Walking Minneapolis

I've been exploring Minneapolis since the spring.  I've really enjoyed the outings and the dogs have benefited from the expanded set of experiences.  As I walk I find my mind flooded with questions.

Was the genesis of the dirt paths along the river central planing or an example of emergent order?  In other words did the city decide it was a good idea to have them or did people make them and was the city forced to maintain them in order to make them safe?

Why is it when combined use (walking and cycling) paths split for short lengths (usually > 100 yards) why is it that the walkers get the less direct, and therefore longer, path?  Come on planners!  We're walking over here.

I am also realizing that as I take the two oldest kids out and about this summer to discuss ecology and ecosystems in the area, we should make time to discuss urban ecosystems and the choices cities make.  What are the impacts over time?  What is sustainable?  What adds to human thriving?

I like what Minneapolis has done.  It is within the power of the people of that city to keep it.  If they make that choice.



                    

         

                   

Minnehaha Falls

Thirteen-miles and still strong!



Tired Puppy



Surprised by Joy

On Saturday night, the day before Easter, I brought my wingman Musket to the Twin Cities.  On Sunday morning we went for an eight-mile walk through downtown Minneapolis and later down the Mississippi River waterfront.  In the hour before we started I found a set of rabbit ears and I thought it would be cute to have him wear them as we made our way through town.  What surprised me was the response.

My first hint at the public response was a gentleman who stopped on a busy roadway (Washington Ave), rolled down his window and shouted, "You and your dog are f--king awesome man!"  Children laughed, people waved, and numerous car horns were honked.  A tourist took our picture.  An old woman came up to me and said, "God bless you for doing this."

Really?  I dressed my dog up goofy and walked him through town so I could see some sculpture?  I'm not one to look a blessing in the mouth regardless of whose god is sending it but I am sure there are plenty of people within a mile of this spot doing more important work than clowning around town.

It was rewarding to see how much joy our unexpected presence brought to people, but I am surprised by it.  Young and old, Muslim and Christian, straight and gay, black, white, latino, and multi-racial, the homeless mentally ill as well as men in thousand-dollar suits escorting women wearing Valentino shoes cracked smiles, asked the dog's name, said, "thank you" and laughed out loud.  If I could bring that much joy on a regular basis, that would be a life well-lived, even if I never understood the process at play. 

Sunday Check in

Two walks this last week for a total of twenty miles bringing the birthday to date totals to:

Road                  147
Woods                17
Snowshoe           15
-----------------------
                          179 miles

12 miles

Twelve miles after the overnight shift.  It seemed like a good idea when I set out.

Life begins when you can appreciate a walk

Whether it be indoors, outdoors, fast or slow:

Sunday Check In

It has been 113 days since my 40th birthday and the day that I began to make my occasional walks into a purposeful endeavor.  The totals for my fortieth year are:

Road            127
Woods           17
Snowshoe      15
-------------------
Total            159

We've had a bit of a warm up so the roads are clear of ice but the snow remains too deep to head out into the woods without snowshoes.  To be honest, I am ready to be done with those military surplus snowshoes for the year.  Consequently, I pounded out a few miles on the road, including our single longest walk to date: 13 miles.  Saw some turkeys, stag deer whose shed antlers I hope to find in two weeks when, hopefully, snow melt will reveal them, and neighbors.  I also figured out how to make it so I could see the screen on my new cell phone when outdoors.

The changing temperature and desire for a little bit of gear on my walk had me trying out a fanny pack I had planned to use only on walks in the woods.  If you wear a large enough shirt, no one can see that you are wearing it.