheHZvlSLEQsIYg8ZXEfRMw/s4000/20230721_101304.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1848" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB66-xSsCRxOq7RiUbGsXOyTnbbPDtMMW-LA_TB_aPNM-jHTFH_0_C4qwI4j7lWXrY44YJGkiDobZuD6duVtKeZHEdLkYAEx7596hynxauujuMIy_14kxjKtbAabNyco5KY54iUElTLLNknIH9mFK2YSMAF7WT5fbQ03esxheHZvlSLEQsIYg8ZXEfRMw/w116-h162/20230721_101304.jpg" width="116" /></a></div><br />Did you ever try to see how far it was from your house to somewhere and start to wonder about the other addresses that Google Maps suggests to you? I mean the ones that are the same as your address but in different towns? Well, I have. And one day a few months ago I plotted a looping drive the visited three of them. Then I said, "We should drive this some day" and "Some Day" was yesterday, July 21st. <p></p><p>The loop, according to Google, would take 7 hours and change. It took us 12 hours because what fun is it to just sit in the car for 7 hours? </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The first stop was in West Chester, PA We left home just before 8 am and headed to the DK Diner in West Chester on our way to visit the first stop. This was our first time at DK and we do recommend it. Good food, reasonable prices. We may have been the only non-regulars in the place but that didn't mean anything to the staff. They were very pleasant and helpful. It is a cash only establishment though so be prepared. http://www.dkdiner.com/ <p></p><p>Next we were off to the first address on our tour. Unfortunately it did not exist. The road existed but not the address Google claimed was there. Perhaps it exists in an alternate universe a la <a href="https://harrypotter.fandom.com/wiki/Platform_Nine_and_Three-Quarters" target="_blank">Platform 9 and 3/4?</a> We decided we would not ram someone's mailbox to find out. It was a mystery left unsolved as we moved on to our next stop. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbK6e_19A3AzTLoVdP6cLRc7zbILgljEihCVG8t2Yv4ONlhZhHnA9tsACj3AfLyMclTbPfZ4dx5HrumGxA4OaRp8WZ52CDcU6JFr33ABTjxo4tei_8Z5J_GYvlEFD-Mjlr9SjX5yGgdYDbGBwAe14IN0qlHrRCmw7Wz-nFPkJitxyGV6ULaMtSF1IjVdw/s4000/20230721_105007.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1848" data-original-width="4000" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbK6e_19A3AzTLoVdP6cLRc7zbILgljEihCVG8t2Yv4ONlhZhHnA9tsACj3AfLyMclTbPfZ4dx5HrumGxA4OaRp8WZ52CDcU6JFr33ABTjxo4tei_8Z5J_GYvlEFD-Mjlr9SjX5yGgdYDbGBwAe14IN0qlHrRCmw7Wz-nFPkJitxyGV6ULaMtSF1IjVdw/s320/20230721_105007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The next address on our tour was several hours and many miles away in Hamburg, NJ. Looking at our tour we realized we could angle through Easton PA. Easton is one of the towns in our "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Look-Up-Pennsylvania-Walking-Keystone/dp/0982575424" target="_blank">Look Up Pennsylvania</a>" book so we decided to take advantage of the opportunity. <p></p><p>Our journey to Easton took us past the <a href="https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/DelawareCanalStatePark/Pages/History.aspx#:~:text=Groundhog%20Lock,lock%20in%20the%20mid%201850s.">Groundhog Locks</a> in Delaware Canal State Park so we stopped for a walk around. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5B49vD-2Wt_T5tBC7Ao871kIsph4V8BlzIi0FnNRKXIi90BUYkcAm0jksl8IJ9nnxKFMKnQxrm2cjvFDRlEizZAcOQWjiVpTT1TeUA5ilwlADQAQHTjwgcn_widiIKsXGBmsr_M2tFfmyRMR-4P-oTYB4Se3QoFjbI0lDfL_LF9hsnzCqWz7jUHH4fVo/s4000/20230721_125546.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1848" data-original-width="4000" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5B49vD-2Wt_T5tBC7Ao871kIsph4V8BlzIi0FnNRKXIi90BUYkcAm0jksl8IJ9nnxKFMKnQxrm2cjvFDRlEizZAcOQWjiVpTT1TeUA5ilwlADQAQHTjwgcn_widiIKsXGBmsr_M2tFfmyRMR-4P-oTYB4Se3QoFjbI0lDfL_LF9hsnzCqWz7jUHH4fVo/s320/20230721_125546.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Easton was a pleasant surprise. I was expecting the Crayola Factory and a more industrial looking town. Instead we found amazing preserved historical buildings. Only some of which were on our tour. We recommend a walk about in Easton. If you go, we also recommend a stop at <a href="https://mia-maddie.com/" target="_blank">Mia & M<br />addies Bakery.</a> As we walked by we both commented on how good it smelled. A young woman at the door assured us it was as good as it smelled and further informed that they had the best chocolate chip cookies in Easton. How could we not stop in and see for our selves. Of course she was right :) <p></p><p>After completing our tour of Easton, we moved on to our next address. Turns out Google was yet again mistaken as there was no shared address in Hamburg, NJ. However, there was a common intersection. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis7__BQMWnNuwvsUWND9CA_44t8b0sALEa4RXM8agjbQV-6mEXGpRFCMZ8jSi8tiQ-QWojm1-mVn3tvm7JelfkJl7nBcoUgkdbZ0JjNvPSQaMnzWQhGI844GcgbBlU2LnZJJi_tmtiiyHfsaXLh-NRJ7oXAT1TTDak0yjMDV5joWU2KQJyEbhtSpNCwrs/s1922/20230721_150939.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1922" data-original-width="1848" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis7__BQMWnNuwvsUWND9CA_44t8b0sALEa4RXM8agjbQV-6mEXGpRFCMZ8jSi8tiQ-QWojm1-mVn3tvm7JelfkJl7nBcoUgkdbZ0JjNvPSQaMnzWQhGI844GcgbBlU2LnZJJi_tmtiiyHfsaXLh-NRJ7oXAT1TTDak0yjMDV5joWU2KQJyEbhtSpNCwrs/w206-h214/20230721_150939.jpg" width="206" /></a></div><p></p><p>From here it was on to stop #3. This address in Parsippany, NJ does exist. It is a split level home. So Google got three out of four addresses right (one of them being our own.) It was a goofy thing to do and a fun way to spend a day. </p><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">Now, about the margarine. Land O Lakes is one (if not the only) maker of margarine in this area. There are other 'spreads' available but only LOL's qualifies as margarine. Slowly but surely though, stores around us have stopped selling it. Unrelated to this trip, we discovered that a certain store does still sell it but they are not in PA. There are several in NJ though. When we realized we'd be heading near one of the stores on this trip we decided to bring a cooler and stock up. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We stopped for a meal at a diner near the store and after that and stopping for the shopping, we arrived back home almost exactly 12 hours after we left. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">-Keep Smiling Keep Moving</div><div style="text-align: left;">-Paula </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p>Paula T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07540410643185737698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535834081672329688.post-40865696395698018892023-05-20T14:38:00.005-04:002023-05-20T14:40:56.502-04:00Keep Smiling, Keep Moving and Make Way for Horses. <p>When I first planned out my miles for preparing for the Brandywine End to End Hike, I had hoped to get to 10 miles before Memorial Day weekend. Allergies, weather and fatigue caused me to miss a hike or two so I backed off hoping to get to 9 for this weekend. </p><p>Dave and I drove two cars out the French Creek Elementary School this morning. We left the Fit there and then proceeded to Chantilly Lane bus shelter to begin our respective hikes. By way of the Horse Shoe Trail I expected to cover 9.4 miles hiking back to the school. I wanted 9 for today but there was no good spot to leave a car at the 9 mile mark and I did not want to go out and back so 9.4 it is (or was planned). </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN9MlNDnG3x4RJjOchM03Nlcwqvsn_AQa3DngNOt6FYq6FMR39iK2EVLO4RB4ocKx8NMcd58JkqifwstiaEXEbfhIQNuhrWyJxJjbx4F6yrlcFA0ZP8bgpnV8rKzI-x90D9CwJBcFO-ETxy_gwbEU5l_5m7gBZV8dnvSf4jGh2Wy0uXe5x-IKO2tXB/s3968/20230520_075636.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1832" data-original-width="3968" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN9MlNDnG3x4RJjOchM03Nlcwqvsn_AQa3DngNOt6FYq6FMR39iK2EVLO4RB4ocKx8NMcd58JkqifwstiaEXEbfhIQNuhrWyJxJjbx4F6yrlcFA0ZP8bgpnV8rKzI-x90D9CwJBcFO-ETxy_gwbEU5l_5m7gBZV8dnvSf4jGh2Wy0uXe5x-IKO2tXB/s320/20230520_075636.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Us before heading out on our respective hikes</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Shortly after crossing route 100, the trail took a detour. I'm still trying to find out why. A few yards into the detour I had to climb over a very large downed tree. I had to sit on it and swing my legs over to get past it. I could tell the detour likely added some distance to my hike but it took me alongside the lake at Welkinweir Nature Preserve so that was nice. </div><div><br /></div><div>Very shortly after this, I heard a branch crack behind me and turned to see what was going on. Coming straight at me were 6 horses. Five of them had riders and the sixth was carrying gear and some agricultural product I could not identify. I believe they came from the very large farm that the trail was passing by at this point. I stepped aside and let them by. I was so surprised and mesmerized by them that I didn't get a photo. </div><div><br /></div><div>Not then anyway. Further down the trail, just past the <a href="https://www.nrtdatabase.org/trailDetail.php?recordID=3854" target="_blank">NRT marker </a>on the Horse Shoe Trail the group had stopped. It sounded like they were chatting with someone in the field on the right of the trail. I stopped a few yards back and waited for the back rider to notice me. I didn't want to call out and spook the horses. After about a minute she noticed me and encourage the group to move farther into the field off the trail so I could pass by. This time I took a photo after I passed them. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlatF0cy3fZ6b2OU2_IaPVnmW3jXiAzUnwcPLk3VlhugR839e-KdKBkjqx3hUmj-WHQuS0gBOiVWD9CMMYOAgtcO_gbzEE7WyoP_3dfjYWAsgL8-u1VCsuOBd7dELIbdsfwq5yO9xlGswesMSTUxcJ1bg1cO93Z5CEXm1W0g5RfKDYEDK9kTZu13v3/s4000/20230520_112921.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1848" data-original-width="4000" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlatF0cy3fZ6b2OU2_IaPVnmW3jXiAzUnwcPLk3VlhugR839e-KdKBkjqx3hUmj-WHQuS0gBOiVWD9CMMYOAgtcO_gbzEE7WyoP_3dfjYWAsgL8-u1VCsuOBd7dELIbdsfwq5yO9xlGswesMSTUxcJ1bg1cO93Z5CEXm1W0g5RfKDYEDK9kTZu13v3/s320/20230520_112921.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>I figured that was the last I'd see of them since just beyond was yet another downed tree that I had to climb over. The horses were not going to make that. However, just as I approached the end of my hike, they approached me from behind again. I said "Hello, again. How did you get past that tree?" The woman said they ended up going through the field. I let them pass once more and here is a photo of them heading down Coventryville Road. The school where my car was parked is just to the right and the trail veers back in to the woods a little way down on the left. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglXtdhGeLOsNDvw9Cgl0KaBhwjFRRxIFYbEDR5xieOcUyKSzImHy9xZT34P65bw3B0DI--FNLE8vOMfFRcaZ1YenlSDbdGPO3eacKndWwZv33oZ31QRgK0Sc60k_mj5pHDJw3iO5NiinJUmRy7kvg-YEbWuLEVKidJbGhgYjsRncdxHUQY2Q78w4v/s4000/20230520_115739.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1848" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglXtdhGeLOsNDvw9Cgl0KaBhwjFRRxIFYbEDR5xieOcUyKSzImHy9xZT34P65bw3B0DI--FNLE8vOMfFRcaZ1YenlSDbdGPO3eacKndWwZv33oZ31QRgK0Sc60k_mj5pHDJw3iO5NiinJUmRy7kvg-YEbWuLEVKidJbGhgYjsRncdxHUQY2Q78w4v/s320/20230520_115739.jpg" width="148" /></a></div><br /><p>I ended up with 10.2 miles today. My pace was slightly off the cutoff for the End to End Hike but given the downed trees, the detour and the humidity today, I'm ok with that. </p><p>Keep Smiling Keep Moving - Paula </p></div>Paula T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07540410643185737698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535834081672329688.post-61044474253390142002023-04-08T15:12:00.000-04:002023-04-08T15:12:14.165-04:00A New Challenge<p>It's time to say it out loud. I've set my sights on The Brandywine Trail End to End Hike <b>April 13, 2024</b>. I have a year to get ready. Here is a <a href="https://wilmingtontrailclub.org/events/brandywine-trail-end-to-end-e2e-hike-2023/">link to the 2023 event</a>. 28 miles; A mix of road and trail. I'll do my training mostly on the Horse-Shoe Trail because I like the H-ST and because the H-ST is also a mix of road and trail. </p><p>I'll need to keep a pace of 2.6 MPH to meet the checkpoint deadlines of the end to end hike. Today I hiked 8 miles between Brightside Farm Park and Route 113 on the H-ST at a pace of 3 MPH. It's very likely that as the miles get longer the pace will get slower. I've laid out a schedule of sorts that has me increasing 1 mile every three weeks. On each of those weeks, I need to figure out pacing and fueling. </p><p>Although today's hike felt good I still created a plan B as I moved along 😲 . It's the cutoffs that worry me. I don't want to get so competitive with myself that I'm not having fun. So, I'll continue along but if I find that I reach a point where worry about the checkpoint cutoff times starts to consume me, then I'll replace the End to End goal with a 'see how far I can hike on the longest day' in June 2024. A longest day hike can be done at whatever pace I want. </p><p>So there it is. I've said it out loud which adds a feeling of accountability but I'm also giving myself permission to change up the goal as needed. How's THAT for wishy washy. </p><p>Here is a photo from today's hike. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5zzktXQZmHe_etbkIDcVnIARd1XPeF1L9cDdPzGrixBxYFrcjAKGDcQZSgKMLilg-v0RF1cF87a5Y2SRl5VoPVtmpuZsyOQvBZIOsQqWnp56MwoIbCFQR9ER9aE1_V1Xo5M17PXpzrC5CeVtLRQ9PT5jAYVK30ubzZZKocNKEtycqqFQngx46bn_/s8160/20230408_085715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6120" data-original-width="8160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5zzktXQZmHe_etbkIDcVnIARd1XPeF1L9cDdPzGrixBxYFrcjAKGDcQZSgKMLilg-v0RF1cF87a5Y2SRl5VoPVtmpuZsyOQvBZIOsQqWnp56MwoIbCFQR9ER9aE1_V1Xo5M17PXpzrC5CeVtLRQ9PT5jAYVK30ubzZZKocNKEtycqqFQngx46bn_/s320/20230408_085715.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Paula T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07540410643185737698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535834081672329688.post-35584697636608601922022-08-27T15:25:00.000-04:002022-08-27T15:25:14.616-04:00Denver August 2022 Part 3Click <a href="http://keepsmilingkeepmoving.blogspot.com/2022/08/denver-august-2022-part-1.html" target="_blank">here for Part 1</a> and <a href="http://keepsmilingkeepmoving.blogspot.com/2022/08/denver-august-2022-part-2.html" target="_blank">here for Part 2</a>. <div><br /></div><div>Day three, Tuesday, August 23rd began on the Amtrak California Zephyr. Monday ended with the train about an hour behind schedule due to the one undefined and one fire delay. Overnight the train gained back a half hour.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPfMWrm7HEWo0Ag9aF7GrEp3jaMDNia6woWE85894nvvJYJ4tXDRlclCg3N74P3PZNF4EFv1VEBRwajf5XrcejD4Pc8OPYXn6lMvkhfC-GBXgbmi5BxLGK6jguvC0EIjdLPYr_kmc3gFEX9Uj9Nmv4Fj4_IHJW6A_0GDKHldXyHSRDPNtHeeR80vY/s4000/20220823_062137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPfMWrm7HEWo0Ag9aF7GrEp3jaMDNia6woWE85894nvvJYJ4tXDRlclCg3N74P3PZNF4EFv1VEBRwajf5XrcejD4Pc8OPYXn6lMvkhfC-GBXgbmi5BxLGK6jguvC0EIjdLPYr_kmc3gFEX9Uj9Nmv4Fj4_IHJW6A_0GDKHldXyHSRDPNtHeeR80vY/s320/20220823_062137.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We changed from Central to Mountain time <br />between McCook, NE and Fort Morgan, CO. <br />Just about where this photo was taken. </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>Estimated arrival in Denver was now 7:45 a.m. (scheduled 7:15 a.m.) The delay meant for a more leisurely breakfast in the dining car. Or so we thought. The dining car opens for breakfast at 6 am. First come first served (For dinner you have reservations). We, and just about everyone else who was planning to disembark at Denver, were in line about 5:55 only to be told there would be a delay. </div><div><br /></div><div>As mentioned in Part 1, the SuperLiner trains, such as the Zephyr, have real kitchens with cooks who make the meals mostly to order. Which is great until the griddle decides not to work. 😟 At 6:30ish the dining car steward decided it was best to at least let everyone in and try to smooth things over with coffee and tea. Eventually, the griddle did get working and a good breakfast was had by all. </div><div><br /></div><div>Our dining table companions for breakfast were Richard and Denise from Reading, PA. They had boarded the Cardinal with us in Philadelphia and their roomette on that train was just across the aisle. It was like dining with old friends. 😄 They are empty nesters with two sons and they used to live in Norristown, PA. Like us, they had ridden Amtrak before. We enjoyed a pleasant meal exchanging stories with them before all of us headed back to tidy up our roomettes and make any final adjustments to our suitcases before arriving in Denver. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQpfaT81H7ysz4QkzM3ogJaNby9cvgtfnK0EtPm0NHk8YaBQAK0xVL2n7laNFzzr9HdTl4VATWsQ4vhPdxq3DmJklG7WNJbQMZk1JvkyW04CwJtgYNgIjdcs3T882TKNpiGNucvTq76hNkcJtNETMOBjEZ_V4Zl54YmNTzfUvTCEIS4uCQWOZHqhh/s4000/20220823_081142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQpfaT81H7ysz4QkzM3ogJaNby9cvgtfnK0EtPm0NHk8YaBQAK0xVL2n7laNFzzr9HdTl4VATWsQ4vhPdxq3DmJklG7WNJbQMZk1JvkyW04CwJtgYNgIjdcs3T882TKNpiGNucvTq76hNkcJtNETMOBjEZ_V4Zl54YmNTzfUvTCEIS4uCQWOZHqhh/s320/20220823_081142.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Our first glimpse of Denver is just to the left of this paragraph. It was also our second, third, fourth and so on. Upon arrival we sat here or just a tad up the line for almost 2 hours. </div><div><br /></div><div>First there was (we were told) more computer/switching problems. We heard several announcements apologizing and ending with, we are almost there. It wasn't quite as bad as being told your "almost there" at mile 20 of a marathon but frustrating none the less. </div><div><br /></div><div>Once that issue was corrected we were informed that the train was picking up a "private car" and would be moving and stopping several more times before it would be our turn to de-train. That process involved a significant distance backing up. </div><div><br /></div><div>In case you haven't realized it yet, you do not plan to be anywhere at a certain time when you travel by Amtrak. Always give yourself wiggle room because there are any number of reasons for running late. While switching /computer problems and apartment building fires were the reasons for this trip, on other trips it was due to freight trains in the way or needing to pass. We knew this going in. We purposely planned our baseball game for the day after arrival just in case. So the delays here, although frustrating because the view never changed, were more comical than than upsetting. We had brought plenty of reading material. Though we did regret having decided against packing a deck of cards. </div><div><br /></div><div>At 9:45 a.m. we were off the train and headed in to Denver's Union Station. Our hotel for the next two nights was about 30 minutes away near the airport so we'd have access to an early morning shuttle before leaving on Thursday. The hotel attached to Union Station will hold passenger's bags for $12 a day. We decided that made more sense than an hour round trip to check them into our hotel. That turned out to be an even better decision than we knew for reasons I'll explain later. </div><div><br /></div><div>Bag checked, restrooms visited and off we went for our walk about Downtown Denver. First we headed to the state Capitol complex about a mile away. Upon arrival, we inquired about the tours and there was one just starting. Brenda, our guide, took us and one other visitor (from Paris) up, down, around, in and out of various parts of the building. She seemed very knowledgeable (although truth be told she could have been making it up and we wouldn't really know now would we?). </div><div><br /></div><div>The tour culminates in a climb to the dome of the Capital building. There are 99 steps to the top. At least that's <a href="https://capitol.colorado.gov/news/state-capitol-open-for-public-guided-tours">what their website claims</a>. I didn't count them. I was just happy that they were sturdy and enclosed with no view that would trigger my aversion to heights. And the climb felt good after sitting on a train for two days. Once at the top (actually two levels down form the top top) you enter a round room with views of the city like this one --- </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZKgMHE8qKO68Ag-BQ7xnF8x-6prLwW6nGRmlQcp-wrRId89MN5ITzPYIcR7wbMb0iZMtqBh8uP5pnQKU0ts-bNWRdFK4xx17LkNJXlkhV_tUPmvuKFWe5gl2u6JIR8OLvS4KQAtAgYvvT6thO3oeOP7csOMCDWwaiQw3b8BtTqhjVG5LocfI-ivN/s4000/20220823_112937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZKgMHE8qKO68Ag-BQ7xnF8x-6prLwW6nGRmlQcp-wrRId89MN5ITzPYIcR7wbMb0iZMtqBh8uP5pnQKU0ts-bNWRdFK4xx17LkNJXlkhV_tUPmvuKFWe5gl2u6JIR8OLvS4KQAtAgYvvT6thO3oeOP7csOMCDWwaiQw3b8BtTqhjVG5LocfI-ivN/s320/20220823_112937.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>After the tour we left the building and tried to find the <a href="https://www.denver.org/blog/post/only-in-denver-mile-high-markers/" target="_blank">Mile High marker</a>. Despite a map and, at one point, an arrow allegedly pointing in its direction we did not find it. Truth be told after two nights of fitful sleep (remember the train horn and the bumpy rails) we were both a little punchy and could have walked right past it. <div><br /></div><div>We began our return trip to the station via the 16th Street Mall. The street is closed to all traffic except for a free bus that runs the length of it. The <a href="https://www.denver.org/things-to-do/attractions/16th-street-mall/">mall's website</a> tells us "<i>Designed by famed architect I.M. Pei, the pedestrian promenade is made of red, white and gray granite in a repeating pattern that, seen from above, resembles the skin of a diamondback rattlesnake</i>." It boasts shops, restaurants and fun activities along it's length. Unfortunately for us it was undergoing <a href="https://denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Department-of-Transportation-and-Infrastructure/Programs-Services/Projects/16th-Street-Mall" target="_blank">massive renovation</a> while we were there so we did not get to see much more than construction fences and machinery. </div><div><br /></div><div>Back in the area of Union Station we wandered a bit more. This area, we learned from historical markers, was once a warehouse district. The boxy shape of the buildings certainly supports that. Taking advantage of proximity of the rail lines, the architects of these buildings created warehouse and corporate office space for the town as it changed over from mining gold to managing merchandise. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgri4Prqq2GDdnl7ZBIqcMaPyc2_h7WXBIX4g_8xaTgLV6FwLDVVF_aV8BbJTjrxPSIooohPeRr8DgB3O-4BQ3HeX1US4QHx3VcYbcnztyhr0ygszPU-fxbX6I3eW_9Ab5lDMGtdcDVv0WKKXKg-8cxeA6DOyfhnye1rO4LbsPKiYn3gAup_j7RhpVr/s4000/20220823_125925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgri4Prqq2GDdnl7ZBIqcMaPyc2_h7WXBIX4g_8xaTgLV6FwLDVVF_aV8BbJTjrxPSIooohPeRr8DgB3O-4BQ3HeX1US4QHx3VcYbcnztyhr0ygszPU-fxbX6I3eW_9Ab5lDMGtdcDVv0WKKXKg-8cxeA6DOyfhnye1rO4LbsPKiYn3gAup_j7RhpVr/s320/20220823_125925.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>We stopped inside <a href="https://denverarchitecture.org/site/sugar-building/" target="_blank">The Sugar Building</a>. Today it appeared to be a mixed use retail/residential building and still has a working Otis Cage Elevators. Dave reported that the ride was very smooth. </div><div><br /></div><div>We finished our day with a very good, albeit early, dinner at <a href="https://www.thirstyliongastropub.com/colorado" target="_blank">The Thirsty Lion</a> before boarding the train to the Airport where the hotel shuttle would pick us up. </div><div><br /></div><div>Denver's public transit system is decent. It's not as extensive as other cities we've visited but it's also smaller than most of those. There is a one day fare pass for $10.50 ($5.25 or seniors) that included all buses and trains and the A-Line to the airport. So for the two days we would need to use public transit, the cost would be $31.50 for unlimited off and on the system. Quite reasonable. HOWEVER, due to Colorado Senate Bill 22-180 the state was celebrating <a href="https://www.rtd-denver.com/zerofare" target="_blank">Zero Fare for Cleaner Air</a> for the month of August. We lucked out on that one!! Timing really is everything 💚</div><div><br /></div><div>There was (and based on news reports has been) trouble on the rail lines. On Tuesday, we had to take a shuttle bus between three stops on the airport line. This added time to the ride and our growing fatigue. Still we arrived safe and... well safe.. at our hotel and after checking in and doing our best to stay awake until a 'decent' hour we slept soundly that night. </div><div><br /></div><div>Keep Smiling and Keep Moving</div><div>-Paula </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div></div>Paula T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07540410643185737698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535834081672329688.post-46377380038238396152022-08-26T18:36:00.002-04:002022-08-26T18:43:12.638-04:00Denver August 2022 Part 2<p>If you'd like to read Part 1 first, <a href="http://keepsmilingkeepmoving.blogspot.com/2022/08/denver-august-2022-part-1.html" target="_blank">click here</a>. </p><p>Day Two, Monday, August 22nd began on the Amtrak Cardinal moving out of Indianapolis. It was a very foggy morning. The fog clouds were so low that we could see only a few feet of the windmill stands with regular slow moving passes of the windmill arms. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGTuzKaTkZQjhmWCOPdQ4c-o4MafwM1I95kITDyjpdW6Uod7JnUeB6U7ee8yvqIoGVseGHyeht2ndtTMYzF4Tin_QEoQXK46yEEK2Powf6Vcqkit--MXoCFX7v4u4LCCvkMMV9hLUikK2vOw4yEDaeHkgJhTdnUFCsGbL0sVa5NMviHoBuW3l8C76l/s4000/20220822_073420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGTuzKaTkZQjhmWCOPdQ4c-o4MafwM1I95kITDyjpdW6Uod7JnUeB6U7ee8yvqIoGVseGHyeht2ndtTMYzF4Tin_QEoQXK46yEEK2Powf6Vcqkit--MXoCFX7v4u4LCCvkMMV9hLUikK2vOw4yEDaeHkgJhTdnUFCsGbL0sVa5NMviHoBuW3l8C76l/w201-h151/20220822_073420.jpg" width="201" /></a></div>We gained an hour when the time changed from Eastern to Central time zones between Lafayette and Rensselaer, Indiana. And yes we were watching our phones to see if we could observe the change as it happened. Of course we missed it. However, I took this photo as soon as we noticed it. <br /><p></p><p><a data-ved="2ahUKEwi9q5v3qOX5AhW9FmIAHfLXAuAQFnoECAoQAQ" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rensselaer,_Indiana" ping="/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rensselaer,_Indiana&ved=2ahUKEwi9q5v3qOX5AhW9FmIAHfLXAuAQFnoECAoQAQ" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1); background-color: white; color: #1a0dab; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; outline: 0px;"></a>We arrived in Chicago at almost the scheduled time of 10 a.m. Sleeper car tickets gave us access to the lounge where we could store our bags and head out for a walkabout Chicago. We had 4 hours until the next train so 3.5 hours to wander. </p><p>We've experienced an Amtrak layover in Chicago many years ago when we travelled from Philadelphia to Seattle. For the record, on that trip we took the Capitol Limited from Philadelphia to Chicago. On that previous trip we walked down to Navy Pier and back. Having less time on this layover, and not wanting to do the same thing again, I used Google Maps to plot out a 2 mile-ish walk to Lake Michigan and back. We had plenty of time to do that and stop along the way. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJ411IwweLlDS7A6SLpsauJPpylOXVprr0NX2nQSAyLIcD1daQ9RLyMjIg8kywssmCPwmk_K5Uvo8Kxdk3rAHSmLWzCcK8tJpvJjPRpUqiDpYAdMq62ueRqAls9qVphRSClBreugQ1q26ntTCqXfeNlXBTlE9aAZnoATwyRW4iSBnirca4nvXiMYI/s4000/20220822_104025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJ411IwweLlDS7A6SLpsauJPpylOXVprr0NX2nQSAyLIcD1daQ9RLyMjIg8kywssmCPwmk_K5Uvo8Kxdk3rAHSmLWzCcK8tJpvJjPRpUqiDpYAdMq62ueRqAls9qVphRSClBreugQ1q26ntTCqXfeNlXBTlE9aAZnoATwyRW4iSBnirca4nvXiMYI/s320/20220822_104025.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Google maps showed me the "Relish Chicago Hot Dog" stand near the Art Institute on Michigan Avenue. I never knew that Chicago Hot Dogs were a thing and discovering this we had to try them. According to Wikipedia "<i>The complete assembly of a Chicago hot dog is said to be "dragged through the garden" due to the many toppings</i>." It made me think of Primantis Brothers sandwiches, but for hot dogs. <p></p><p>Chicago is one of the HQ locations for the REALTOR Association (the national tier of my employer). In August there are a lot of leadership meetings and workshops. I wasn't sure of this year's schedule and I was wondering if I would see any REALTORS wandering around. I did see one man with a REALTOR pin but not anyone I know. </p><p>However, on our return walk to the station, I saw two people sitting at a window counter at Dunkin Donuts. These two people are REALTORS from my local Association, but they were NOT there on real estate business. They, too were on vacation and happened to stop overnight in Chicago. Even stranger is the fact that they had planned to stop at two other coffee places but both were too crowded so they settled on this Dunkin Donuts. Had there been room in their 1st or 2nd choices we would not have seen them. I'm still kicking myself for not getting a photo of the four of us. </p><p>(By the way, the REALTOR all caps is a trademark thing and seeing as how compliance is one of the hats I wear at work, I can't write the word any other way). </p><p>We arrived back at Chicago's Union Station a little after noon. Our train, the California Zephyr, was due to leave at 2 pm. We settled in to read books and wait. About 1:45 they called our train and we followed our guide to the platform. No elevator ride at this station. Also there were only 4 of us boarding the Cardinal at Philadelphia. Here there were many many people getting on the Zephyr. </p><p>Our journey on the Zephyr was not as timely as the Cardinal. **Spoiler Alert** We arrived in Denver 2.5 hours late. The first delay came almost immediately out of the station in Chicago. The conductor announced that there was a signaling issue and that although no one on board the train could discern a reason for it, the train had a red light and had no choice but to wait. </p><p>About a half hour later we stopped again. This time due to <a href="https://www.shawlocal.com/news-tribune/news/2022/08/23/2-firefighters-treated-released-with-injuries-in-downtown-mendota-fire-no-residents-injured/" target="_blank">fire fighter activity in Mendota, Il</a>. The photo in the linked article shows how close the tracks are to the fire. The air was so thick with smoke, the train engineer had to wait likely because visibility was low. Even when we were allowed to go through it, the smoke was pretty heavy. (if you scroll down in the article there is a slideshow with more photos). As far as I can tell from various articles available, there were no fatalities but several people did have to go to the hospital. </p><p>Since the Zephyr is a SuperLiner model we did have dinner in the dining car. Amtrak's approach to meals in the dining car is called "community dining". If you are a group of less than 4 you will be seated with others. And those not ready for this after COVID, can have their meals brought to their rooms. The community dining aspect is one of our favorite things about long distance train travel. It may seem strange to my fellow introverts, but part of the beauty of it is that you have no choice. You can ease into conversation with the one thing everyone at the table has in common. You are all on a train going somewhere. So there is a script of sorts to start things off - sharing your name, where you are from, where you are going and why. Things do sort of flow from there. </p><p>We dined with a father and son, Bob and Tyler. Bob and Tyler are from West Chester, NY. They were on their way to Denver as well. (It turns out they were also on the Cardinal earlier that day). They were celebrating Tyler's first job with a paid vacation. Bob is (early) retired from Phillips. He is enjoying retirement except for the need to pay for his own health insurance since he's not old enough for Medicare yet. Except for the less than helpful retirement medical plan, he enjoyed his time at Phillips. He began there as a college intern and was hired right out of college. Tyler (the son) is a train enthusiast and only wanted to talk about /share everything he knew about trains. I'll admit this was challenging to listen to. His passion soon became a bit annoying. It is what it is and it takes all kinds to keep the world smiling and moving, right? (At least that is what I kept silently telling myself)</p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-A5aEmC3FPtxRKO-0EHxcWof5SJS8CkraLKIU3OzLM61kKOJEATuGjxWVeRDZpekwiZ4bUkOtRR7YFMx1KWbEW9sSoFH8dzuGlh6Kx_6OL2OKyYO_veIKDGqFdgApNx5SGdZJzqIiZIub7haZDQnjzZxa94btrqnNH7p1TfO36yhQbnnplytQ6qr2/s4000/20220822_195818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-A5aEmC3FPtxRKO-0EHxcWof5SJS8CkraLKIU3OzLM61kKOJEATuGjxWVeRDZpekwiZ4bUkOtRR7YFMx1KWbEW9sSoFH8dzuGlh6Kx_6OL2OKyYO_veIKDGqFdgApNx5SGdZJzqIiZIub7haZDQnjzZxa94btrqnNH7p1TfO36yhQbnnplytQ6qr2/w212-h320/20220822_195818.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave and Tony exchanging <br />stories of working on the railroad</td></tr></tbody></table>After dinner we returned to our roomette and asked Tony, our sleeping car attendant, to turn the room over after the fresh air break. Certain stops on each long distance train are designated fresh air (smoke 'em if you have to) stops. Usually, there is something else going on like a crew change or taking on supplies or, as is the case in DC, switching engines. (see part 1). </p><p>This stop was in Ottumwa Iowa. When I learned the Zephyr had a stop there I was hoping it was a fresh air stop so we could take a photo of the station sign. I would have liked to get one with us in the photo but the angle wasn't right for that and there wasn't anyone near enough to take it for us. Here's a <a href="https://cbs2iowa.com/news/local/ottumwa-man-who-was-inspiration-for-iconic-mash-character-radar-oreilly-dies-at-92" target="_blank">link to information</a> I just learned today!! Who knew that Radar O'Reilly was based on a real person from Ottumwa, Iowa! </p><p>Here is a <a href="https://www.amtrak.com/california-zephyr-train" target="_blank">description and route map</a> for the California Zephyr. </p><p>We spent our daylight hours in Illinois and Iowa. Our overnight hours were mostly in Nebraska. The train whistle was not used as much this night but the tracks were in bumpy shape. Being on the top of the double decker train car meant we really felt the rocking back and forth. </p><p>Both Tony and Dave were amused that I wanted my head facing in the direction of the train. They both said it was 'normal' to have your feet facing that direction. My logic was that I wanted my head away from the steps that Dave would use to descend. Given the bumpy ride I think my choice made perfect sense!! And 'normal' is over-rated. Note, Tony cheerfully turned the mattress around for me. </p><p>Keep Smiling and Keep Moving,</p><p>-Paula </p>Paula T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07540410643185737698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535834081672329688.post-62132347009913272942022-08-26T16:07:00.000-04:002022-08-26T16:07:18.828-04:00Denver August 2022 Part 1<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPLITMMTXp4NVyJo7jN5siwAUKVJoyJ7n0Ex5td9YYE0akitIW1Hk_Y3dcLs0x6PaHLDwIOujDaSAtqkXo5-NrxM0eNIBXCIB0uRaPjGF0HQYE2MlIA7S7DHzG1u1ztgmvRvenrp8lr8x0VuWsZRG29cnpQRMTbCJvd7L5HvBYKf1Yw9BVwLyoK2r/s3648/20220821_081112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPLITMMTXp4NVyJo7jN5siwAUKVJoyJ7n0Ex5td9YYE0akitIW1Hk_Y3dcLs0x6PaHLDwIOujDaSAtqkXo5-NrxM0eNIBXCIB0uRaPjGF0HQYE2MlIA7S7DHzG1u1ztgmvRvenrp8lr8x0VuWsZRG29cnpQRMTbCJvd7L5HvBYKf1Yw9BVwLyoK2r/s320/20220821_081112.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Now that the virus-that-shall-not-be-named is sort of controlled we decided to book a vacation to Denver so Dave could get is Denver Rockies baseball hat. Here are my thoughts on that trip. I keep a notebook handy on these trips and jot things down as I go. Then using memory jogged from the notes supplemented with Internet searches I can write this record of the highlights of our trip. I'm not sure how many parts there will be. Likely at least three. Stay tuned. Or not, your choice. 😄<p></p><p>We started out on Sunday, August 21st. First step was Septa regional rail. We took the newly minted Media/Wawa train from Media to 30th Street. The extension from Elwyn to a new station at Wawa was just completed. In fact, the train we took was the inaugural run from Wawa to Center City. And it was three minutes late. LOL. </p><p>In the grand scheme of things (and this trip in particular), three minutes is not significant although it is puzzling since it was a Sunday and the official ribbon cutting had taken place the Friday before. There were a lot of people on the train 6:00 am on a Sunday. I think many, if not all of them, were doing what Dave and I would likely have done had we not had plans. That is, wanting to be one of the first to ride from Wawa to Center City. </p><p>We arrived at 30th Street just before 7 am and we made our way to the Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge to await our 8:15 am train to Chicago. Lounge access is a perk of being a sleeping car passenger. It's a quiet, comfortable space to wait with coffee, tea, water and snacks. About half an hour before departure we were led to an elevator that took us down to the boarding platform. </p><p>On this trip we would be on two different Amtrak trains. The Cardinal, our train from Philadelphia to Chicago, was a Viewliner model and from Chicago to Denver we were on the California Zephyr, a Superliner model. The primary differences are this: </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Superliner models are double decker trains; Viewliner models are single level trains and are necessary on trains that travel north of Washington DC because of the low clearance tunnels in Baltimore and NYC. </li><li>Superliner models have formal dining cars with a kitchen and food is mostly cooked to order; Viewliner models have café cars with a modified menu of heat and serve items. </li><li>Roomettes on the Viewliner models have higher ceilings so the person in the top bunk can sit up in bed. They are also slightly wider. </li></ul>Due to the dining differences, Bateman, our sleeping car attendant on the Cardinal, also brought us our meals. There are tables in the café car but when COVID hit, they stopped serving there and haven't resumed yet (at least not on the Cardinal). Here is <a href="https://www.amtrak.com/content/dam/projects/dotcom/english/public/documents/menus/routes/Flexible-Dining-Menu-0822.pdf" target="_blank">sample menu</a> for the Cardinal meals. They were really quite good for heat and serve items. <p></p><p>The Cardinal originates in New York and ends in Chicago. Here is a l<a href="https://www.amtrak.com/cardinal-train" target="_blank">ink to a description</a> with a route map. The daytime hours heading West took us through PA, MD, VA and WVa. </p><p>Most of this first part of the Cardinal trip was cloudy and overcast with occasional showers. It was particularly foggy (yet very pretty) between Charlottesville and Staunton West Virginia. There was a vulture convention near Greenbriar, WV. Hundreds of vultures, on rooftops and in the fields, yet no roadkill that I could see. According to <a href="https://www.wvnstv.com/news/federal-biologist-black-vultures-are-invading-west-virginia/" target="_blank">this Internet find</a> "<i>vultures are invading West Virginia, having migrated from Central and South America about 45 years ago and now settling up the East Coast.</i>" Ok, then. It was spooky. </p><p>Shortly after dinner, we passed through Thurmond, WVa. If you blinked you might miss it. Quaint is a word that easily describes it. Banners hanging from light poles referred to the town as "Historic Thurmond". The buildings were adorable! According to <a href="https://thurmondwv.org/" target="_blank">the town website</a>, "<i>Thurmond hosted the Guinness Book of World Record's longest poker game, is one of Travel & Leisure's coolest ghost towns in America</i>". We may have to go back for a visit!! </p><p>Around 8 PM, Bateman turned our room into upper and lower bunks and we settled in for the night. Lights out at 9 pm. It was too dark to see anything and we had been on the move since well before 5 am. Overnight the train travelled through KY, OH, and into Indianapolis, IN. Kentucky must have a lot of road crossings because the train whistle was going most of the night. The ride was comfortable but noisy. </p><p>I woke up at around 5 am to a motionless train in Indianapolis. I'm not sure how long we were there<br /> before I woke up but it was almost an hour after that before we left. Part of that time the train was quiet, shut down. Later, as we were going around a bend where I could see the front of the train, it was obvious we had picked up quite a few cars while we were stopped. I've tried several different variations of Internet searches to discover why and have not found any reason. I wonder if that's a regular thing or a one-off. </p><p>Keep Smiling Keep Moving,</p><p>-Paula </p><p><br /></p>Paula T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07540410643185737698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535834081672329688.post-26605214679422076432022-08-08T17:45:00.003-04:002022-08-08T17:45:45.646-04:00I Will Still Donate Because I Can<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNV6KUVzP_M_D6Zd-4sqsGziqrJ6gHzdtp-gAmRF2GS-T-14MDCwKcq1r44KLEDth5PDGsjySUnqu2dF9dLU8NOeKdrM4XmLMsFtbvHcwE857My1kYCxuJCkhb6uS49HLoE4nYeJcUkiby8Aej7K83M5NVv8bGLAvw5LZE6oVoASQ1eZ8gK41CDM9/s1536/298498037_10159346361435939_4142038016763839624_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1536" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNV6KUVzP_M_D6Zd-4sqsGziqrJ6gHzdtp-gAmRF2GS-T-14MDCwKcq1r44KLEDth5PDGsjySUnqu2dF9dLU8NOeKdrM4XmLMsFtbvHcwE857My1kYCxuJCkhb6uS49HLoE4nYeJcUkiby8Aej7K83M5NVv8bGLAvw5LZE6oVoASQ1eZ8gK41CDM9/w219-h219/298498037_10159346361435939_4142038016763839624_n.jpg" width="219" /></a></div>For the moment (at least a couple of months) I will be donating whole blood not platelets. It's disappointing and a bit confusing so I share the details here in case any reader has a similar experience. <p></p><p>It turns out my blood sample tested positive for HLA - Human Leukocyte Antigen - antibodies. According to the Red Cross information provided to me "<i>Every individual has a unique combination of HLA on their cells. Your immune system uses HLA to identify which cells belong in your body and which do not – like bacteria and viruses. When you have an immune response, your body forms antibodies against that antigen</i>." </p><p>The danger is that the HLA antibodies could cause a "<i>serious and sometimes fatal transfusion reaction called TRALI (transfusion-related acute lung injury)</i>" in the recipient. </p><p>The donor (in this case ME) is in no danger. The antibodies are produced by our own bodies if we have received blood transfusions in the past or been exposed to fetal blood during a pregnancy. In my case, it it is likely the latter. </p><p>The good news - "<i>Antibodies are found in the plasma portion of blood, so they are present in highest quantities in plasma products, followed by platelets. Therefore, donors with anti-HLA antibodies are not eligible to donate plasma or platelets. <u>An individual with anti-HLA antibodies can still donate whole blood or red cells because plasma is removed from these products during collection or manufacturing</u></i>." I have already made my appointment for whole blood later this month. 👍</p><p>Additional (potential) good news - The screening tests are "<i>highly sensitive so as not to miss any true results of “reactive.” The tradeoff is that we will also see false “reactive” results</i>." Therefore, I have also been informed that the red cross will retest my sample in a few months and if they get a negative test at that time, they will clear me to give platelets again. Unfortunately the platelets donated on Friday are already past their useful life so they will not be used. </p><p>Keep Smiling Keep Moving (and Keep Doing What I Can) </p><p>Don't let disappointment of not being able to do exactly what you want to do, get in the way of doing something. </p><p>- Paula </p>Paula T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07540410643185737698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535834081672329688.post-21521923129743207442022-08-05T12:34:00.002-04:002022-08-05T12:34:39.341-04:00I Donate Because I Can<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifeb93jKJ0SHcMI2MhClXmM7L0xdb3xY47wJ85F-vSO5hHFNnBYS1rkPTA93oJe9W0VBLkRyeUlaRogKhQ2pKp9CJMkg4mby-948Uqv7r-HvUwmCX2vgS5uOHFlLEql1h06l9C6OtJt8EuhTM4CQNwGlq7GEnJLDclvD8fkU-G4R1ptW0XCAzmlDfg/s4000/20220805_111752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifeb93jKJ0SHcMI2MhClXmM7L0xdb3xY47wJ85F-vSO5hHFNnBYS1rkPTA93oJe9W0VBLkRyeUlaRogKhQ2pKp9CJMkg4mby-948Uqv7r-HvUwmCX2vgS5uOHFlLEql1h06l9C6OtJt8EuhTM4CQNwGlq7GEnJLDclvD8fkU-G4R1ptW0XCAzmlDfg/s320/20220805_111752.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Today, I donated platelets for the first time. <p></p><p>Today was my third attempt. I had an appointment about 8 months ago and 'chickened out'. I had another appointment about 6 months ago and was deferred due to an online scheduling glitch that was beyond my control. At the time of this second attempt I still wasn't sure I could go through with it so my fear rationalized that this was a sign I was not supposed to. </p><p>Why the fear? Mostly, I think, it's fear of the unknown. Oh and that the process involves taking blood out of one arm, removing platelets and a bit of plasma and returning what's left in the other arm. It's the retuning part that had me all heebie-jeebied. </p><p>In the final analysis it came down to this: </p><p><b>A</b> - I am a healthy 62 year old with no history of disease or illness. <b>B</b> - I know (way too many) family and friends who are, or were, dealing with cancer and other situations causing them to need platelets. </p><p style="text-align: center;">A + B = I <strike>can</strike> MUST DO THIS. </p><p style="text-align: left;">If you are considering this, and have reservations, perhaps I can help. Although as with anything else everyone's experience is going to be different. Which is why my first recommendation - if you are a Facebook participant - is joining the "American Red Cross Platelet Donors Group". It was recommended to me by a friend and I am grateful for that. The group is super supportive and happy to share experiences which really helps alleviate the anxiety. Among other things I learned my anxiety wasn't just me. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I'm not gonna lie, it was not the most comfortable thing I've ever done. It wasn't horrible though and the discomfort is nothing compared to what patients who need the platelets are going through. That thought helped me power through. </p><p style="text-align: left;">The process is long. About two hours on the bed. Remember when your parents made you go to the bathroom before the long car ride even though you didn't think you need to? It's like that. Don't turn down any opportunity to pee before getting on the bed. The phlebotomist insisted on it just like your parents would. Going in, I was worried that my mind would fixate on this and cause a problem that didn't exist. Turns out there was way too much going on to even give that a second thought. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I was also worried about needing to scratch something and having to ask someone else to do it for me since both arms are in use and moving them is a BAD idea. I learned I could tolerate a lot more than I thought I could although I did need help wiping my nose after a sneezing fit. The staff were not fazed by that at all. </p><p style="text-align: left;">The sneezing was a reaction to the tinging in my nose which was a reaction to the citrate treatment used to keep the blood from clotting in the tubes of the machine. The citrate pulls calcium out of your blood to keep it, the blood, from clotting. It caused my whole body to tingle and feel kind of numb. So I need to increase my calcium intake better before the next donation. I thought I had but obviously not enough. </p><p style="text-align: left;">The citrate reaction, even though I had been warned about it, made me have a mini panic attack. They offered to stop the process but once they assured me I was fine and the feeling was normal, I calmed down and we kept going. </p><p style="text-align: left;">The other issue for me was being cold. I brought a blanket as instructed but it was not enough. If you know me, you know I am often cold even in hot weather. Air conditioning and I are not friends. This process seemed to exacerbate that for me. The return arm was especially cold. I was told that was due to the saline solution returning my blood parts to me. Next time, I will wear some layers on my torso and a glove on the hand of my return arm. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Shout out to the Red Cross workers who went out of their way to make things as comfortable as possible. Explaining everything along the way. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Ok there you have it. If you are able, please donate. Blood, Platelets or Plasma if you qualify for that. If we are able, this is a simple thing we can do to help others. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Keep Smiling Keep Moving</p><p style="text-align: left;">-Paula </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Paula T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07540410643185737698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535834081672329688.post-10583378968562211132022-02-06T16:07:00.000-05:002022-02-06T16:07:37.202-05:00Family Game Time - Wordle but Not Wordle<p>If you haven't been introduced to Wordle yet, it is a web-based game where, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wordle" target="_blank"> as described here in Wikipedia</a>, "<i>players have six attempts to guess a five-letter word; feedback is given for each guess, in the form of colored tiles, indicating when letters match or occupy the correct position</i>." The web-based program allows players to share their results without giving away the answer to others. As such, it has taken social media by storm. </p><p>When I asked family members to help me understand it, my sister compared it to the Jotto game that our grandmother would play with us when we were children. I have to admit that all these years, I thought Grandmom made up the game and the name, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jotto" target="_blank">Jotto</a>. Turns out I gave her more credit than she deserved about Jotto, but she DOES deserve the credit for all the fond memories of playing the game. 💓 With those memories revived, we set up a family game time playing Jotto via Zoom. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgv_pf_c9cJ3f4DcrSsAhUxR73joPl56J2K2l0xXr2HiBttxZ4Qw6Td22qBQIpIm40CF-mzSpFpYQGQIti5bI04Gj5KZHnNN4vj5_zA9LyRJtwF46wAXGxP-1pVIYqCFrU1EUdvIaRHNarA0pa86Q45W5eqlwbAVhdozKMAYEpEdnOn4LUs4EGtbBYp=s1920" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgv_pf_c9cJ3f4DcrSsAhUxR73joPl56J2K2l0xXr2HiBttxZ4Qw6Td22qBQIpIm40CF-mzSpFpYQGQIti5bI04Gj5KZHnNN4vj5_zA9LyRJtwF46wAXGxP-1pVIYqCFrU1EUdvIaRHNarA0pa86Q45W5eqlwbAVhdozKMAYEpEdnOn4LUs4EGtbBYp=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From top left (and yes I checked it IS left), <br />Emma, Me, Dave, Jean, Katie</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Five players, Three rounds, a lot of laughs and a good time was had by all. </p><p>As we played, Katie reminded us that when we played as kids, we weren't told which letters were in the right place (as Wordle does). 😲</p><p></p><blockquote><p>If you'd like to try this with your family or friends, here are the rules we used. Please borrow or alter them to suit your group. We chose to stick with 5 letter words with no repeats. </p><p>Each player is assigned a number. This is critical on Zoom since the order of video squares is not the same from my screen to yours. </p><p>Player #1 has a word in mind. </p><p>Player #2 guesses a word. Using the same scheme as Wordle, player #1 tells all other players which letters are GREEN (in the right place) or YELLOW (in the word but out of place). </p><p>Players continue in order, using the clues previously revealed by others, until one player guesses the word. </p><p>For round 2, Player number 2 has a word in mind and this time Player #3 gets the first guess. </p></blockquote><p>Looking back on the track of our games today, it was advantageous to be in position #4 as a guesser. The longest round took 7 guesses and a few rounds were made in 3. </p><div style="text-align: left;">Keep Smiling and Keep Moving<br />-Paula </div><p></p>Paula T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07540410643185737698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535834081672329688.post-11828064682178796032022-01-01T09:59:00.000-05:002022-01-01T09:59:07.024-05:00Happy New Year - Let's Move<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGJ3PgfeUA_hhrn8DwRvfuAKyZaEYNzexuyAoIUHIDzs8gMW4FXLvICuqAI1lepZ0xYXkHVKe-OJSS85QV7ec2dNiJuKasDd-O_nPXjmabK5TLK8S00P9dVP01EfVJae3CU3fMsKudMv6KV-LVhVwC1cZFFZKFF6ExsaSH_yiVegbpbOgQkhHu2TE6=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGJ3PgfeUA_hhrn8DwRvfuAKyZaEYNzexuyAoIUHIDzs8gMW4FXLvICuqAI1lepZ0xYXkHVKe-OJSS85QV7ec2dNiJuKasDd-O_nPXjmabK5TLK8S00P9dVP01EfVJae3CU3fMsKudMv6KV-LVhVwC1cZFFZKFF6ExsaSH_yiVegbpbOgQkhHu2TE6=s320" width="240" /></a></div>Hello! Remember me? Wow. I see my last entry here was April 2021. I also see by my draft folder that I visited in June, July and December but never published. Not sure why. I was tempted to look at those drafts to learn why but today, of all days, is not a day for reviewing past failures. Easier said than done but I deleted the drafts without reading them so Yay!! <p></p><p>Today is a day traditionally filled with making commitments, promises, and resolutions. I have an on- again off-again relationship with New Year resolutions. One side of me knows making them will likely lead to failure and self-loathing and another side of me longs for the structure and self discipline they may provide. The struggle is real. Am I right? </p><p>This year, as I did last year, I have committed to <a href="https://do.yogawithadriene.com/move?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MOVE%20-%20Day%200%20%28RPCpnw%29&_kx=fJdicwuLWK_t_v-qovVd3M9oB3YE47MOae0q-MRd_d0%3D.RJFGiv" target="_blank">30 days of Yoga with Adriene</a> to start the year. I don't recall how far I made it last year. I only know that it wasn't the full 30 days. Time to let that thought go and simply try again. I've invited my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/perkispeople" target="_blank">Facebook Fitness Family</a> to join me. You can too. Just use the "30 days of Yoga with Adriene" link in the first sentence and you are in. For fun and moral support, feel free to join our FB group or message me in the comments of this blog. Or do none of the above. It's all good and I don't presume to know what's best for you. I just make suggestions. </p><p>The welcome email for 30 days of Yoga arrived this morning with a question. "What do I want to move towards?" Honestly, I'm not sure. Ok, I probably am more sure than I want to admit because I am not sure that I am brave enough to put it in writing. (Those drafts I deleted?? They were quite likely thoughts I decided I wasn't brave enough to share). Let me think on this and get back to you. </p><p>I'm back fortified with a cup of coffee (and some breakfast). Let me do this. </p><p>In a word, I want to move toward mindfulness. To be able to know what I'm feeling or thinking in the moment and act appropriately rather than react. And I want to do it all while still being able to function in real time. Right now, that feels like a pair of mountain-sized contradictions. </p><p>I'm going to start by trying to stay in the moment while doing each day of 30 days of yoga. For 30 minutes (or less) for 30 days in a row I'm going to try to stay focused on the movements in the practice. To type it out like that makes it sound so easy. Yet I know that some days I am going to have to settle for not giving up just because I couldn't stay focused. </p><p>Happy New Year! </p><p>Keep Smiling Keep Moving</p><p>-Paula </p><p><br /></p>Paula T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07540410643185737698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535834081672329688.post-19925847499637079352021-04-17T16:49:00.001-04:002021-04-17T16:49:30.198-04:00A Hike and a Jab<p> First, WOW, my last blog entry was December 31, 2020. </p><p>Second, WOW, it's past mid-April already. How did that happen? </p><p>Today (less than 90 minutes ago as I type this) I received my first dose of the Moderna COVID vaccine. As my LS says "Halfway There". Now the song is stuck in my head and I'm ok with that. My niece commented after her first jab (also today) that she felt "<i>an overwhelming sense of relief as I see the light at the end of this tunnel</i>." </p><p>Yup. </p><p>COVID anxiety is real. And just when I thought I was managing that better, COVID Vaccine anxiety set off another set of worries for me. I had hopes for the J&J vaccine so I would only have to go once. My work schedule is so so crazy right now that the thought of finding two compatible days was wreaking havoc on my brain. J&J's one and done scheme calmed those nerves. That dream was crushed earlier this week when J&J was temporarily halted. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3wKu6oiTU40/YHtGI3D5rtI/AAAAAAAAX84/rjHnav888yIBUutqx0tlpVVptpwne5ShACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210417_150747.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3wKu6oiTU40/YHtGI3D5rtI/AAAAAAAAX84/rjHnav888yIBUutqx0tlpVVptpwne5ShACLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h150/20210417_150747.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>It's not that my job or I are all that important. And health DOES come first. And I'm sure no one would have hesitated to understand if I had to say, "I'm sorry, I have to reschedule that training you wanted because I'm scheduled for shot #2". However, the actual re-scheduling might mean someone would have to wait a month or more to get a new date on my calendar. While, I think people would understand, having to ask them to accommodate ME was not sitting well with me. <p></p><p>I was thrilled to get a Saturday appointment for jab #1 and the second dose is now scheduled for a Saturday as well. I am riding waves of relief now. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FN9AkhLnlUI/YHtHH64sGtI/AAAAAAAAX9M/jSYhdwVs_NYBgWViBley5ylMKflh3EIIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210417_085224.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FN9AkhLnlUI/YHtHH64sGtI/AAAAAAAAX9M/jSYhdwVs_NYBgWViBley5ylMKflh3EIIgCLcBGAsYHQ/w150-h200/20210417_085224.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>My appointment today was at 3 pm. I could have had an appointment earlier in the day. I chose 3 pm because I didn't want to give up a hike planned for this morning. Had there not been a choice, I would have taken jab over hike. I am grateful that I did not have to choose. The vaccine is good for my physical well-being, the hike is good for my mental health. <p></p><p>Before I sign off, I have to share that the people at the Delaware County Wellness Center were beyond amazing. All volunteers. They were friendly, helpful and downright cheerful. They made a daunting task enjoyable. </p><p></p><p>Keep Smiling Keep Moving</p><p>-Paula </p><br /><br /><p><br /></p>Paula T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07540410643185737698noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535834081672329688.post-76557596400634291962020-12-31T14:21:00.004-05:002020-12-31T14:22:28.324-05:002021<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HsmXcmdzhgs/X-4hcP606FI/AAAAAAAAXmU/l4gRK-GJ0R4iD0H-NP_C5wLdcYSIKw-KACLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/Happy%2BNew%2BYear.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HsmXcmdzhgs/X-4hcP606FI/AAAAAAAAXmU/l4gRK-GJ0R4iD0H-NP_C5wLdcYSIKw-KACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Happy%2BNew%2BYear.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I am not a fan of New Year resolutions for myself. However, 2020 being the year that it was (or will be by the time I post this... if I post it) the start of a new year begs for something. </div><div><br /></div><div>In my email today, I received the <a href="https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/external/2020/12/building-back-stronger-in-2021/" target="_blank">Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)Newsletter.</a> The theme of this month's newsletter "Building Back Stronger in 2021" has left me with some thoughts for the non-resolution something I believe I am looking for. </div><div><br /></div><div>1) "<i>Acknowledging the good around you can put you in a better mood and is a positive way to start the New Year</i>." </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I'll start with acknowledging that I am grateful I took the MHFA course last December (<a href="http://keepsmilingkeepmoving.blogspot.com/2019/12/do-you-know-algee.html" target="_blank">2019</a>). I didn't take it with COVID in mind but it sure was helpful in that regard and I imagine it will continue to be so. </li><li>I am also grateful for a job that was not eliminated or reduced in 2020. In fact, heading into 2021 my job description has been re-defined due to a merger. This move will mean more, and more challenging, work. The challenge will give me a renewed excitement for my 23 year career and divert my focus away from fear and anxiety that have plagued me for years and seem worse as I get older. It may add to them as well but "Acknowledging the good around you can put you in a better mood..." </li><li>I am also grateful to learn that I am <a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/types-of-blood-donations/whole-blood-donation/pediatric-patient-cmv.html" target="_blank">CMV negative</a>. I was informed of this at our blood donation today. Turns out Cytomegalovirus is a virus that affects most adults at some point in their lives. Most never know they had it. The antibodies stay in your body forever. The antibodies are harmless to adults but fatal to babies. Being one of only 15% of adults that are CMV negative means my blood can be safely given to babies and young children. I'm going to do my best to donate as often as possible this year. </li></ul>2) "<i>It can also be helpful to create a self-care routine to take with you into 2021"</i></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>About a week ago, I decided to make the commitment to <a href="https://yogawithadriene.com/breath-a-30-day-yoga-journey/" target="_blank">Yoga With Adrienne's BREATH</a> 30-day yoga challenge which starts tomorrow. This will serve as a start to a self-care routine. </li><li>I also would like to see a return to more hiking and walking in 2021. Both activities work wonders for me both physically and mentally. </li></ul><br /></div><div>Happy New Year</div><div>Keep Smiling and Keep Moving</div><div>-Paula </div><div><br /></div>Paula T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07540410643185737698noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535834081672329688.post-77857812476459012842020-12-24T10:06:00.001-05:002020-12-24T10:06:37.231-05:00Perspective: Alter Egos and Self-Distancing<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XVKpA9kVbTk/X-SrZk1Kc2I/AAAAAAAAXlE/l8xq3kGo1ScB4EAkX3SHZ8T9PBXJwhpKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/132174318_10158189658230939_8645591923068007540_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XVKpA9kVbTk/X-SrZk1Kc2I/AAAAAAAAXlE/l8xq3kGo1ScB4EAkX3SHZ8T9PBXJwhpKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/132174318_10158189658230939_8645591923068007540_o.jpg" /></a></div>I enjoy getting my news from the BBC. The BBC's choices of, and perspectives on, US events is most often different than what I see in US news outlets. <p></p><p>Perusing BBC.com/news also gives me the chance to see what else is going around the world. It's a chance to get outside of the world I live in. Try it, you might like it. </p><p>In my experience and opinion, BBC.com/News also provides much more in the way of human interest or thought pieces. During my morning check-in today, I was prompted to read "<a href="https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20200817-the-batman-effect-how-having-an-alter-ego-empowers-you">The ‘Batman Effect’: How having an alter ego empowers you</a>". It's a long, enjoyable read. Here is my short takeaway. I recommend reading the piece, though, as your mileage may vary. </p><p>How many times have any of us been in a position to motivate or support someone else with our words? "YOU can do it", "YOU'VE got this", I believe in YOU". Sometimes our words (or actions) are more involved, but these pretty much sum up the efforts. Yet when it comes to motivating ourselves we get bogged down in the minutia or weighted down by sad or frustrated feelings. So much so, that we can't realize the advice we would give another having the same or similar type frustrations. </p><p>It turns out, scientific studies have shown that when we speak to ourselves in the second or third person, we are better able to manage the stress and anxiety.</p><p></p><blockquote><b><i>“Self-distancing gives us a little bit of extra space to think rationally about the situation,” says Rachel White, assistant professor of psychology at Hamilton College in New York State. "It allows us to rein in undesirable feelings like anxiety, increases our perseverance on challenging tasks, and boosts our self-control."</i></b></blockquote><p></p><p>The Little-Engine-That-Could managed with the "I think I can" mantra. Self-distancing studies show that some of us will do well if we substitute "I" with "<i>you</i>" or "(<i>fill in your name here</i>)". Ok, the concept is more sound than the rhythm of that particular substitution. You get the idea, though, right? </p><p></p><blockquote><b><i>"Self-distancing seems to enable people to reap these positive effects by leading them to focus on the bigger picture – it’s possible to see events as part of a broader plan rather than getting bogged down in immediate feelings." </i></b></blockquote><p></p><p>I believe it works. 2020 has been a rough year an so many fronts. When I think of the times I've had to pull myself out of a downward spiral, I CAN relate it to the self-distancing phenomena. Getting out of my own head. It's often not as easy as that sounds. Still, it's worth the effort. </p><p>So just as getting my news from BBC.com/news gives me different perspectives on the world, getting out of my own head emotionally provides a bigger picture that leads to alternatives I might not have considered otherwise. </p><div style="text-align: left;">-Keep Smiling Keep Moving<br />-Paula </div><p>PS: For those worried that embracing the BBC will cause me to miss local Philadelphia news, know that the Philadelphia Flyers mascot, <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-46372908">GRITTY</a>, made the BBC newsfeed in 2018 😎 Plus I'll never give up Action News -- just for the sheer fun of it. </p>Paula T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07540410643185737698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535834081672329688.post-44977159405591082802020-11-28T07:51:00.003-05:002020-11-28T07:51:52.700-05:00The Origin of Keep Smiling Keep Moving.<p> “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” first aired in 1970. Although
trimmed down from its original runtime to allow for more advertising, 😞 it remains
one of my favorite holiday shows. Narrated
by a singing and dancing mailman (Fred Astaire), the show tells the story of Kris
Kringle (Mickey Rooney) and some of Santa Claus’ traditions.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">At 10, almost 11 years old, Kris Kringle’s origin story was fascinating,
but it was Kris teaching the Winter Warlock (Keenan Wynne) to put one foot in
front of the other that stuck with me. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6zkZXbYkMD4" width="320" youtube-src-id="6zkZXbYkMD4"></iframe></div><p class="MsoNormal">Right away, the song became my private
theme song. I can still recall many times in my life singing it to myself when
I needed a reminder that I <i><u>could</u></i> do or work through something. It is a song
that just starts playing in my head when I need it. Some of those memories are quite
vivid. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So, although I went public with “Keep Smiling Keep Moving” when
I started training for a marathon in 2008, the sentiment has been a cornerstone
of my existence for much longer. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">By the way, I do believe in Santa Claus, but I only recently learned (I think it was on Jeopardy!)
that a Burgermeister is a real person! <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">[Chorus]Put one foot in front of the other<br />
And soon you'll be walking 'cross the floor<br />
Put one foot in front of the other<br />
And soon you'll be walking out the door<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>You never will get where you're going<br />
If you never get up on your feet<br />
Come on, there's a good tail wind blowing<br />
A fast walking man is hard to beat<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">[Chorus]<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>If you want to change your direction<br />
If your time of life is at hand<br />
Well don't be the rule, be the exception<br />
A good way to start is to stand<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">[Chorus]<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>If I want to change the reflection<br />
I see in the mirror each morn<br />
(Oh you do!)<br />
You mean that it's just my election<br />
(Just that!)<br />
To vote for a chance to be reborn<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">[Chorus]<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Songwriters: Jules
Bass / Maury Laws Put One Foot in Front of the Other lyrics © Warner Chappell
Music, Inc<o:p></o:p></p>Paula T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07540410643185737698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535834081672329688.post-28206378810528104622020-10-11T09:14:00.000-04:002020-10-11T09:14:39.420-04:00Thanksgiving Pandemic Version<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X4_U50tiNog/X4L5hsd2OQI/AAAAAAAAXaA/AQ6y17KJCFox02j6_YebxUznDhM9-sYpACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20201010_143719%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="179" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X4_U50tiNog/X4L5hsd2OQI/AAAAAAAAXaA/AQ6y17KJCFox02j6_YebxUznDhM9-sYpACLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h179/20201010_143719%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Yesterday marked the annual Canadian Thanksgiving gathering for our family. <p></p><p>Each year I am grateful for those in who are able to visit. As the family expands and the younger generation comes into their own, the gathering ebbs and flows with the rhythm of our lives. </p><p>Ebbs, & flows and rhythms have been turned upside down and inside out in this Year of Covid. Out of an abundance of caution we cancelled the in-person gathering. At the last minute we decided to open a meeting in Zoom and invite everyone to drop in when they could. At one point we had 16 people and 1 baby on the call at the same time. 💖 </p><p>We met the Sweet Baby James (just 8 days old). He slept through it of course. Thank you to his parents for using up precious down time to hang out with us. </p><p>This was James' first Zoom meeting. We learned that he was not the only one on their first zoom call. </p><p>We met Wally, a beautiful black cat and new(ish) addition to our son's household. </p><p>Our niece listened and chimed in while she turned over her garden for the fall. The rest of us safely tucked away on her phone in her pocket. </p><p>Our nephew joined us as he played virtual Star Wars games. </p><p>When my step mom joined the call she entered the room saying "I see ___ and ___ and ___....." which prompted a discussion about the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romper_Room">Romper Room </a>lady. </p><p>Another niece joined us between work shifts as she folded her laundry and dismantled her bed in anticipation of a new one arriving later this week. </p><p>We were treated to glimpses of the newest house in the family as my sister and her husband hung light fixtures and installed a fireplace screen. </p><p>Yet another niece joined us while scrapbooking. </p><p>Gathering via Zoom is, of course, quite different than meeting in person. For one, it's more obvious when someone heads for the bathroom! On the other hand, it's easier to head for the bathroom when each has their own. No waiting!! 😄</p><div style="text-align: left;">Keep Smiling and Keep Moving (even if it's from the comfy chair in your living room)<br />-Paula </div>Paula T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07540410643185737698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535834081672329688.post-2458819558856257172020-10-09T08:11:00.000-04:002020-10-09T08:11:17.191-04:00How to complete a 30 day Challenge in 79 days !! <p>There's an argument to be made, of course, that adding length to anything 2020 is just plain crazy. Let me explain. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aBwcenV9DGU/X4BLYT4P33I/AAAAAAAAXZo/9jIa9OcfMQEhl-CLoK2DwwOK0ZsxCrn8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/October.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="113" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aBwcenV9DGU/X4BLYT4P33I/AAAAAAAAXZo/9jIa9OcfMQEhl-CLoK2DwwOK0ZsxCrn8QCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h113/October.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>My fitness buddies and I have entered October with the a create-your-own challenge. Challenge ourselves for today, for the week, for the month. It's all up to us. I'm inspired by the variety of choices the group has made. <p></p><p>I chose to do 30 days of yoga. I chose <a href="https://yogawithadriene.com/free-yoga-videos/30-days-of-yoga/page/6/" target="_blank">Yoga with Adrienne</a> as my guide and started right on time on October 1st. A Thursday. Then the weekend came and I had a class to teach on Saturday (an enjoyable but physically and mentally draining task) and preferred to go walking on Sunday. </p><p>I modified my plan to do 30 days of yoga only on the weekdays (M-F). </p><p>By the time I was ready for yoga on Monday, October 5th (after work) I had decided that I should repeat day 1 and day 2 and continue through Friday to day 5. I liked the idea of building the flow of the days one into the other. Then I had some talking to myself to do: </p><div style="text-align: left;"><u>ME:</u> Maybe I should keep going straight through to day 30. Even on the weekends. <br /><u>Still ME</u>: But I like walking and hiking on the weekends<br /><u>ME</u>: I can do both in the same day you know<br /><u>Still ME</u>: I can but it's likely I won't. <br /><u>ME</u>: .............</div><p>Then I tried day 3. Day 3 was hard. A lot of standing poses balancing on one foot at a time. I had to reach for the wall to stay upright much of the time. I got lost and had to catch up to the video. </p><div style="text-align: left;"><u>Still ME</u>: What if I do every day twice. And only do them on Monday through Friday. <br /><u>ME</u>: ????? </div><p>Still ME: The first 2 days I did Day 1 and Day 2; (this week) Day 1,2,3,4,5; (next week) Day 3,4,5,6,7; (the next week) Day 6,7,8,9,10 etc. </p><p>Now, I have to admit that Still ME was being affected by my perfectionist tendencies. But only slightly. Yes, I like to get things right. But I am learning to be kind to myself - especially when it comes to trying to get my old lady body to cooperate with my not-so-old-lady ideas of what I can/want to do. </p><p>Perfectionist brain tends to go over the parts of each session where my balance was off or my muscles felt strained or my lower back caved in. When I repeat the day, I do so with an intention of finding ease or strength in those movements or moments. It <i><u>doesn't</u></i> have to be perfect and it will likely be better. With that thought in mind, I'm looking forward to Day 3 repeat on Monday 😎.</p><p>So then a spreadsheet had to happen. Another plus! LOL And it turns out that my scheme (see Still ME above) means my 30 days of Yoga will be complete on December 18th. 79 days after I started. </p><p>Stay tuned! </p><div style="text-align: left;">Keep Smiling Keep Moving (and Keep Thinking)<br />-Paula </div><p><br /></p>Paula T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07540410643185737698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535834081672329688.post-24479123265580612552020-09-26T09:20:00.005-04:002020-09-26T09:23:53.937-04:00Laps For Lexi 2020 This year's Laps For Lexi could be subtitled "Singing in the Rain". Or at least it could be here in Media, PA. And since the event is virtual this year due to CV19, I did my laps in my own neighborhood. <div><br /></div><div>Here a photo of me at the end. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DjKhO8DFooM/X289F1gwTGI/AAAAAAAAXYg/zimaICYUVgEU5lIXPBwoRL2CpVwFxmIsgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Laps%2B4%2BLexi.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DjKhO8DFooM/X289F1gwTGI/AAAAAAAAXYg/zimaICYUVgEU5lIXPBwoRL2CpVwFxmIsgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Laps%2B4%2BLexi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>My 1 mile route took me 2 laps around my neighborhood block. I prefer looped routes but I thought laps were appropriate today and if it weren't for the rain I might have gone to the local middle school for <b>4<span style="color: #800180;"> </span></b>laps around the track because well, Laps <b>4</b> Lexi, get it? Ok, moving on...</div><div><br /></div><div>Lexi loved the color purple so I wore the only purple shirt I own. The words you can't see on the shirt say "Old Enough to Know Better, Young Enough Not to Care". Appropriate given the weather, I thought. </div><div><br /></div><div>Lexi also loved Care Bears. My bear's name is ALGEE. ALGEE is not a trademarked Care Bear. ALGEE is the mascot for Mental Health First Aid. A different kind of care bear. ALGEE kept me company for my walk. </div><div><br /></div><div>I probably looked a little silly hugging a bear while walking the rain. I would have welcomed the opportunity to explain. 💜💜</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Lexi Speight was an exuberant and hilariously funny 8-year old. After complaining of a "tummy ache" Lexi was diagnosed with liver cancer and died just 12 weeks later. There were no other indications -- the doctors called it an unexplainable "lightning strike."</div><div><br /></div><div>Since Lexi's death in 2010, over 7,000 people have participated in the Laps for Lexi annual 5K run/walk that raises money for both pediatric cancer and a scholarship in Lexi's name. It’s more than just the money raised. Laps for Lexi has energized a community; They’ve raised awareness about children’s cancer; They’ve helped improve the quality of life of children. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>Please <a href="http://www.lapsforlexi.org/contributions.html" target="_blank">consider a donation</a> so other children and their families can Keep Smiling and Keep Moving. . (http://www.lapsforlexi.org/contributions.html) Running, walking or singing in the rain is optional! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>-Paula </div><div><br /></div>Paula T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07540410643185737698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535834081672329688.post-32000613914692800982020-08-01T14:23:00.001-04:002020-08-01T14:31:58.335-04:00Leiper-Smedley-Crum Creek Loop GuideThe <a href="https://keepsmilingkeepmoving.blogspot.com/2020/07/springfield-trail-guide.html" target="_blank">Springfield Trail</a> is just one hiking adventure that can be started at Smedley Park. Another loop can be created by combining the Leiper Smedley Trail with the Crum Creek trail. This loop is part paved (Leiper Smedley) and part woods (Crum Creek) trail. I recommend hiking shoes and poles for this one. The woods portion is rocky, full of roots and it's position on the side of the hill between Crum Creek and Swarthmore college makes for some awkward footing in some places. At least it does for me. Don't let that sway you away from this delightful adventure. Forewarned is forearmed. :)<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This loop starts at the parking lot by the Penn State Extension in <a href="https://www.smedleypark.org/" target="_blank">Smedley Park</a>. Enter the park off Baltimore Pike on Paper Mill Road. Turn left just before the trolley tracks; following the sign for the Penn State Extension. Go slow. It's a narrow road and you may meet another car coming out.<br />
<br />
[Note about the photos. I used the smallest image. To see more detail, click on the photo and it will enlarge for you]</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s-d7ejqdXoA/XyWc68lQrzI/AAAAAAAAXGU/qDFYeFQXUu4b_U8QLqFNKR-JYqm501u5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200801_081818.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s-d7ejqdXoA/XyWc68lQrzI/AAAAAAAAXGU/qDFYeFQXUu4b_U8QLqFNKR-JYqm501u5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/20200801_081818.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
After parking the car, continue walking out of the parking lot (away from the direction you drove in) toward the <a href="https://extension.psu.edu/programs/master-gardener/counties/delaware/smedley-park-teaching-gardens" target="_blank">Penn State Extension</a> building. Follow the road to the right (see above)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-akiFQFjDDow/XyWc-C9f1AI/AAAAAAAAXGc/qQeNTcGdgyU2BoRnpWrUTn-eP9I_6xPRwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200801_081912_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-akiFQFjDDow/XyWc-C9f1AI/AAAAAAAAXGc/qQeNTcGdgyU2BoRnpWrUTn-eP9I_6xPRwCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/20200801_081912_03.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
And pick up the trail just on the other side of the bollards pictured here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2XEv_J1fqpg/XyWc-ZC2HBI/AAAAAAAAXGg/xWIYe_U8ocwR0tss-QBYgIgF5d3bj_fAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200801_082109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2XEv_J1fqpg/XyWc-ZC2HBI/AAAAAAAAXGg/xWIYe_U8ocwR0tss-QBYgIgF5d3bj_fAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/20200801_082109.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
This short section of trail is taking your towards the Blue Route (476). Note the sign (above) for the Leiper-Smedley Trail (on the right of the photo). It can be confusing as just where that sign appears there is a dirt trail off to your right. Notice, however, that the arrow takes you forward then right. Just past here the trail goes down toward the on ramp to Exit 3 of the Blue Route (476). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YiLN72LQi2I/XyWejvh13VI/AAAAAAAAXGw/-q3OupNY8_41E8u2EDd-ddfIKsKWI3SBACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200801_082205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YiLN72LQi2I/XyWejvh13VI/AAAAAAAAXGw/-q3OupNY8_41E8u2EDd-ddfIKsKWI3SBACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/20200801_082205.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
Stay on the side walk which heads left toward the Traffic Light Crossing of Baltimore Pike. Use the designated cross walks to pass safely over the merge to the on ramp; Baltimore Pike; and the off ramp merge onto Baltimore Pike on the other side. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VQ9NoSSvbpA/XyWgDJY77hI/AAAAAAAAXG8/QSZfrn2pMNo4KGCPZMGkKMRzCVC1J227QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200801_082529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VQ9NoSSvbpA/XyWgDJY77hI/AAAAAAAAXG8/QSZfrn2pMNo4KGCPZMGkKMRzCVC1J227QCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/20200801_082529.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
You are now back on the trail and walking alongside the off ramp from Exit 3 of the Blue Route (476). Stay on the paved trail to Plush Mill Road. Alternatively you can take the dirt trail (see the left of the photo above). It will take you to the same place as the photo below. It's a bit steeper though and prone to blockages. A fun detour if you are up for it though.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tQVegf--vAg/XyWghymGB8I/AAAAAAAAXHE/V0jBkAFD4pknb--fo4oNcfUPxCclhPsqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200801_083356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tQVegf--vAg/XyWghymGB8I/AAAAAAAAXHE/V0jBkAFD4pknb--fo4oNcfUPxCclhPsqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/20200801_083356.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
Either way you will end up here (above) at Plush Mill Road. At the road you will turn right onto Plush Mill Road. This takes you over the Blue Route (476). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KC9c47AFF4A/XyWg5btO8cI/AAAAAAAAXHY/YgRZJoXYV5ExHDkRKbj3W6YsGJAL5HrIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200801_083600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KC9c47AFF4A/XyWg5btO8cI/AAAAAAAAXHY/YgRZJoXYV5ExHDkRKbj3W6YsGJAL5HrIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/20200801_083600.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
On the other side of the Blue Route (476) turn left.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bm60HjKZGO4/XyWg5O4fsqI/AAAAAAAAXHU/IGc4WaXi22sVxNO_sLE9Aw9y2icvm2XNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200801_083619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bm60HjKZGO4/XyWg5O4fsqI/AAAAAAAAXHU/IGc4WaXi22sVxNO_sLE9Aw9y2icvm2XNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/20200801_083619.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
The highway is now on your left and on your right is <a href="https://communityartscenter.org/" target="_blank">Wallingford Community Arts Center</a> and <a href="https://pendlehill.org/" target="_blank">Pendle Hill.</a> It's noisy because of the highway (the sound barrier can only do so much) but ignore that and enjoy the glimpses of some fun looking buildings on your right.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yAhlmm_ahD4/XyWg5VpAlLI/AAAAAAAAXHc/ebnx6X6RumAcV0BHssN90AjG-rnE7lkzgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200801_084153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yAhlmm_ahD4/XyWg5VpAlLI/AAAAAAAAXHc/ebnx6X6RumAcV0BHssN90AjG-rnE7lkzgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/20200801_084153.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
At the end of this section you will turn left to stay on the trail. However, a right turn will take you on to the grounds of the Arts Center and Pendle Hill. There are some interesting paths there through old ruins and mosaic gardens. It's very peaceful. You can put together a nice out and back adventure between here and where you left your car.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WXxGbi27fB4/XyWg6GDN7DI/AAAAAAAAXHo/r0cvrcNqcNEt2XAsNrkVsukwHoxXd0yZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200801_084404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WXxGbi27fB4/XyWg6GDN7DI/AAAAAAAAXHo/r0cvrcNqcNEt2XAsNrkVsukwHoxXd0yZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/20200801_084404.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
Staying on today's tour, however, turning left will take you back over the Blue Route (476) on Rogers Lane. It's actually two lefts. One to get you off the trail and one just after crossing Rogers Lane. Follow Rogers Lane then, over the highway. After the crossing, turn right to stay on the Leiper Smedley Trail. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You will now follow the trail between the highway on your right and the woods on your left. Today, there was a competition between the Cicadas and the Traffic. In some places, the Cicadas won. :) Highlights of this section are glimpses of Crum Creek and the <a href="https://www.scottarboretum.org/history-of-the-crum-ruins/" target="_blank">crumbling ruins of Lytlecote</a>. </div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kK88QVAYYmU/XyWnqzarX7I/AAAAAAAAXI0/u-YAbAmtcUYEEu6-cevw04w5QHnVxlBVACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200801_084913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kK88QVAYYmU/XyWnqzarX7I/AAAAAAAAXI0/u-YAbAmtcUYEEu6-cevw04w5QHnVxlBVACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20200801_084913.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You will also pass under the Septa Media-Elwyn Line. The path here takes a sharp, blind bend. Be aware for cyclists coming the other way. Take a moment on the other side of the underpass to learn about the <a href="https://iseptaphilly.com/blog/CrumCreek" target="_blank">Crum Creek Viaduct.</a> The path-side information sign gives much more information than any link I could find on the Internet. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ekiUr7hreRc/XyWlwUBzn1I/AAAAAAAAXIY/Av2BNR-2GToLQP5LAPj8OeyADnAHSEFLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200801_090633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ekiUr7hreRc/XyWlwUBzn1I/AAAAAAAAXIY/Av2BNR-2GToLQP5LAPj8OeyADnAHSEFLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/20200801_090633.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
The trail will eventually bring you down to Avondale Road. You will pass under the highway and at the stop sign carefully cross over to pick up the trail on the other side. There is parking here just to the left off Avondale Road.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-70rU6v6_t7U/XyWlwWduf4I/AAAAAAAAXIc/ZSsNs22OCL0fuMP_h2snOQAKg8BG2X2zwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200801_091259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-70rU6v6_t7U/XyWlwWduf4I/AAAAAAAAXIc/ZSsNs22OCL0fuMP_h2snOQAKg8BG2X2zwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20200801_091259.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
Avondale Road can be busy at times and parts of the trail are no more than a wide shoulder off the road (as shown above). However, it is wide and safe enough to travel. You now meet up with Rose Valley Road. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
At this juncture, turn left to continue our loop. However, make note that if you turn right onto Rose Valley road you can continue on to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Leiper_Estate" target="_blank">Thomas Leiper House.</a> If you park in the space where the Trail meets Avondale road it's just a short walk to the Leiper House. I don't know if it's open during COVID but it is a nice tour if you like to learn about Delaware County history. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3KxZZcsNbww/XyWqdILGJnI/AAAAAAAAXJM/06BX4iFrHs43N4T7W-R8yQ48ABZWLzkzACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200801_091836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3KxZZcsNbww/XyWqdILGJnI/AAAAAAAAXJM/06BX4iFrHs43N4T7W-R8yQ48ABZWLzkzACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/20200801_091836.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
To continue our loop we leave the Leiper Smedley Trail and follow Avondale road to the left. You will walk a short distance on the shoulder of the road then up on to the sidewalk pictured above.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j7uKJ1BdJHI/XyWqdGHBR9I/AAAAAAAAXJQ/lpiBsWPZ0zkVfanTRCaM0VxJk5LfQKPIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200801_092007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j7uKJ1BdJHI/XyWqdGHBR9I/AAAAAAAAXJQ/lpiBsWPZ0zkVfanTRCaM0VxJk5LfQKPIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/20200801_092007.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
You are heading toward the Crum Creek Trail portion of the loop. <b><u>However, there are no signs.</u></b> You have to know it's there. Following the road (on the sidewalk) a short distance ....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DKMCui5BIZI/XyWqdGXZYpI/AAAAAAAAXJU/rs2yN3FAOEIlfsmtqyw708swkpCNhH-pQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200801_092233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DKMCui5BIZI/XyWqdGXZYpI/AAAAAAAAXJU/rs2yN3FAOEIlfsmtqyw708swkpCNhH-pQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/20200801_092233.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<div>
... you will see the slightly worn path off to your left. The creek is on your left as well and when the creek turns 'inland' you should follow it. It won't take long for the slightly worn path to become a fully obvious trail. Until then, you may feel uncertain. Don't be. If you come to the high rise apartment building you went just a tad too far on Avondale. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zYcUJVHjKhQ/XyWrfjk6FLI/AAAAAAAAXJo/QPC7uvKrhooXbzS08ubs10ulgomRSueVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200801_092936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zYcUJVHjKhQ/XyWrfjk6FLI/AAAAAAAAXJo/QPC7uvKrhooXbzS08ubs10ulgomRSueVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20200801_092936.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You are now on the Crum Creek Trail. It's mostly dirt, rocks, roots and greenery. You will see a lot of markers such as the one pictured above. I haven't figured out what they mean. Although I imagine they were placed there by (and mean something to) Swarthmore College & Arboretum. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There are no blazes along this trail and many many dirt trails wander off here and there. Most of them will take you up or down the side of the hill between the creek and the college. Keep the creek on your left and you will be headed the right direction. Explore the side trails for some interesting views. The worst that can happen on the side trails is you'll end up on the college campus. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Enjoy this section. The views of the creek are amazing. However, don't neglect the woods either. The rock formations (although not as photogenic perhaps as the creek) are beautiful. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2tH1FXPzxE8/XyWs8ASW_kI/AAAAAAAAXJ0/54SXUlk9nsUkQEeh6NP6arQQb9rkM9khwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200801_095227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2tH1FXPzxE8/XyWs8ASW_kI/AAAAAAAAXJ0/54SXUlk9nsUkQEeh6NP6arQQb9rkM9khwCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/20200801_095227.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
The trail will eventually bring you out to a big meadow with lots of little trails in and out of the wildflowers growing there. When you reach the Septa Line again you will need to head UP to go under the tracks and then the trail will veer up and to the right. It will follow the line of the tracks for a bit before veering off the left to the join the path of the creek again. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sAfHfM8wl5g/XyWtkZj6uQI/AAAAAAAAXKM/XAZP9ZSsJXQBsv-uNoaUf1TnjD6qcTeTQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200801_101424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sAfHfM8wl5g/XyWtkZj6uQI/AAAAAAAAXKM/XAZP9ZSsJXQBsv-uNoaUf1TnjD6qcTeTQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/20200801_101424.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
The trail will bring you out to Plush Mill Road again -- down the hill and around the bend from where the Leiper-Smedley portion of this loop crossed Plush Mill Road earlier. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IsuKfMIjgSk/XyWtZjSzMQI/AAAAAAAAXKA/sO0fQ99r89Um2FNmlrOqj3iBUSVQn89NwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200801_101441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IsuKfMIjgSk/XyWtZjSzMQI/AAAAAAAAXKA/sO0fQ99r89Um2FNmlrOqj3iBUSVQn89NwCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/20200801_101441.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Turn left on Plush Mill Road to cross over the creek. Be careful the cars coming toward you are coming around a sharp bend. It's safer to cross the street first then walk across the creek. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RWscuFIjvls/XyWtZuND52I/AAAAAAAAXKE/E1V9iVFMXCEfg6kvoZ1JSABkHxlj0rbzACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200801_101540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RWscuFIjvls/XyWtZuND52I/AAAAAAAAXKE/E1V9iVFMXCEfg6kvoZ1JSABkHxlj0rbzACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/20200801_101540.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
On the other side of the creek notice the yellow blaze on the guard rail. Turn right here....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ESWLAVbkBVk/XyWtas_2EWI/AAAAAAAAXKI/CGOXQDbgIJkr97in488jW1zB2J5aiV1LgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200801_101557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ESWLAVbkBVk/XyWtas_2EWI/AAAAAAAAXKI/CGOXQDbgIJkr97in488jW1zB2J5aiV1LgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/20200801_101557.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
... and follow the path into the woods again. There are no extra trails wandering off in this section. The creek will be on your right now.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NW1qfzURUhk/XyWuvjM7AvI/AAAAAAAAXKk/BZsntt21-K8cxWOSZPl3hemjL4sQCFSKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200801_101947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NW1qfzURUhk/XyWuvjM7AvI/AAAAAAAAXKk/BZsntt21-K8cxWOSZPl3hemjL4sQCFSKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/20200801_101947.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
It's a bit rocky here but eventually the path lead you under Baltimore Pike....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-asbpZv7rUKA/XyWuvwbORCI/AAAAAAAAXKo/2cVuk-7GGsYEcThzfEsk7uyWb-QzFK81ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200801_102044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-asbpZv7rUKA/XyWuvwbORCI/AAAAAAAAXKo/2cVuk-7GGsYEcThzfEsk7uyWb-QzFK81ACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/20200801_102044.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
And on the other side of Baltimore Pike you are back in Smedley Park. Follow the dirt path through the grass. There will be a ball field backstop on your left.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D3qhd7uVqUY/XyWuv0tduuI/AAAAAAAAXKs/drL7SHiLxkAiqIFaLHaNU_hSAdKeJERNQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200801_102205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D3qhd7uVqUY/XyWuv0tduuI/AAAAAAAAXKs/drL7SHiLxkAiqIFaLHaNU_hSAdKeJERNQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/20200801_102205.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
Just past the backstop look for these steps on your left. Head toward them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1MyGrWEMOCo/XyWuwsOvkrI/AAAAAAAAXKw/1wl5i06tSSESoD1JYpNjDzTWeEohDK7uACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200801_102238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1MyGrWEMOCo/XyWuwsOvkrI/AAAAAAAAXKw/1wl5i06tSSESoD1JYpNjDzTWeEohDK7uACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/20200801_102238.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
The steps do not lead anywhere but they alert you to the existence of this trail that will take you back to the parking lot where we started this adventure.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xBa9O5ePWJ8/XyWuw_MznfI/AAAAAAAAXK0/QrPOd5YFZ1QFJXqNoYNWYRsSH7Wpi4YrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200801_102337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xBa9O5ePWJ8/XyWuw_MznfI/AAAAAAAAXK0/QrPOd5YFZ1QFJXqNoYNWYRsSH7Wpi4YrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/20200801_102337.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
<div>
The white building at the top of the hill is the Penn State Extension where we started. To the right of that is the parking lot. </div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I was able to map this loop in MapMyWalk.com. <a href="https://www.mapmywalk.com/routes/view/3318192928" target="_blank">Here is the link</a>. It's a little over 4 miles. If you are in the mood for a pleasant long hike, you can combine this with the <a href="https://keepsmilingkeepmoving.blogspot.com/2020/07/springfield-trail-guide.html" target="_blank">Springfield Trail Loop</a> for a 9+ mile adventure. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To connect to the Springfield Trail from this hike, instead of heading toward the steps above continue across the field to Paper Mill Road and pick up the Springfield Trail on the just across the trolley tracks. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Keep Smiling Keep Moving </div>
<div>
-Paula </div>
Paula T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07540410643185737698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535834081672329688.post-53991918857184247262020-07-24T11:58:00.003-04:002020-07-24T12:03:22.104-04:00Pandemic Baseball<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IkTsUVRb7DQ/XxsEppJvtlI/AAAAAAAAXA4/eXZWY6KH4UU1P7UwdFZT-WXNPEIxVqQYQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1931378_42861365938_8469_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="604" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IkTsUVRb7DQ/XxsEppJvtlI/AAAAAAAAXA4/eXZWY6KH4UU1P7UwdFZT-WXNPEIxVqQYQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/1931378_42861365938_8469_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Last night Baseball returned. Sort of.<br />
<br />
A very brave, mask wearing, Dr. Anthony Fauci <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/23/us/fauci-first-pitch-nationals-yankees-trnd/index.html" target="_blank">threw out the first pitch</a> to kick off a new season with new <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-rule-changes-for-2020" target="_blank">pandemic inspired rules</a>. And, finally, after months of speculation and negotiation, in a rain shortened game, the <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=mlb+yankees+nationals&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS876US876&oq=mlb+yankees+nationals&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i60.8279j1j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#sie=m;/g/11jbk32fc8;4;/m/09p14;dt;fp;1;;" target="_blank">Yankees beat the Nationals</a> 4-1.<br />
<br />
I've been debating whether I will watch the new season. The Phillies open their season tonight against the Marlins at Citizens Bank Park. No fans, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xx8cCDthsuk" target="_blank">no crying</a> and no spitting allowed. It's not the new rules, the piped in noise, or the shortened schedule that bothered me though. It's the money grab.<br />
<br />
My initial reaction to the announcement that a 2020 season would happen was annoyance. It's all about the money, I said. The TV revenues is what they are really after, I thought. The rules allowed players to opt out under certain conditions. And some players with big names and solid careers are doing just that. What about the little guy, I wondered? What about the ones trying to make their name and solidify their position? Do they really have a choice? It really bugged me for awhile and I know that my tiny personal boycott would not make any difference ---- except to me.<br />
<br />
Then I realized that my indignation was hypocritical. I still go to work every day. And that's about the money, too. I need a paycheck (and a sense of purpose). I shut down like the rest of PA for a long while. And when allowed to return, I began to feel my way toward doing the things (I believe) can be done safely. For my own safety and that of others. Although I believe I am careful there is no way to know for certain that what I'm doing is enough.<br />
<br />
Just because MLB is bigger and makes more money than me doesn't mean they should be held to a different standard. MLB shut down too. And when allowed to return they began to work their way toward returning to the field. Yes, they need the money. As do we all.<br />
<br />
After getting over myself and my distress, I realized that the return of baseball can do a lot of good for many. Not everyone loves baseball. But for the many that do, this may be a chance to reconnect. We can't go to the stadium and we shouldn't gather together in large groups but we can - as we've done with everything else for months now - participate together alone. And if you are a Phillies fan you know value of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzpJisfYNKA" target="_blank">High Hopes</a>.<br />
<br />
Go Phils.<br />
<br />
Keep Smiling Keep Moving<br />
- Paula<br />
<br />
<br />Paula T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07540410643185737698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535834081672329688.post-11263113143764593792020-07-17T12:49:00.002-04:002020-07-17T13:15:05.932-04:00Springfield Trail GuideWarning: This may be the first and only one of these I do because life is short and my mind takes shortcuts, detours and left-turns-without-signaling on a regular basis. That being said, today I hiked the Springfield Trail and decided to create a guide for you.<br />
<br />
The Springfield Trail is a 5-ish mile loop trail in and around Springfield (Delaware County) PA. I like to start it at <a href="https://www.smedleypark.org/" target="_blank">Smedley Park </a>but there are several trail head options. The trail itself does not have a website but the Smedley Park site has a page dedicated to the <a href="https://www.smedleypark.org/springfield-trail" target="_blank">Springlfield Trail.</a><br />
<br />
Enter Smedly Park off Baltimore Pike at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/CWmXSstGDLDopa2T6" target="_blank">Paper Mill Road</a>. Paper Mill Road is between the Springfield Mall and the Blue Route (476) entrance off Baltimore Pike.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UONBmLQCQms/XxG_wJwPogI/AAAAAAAAW3Q/Tg53CxavTfIZ4Fm89TRgd4e-Xl3UrxDGACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200717_072511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UONBmLQCQms/XxG_wJwPogI/AAAAAAAAW3Q/Tg53CxavTfIZ4Fm89TRgd4e-Xl3UrxDGACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20200717_072511.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Travel the park road across the Paper Mill trolley stop and crossing to a parking area on the left. This photo is looking back at the way I drove in. My car is behind me to my right. I chose to do the trail counter clockwise today. The entrance is just to my left.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OK5eb8um8zY/XxHAhxH2WKI/AAAAAAAAW6I/IzWfij9qVzAjpjmrUsuWtkR1OXljSjFiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200717_073930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OK5eb8um8zY/XxHAhxH2WKI/AAAAAAAAW6I/IzWfij9qVzAjpjmrUsuWtkR1OXljSjFiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20200717_073930.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Springfield Trail is marked with Yellow Blazes. The first section between the Paper Mill trolley stop and Route 320 is quite narrow in spots. There are lots of deer in the area. Long pants or tick repellent (or both) are recommended. The vegetation was very wet on this humid morning, the long pants also kept me legs drier than they would have been without. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This first section follows Whiskey Run and the trolley tracks from the Paper Mill Station to the 320 Station (Sproul Road). Just before arriving at 320 you can see the edge of the Springfield Mall parking lot up on the ridge to your right. <a href="https://delawarecountyhistory.com/springfieldtownship/documents/SpringfieldTwp.MillsofCrumCreekandWhiskeyRun.Wm.Henderson1980.docx" target="_blank">According to this paper</a> found at DelawareCountyHistory.com, Whiskey Run is "a tributary of Crum Creek, large enough to have had located along its banks several mills powered by its flow." None of the mills still exist, of course, but it's easy to imagine them there. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WYFJjMJO41I/XxHFIbv-MfI/AAAAAAAAW8A/SqvUBGHHqwwuZAcRedWr926InCYuZ7ZvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200717_074257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WYFJjMJO41I/XxHFIbv-MfI/AAAAAAAAW8A/SqvUBGHHqwwuZAcRedWr926InCYuZ7ZvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20200717_074257.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arriving at Route 320 the trail leaves the woods for a short road section.<br />
Springfield Mall and Baltimore pike are to the right (South on 320). To follow the trail turn right. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qigUi0HyjWg/XxHFIQ37nbI/AAAAAAAAW8E/3TVJYiMeXBc2OaOqo5ypd87LgFJB8BPtwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200717_074547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qigUi0HyjWg/XxHFIQ37nbI/AAAAAAAAW8E/3TVJYiMeXBc2OaOqo5ypd87LgFJB8BPtwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20200717_074547.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The short road section takes you across the trolley tracks on the 320 overpass. <br />
There is a yellow marker on the overpass wall.<br />
And this one (center right) alerts you that the trail goes down the steps. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BlW9kZQdNnI/XxHFId6b6UI/AAAAAAAAW78/Ue3ouhmh-n8W4iE4zGoVITF574Puwi7IQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200717_074558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BlW9kZQdNnI/XxHFId6b6UI/AAAAAAAAW78/Ue3ouhmh-n8W4iE4zGoVITF574Puwi7IQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20200717_074558.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And if you aren't sure the yellow markers continue down the stairs<br />
The stairs are narrow and steeper than they look. Watch your step! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M8Rlk7hWQS8/XxHFJAcOooI/AAAAAAAAW8I/JtF6oOUloVEfhYmAR-hTjh0aaTqHIGiMwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200717_074701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M8Rlk7hWQS8/XxHFJAcOooI/AAAAAAAAW8I/JtF6oOUloVEfhYmAR-hTjh0aaTqHIGiMwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20200717_074701.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the bottom you will turn right and follow the tracks just past the overpass.<br />
You are now walking under the road you just used to cross over.<br />
Stay to the right - hug the wall - this is an active trolley line. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UTG-ACQ3A1M/XxHFJXVyu4I/AAAAAAAAW8M/OW0IVvPBbW4p9DCXjJNeJ_Y7E4BhLGMVACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200717_074803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UTG-ACQ3A1M/XxHFJXVyu4I/AAAAAAAAW8M/OW0IVvPBbW4p9DCXjJNeJ_Y7E4BhLGMVACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20200717_074803.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just past the 320 overpass the trail goes off to the right.<br />
The blazes on the utility poll signal right turn. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For those unfamiliar with trail blazes a double blaze usually signals a turn. A right turn will have the upper blaze on the right. A left turn will have the upper blaze on the left. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N7_swZR1_Ho/XxHHpTj2ImI/AAAAAAAAW9A/OlXBme2KnpAVVHtGOhsJ7b14SvqQoZsDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200717_075348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N7_swZR1_Ho/XxHHpTj2ImI/AAAAAAAAW9A/OlXBme2KnpAVVHtGOhsJ7b14SvqQoZsDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20200717_075348.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="text-align: center;">This next section follows the trolley tracks and Whiskey Run to Thomson Avenue. In the past, I've had to scramble over large fallen trees in this section. Today it was all clear. </span><span style="text-align: center;">At the bridge (see above photo) turn left (see the blazes on the tree) At the other side of the bridge turn right. </span><span style="text-align: center;"><br />Although you won't know it till you get to the intersection - this is Stidman Drive. A short street with some nice looking quadruplex houses. Stidman Drive will bring you out to Thomson Avenue. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9mMdVtXmuMU/XxHHpTLQ4xI/AAAAAAAAW88/8Azi2Wz7jB08eGEp742RaLCjhOvwpTs6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200717_075626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9mMdVtXmuMU/XxHHpTLQ4xI/AAAAAAAAW88/8Azi2Wz7jB08eGEp742RaLCjhOvwpTs6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20200717_075626.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
At Thomson Avenue turn left and go up the hill to Lewis Road.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oB8ZqAmeW8E/XxHHpKQusdI/AAAAAAAAW84/GSga6C9J5WUXrlJ6rxk8kGNpUxTkZKGlQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200717_075852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oB8ZqAmeW8E/XxHHpKQusdI/AAAAAAAAW84/GSga6C9J5WUXrlJ6rxk8kGNpUxTkZKGlQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20200717_075852.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
At Lewis Road you will turn right. There are no markings that I could find here. You just have to know to go that way.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TeoJyBoFIwo/XxHHp3IJgUI/AAAAAAAAW9E/Gkfs9s2FCqUY8bB0wau_taxLXGeeqai6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200717_080100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TeoJyBoFIwo/XxHHp3IJgUI/AAAAAAAAW9E/Gkfs9s2FCqUY8bB0wau_taxLXGeeqai6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20200717_080100.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After turning right on Lewis, you will walk along Lewis for about 2 blocks (You'll cross over Gleaves Road as it jogs across Lewis). Right in the middle of all the houses the trees get thicker and if you look to your right you'll see the Yellow Blaze. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This next section takes you from Lewis Road to James Lane. It goes up and down and up and down. There are several alternate routes and paths that go off up into people's yards. Don't go into people's yards. They generally won't like that. The alternate paths can be confusing and it is through this section that the trail maintainers have the most trouble keeping the blazes. There are lots of blow downs. There is also a blue blaze bandit that attempts to confuse people. The blue blazes will follow the yellow and then suddenly veer off. In some places the Blue Blaze Bandit covers over the yellow ones. Don't fret. It's pretty much impossible to get lost. If you enter the trail from Lewis Road, you'll have Whiskey Run on your left for a short portion and then after a very obvious creek crossing you keep Whiskey Run on your right and backyards on your left all the way to James Lane. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lots of steeper ups and downs through this section. Very pretty scenery with trees and water help to take your mind off that. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5cWI7OD4-mE/XxHLJx9QseI/AAAAAAAAW90/1qm75ruzrs0tScsxmryd0o3rw-KOYS2dACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200717_082520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5cWI7OD4-mE/XxHLJx9QseI/AAAAAAAAW90/1qm75ruzrs0tScsxmryd0o3rw-KOYS2dACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20200717_082520.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking up at James Lane as the trail heads up away from Whiskey Creek</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gdMxZZlaYro/XxHLJ3IEcmI/AAAAAAAAW94/k3KWvjUbrrEgrsMKceg2tugim24N-w9VwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200717_082523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gdMxZZlaYro/XxHLJ3IEcmI/AAAAAAAAW94/k3KWvjUbrrEgrsMKceg2tugim24N-w9VwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20200717_082523.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To your right as you approach the James Lane Trail head is Kovacs Funeral Home</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1_lNRIK6APA/XxHLJ3GcwII/AAAAAAAAW9w/CIIHTpUQlYAJjxWfnzM6fnjVr54hCk8CQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200717_082557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1_lNRIK6APA/XxHLJ3GcwII/AAAAAAAAW9w/CIIHTpUQlYAJjxWfnzM6fnjVr54hCk8CQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20200717_082557.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the trail head turn right towards Route 420 (Woodland Ave)<br />
Kovacs Funeral Home remains on our right. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D0r9L8-rcyQ/XxHLK629nGI/AAAAAAAAW98/YEf9VAtWfyYE4V5hjjfFHig5EaFUDuWUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200717_082727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D0r9L8-rcyQ/XxHLK629nGI/AAAAAAAAW98/YEf9VAtWfyYE4V5hjjfFHig5EaFUDuWUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20200717_082727.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At intersection of James Lane and 420/Woodland Avenue turn left.<br />
I'm not sure if this is a trail marker or some other road mark<br />
But it was in the right place for a trail marker. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0F-C6xD5vWE/XxHLLQDM1_I/AAAAAAAAW-E/XHlbkHIGNeQKrs_Y9XarhG5cG-38nFJRwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200717_083500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0F-C6xD5vWE/XxHLLQDM1_I/AAAAAAAAW-E/XHlbkHIGNeQKrs_Y9XarhG5cG-38nFJRwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20200717_083500.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Continue up (yes UP) route 420 to where it ends at Route 320.<br />
Cross at the light and turn left.<br />
You are now walking South on 320</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qSnBUvbQYIc/XxHLL_h_h1I/AAAAAAAAW-I/5Wm8jJANFjoRc8chihjsq2wgTQUY7Mh7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200717_083544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qSnBUvbQYIc/XxHLL_h_h1I/AAAAAAAAW-I/5Wm8jJANFjoRc8chihjsq2wgTQUY7Mh7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20200717_083544.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At this church you are going to turn right.<br />
It recently changed names <br />
so (IMO) it's better to remember the building not the name. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hHQ3Dl8sdBo/XxHLMDzhLmI/AAAAAAAAW-M/POs1PvuXw7Yp4NxUOmOK36fnTnCnCYpVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200717_083640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hHQ3Dl8sdBo/XxHLMDzhLmI/AAAAAAAAW-M/POs1PvuXw7Yp4NxUOmOK36fnTnCnCYpVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20200717_083640.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The right turn at the church is onto Wesley Road.<br />
But don't stay on Wesley. Instead turn right into<br />
the church parking lot. Follow the right edge of the parking lot ....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u6PlykgKQqI/XxHLNe9znvI/AAAAAAAAW-U/a66dM8lmHnAMsbyvg_1HRCvnN70aAy-vQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200717_083811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u6PlykgKQqI/XxHLNe9znvI/AAAAAAAAW-U/a66dM8lmHnAMsbyvg_1HRCvnN70aAy-vQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20200717_083811.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">..... to this trail entrance. The sign tells you that you are in the right place.<br />
The church is to my right and just a little behind now. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This next section travels through the woods to back to Smedley Park. There are a lot of switchbacks here along with more side trails and paths that lead to people's backyards. Again, don't go into people's backyards. It's bad form, unless you've been invited or have permission. That being said, there are portions of the HorseShoe Trail in our area that DO go through people's backyards but these are clearly marked. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The switchbacks in this section of the trail make you feel like you are going the wrong way especially when the direction change happens at a fork in the trail. Just stick to the yellow blazes and you'll be fine. Sometimes you have to look down the forks to find the next blaze but you shouldn't have to go far to find the next one. The trail maintainers have done a great job of keeping up with re-blazing necessitated by downed trees. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hi5kGE4IjCU/XxHPsoaOSVI/AAAAAAAAW_U/xmtDspvaHGUH1TUn-fNsfKXynsEpI8hfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200717_091557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hi5kGE4IjCU/XxHPsoaOSVI/AAAAAAAAW_U/xmtDspvaHGUH1TUn-fNsfKXynsEpI8hfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20200717_091557.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trail goes under the Blue Route (476).....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x2-p3uvXiPc/XxHPs81ndnI/AAAAAAAAW_Y/9G8F7CtazIsITdAFIpajUNugMAMkbsuhgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200717_091807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x2-p3uvXiPc/XxHPs81ndnI/AAAAAAAAW_Y/9G8F7CtazIsITdAFIpajUNugMAMkbsuhgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20200717_091807.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">......Just before popping out at the baseball fields.<br />
Turn right here to go over a bridge toward the baseball fields</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bly6VQosGt8/XxHPs6mi3mI/AAAAAAAAW_c/A8U5KdWA1lgxQ__RoObUqRMnJ9UynPvSgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200717_091906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bly6VQosGt8/XxHPs6mi3mI/AAAAAAAAW_c/A8U5KdWA1lgxQ__RoObUqRMnJ9UynPvSgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20200717_091906.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Follow the blazes on the park walking path.<br />
The baseball field is straight ahead and<br />
to your left is a playground</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ASZklfm3nCA/XxHPtfSrISI/AAAAAAAAW_g/k1kBgqZ8wcExo_TbaI68tkr9dCErw8x8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200717_091926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ASZklfm3nCA/XxHPtfSrISI/AAAAAAAAW_g/k1kBgqZ8wcExo_TbaI68tkr9dCErw8x8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20200717_091926.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a few steps and this blaze is telling you to turn left back into the woods. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The trail meanders on the (south??) side of Smedley Park. It goes under the Blue Route again. The Blue Route bisects the park more or less. The trail dumps you in the playground below. My car is just out of the top right corner of the photo below.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwZXllBtpt8/XxHPt6l1z9I/AAAAAAAAW_o/ei7GfwQtQk4-4ia9_ixFAdio1Z8C1gPGwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200717_093010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwZXllBtpt8/XxHPt6l1z9I/AAAAAAAAW_o/ei7GfwQtQk4-4ia9_ixFAdio1Z8C1gPGwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20200717_093010.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I wore sneakers for this hike. Not any conscious choice. It's been so long since I've done any regular hiking I just didn't think to put on hiking shoes. The sneakers were just fine. The last section does have a lot of tree rooted spots and I would have preferred my hiking shoes there but really I was fine. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AYv0G6bAT3w/XxHTsVMyAtI/AAAAAAAAXAk/9JICKCNsFG89CkVkctZwOYwFZ1jVv3xPQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20200717_091829.jpg" width="240" /> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I wore a mask for the entire hike today. I was out early today. Some would say it wasn't necessary since I only saw one other human being on the trail. That's not the point. If we stand a chance of beating COVID, we must get used to wearing masks ALL.THE.TIME when we are outside our homes. (And inside our homes if we invite others in). Scrambling to put them on when someone approaches is not good enough. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It wasn't hard to keep my mask on. I lifted it a very few times to get a breath at the top of a climb. I need more air at the top of a climb even without a mask. The mask I wear for hiking allows me to put a hydration tube under it easily. If I was using a bottle, I would have lowered or raised it momentarily to drink. Your mask protects me. Please wear it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As I hiked today and thought about creating a trail guide, I wondered if I should rate the hike's difficulty so others could make decisions. But decided against that. Easy, moderate, hard (or whatever adjectives one might use) are so personal. And quite frankly a hike that might be hard one day is easier the next day depending on one's mood, nutrition and weather conditions - to name just a few factors. If you want to take a hike take it. And if you are unsure if you are 'up to it' my advice is to hike with people you trust. By that I mean with someone you know has your back if you say "This isn't working for me". Someone who will hike back with you if necessary no questions asked; no judgments. BTW, I'll be that person for anyone who wants to take me up on it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I hope you enjoyed this guide to the Springfield Trail. I enjoyed creating it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Keep Smiling Keep Moving</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
-Paula </div>
Paula T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07540410643185737698noreply@blogger.com2