Take a Hike!

Every day I try to take a long walk. My goal is 2.5 miles for better health but usually I only make it about 2. My route is around the Swan Lake Park. There are two sections to this park: The RV section and the modular home section. It's a pleasant journey each day as I get my steps in (and sometimes let some air out along the way!), usually in the morning when the sun is not so bright on my "pinky" skin. The RV part is on a large circle and the homes are on two streets.

 Above is Campers' circle and below is Main St. with the new truck

I try to be aware of sights and sounds and smells as I walk. I am amazed at what my five senses tell me each day.

Here is a list of some things I have noticed on my daily journey:

1. The Sunday morning walk is the best as this is a day when people tend to cook a big breakfast. I  long to invite myself in for one of these wonderful smelling meals.
"Hi! Don't mind me, just pass the bacon!"

2. Most of the people in this park come from midwest states like Ohio,Indiana, and Michigan. This is easy to tell from the license plates in all the driveways. There are a few of us from NY, PA, and Ontario.

3. People from the midwest keep their vehicles clean. Shiny cars and trucks are everywhere and on any given day, several men can be found washing/buffing them. If I could line all of these cream puffs up on a used car lot, I could make a fortune!

4. I am not the only person who walks. There are many people out pounding the pavement each morning, or riding a bike. It's certainly a healthy sign!

5. People are very friendly and like to chat. Lots of interesting conversations can take place along the way, which is good for me as I am a bit of a social butterfly.

6. They say if you own a pet it can add 7 years to your life span.  People are going to live a long time here at Swan Lake which is bursting at the seems with pets. They ought to recruit a vet to live right here in the park! I've seen everything from cats to cockatoos, but the main park pets are dogs. They are everywhere and they come in all shapes and sizes. The predominant type are what I call those little Foo Foo dogs! And so walking your dog, and picking up after them, is an important part of park life.
It's fun to see the different dogs and different owners and the walking styles they have. There are "Yankers"  dragging their dogs along,  and "Yankees" being dragged by their dogs, all in pursuit of that common goal. The vast majority of humans are admirably patient with their pets. It should be noted though that for a dog, there a real need for "sniff time". I applaud the owners who allow for lots of this. I do wonder a little what owners will do when plastic bags are increasingly banned.

This is Lily. She is my favorite dog in the whole park! So tiny!

7. I have noticed many monarch butterflies in this park. I thought they all went to Mexico for the winter?

8. People take good care of their properties. Pride of ownership is everywhere.

Overall I am in awe of all the loving kindness, wisdom, and sheer know-how that exists here at Swan Lake. If we could move all of these people directly to Congress, I'm sure They'd have the country fixed in no time!