I walked the breadth of Thunder Bay today, down Algoma from Munro, west on River Street nearly to the Thunder Bay Expressway, south on Junot to Red River Avenue and back to Algoma, up Algoma to Fountain Lake, across the dam, and back down to Munro. As I came off the dam, headed towards my motel room, I encountered the lead runners in a race that stretched back up along the lake as far as I could see. It was serious enough a race that the lead runners were grim and determined, but not so serious that it excluded runners of middle school age. Young and old were stretching their stride, and the bounce in their steps got me excited about my walking again, and I put a little bounce in my step.
I have to say I was surprised how quickly I walked the length of River Street, how quickly I got across town to the Expressway. I hadn't imagined a walk across the city was so manageable.
You do notice the ups and the downs of the landscape when you are walking. Summit Avenue and High Street have earned their names, and walking legs know it.
Kia ora Tom,
I think walking is really the only way to actually feel the landscape. I have certainly learned that in the mountains of New Zealand. How much you encountered and observed on your walk! Cheers.
Ka kite ano,
Robb
Posted by: Robb | June 16, 2008 at 08:17 PM
Hi, Robb--I agree that you are much more intimate with the landscape when you walk it. Driving it you travel too fast; even on a bicycle you are placing something between yourself and what you might experience. On the other hand, I admit, if someone wants to get somewhere, he or she might want to travel a little faster than I do.
Posted by: Tom Montag | June 16, 2008 at 08:29 PM