Storing Some "Warm" for Winter: TJ Evans Recreational Trail [ 2:10 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
Storing Some "Warm" for Winter: TJ Evans Recreational Trail [ 2:10 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | DownloadIt’s cold. There’s not much more to be said about it, although a decent TV weathercaster could stretch this coldfront to at least the next commercial break. It’s not the worst we’ll get this winter, but some of us are still lagging in our weather adaptation; cringing at the cold blasts, startled to see the exhale of our breath float before us… Driving to the post office this morning, I heard on the radio that we’d already had our high temperature for the day and that we’re headed for temperatures in the teens. The heat was already cranked against the morning chill, and 34 degrees was apparently as close to non-refrigerated as we were going to get… Geographic payment is finally due for those stunning autumn colors we enjoyed last month.
Warm is better, but winter’s arrival does mean my yard will finally look as good as the neighbors’, and that I can cram in additional errands after a grocery stop without fear of perishables perishing. I’m glad I stored up some good fall moments to carry me through the longer hours of darkness though. Running is a year-round pursuit, a way of life, really, but some of my other favorite activities are on winter hiatus. Biking this time of year, for instance, requires a little more insulation than I care to wear. So, I’ve been looking through photos from fall bike rides this morning. What a difference a month makes…
The TJ Evans Recreational Trail includes a fourteen mile stretch that runs from Johnstown through Alexandria and Granville, before dumping into Newark. I did a fast-paced back and forth on the path in early autumn, and then went back with a friend on a bracing October day to ride it again. This time, we challenged ourselves with some hill climbing through the campus of Dennison College in Granville. ~A slower ride than my previous trek, but with a generous expense of energy that made it a tremendously satisfying work-out.
An elaborate playground is well-placed at one of the parking areas along the route. A few years back, the prospect of climbing all over that giant castle was great incentive for my kids to either sit in a jogging cart or ride a bike while the grown-ups ran the trail.
You are such a trooper to get out and run in this frigid weather! I’m a Florida girl through and through — even though I have lived in Tennessee for 22 years — I will never get used to the weather dipping below 50 degrees! (I know…pathetic, huh?) lol
I hope I can stay motivated, get my bike off of the porch and keep riding!!!
Looks like a place for all ages, lovely commentry and good supporting pictures that brighten up winter days here.
My husband would love those biking trails. He’s the over 50 champion for mountain biking in our region. But in the last race, someone fell in front of him and he tumbled over him. Result – very damaged hands and wrists. Now its recovery time.
A pleasant area, even in this climate.
Mountain biking is always vey exciting.
a lovely post…I enjoyed even from here..
have a nice wek end
Ginger: You’re a pretty dedicated lady. I bet that bike will make its way off your porch on a warmer day. My problem with winter bike riding is that you have to ride fast to generate heat, but riding fast then creates more airflow… shiver! It’s easier to stay warm with winter running.
Martin: A Bulgarian winter looks to be one of the more extreme versions of the season. I’m really enjoying the accounts of your new life in that country!
Suzanne: Recovery time is always a tough wait for an athlete like your husband! ~Hope he gets through it quickly and completely. (“Over 50″ champion is pretty impressive!)
Jean-Luc: We are very fortunate to have an abundance of park and recreation areas here. A couple of weekends back, I hiked through an Ohio area that would be a gem of a destination in any part of the world!
~Hope you have a blue sky day over there (I’m guessing that’s a rarity at any time of year)!
Rainfield61: I have a couple of friends who do a bit of the extreme-type mountain biking. As for myself, I’m faster on uphill slopes than on the downward angles ~the residual effect of a rather nasty bike accident I had in my teens…
Demetrios: Thank you! I hope all is well in your lovely part of the world.
Beautiful, historic looking trail! Thanks for sharing Heather! Keep up the good work!
I love the brilliant green color in the pictures. I enjoy being outside so much. Something to think about during the cold months. I spent most of my life in colder climates. Since I’ve moved to Cali I’ve become such a wimp. I still travel to cold climates in the winter but I’m always happy to get home. The first few days of a ski trip are usually pretty brutal while I get used to the cold. All that said, during the Chrismas Holidays – I miss the cold. Please Send me some……
“Warm is better, but winter’s arrival does mean my yard will finally look as good as the neighbors’…”
You are right…it’s the one time you feel you can relax a little as everybody’s yard look the same.
Makes you appreciate the lush green in those pics even more…
Beautiful pictures and a wonderful voice but I like summer anyway.
Mark: It rolls through wooded ravines and farmland and is a pretty nice ride. Thanks (same to you!).
Intrepid: I think I could get used to consistent warmth. But for now… I just aim for some sunny escapes in the winter. And yes, Christmas feels odd in air temperatures over 40 degrees! I spent a good portion of a Christmas season in Florida one year -it was slightly jarring to encounter people in shorts on Christmas Eve!
JollyJo: It’s definitely the “bright side”, huh? Zach and I raked frozen leaves this year!
Scipione: Thanks, and we’re in agreement on summer and warm weather!
Now in autumn your post is very actual)))