Walking and Talking

[Along the Charles River, west of Boston; 11/1/09]

I went on a group walk yesterday for the first time in a long time. The group used to have walks every Saturday and Sunday, but the summer's local walk calendar was sparse as they went off on weekend camping trips and bike rides that weren't nearby, and this fall the group leader has been busy house-hunting. One of the assistant organizers set up this walk and I was happy to go and catch up with several people I haven't seen in ages. Two-hour walks, with or without the followup lunch, afford a lot of time to get to know people and I've missed my walking buddies.

 

We had a new person on the walk yesterday and, at lunch, we were talking about how shall-we-say 'reticent' New Englanders are (I believe the word 'cold' was used) as far as strangers go. But the walks and other meetup groups in the area are very welcoming, providing a way to get past the bouncer at the door. It was great for me when I moved to the area a couple of years ago as a way to meet new people and make friends. I'm not excessively outgoing, but I do need social time. After years of living out in the far 'burbs where I always had to plan ahead get-togethers with friends, with lots of driving involved, and far too much alone time in between, moving here has been good medicine.

Comments

[Lorianne]

Where did you walk? (I'm trying to place where "Charles River west of Boston" might be, and it could be many places.)

I've missed you blogging about your walking group, as it always gave you new, more "woodsy" places to talk about. It's good to see you reconnect with something you seem to enjoy, too.

[Leslee]

We met in Waltham by the river on Moody St and followed the river path, behind the mills, and off on some other trails. We ended up in a park with a Newton park sign and turned around and came back.

Yeah, I've been watching the group calendar all summer and fall - as I said, sparse pickings, but hopefully there will be more.

[sky]

especially love that last shot, leslee.

[Lorianne]

Wow, I didn't know there was a river path in Waltham. I guess I need to get out more... :-)

[Leslee]

Glad you enjoyed it, Sky!

Lorianne: I've known about at least part of the path for years, but wasn't sure how far it went. Used to be a bit creepy down there - maybe still is at night!