Hiking, Treks and Updates
The new mixtape is up for download and listening over on the sidebar. It is more or less inspired by the things that I think about while I’m out on whatever walk. I talk a lot about the benefits walk friendly cities can have on communities. Additionally, one of my favorite benefits is being able to clear my mind and find new things. Any one of my various hikes has led to discovering something I had never seen before. It gives me a chance to put a different spin on life. Hiking and getting fresh air can do a bunch to benefit mood and reduce stress caused by the challenges of day to day life.
On Monday I took the bus up to the bottom of OHSU, to take an unplanned hike through Maquam Nature Park. I never knew this trail system existed up until Sunday when I was searching for a way to get out of the urban environment, but still be close to a bus line. When I arrived at the trail head I set my sites on the 4T trail that leads up to Council Crest, then over to Washington Park. After about an hour I arrived at Washington Park I moved off the 4T trail and on up to Hoyt Arboretum. I spent over an hour walking through the Arboretum soaking in the trees, sun and fresh air. I wandered through a few of the trails and learned to identify some of the trees I see around the Northwest. I got onto the Wildwood trail and followed that over to the Pittock Mansion and then down into Forest Park where I ended my journey at MacLeay Park.
It was a fantastic day, and I really needed to get out of the house. The thing that I really enjoyed about it was being able to get away from of all the noise and stress of the city, but still be close to home. When you don’t have a car, and are limited to public transit and foot travel, park systems like what I experienced are a wonderful way to connect with nature. I didn’t spend a single dollar, and had more fun than I would at any bar, movie theatre or most other entertainment sources. Here is a rough route of my adventure, click on it to make it bigger.
Next week I plan on setting out on a much larger hike. I will take the Tillamook County Shuttle to Tillamook and then hike back to Forest Grove, where I will either walk home or take Trimet. Just depends on how I feel. My friend Andy might come along. We have been talking about going out for a walk while he is on his break from PCC. I just need to get my paperwork from OHSU, so I can sign the forms and send them back. And then I am free until my start date on the 28th. Below is my intended route, which is about 52 miles. Which should take 3 days. If the weather is nice, I might keep going and hike out to another destination. Looking forward to the freedom of the woods and open road.
