As I pressed on, I began heading south (towards campus) and I hugged the mountain until I hit it.

Accompanied by the sqeals of children, I spotted the most inviting set of stairs I've ever seen. They led to a local Montessori school.

Montessori
function: biographical name
Maria 1870-1952 Italian physician & educator; developed method for educating children based on developing child's initiative, sense and muscle training, and freedom through prepared materials and games

I enjoyed the slices of view wherever they presented myself. People work industriously in their garages and the children continued to squeal.

It was about this time when I realized I was going to end up making a giant loop if I continued in my present direction, which would result in my having to walk up Centennial. I pressed on.

I made my way up around the stadium, taking note of the students playing softball. I still cannot believe that I am older than most of these people. You would never guess it by looking at me, which I try not to let irk me.

When I hit Centennial, my walk became a hike, and a gruelling one at that.

I told myself that as a reward for making to them, I would treat myself to a visit at the Bontanical Gardens. But when I got there, they were just closing (I had no clue what time it was and no clue what time they closed). I was a bit disappointed, so I sat on a step in the parking lot and yanked off my sneakers to let my feet cool off. That's one way to break in new shoes...

When I set off again, I told myself that I only had to make it to the Lawrence Hall of Science. Of course, the hike to to the Hall is the steepest part of the journey. Cars were whizzing by me and I had to keep reminding myself not to stop and to watch out for bike riders who were aiming to hit me.

The sun began its descent as I continued my assent. I felt that I had discovered why I never walked up Centennial before.

Being able to take a walk in the sunlight is a luxury i don't take for granted, since my beau cannot. I suggested he find some excuse to take a fifteen minute walk today, but he never found the time.

I'm hoping we can spend more time walking and hiking on the weekends.

The rest I took, shoes off again, sitting on a fountain at the Hall was so delicious. I'm sure my face was horribly flushed, so I tried to avoid eye contact with the few other people there. I watched the children climb on the giant strand of DNA. The fathers with them were much too attentive. Sometimes children need to be left to their own devices.

I took a picture of my shadow. I waited to feel my heart rate slow. I have a rather high standing heart rate, so when I elevate, it really gets pumping. Probably more information that you wanted to know...

I became sort of engrossed by a young man having an exceptionally lengthy cell phone conversation. I couldn't hear him, but I could read his body language. He was standing near the other end of the DNA. His girlfriend was waiting by the giant whale, looking out at the view. I decided to cheack out the hazy view for myself, and snapped a shot with my beloved wind pipes.

Before I headed home, I snapped two shots of my reflection. The first was poorly aimed, but got a wonderful pattern from the fountain behind me.

Walking home was easy after that. I knew I'd walked several miles and for several hours, and I was a bit proud of myself for getting out of the house and taking advantage of my surroundings.

I'm also glad I got to capture so many pictures I am pleased with. I told Matthew I would show them to him (with commentary, of course) so that it would be like he took the walk with me. He laughed, like he does at all of my suggestions.