This morning I took a walk to the nature trail I found yesterday and ventured into the woods to see where it led. The trail was a steep decline leading all the way down to the lake. I ran down, trying not to fall, and stood and looked at the view for about two seconds before heading back up. The smell from the lake at that point was pretty bad today - there's a sewage treatment facility nearby - and I was a little freaked out being in the woods by myself. I ran all the way back up and practically had a heart attack I was so tired afterward.
I walked back toward AtwaterPark and went down the steps and onto the beach. There was no one there yet and I enjoyed a few minutes of walking through the sand, listening to the music on my MP3 player and examining my surroundings. The water wasn't as clean as I had thought it was from up above and I don't know if I'd swim in it. I'm not a germ freak so I guess I probably would, but today the smell was very unpleasant and I couldn't get past that.
I wanted to walk out onto the pier but it had a fence up saying it was closed. I would have gone anyway had I been with someone, but I didn't want to get into trouble all on my own. I hiked it back up the 128 steps (yeah, I counted) and ran the mile home.
I really treasure the time I get to spend by myself. My walk this morning allowed me to feel healthy and reflect on my thoughts and take in all my surroundings. I think a lot of people probably don't spend enough time just with themselves, appreciating their own company and thoughts. One of my pet peeves is people who can't stand being by themselves. If you're always with others, you're missing out on some really important aspects of life, I think.
Anyway, don't worry - I won't be posting every day that I go for a run or walk or bike ride. Only when there's something new to tell!
Tonight I have to work and then I have tomorrow and Thursday off. Tomorrow I'm going to try to get to the West Town Farmer's Market in the morning and then I might be going to the Brewers game in the afternoon - but that has yet to be determined. Thursday Christi and I are heading to the State Fair.
That pungent smell comes from the sewage plant on the lake. An interesting fact is that was one of the first plants to practice environmental disposal of the waste product by drying and bagging it as a lawn fertilizer called "Milorgonite" My dad used to spread it on our lawn back in the 40's. I saw it here in Oklahoma a few years ago at an organic gardening store.
Grant Park and and Doctors Park also have neat ravine trails that lead down to their respective beaches.
Posted by: David Ernst | August 09, 2005 at 01:56 PM
If you go to the fair, make sure to check out the sausage races down the giant slide!
Posted by: Jennie | August 11, 2005 at 08:59 AM
Another cool trail to explore runs along the Milwaukee River. You can catch it in Shorewood just west of the bridge on Capital Drive and take it south along the river all the way to North Ave. It’s kind of a rough trail, but defiantly walk-able and I’ve seen a few people do it on bikes too. It’s a very different view of the city and the river – it’s hard to believe that you’re still on the East Side and not somewhere up north. It’s also dog friendly and safe.
Posted by: oz | August 11, 2005 at 09:45 AM
The trail in Grant park is FABULOUS! Tara and I go there often to hike, and then spend time on the beach the trail spits you out into. It feels like you're hiking through the mountains or something (minus the mountain of course he he). It's amazing how much beauty Milwaukee has.
Posted by: Christi | August 12, 2005 at 10:43 AM
Have you ever heard of Seven Bridges? I guess it is a part of Grant Park in southern Milwaukee. Rumor is it actually has ten bridges that you will see while walking/biking/whatever along the trail. I have heard great things (historic, beautiful, fun for families, etc.), but never actually been there myself. Does anyone know where this starts or how I can find it?
Posted by: Vicki | August 23, 2005 at 08:10 AM
By the way. I love your blog! I have learned about so many great activities that my entire family can have fun with. Thank you!
Posted by: Vicki | August 23, 2005 at 08:12 AM