Walked 3.28 Miles - West Hills of Brooklyn

It's hot! Ok, it's only 75 degrees and I'm a total wimp. Most of my friends are basking in the sun, but I'm already over it. While they are energized and happy, the sun makes me tired and sweaty. I'm wishing for the rains to return and a few more cooler days weather before summer really hits. I walked in the West Hills of Brooklyn just because I wanted to keep it simple. My path was dictated by which block and which side of the street had more shade. I noticed, after awhile, that I was letting out audible sighs whenever I entered a shady area and the temp dropped about 10 degrees.

Salmon fingers unclasping the bright green. I couldn't stop thinking about salmon with jazz hands after seeing this.














These Oregon stickers are everywhere. I own one too. This person doubly loves Oregon.

Walked 3.33 Miles - West Hills of Brooklyn

Yikes! I can't believe my last real walk was on April 5th. 17 days! Well, for 5 of those days, I was in San Fran and got plenty of walking in. As for the other days, I hit another crazy busy period where walking just got pushed to the side. I know these things will happen from time to time. I'm happy that life is a bit easier now and the walking can continue. 

It was a pretty windy day which felt great to walk in, but made taking pictures tricky. A lot of times, I would take a picture and hope for the best. This dogwood was blowing like mad and I can't believe I actually got a picture in focus. 








I know aphids are evil little creatures, but I kind of find them cute.





Ferns are always hard to capture with an iphone. I've been taking pictures of ferns for months. I finally had a very good fern day. 





I'm happy to see bees again. This little guy's feet were so full of pollen that it looked like he was wearing boots.





I don't know why this dog has 3 eyes.





Sadie and I had a staring contest for well over a minute. She won. I love her intense blue eyes.








This triangle in the sidewalk has always intrigued me. It looked extra dramatic today with all of the cherry blossoms gathered inside.





I could spot this green stretch of road from blocks away. This all came from one tree.








I thought this horse was a little low to the ground.

I didn't think much of it until I saw this.





I didn't notice the spider until I was going back and looking through my pictures.

Walked 4.07 Miles - West Hills of Brooklyn

Today I walked in the West Hills of Brooklyn, because I didn't feel like walking too far from home. Even though the day was sunny, there was a dark cloud hovering over the sun for most of my walk. I was actually pretty grateful for the shade. As much as I've enjoyed the sun the past couple of days, I already need a break from it. It's such a beautiful time of year. I walked a bit slower and enjoyed my surroundings. It was a great walk. 

I'd driven past this tree a couple of times, but I kept forgetting to get a picture of it. I'm so glad the eggs were still up a couple of days after Easter.














I went a little over board with the flower pictures today, but I just couldn't help it. 





The tulips are overflowing with pollen. 

















This poor house is still boarded up. It was in a pretty bad fire a couple of years ago. I keep hoping someone will come along and restore it.








This was an extraordinary house. Whoever lives here is very talented.








"We're wheeling around Brooklyn in a wagon." Such entrepreneurs. I sure hope I run into these two. 

Walked 2.64 Miles - West Hills of Brooklyn

This was a hard walk. I stayed close to home, because I wasn't really in the mood to walk. And after about 10 minutes, my legs were really hurting. It felt like I was walking through mud with cement shoes. Each step was a chore. I pushed myself a bit and gave myself a point in the distance to walk to before turning for home. 

I walk past this every morning on the way to the bus stop. I've made many mental notes to take a picture while walking. I finally remembered.




















My dog friend is now sporting a festive scarf.

Walked 2.49 Miles - West Hills of Brooklyn

I stepped outside with no destination in mind. One look at the epic clouds in the sky and I knew I need to find a place to take pictures of the them, so I headed to the West Hills of Brooklyn and a bit of higher ground.

Today felt like a day in May. It was so beautiful and warm.





I walked up to McLoughlin and the clouds were just incredible. I had to keep reminding myself to look down at the ground every once in awhile. 





The moss has taken over the sidewalk completely. When I walked on the moss, it felt about 2 inches thick. 








I cut my drinking teeth on HRD. I'm pretty sure most people in Portland do. I remember shoulder tapping co-workers to buy some for me and friends 20 years ago. I think it was 3 dollars a bottle back then. It was definitely no more than 5 dollars which is why it's so popular. It doesn't get more bottom shelf than this.





These are popping up all over the hood. When I saw this one, I immediately thought they were referring to Valentine's Day.





I walked up to the Brooklyn Community Garden to get a better look at the clouds. This tree was alive with robins. You can see some of them in the trees, but there were many more you can't see. The moon is also peeking through on of the branches. 





These plants are high above my head on a tall wall. From this angle, they look like a tiny forest. 





I wonder what kind of animal used to own this skull.





I don't think I've ever seen a brand new fire hydrant. 





Construction is everywhere. There really isn't a day that I walk and don't see something like this.








I spent the entire walk thinking about how it felt like a May day. I was very surprised to see that this poem at the very end of my walk also talks about a day that felt like the month of May.

Walked 3.01 Miles - West Hills of Brooklyn

I'm having a rough day. I missed walking on Monday, so I knew I needed to get outside today. I really wasn't feeling it and almost didn't go, but I finally got out the door. I was a few blocks from my house when I saw a car stopped at a stop sign across the street from me. Completely stopped, just sitting there. I started crossing the street, because I had the right of way. I was halfway across when I looked to my right to see that the car had crossed the intersection and was coming right at me. I don't think she would have actually hit me (at least I would like to believe she would have stopped before she hit me), but she came about 2 inches from me and I jumped out of the way not to be hit. As I was dodging her car, I looked at her and she had a deadpan expression on her face and she was just staring at me. Really, really scary.

It all happened so fast and she was gone before I could come to my senses and think about getting her license plate number. In the three years that I've done this project, I've never had anyone intentionally be malicious like this lady. It really shook me up. At first I was seeing red mad. Then I looked up Franklin street and saw the big hill many blocks away. I knew I needed to walk up that hill just to blow of stem and to get my mind thinking about something else. I managed to get 3 miles in today, but I was kind of cranky the entire time. Heck, I'm still kind of cranky. 

On a happier note, I saw so many cats today. It's been weeks since I've seen a single cat. Today they were everywhere. I took time to stop along my walk and pet the 3 cats that would let me. Cats always lift my spirits and it was just want I needed to help settle my nerves. 











This yard was filled with wood shavings. I couldn't see what the project was. Only the shavings were left.











I headed to the Poulsen house which I just adore. This is what the house looks like when you are outside of the gate. On top of the tall stone wall is a very large hedge. It makes it a challenge to photograph, but that's half of the fun.





It's nice that someone cleared a path on this sidewalk. Moss is everywhere. I love it so, but it's super slippery on wet days. 





These keys are such an enigma. I've seen keys before with this purple key chain. Then on subsequent walks, no keys and only the purple key chain. Now keys are back. A street pole doesn't seem to be the safest key caddy to me.











First signs of sidewalk chalk. Spring is on its way. 











I catch the bus across from this building. I see it almost every day of my life. Today was the first time I took a picture of it. 

Today I had grand intentions to walk to the Rhododendron Gardens. Once I started out, my feet began to hurt in a way that they haven't for some time. So I decided that I would change plans and walk down to the waterfront since it is much closer. Then that was too much, so I headed to the nearby West Hills of Brooklyn and managed to walk over 2 miles. My legs felt better at the end, but I'm glad that I didn't push them too hard.

The first daffodils of the year! I love these bright happy little flowers.

















I saw this statue from a ways away and at first I thought it was a real dog. 

Today's walk was all about just getting outside and clearing my head. My big work project hits on Friday, so I've got one more day to get everything ready...and I'm so not ready. I thought about not walking, but the rain has returned and I missed it. It was raining hard enough that I put my phone in my pocket for most of the walk. I stopped only 3 times to take pictures. Very unusual for me, but my head was filled with work which left little room for photos. Instead, it was nice to take deep belly breaths, make more mental lists of what's left to do, and give myself a pep talk that it's all going to work out fine. 

I returned home feeling better. It's going to be a long next couple of days, but I know I will make it through.

Boy, I didn't want to walk today. I got some unfortunate news after work that left me in low spirits. Nothing horrible, but something that didn't go the way I'd hoped. I wanted to come home and wallow with my kittens. I decided that I'd walk for just one mile. I'd scheduled walking on my calendar and I'm trying to really build a better routine this year. So I headed to the West Hills of Brooklyn knowing I'd could beeline home if I wanted to. By the end of the first mile, my mood had shifted and I was feeling a lot better as I knew I would. 

I've pictured this deer before. I love this yard, because it's crowded with this kind of kitsch. I was most surprised when I saw that this deer and many other things and been re-arranged. Very impressive!

I didn't notice until after I got home that Eeyore has raindrops on his ears.





After I had walked a mile or so, I decided to head over to the Poulsen house. It was nice to have a destination which always make the walk feel shorter than when I'm just wandering. I told myself that I could start for home after seeing the house. I can't believe the blue sky; it has been pouring down rain all day. I had the perfect window of dry weather.









I didn't head straight home. The setting sun caught my eye and I knew the community garden was just a couple of blocks away. The garden sits on a hill, so it's the perfect place to see the setting sun.





The garden also gave me lots of opportunity to shoot raindrops.








As I was leaving the garden, a new storm was rolling in. I made it home before the rain hit.

Today I walked in the West Hills of Brooklyn. It was cold and dry day and just perfect.

I walked up to McLoughlin to see the setting sun. 





The main reason I walked in the upper hills today was to see Christmas decorations. Even these zebras are getting into the spirit.





I've taken pictures of this dog before. I like how she changes to fit the seasons.








1905! You kind of have to take my word for this one, but it's truly 1905. I traced the five with my finger just to make sure. I'm still looking for 1906.

For today's walk, I headed to the West Hills of Brooklyn. 





There are still a ton of pumpkins and decorations out. 








This bottle of whiskey still had about two inches left in the bottle. I really like this picture, because you can see me and the beautiful blue sky in the reflection of the bottle.





It really was such a beautiful afternoon. Hardly any clouds and the setting sun was casting everything in golden light.

Now that the rain is back, mushrooms are popping up everywhere.

After the massive amounts of rain that Portland has seen over the past few days, I stayed close to home on this walk. The clouds were ominous at times and at others the sky was bright blue and sunny. I opted for no coat and just a hat to protect me from the rain. I'm a true blue Portlander and getting wet is not a worry of mine, but the monsoons of the past few days are a little much even for my webbed feet. I wanted to be able to beeline it home if another monsoon hit. Luckily, it only rained a bit and it was a great walk.

















I love these bright purple berries. I have no idea what plant this is. I've been trying to get a clear picture of these little guys for a really long time. 





The sight of these trees took my breath away. The sun's evening rays almost made the trees glow against the rainy gray background. 





I spent some time walking all around these trees taking pictures from every angle I could imagine. 





They made me so happy that I wanted to remember being in this moment.









Yes, we do have many homeless folks in our neighborhood. For the most part, they live in harmony around us. I like this idea of leaving canned food out. It's such a nice gesture especially as the weather starts to turn. 





The top of this was probably 15 feet in the air and marked the entry gate to the house.





I love seeing patterns in my walks. This is a tomato plant holder I found many blocks away.





I've passed by this wall before. It was only after seeing this damage that I actually took a good look at it.









I love the shadows on this plant.





I have no idea what this plant is, but the bright tomato red perfectly round balls against the green feels very whimsical.





Lost headphones dangling over a stone wall. I hope the owner comes to claim them.

































Halloween is on its way! I can't wait to see more decorations.





A sure sign that summer is over. The sidewalk chalk is soaking wet.





I haven't stumbled since my walk a few days ago when I stumbled twice. I have definitely been much more cautious and keeping my eyes peeled for these kinds of things.





I love this picture! This cat was fiercely keeping watch over these 3 free roaming chickens. He would not take his eyes off of me as I slowly walked the entire length of this yard. I was really just blown away by this on so many different levels. Chickens just chilling with no fence to be seen. A cat obviously intent on taking care of those chickens. All in the very urban heart of inner SE Portland. I'm so happy to live in Brooklyn where this kind of awesomeness is a common thing.

Today was a hot windy day. I figured I would stick to the West Hills of Brooklyn and my path was directed by which streets had shade. This tree is in my neighbors yard and I love to see the apples growing. 









Chestnuts are everywhere. I have to be careful not slip on them.




















I started listening to Middlemarch on my walks. I had read the book by George Eliot about 4 years ago and really liked it. I figured it would be a good choice for walks since I knew the story, so if I missed parts due to loud traffic or distraction or whatever, it wouldn't matter. I learned that when I turn up the volume on my headphones, it takes a picture when I'm in the Hipsta app. I ended up with lots of pictures like this.  I put perler beads on my headphones, so they would be easy to distinguish mine from Greg's. It's a great look and I like it, but it does add weight to the headphones and they don't coil up very well. 





Progress on the Max construction.





This cat was so sweet. I stopped and spent a few minutes enjoying his company.




















This  is a little hard to see due to the sun and shadows, but these chalk drawings of Thing 1 and Thing 2 were extraordinary.















It was such a classic Americana fall day. 





I went up to the new Brooklyn Community Garden. We had watched the fireworks from this empty field last July and it was great to see it as a garden now. Most plots are lined with these stones which gives the garden a regal feeling.

 

 

After PTC, I took a couple of days off from walking. Let's face it, my body needed a rest. I was sore and achy and I tried to catch up on sleep. I walked today, because I knew I needed to stretch my legs and get back to it. I walked up in the West Hills of Brooklyn, because I wanted to be able to come home quickly if need be. Runkeeper wasn't tracking properly today, so I don't have the exact mileage that I walked, but it was probably right about 2 miles. That was all I could manage. I was happy for some clouds to make it not so hot, I'm really ready for fall.

 

 

 

 

The only thing sad about summer ending is flower season coming to an end. I tried to take as many flower pictures that I could, because soon they will be gone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I've walked by the Scared Heart Church many, many times; it's a beautiful building. I finally worked up the nerve to climb the steps of the church and get a closer look at this corner stone. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love this pumpkin patch. There must have been at least 20 growing here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This artist is drying canvases on the lawn.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Psst: it's not a real heron. The duct tape around the neck kind of gives it away.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm really curious about what kind of reptile was found. I'm also glad I'm not the one who found him.

 

 

 

 

 

Hot! Such a crazy hot day. The temp read 90 degrees when I got back from my walk. It was so hot that I almost talked myself out of walking. I came super close, but I put on my shoes and headed out. It's only going to get hotter this week and I wanted to get at least one walk in. I won't be walking when it's 97 degrees as they are predicting it will be the next few days. At first the heat was so awful and my legs weren't happy, so I told myself that I just had to walk a mile. That's it. Just enough to put in a good effort. Once I hit 1 mile, I decided to go for 2 miles. My legs were feeling better and there was a nice breeze that was so wonderful. Then I decided to go for 3 miles. I walked a stretch of 16th street that is heavily lined with trees. I walked this stretch of 6 blocks 4 times. Not adventurous at all, but it was walking. When I finally hit 4 miles, I headed for home.

 

Well, hello willpower! Nice to have you finally show up! Willpower is something I've never had a lot of, but I'm starting to discover it more and more as I walk. Putting one foot in front of the other until I had hit my original goal was just a great feeling. I'm hoping to cultivate my willpower more and more until it becomes second nature.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I tried out Greg's water belt on this walk and it was great! I had no issues and it was so nice to have water on such a hot day. The belt also held my iphone. When my hands started to get sweaty, I could tuck the phone away for a few minutes. It was still readily accessible if I wanted to take a picture. I didn't have the problem of voice control popping on. I think I've found a winning solution!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This guy made me wish for cooler weather.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I didn't see Adventure Table No. 1.  I wonder what this table is for.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Like I said, 16th is lined with huge beautiful trees. When I walked here last week, the end of this limb was blocking the street. I had to walk around and I didn't really see what had happened. Now the stump is has been cut off and set aside. This is just one branch that fell. I'm so glad it didn't hit their house.

 

 

 

 

I think this is supposed to be a gold medal. The Olympics ended yesterday. I was ready for it to end, because I've been very immersed in the games and it was great fun, but also very tiring since the network coverage is on so late.

 

 

 

 

 

Walked 2.65 Miles - West Hills of Brooklyn

Today I had grand intentions to walk to the Rhododendron Gardens. Once I started out, my feet began to hurt in a way that they haven't for some time. So I decided that I would change plans and walk down to the waterfront since it is much closer. Then that was too much, so I headed to the nearby West Hills of Brooklyn and managed to walk over 2 miles. My legs felt better at the end, but I'm glad that I didn't push them too hard.

The first daffodils of the year! I love these bright happy little flowers.

















I saw this statue from a ways away and at first I thought it was a real dog. 

Walked 3.46 Miles - West Hills of Brooklyn

Today's walk was all about just getting outside and clearing my head. My big work project hits on Friday, so I've got one more day to get everything ready...and I'm so not ready. I thought about not walking, but the rain has returned and I missed it. It was raining hard enough that I put my phone in my pocket for most of the walk. I stopped only 3 times to take pictures. Very unusual for me, but my head was filled with work which left little room for photos. Instead, it was nice to take deep belly breaths, make more mental lists of what's left to do, and give myself a pep talk that it's all going to work out fine. 

I returned home feeling better. It's going to be a long next couple of days, but I know I will make it through.

Walked 2.99 Miles - West Hills of Brooklyn

Boy, I didn't want to walk today. I got some unfortunate news after work that left me in low spirits. Nothing horrible, but something that didn't go the way I'd hoped. I wanted to come home and wallow with my kittens. I decided that I'd walk for just one mile. I'd scheduled walking on my calendar and I'm trying to really build a better routine this year. So I headed to the West Hills of Brooklyn knowing I'd could beeline home if I wanted to. By the end of the first mile, my mood had shifted and I was feeling a lot better as I knew I would. 

I've pictured this deer before. I love this yard, because it's crowded with this kind of kitsch. I was most surprised when I saw that this deer and many other things and been re-arranged. Very impressive!

I didn't notice until after I got home that Eeyore has raindrops on his ears.





After I had walked a mile or so, I decided to head over to the Poulsen house. It was nice to have a destination which always make the walk feel shorter than when I'm just wandering. I told myself that I could start for home after seeing the house. I can't believe the blue sky; it has been pouring down rain all day. I had the perfect window of dry weather.









I didn't head straight home. The setting sun caught my eye and I knew the community garden was just a couple of blocks away. The garden sits on a hill, so it's the perfect place to see the setting sun.





The garden also gave me lots of opportunity to shoot raindrops.








As I was leaving the garden, a new storm was rolling in. I made it home before the rain hit.

Walked 3.66 Miles to the West Hills of Brooklyn

Today I walked in the West Hills of Brooklyn. It was cold and dry day and just perfect.

I walked up to McLoughlin to see the setting sun. 





The main reason I walked in the upper hills today was to see Christmas decorations. Even these zebras are getting into the spirit.





I've taken pictures of this dog before. I like how she changes to fit the seasons.








1905! You kind of have to take my word for this one, but it's truly 1905. I traced the five with my finger just to make sure. I'm still looking for 1906.

Walked 3.15 Miles - West Hills of Brooklyn

For today's walk, I headed to the West Hills of Brooklyn. 





There are still a ton of pumpkins and decorations out. 








This bottle of whiskey still had about two inches left in the bottle. I really like this picture, because you can see me and the beautiful blue sky in the reflection of the bottle.





It really was such a beautiful afternoon. Hardly any clouds and the setting sun was casting everything in golden light.

Now that the rain is back, mushrooms are popping up everywhere.

Walked 2.62 Miles - West Hills of Brooklyn

After the massive amounts of rain that Portland has seen over the past few days, I stayed close to home on this walk. The clouds were ominous at times and at others the sky was bright blue and sunny. I opted for no coat and just a hat to protect me from the rain. I'm a true blue Portlander and getting wet is not a worry of mine, but the monsoons of the past few days are a little much even for my webbed feet. I wanted to be able to beeline it home if another monsoon hit. Luckily, it only rained a bit and it was a great walk.

















I love these bright purple berries. I have no idea what plant this is. I've been trying to get a clear picture of these little guys for a really long time. 





The sight of these trees took my breath away. The sun's evening rays almost made the trees glow against the rainy gray background. 





I spent some time walking all around these trees taking pictures from every angle I could imagine. 





They made me so happy that I wanted to remember being in this moment.









Yes, we do have many homeless folks in our neighborhood. For the most part, they live in harmony around us. I like this idea of leaving canned food out. It's such a nice gesture especially as the weather starts to turn. 





The top of this was probably 15 feet in the air and marked the entry gate to the house.





I love seeing patterns in my walks. This is a tomato plant holder I found many blocks away.





I've passed by this wall before. It was only after seeing this damage that I actually took a good look at it.









I love the shadows on this plant.





I have no idea what this plant is, but the bright tomato red perfectly round balls against the green feels very whimsical.





Lost headphones dangling over a stone wall. I hope the owner comes to claim them.

































Halloween is on its way! I can't wait to see more decorations.





A sure sign that summer is over. The sidewalk chalk is soaking wet.





I haven't stumbled since my walk a few days ago when I stumbled twice. I have definitely been much more cautious and keeping my eyes peeled for these kinds of things.





I love this picture! This cat was fiercely keeping watch over these 3 free roaming chickens. He would not take his eyes off of me as I slowly walked the entire length of this yard. I was really just blown away by this on so many different levels. Chickens just chilling with no fence to be seen. A cat obviously intent on taking care of those chickens. All in the very urban heart of inner SE Portland. I'm so happy to live in Brooklyn where this kind of awesomeness is a common thing.

Walked 2.91 Miles - West Hills of Brooklyn

Today was a hot windy day. I figured I would stick to the West Hills of Brooklyn and my path was directed by which streets had shade. This tree is in my neighbors yard and I love to see the apples growing. 









Chestnuts are everywhere. I have to be careful not slip on them.




















I started listening to Middlemarch on my walks. I had read the book by George Eliot about 4 years ago and really liked it. I figured it would be a good choice for walks since I knew the story, so if I missed parts due to loud traffic or distraction or whatever, it wouldn't matter. I learned that when I turn up the volume on my headphones, it takes a picture when I'm in the Hipsta app. I ended up with lots of pictures like this.  I put perler beads on my headphones, so they would be easy to distinguish mine from Greg's. It's a great look and I like it, but it does add weight to the headphones and they don't coil up very well. 





Progress on the Max construction.





This cat was so sweet. I stopped and spent a few minutes enjoying his company.




















This  is a little hard to see due to the sun and shadows, but these chalk drawings of Thing 1 and Thing 2 were extraordinary.















It was such a classic Americana fall day. 





I went up to the new Brooklyn Community Garden. We had watched the fireworks from this empty field last July and it was great to see it as a garden now. Most plots are lined with these stones which gives the garden a regal feeling.

Walked about 2 Miles - West Hills of Brooklyn

 

 

After PTC, I took a couple of days off from walking. Let's face it, my body needed a rest. I was sore and achy and I tried to catch up on sleep. I walked today, because I knew I needed to stretch my legs and get back to it. I walked up in the West Hills of Brooklyn, because I wanted to be able to come home quickly if need be. Runkeeper wasn't tracking properly today, so I don't have the exact mileage that I walked, but it was probably right about 2 miles. That was all I could manage. I was happy for some clouds to make it not so hot, I'm really ready for fall.

 

 

 

 

The only thing sad about summer ending is flower season coming to an end. I tried to take as many flower pictures that I could, because soon they will be gone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I've walked by the Scared Heart Church many, many times; it's a beautiful building. I finally worked up the nerve to climb the steps of the church and get a closer look at this corner stone. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love this pumpkin patch. There must have been at least 20 growing here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This artist is drying canvases on the lawn.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Psst: it's not a real heron. The duct tape around the neck kind of gives it away.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm really curious about what kind of reptile was found. I'm also glad I'm not the one who found him.

 

 

 

Walked 4.23 Miles - West Hills of Brooklyn

 

 

Hot! Such a crazy hot day. The temp read 90 degrees when I got back from my walk. It was so hot that I almost talked myself out of walking. I came super close, but I put on my shoes and headed out. It's only going to get hotter this week and I wanted to get at least one walk in. I won't be walking when it's 97 degrees as they are predicting it will be the next few days. At first the heat was so awful and my legs weren't happy, so I told myself that I just had to walk a mile. That's it. Just enough to put in a good effort. Once I hit 1 mile, I decided to go for 2 miles. My legs were feeling better and there was a nice breeze that was so wonderful. Then I decided to go for 3 miles. I walked a stretch of 16th street that is heavily lined with trees. I walked this stretch of 6 blocks 4 times. Not adventurous at all, but it was walking. When I finally hit 4 miles, I headed for home.

 

Well, hello willpower! Nice to have you finally show up! Willpower is something I've never had a lot of, but I'm starting to discover it more and more as I walk. Putting one foot in front of the other until I had hit my original goal was just a great feeling. I'm hoping to cultivate my willpower more and more until it becomes second nature.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I tried out Greg's water belt on this walk and it was great! I had no issues and it was so nice to have water on such a hot day. The belt also held my iphone. When my hands started to get sweaty, I could tuck the phone away for a few minutes. It was still readily accessible if I wanted to take a picture. I didn't have the problem of voice control popping on. I think I've found a winning solution!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This guy made me wish for cooler weather.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I didn't see Adventure Table No. 1.  I wonder what this table is for.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Like I said, 16th is lined with huge beautiful trees. When I walked here last week, the end of this limb was blocking the street. I had to walk around and I didn't really see what had happened. Now the stump is has been cut off and set aside. This is just one branch that fell. I'm so glad it didn't hit their house.

 

 

 

 

I think this is supposed to be a gold medal. The Olympics ended yesterday. I was ready for it to end, because I've been very immersed in the games and it was great fun, but also very tiring since the network coverage is on so late.