Yesterday, the third day into 2021, we got back to our weekend exercise routine - to walk on a new trail. With the year 2020 WFH, we formed a habit of walking twice every day. Again and again, we walked in the neighborhood, sometimes on trails, often on the walkways. It got a bit boring to see the same views every day, so we started to find new trails to walk on weekends to refresh our minds. This activity began in October 2020; it really heightened our spirits. Each weekend is a new adventure ahead for us to explore.
The White Rock Trail has an extended part of about two miles to its head; we finished that part last year. For the next few weeks, we're going to walk the seven-mile-long trail leading to the famous White Rock Lake in Dallas.
The unique part of this trail is that it has landmark stones every half mile. The stones are cleanly and squarely cut. Some places have four stones on one side and six stones on the other. Some other places only have two stones in total because the space beside the trail is too small. At each landmark, the stones mark the distance from both ends of the trail. This arrangement is actually very encouraging. A few neatly arranged stones congratulate you each time you finish another half-mile.
The scenery for the first two miles is so-so. On one side of the paved trail, the creek's current continuously runs over river stones and the occasional log chunk. The water flow is secured by tall concrete banks on both sides. I can imagine the water level rising dramatically post-rainfall. The scattered piles of logs by the creekside seem to serve as a reminder that the strong current was once able to push them to and fro easily.
Hand in hand, we walked briskly on the trail, trying to capture any brilliant views from around. Sometimes it was the color of leaves on a tree that caught my eyes, other times it was the beautiful, white birds resting on a lake nearby that caused us to stop for a few minutes, watching. From time to time, other joggers or walkers passed by and exchanged greetings with us.
A big church on the other side of the road was very outlandish. It had several buildings tall and low, all connected in some way. Many cars were already in the parking lot. There was a long line of cars on the street waiting to be guided into the parking lot.
After our goal of 2 miles was reached, we started heading back. There was a Starbucks on the way back, so we went in to grab a cup of coffee. After slowing down, we sipped the coffee and chatted about where to start the walk next weekend.
By now, the weather was warmer. We took off our outer coats, wrapping them around our waists. It always feels faster when walking back the same way, because you know what views to expect already. An old couple was playing with their two dogs on the open field beside the trail. A man was sitting on one stone resting, the "0.5 miles" stone carved in bold print next to him. Two police officers stood in the middle of the street, guiding traffic into the parking lot of the church. This time, I noticed a colossal tree and some other, smaller logs getting caught by the highway bridge's beams, getting beat up by the strong current. I can imagine how powerful the waters must've been to carry the massive weight all the way from upstream.
It took us an hour and twenty minutes to finish walking the total 4-mile lap. Hopping into the car, we drove home satisfied. On the way back, we commented on the adjacent houses and listened to an inspiring audiobook.
Life is good. I always feel so.
