Through the Osher Life Long Learning Institute, I've learned about invasive species in public outdoor spaces, studied Basic Neurology and refreshed my German language skills.
Trips are offered through the program as well and in March I joined a tour that visited Frank Lloyd Wright's home in Oak Park where he started his famous Prairie School of Architecture. After lunch we toured the birthplace and early boyhood home of Earnest Hemingway and a museum curated in his honor - both in the Oak Park area as well.
Classes are also offered in the summer and I registered for Let's Walk About which meets every Friday morning in June rain or shine (with the exception of severe weather).
The class promises hikes on area foot paths that span 3-5 miles and a social opportunity to collect friends. Effective walking technique and exercises are to be demonstrated and shoes, attire and equipment are to be discussed.
The instructors hold impressive credentials. Bobbi Jo Gamache is a fitness walker and a former racewalker, Nordic walker, member of Kalamazoo Valley Walkers and a USA Track and Field Racewalk Judge. Serving as "hike sweep," the last position when hiking, is Theresa Debalak who is said to have hiked in nine states. Both hikers are members of the North Country Trail Association, Great Lakes Adventure Club and in 2014 completed a 50-mile walk from Kalamazoo to Lake Michigan.
Our first hike was yesterday and we met at the Kalamazoo Valley River Trail at Verburg Park on Patterson Street just west of Riverview. There is a nice parking lot however, be forewarned, there are no restrooms. About 15 walkers arrived by 9 am and our morning began with a presentation of proper footwear, socks, poles and mosquito repellent by two representatives from Lees Adventure Sports of Kalamazoo.
I felt quite fashionable in my Keen low top hiking shoes as they were presented as appropriate for day hikes during the discussion. But I was soon to realize these were not the best choice for today's hike which would be totally on asphalt. So much for my hiking fashion sense!
It turns out a shoe with a softer foot bed and more give in the sole - like the walking shoes most of the other participants sported - is the best choice on hard surface trails. These shoes cushion the feet which also reduces the impact on knees, hips and back.
Bobbi Jo explained that she chose this part of the KVRT for our first walk due to the large parking area and relatively flat and smooth path. She wanted to lay eyes on the participants and gauge their level of fitness prior to setting out on more rugged terrain in later hikes.
It was a lovely day for a walk, low 60's, mostly overcast but humid enough that I worked up a nice light sweat. I like to know that I'm at least working hard enough to sweat!
The pace was moderate with some folks walking faster and others bringing up the rear. We walked along Verburg Park and rested momentarily at a picnic area while a handful of hikers walked across the street to grab a snack and use the facilities at The People's Food Co-Op or Mackenzies Bakery.
Back in a pack, we strolled on past Rose Park Veteran's Memorial and Red Arrow Park and Golf Course. Next stop - Mayor's Riverfront Park and the bridge across the Kalamazoo River.
We stopped at the end of the bridge and Bobbi Jo noted that if we were to continue, we could now walk all the way to River Oaks Park which is located halfway between Comstock and Galesburg. The part of the trail from Comstock to River Oaks Park just opened and is being dedicated later this month with festivities that we should not miss!
Turning around and retracing our steps, we soon arrived back at the parking lot precisely at 11:00 am having trekked 3.2 miles. Overall this was a good first walk, but honestly the path is better done on a bicycle due to the hard surface.
My personal favorite is to start in Comstock, parking at Nikos Landing, an event facility that is typically not in use during the week. I jump on my bike and ride the KVRT to the intersection of Kalamazoo Street and King's Highway and make my way to Arcadia brewpub for a beer and lunch outside on the patio. Once satiated, I head back to Comstock, ending with roughly a 4 mile bike ride and a pleasant lunch under my belt!
Back to our walk abouts, Bobbi Jo stressed that future hikes would be mostly on dirt or grass with very little parking so we should wear the appropriate shoes and be prepared to carpool.
To this end, she had us cluster based on our home locality and discuss the best carpooling arrangements for next week's walk. Since my girlfriend and I were the only ones from the east side of Kalamazoo, we will continue to be a two-person carpool.
Next week, we meet in Augusta at Dig-In-Cafe and hike the North Country Trail, a 3+ mile one-way hike requiring cars to be left at the end to shuttle hikers back to the beginning.
Look for my post on that trail next week!
Until then, happy hiking,
Miriam
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