I’m such a nerd. I could hardly wait to walk ‘home’ today, even though it’s a route I’ve taken a bazillion times, fairly recently, and really, I only walked to a downtown LRT station. 45 minutes. And yet…just being on a familiar trail made me very happy. The trail I took started along the western edge of Saskatchewan Drive with a dip into the river valley, ending at the legislature. The rest of it was on cement. Nevertheless, this is definitely the way to go. Even in just the few weeks I’ve been living in the ‘burbs, I totally missed that feeling of anticipation, thinking about what path I would take, and for how long. It’s just not the same thinking about an LRT full of sweaty, hostile people pushing up against my sweaty, hostile self. Very few endorphins and none of them are rushing. I’ve been so lucky, having my commute be the best part of my day. For the next eight months, it’s a means to an end, but at the end, there is always a happy dog, happily anticipating a walk with me. That makes the commute bearable. And now, with a 40 minute daily trek into the river valley, I can see my way through the months ahead.

5:50PM/17C

…after ten days of 30 degree weather. The cooler temperature today was a pleasant change, but it’s windy and overcast making it seem even more autumnal. Could even smell the rotting Aspen and Poplar leaves for the first time. Maggie and I went for a 50 minute walk near the power line beside Whitemud Creek, which is well under my usual duration but adequate for the circumstances. Lots of leaves on the trails.

Haven’t been getting in enough walks, which is distressing. It’s been so hot, and of course, with a broken dog, I had to give her some time to rest. I’ll have to come up with a new routine, beginning with a short commute  in the river valley after work, including either the giant set of stairs near the Glenora, or several hills. Catch the LRT from downtown, thus giving myself some river valley time and a bit of aerobics. The dog and I can go for a walk later in the evening, and then some long walks along the Whitemud Creek trails on the weekends. I think I said that already, but I’m still trying to convince myself. It’s an adjustment. I’ll figure it out…

11:00AM/13C

The dog said ‘no.’

After two, two-hour walks this weekend, Maggie refused to walk up another hill. She just sat down, and only moved when I turned in the other direction. Apparently, I’ve exhausted the dog. Her ‘hybrid vigour’ is not so vigorous anymore. Maggie is nine, and I suppose that’s getting up there for a dog, although she’s always had so much puppy energy. Last night, she was quite stiff and barely moved off the couch. I’m hoping it’s just stiffness from lack of exercise and not something more serious like arthritis. I don’t want to make her sore, but on the other hand it’s awesome to have a walking buddy and I want to have her with me while the opportunity exists. She was regularly walked, but I’ve been told by friends and family that my walks are ‘killer’ and now the dog seems to be agreeing. So…shorter, evening walks this week while it’s hot. May also start walking from work again to a downtown LRT station. In spite of what I said in my last post, I already miss my paths.

11:30AM/16C

First big walk since I moved on Monday. Well, not quite true. I did have an errand to run in the ol’ neighbourhood on Wednesday, and I was able to add a stroll through the woods near 98th Ave. Today, Maggie and I started out mid-morning and spent two hours in Whitemud Creek Ravine. Beautiful and cool at first, but less autumnal than the last couple of days. The sun makes the difference. Although the ravine is familiar to me after countless dog-sitting gigs over the years, there were a few unusual sights and sounds this morning. Heard some kind of pheasant or grouse, and just before entering the ravine, one giant, weird-ass caterpillar, which Maggie happily did not eat. Bit of a judgement call, take a picture or re-direct Maggie’s attention. Opted for the shot, and Maggie kept her appetite for squishy things in check. The caterpillar was relieved; his little antennae thing deflated when Maggie lost interest. Looking forward to a few more long walks this Labour Day weekend. Don’t miss my old stomping grounds. Yet.

12:55PM/12C

Last walk in Mill Creek today. Or, last time to walk in Mill Creek while I still live in the area. Off to another ravine, another creek, for eight or nine months. The trails in and around Mill Creek are so familiar to me, in all seasons, it almost seems unfathomable that I won’t be visiting this green extension to my home on a daily basis. Change is good, and I’m sure it will be beneficial to break a routine or two. Exploring Whitemud Creek with my temporary dog will have its own unique pleasures. She is a most affable companion. However, it’s not without a lot of sadness that I leave this area of town. Walking in Mill Creek is the fuel for my gratitude, my visual and sensual library, and whatever bits of peacefulness I possess. Perhaps this is just the walking. I am a walker, and I have walked along many paths and trails in Edmonton’s river valley. But I started this journey more than fourteen years ago in Mill Creek, and every corner of it has a memory. Thank you Mill Creek Ravine. See ya in eight, maybe nine months.

1:00PM/22C

Distracted, distracted, distracted…but I did notice how pretty the river looks now that the mud has settled, or whatever the alchemy is that turns the water aquamarine in late August.

5:45PM/2oC