City Life (It’s Better Than You Think)
Yesterday, many were out enjoying what was a beautiful winter day. One couldn’t have asked for better weather – a blue sky, 53 degrees and minimal wind. I decided to hike the Stony Run Trail in the late afternoon. It was peaceful, and if you listened closely, you could hear birds singing and the water gently cascading over the stones in the stream. It had all the elements needed to aid in my walking mediation.
As I traveled further on the trail there were children skipping along the path and throwing pebbles into the water, neighbors walking their dogs, college students running and a few people had bags in hand, cleaning up debris (cans, paper, etc.). That’s always a wonderful sight to behold. I personally believe those of us who utilize the trail have an obligation to keep it clean, and that might mean picking up after someone else.
I recently learned the state awarded a $600,000 grant to improve the Stony Run path, which will ultimately be connected to another one of my favorite places to hike, the 7.75-mile Jones Falls Trail. I feel fortunate to live in a city that is making great strides to improve our parks and recreational areas.
Another recent development, Baltimore’s Clifton Mansion, which belonged to War of 1812 hero Henry Thompson, and philanthropist Johns Hopkins, is getting a 7 million dollar makeover. I wish this, one of the few remaining Italianate villas in the United States, was being used for something other than recreational resource and a home for the nonprofit Civic Works. Why not restore it completely, utilizing it for special events – weddings, professional team building retreats, etc? I do hope Civic Works will take better care of this iconic masterpiece, respecting its history even more.
Here’s to your weekend, friends! Make time to explore the great outdoors. I count my blessings I live in a neighborhood with trails, streams, lush fields and an abundance of wildlife (my favorites: the Hooded Merganser and Blue Heron), and this can all be found right here in the city. City life, it’s better than you think. – paerki
As I traveled further on the trail there were children skipping along the path and throwing pebbles into the water, neighbors walking their dogs, college students running and a few people had bags in hand, cleaning up debris (cans, paper, etc.). That’s always a wonderful sight to behold. I personally believe those of us who utilize the trail have an obligation to keep it clean, and that might mean picking up after someone else.
I recently learned the state awarded a $600,000 grant to improve the Stony Run path, which will ultimately be connected to another one of my favorite places to hike, the 7.75-mile Jones Falls Trail. I feel fortunate to live in a city that is making great strides to improve our parks and recreational areas.
Another recent development, Baltimore’s Clifton Mansion, which belonged to War of 1812 hero Henry Thompson, and philanthropist Johns Hopkins, is getting a 7 million dollar makeover. I wish this, one of the few remaining Italianate villas in the United States, was being used for something other than recreational resource and a home for the nonprofit Civic Works. Why not restore it completely, utilizing it for special events – weddings, professional team building retreats, etc? I do hope Civic Works will take better care of this iconic masterpiece, respecting its history even more.
Here’s to your weekend, friends! Make time to explore the great outdoors. I count my blessings I live in a neighborhood with trails, streams, lush fields and an abundance of wildlife (my favorites: the Hooded Merganser and Blue Heron), and this can all be found right here in the city. City life, it’s better than you think. – paerki
