I braved the din again today, marched along the highway against the onslaught of rushing traffic. I guess you could say I was walking into traffic, as opposed to walking into the path of oncoming traffic, a distinct difference.
Unfortunately it was like most other walk days, there is a section of my stroll where I cannot avoid the main street, where my walk parallels the road and I’m constantly inundated with the sounds associated with large volumes of traffic. Inundated is maybe not the right word, perhaps accosted is, or assaulted. The bottom line is that I can only minimize it, I cannot remove or prevent it.
I occasionally wear earphones and listen to music on my iPhone but often that just adds to the overall experience of overwhelmededness (catchy new word) and that’s precisely what I’m trying to avoid. Consequently I walk down backstreets as long as possible until I have no choice and I must then re-connect with the main road.
I enjoy the walk nonetheless. The fresh air (apart from air pollution of course) is invigorating. The exercise is necessary and is critical to my longevity and anticipated weight loss. I’ve lost a few pounds already and hopefully the trend will continue over the winter. I want to be optimistic but I’m also a realist and know that winter brings the yuck that de-inpires me (another new word) to get out and about.
On a portion of my morning walk I can hike down a dirt path that parallels the train tracks. The well used route meanders through the trees and shrubbery and on mornings like today the sun was just beginning to filter through the trees. There is no canopy so the sun reflects of any greenery or plants still with colour. It caught my eye again this morning and made me appreciate life. I’m grateful for my capacity to see the beauty around me and I must acknowledge my gratitude more often.
At any rate there was no traffic here, aside from a couple other pedestrians and the odd dog. I was concerned about running into a bear though, they have been seen here and there was lots of sign. Multiple piles of scat were visible but I’m hoping they’ve all gone to bed by now, or are searching somewhere other than near this path. I know “hope is not a plan”, and my wife would certainly appreciate my not getting mauled, but it’s got to be better than walking into traffic.
Have a great day.