Trails Through Duluth

The day after Mother’s Day…Crash.Back to the real world! I woke up this morning, mind reeling with all the things I needed to do.  Yesterday was so peaceful! It was a walk in the park…literally. Barefoot in the Park in Downtown Duluth was a great Mother’s Day activity for my girls and me. Today, I had to make myself walk, and it was not in the park.  But, nevertheless, I got out and did it. 

I knew turning my mind off and getting a little exercise was the only way I was going to get anything done. Otherwise, I’d continue to think on all the many things that needed my attention and end up overwhelmed and frustrated. Sometimes, I find I’m more productive when I quiet my mind and stop thinking so much.  So I donned my walking shoes, plugged in my Ipod, and off I went.

Before I’d even gotten out of my neighborhood, in my peripheral, I saw something scurry under an azalea bush.  I stopped and bent to see.  It was a baby rabbit!  So cute, he would have fit in the palm of my hand.  I could see his little white tale as he sat perfectly still and watched me watch him!

I walked on up to McClure Bridge Road and took a right going toward the post office.  The temperature was perfect, and the slight exertion began to feel good to my leg muscles. I’ve been way too docile of late and not only my body, but my brain is demanding that I change my ways! My plan this morning was to walk for only 30 minutes before I started the gauntlet of Mom tasks set before me on my day off. 

I turned and walked through the shaded professional park that I like to cut through. It gets me off the main road, away from the traffic noise, and puts me out on Postal Drive where I usually turn to walk down toward the library.  At the library, I turned left and went to the cul-de-sac. As I approached a storm drain in the back of the cul-de-sac, a chipmunk jumped from the sidewalk right at my feet, and into the drain!  I was, by this time, in my own little world, enjoying my music and the sights of Duluth waking up and coming to life. He startled me so bad I jumped. When I realized what it was, I laughed and continued on my way.

I walked on past the library and turned left into another professional park. I walked to the back, checking out the business names as I went; most I’d never heard of and didn’t know were even in Duluth. I made quick mental notes for future reference, just in case, and headed home.

I walked into my driveway and checked my Ipod; 30 minutes. My muscles were warm so I stretched on my front porch, especially the back side of my body as it tends to tighten up with stress. My neck, shoulders, lower back, ahhhh…it felt wonderful! I stretched my calves and achilles, gently dropping one heel then the other off the front on my steps and holding it. I  grabbed one ankle, then the other, pulling my heels up to my bottom for a quad stretch. My goodness, it felt good!  No stress and my body was warm and relaxed! 

Surely, I can work in a 30-minute walk and quick stretch every day! Duluth is a wonderful place to get out and enjoy the sights and sounds o Spring and early morning.  If I had been driving by, I’d never have seen the baby rabbit or the chipmunk; and I’d still not be aware of the businesses right out my front door. 

"Yep," I vowed to myself, "This I shall do more often!" I’ll keep you posted; and, I invite you to inspire me with tales of your trails through our beautiful little town!