City Walks

I find some days the traffic is so bad, the idea of driving to the Y or getting my bike out for a ride just seems like way to much but me being me its important to get some physically activity in. Soooo

I have found it easier to get home and go for a walk around my neighborhood.  I have done this about three times since arriving here in Austin.  I figured I would tell you a little bit about them...

The first adventure took me for a short loop around the neighborhood.  I was out for a short walk and before I know it, I was in an area that maybe I shouldn't have been in.  I realized everyone was staring at me and it was as if I crossed over to the wrong side of the tracks and in a small way I did.  I was given the experience of knowing what it was like to be a minority and I was only 3 blocks from my apartment.  These experiences always shine a light and make me think about what others feel, I never feel afraid as some might but simple more aware of how others see the world.  I came away from the walk with a different perspective on life and people as a whole.

My second stroll took me through the trails behind the apartment I live in.  You see there are a few small trails that go around the edge of the Colorado River its like a small Greenbelt near me.  I was attacked by crazy bugs and have welts on my legs not bad but enough to bug me (come on that was funny right) okay maybe not.  Eventually the trails ended and I was quite bummed I ended up back near another bunch of apartments and on the sidewalk.  I wandered a bit not sure if I was going north, south, east, west; I will admit I get lost around here often.  It was getting late and I realized I was slightly lost and I hadn't had dinner yet.  But I knew I couldn't be to far from my place.  Thank you for the invention of the cell phone  because I busted that bad boy out and found I was a mile and half from home.  I was tired and wanted to try to cut through the apartment complexes here but that was a no go.  You ask why...well all of them or almost all are gated!!!  I eventually made it home at 8pm enough time to eat and go to bed.  I learned that I will continue to get lost from time to time but I have been told that is how you learn and find amazing places.

An tonight I ended up going for a great walk with an amazing view.(see photo)  I walked all around Lady Bird Lake and during the walk found a place to go paddle boarding and I hope to do that soon. The trail around the lake is part dirt part cement including a bridge I had to cross.  During the walk I found my dream condo....its sits on the edge of the river and people have docks and they all have there canoes and Kayaks tied up.  Just think how great to come home and go out on the lake/river.  As I came to the end of my walk I was met by an amazing sunset.