The Plaid Pladd

Right now I’m reading a book called The Lost Art of Walking: The History, Science, and Literature of Pedestrianism by Geoff Nicholson. Most people on Amazon apparently don’t like it very much, saying it meanders too much, and doesn’t seem to really have a point. Since this is pretty much the exact style of walking I most enjoy, I’m totally okay with that. Granted, I haven’t finished yet, so I’ll keep you posted. Maybe the difference is that the Amazon reviewers are all very serious walkers, and I am definitely a total amateur. I’d like to become better, eventually, but right now I’m stuck in the “pleasant 20 minutes to an hour ramble” stage. I think there have been a few times when I’ve walked with a picnic lunch in tow, and certainly many times a bottle of water. But I’ve never gone on walks so long that I would need things like equipment or supplies. No tents or rations or all weather gear. I’m not really into camping, so I don’t think I could ever be a serious hiker. Just day hikes for me, please. And even then, nothing to strenuous.

In fact, my favorite place to walk close to my apartment is probably the lamest ever compared to “real” walks taken by serious walkers. It’s a park conveniently located near Food Lion and the Post Office. It’s quite a large park, by Chapel Hill/Carrboro standards featuring a dog park, playground equipment, tennis courts, baseball fields, basketball courts, a frisbee golf course, and a 1.5 mile path around a largish pond where there are always at least some ducks. And sometimes a small child beating the water with a stick.

Moments before the assault