Mile 922. Tortoise walked 4.48 miles at the end of the work day on a quick trip to Orange County, picking up the section of the Santa Ana River Trail from the 22 Freeway to Katella Avenue and back. In little pieces, I've now done a round trip marathon on this one, and I'm just getting warmed up as far as this trail is concerned: 13.1 miles each way from the start on Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach to Katella Avenue in Anaheim. The view shown above is looking north towards a fire department training structure complete with 9-11-01 memorial. Beyond that is the big Red A of Anaheim Stadium. More on that later. There were 61 feet climbed in 2.24 miles along the way, giving that portion a 6.7 tortoise rating. The rest of the path was flat or downhill. Lou burned 658 calories in 1:23:11 hours doing this.
Please click below for a map, more pictures and a bonus day of walking thoughts!
Cheerio!
Getting started, headed south from Chapman Avenue to the bridge carrying the 5 Freeway over the river and trail and on to |
The bridge under the 22 freeway, the first of today's two turnaround points. The golf course beyond is beautiful, come walk it with me sometime and we can enjoy it together. |
Back to the start, this time Tortoise will pass under Chapman and keep going. |
Between Chapman and Orangewood, Mile 12, as measured from the ocean, is passed. |
Preparing to drop under Orangewood |
Just these trees separate the trail from the stadium parking lot here |
Lots of bridges in this section, makes one thankful for the trees! |
Among these signs is the reminder this is a National Recreational Trail. Nice! |
Past the red "A", the stadium itself is now in view |
This is a regional transportation facility, under construction. Its colorful lights are a delight! |
Sunset approaches as the transportation facility is passed and Honda Center, home of the hockey Ducks and many concerts, approaches |
Tortoise has reached today's second turnaround point, just past mile 13. The picture of that was dark and wasn't included here. |
2014 Stats:
922.32 miles walked, which is 92.14% of my 2014 goal.
290:42:47 hours walked, which is 92.88% of my 2014 goal
45,263 total feet climbed
146,441 calories burned
88.82% of the year has passed
88.82% of the year has passed
I've walked 52 consecutive non-Sundays since my last missed day on September 20, and overall have walked on 265 of the 278 non-Sundays thus far in 2014, a 95.32% consistency rating.
The purpose of the percentages is to have a higher percentage of distance and time walked than of the year. This tells Tortoise that he is on track. Yes, this is more numbers than you are likely interested in, all Tortoise can say is he's really good at setting high goals and having them slip away because he doesn't do them every, every day.
"Say less and do more. Get it done. I am so grateful for parents who taught me how to work. There was no option in our home. It was an absolute requirement." by F. David Stanley
Next, Tortoise retraced his steps and continued his walk, as pictured above, north towards Anaheim Stadium, home of the baseball Angels, as he listened to Bishop Burton talk about Heroes. He immediately started talking about Nolan Ryan, who had a remarkable career that included most of the 1970s in that very stadium. Then he shifted the focus to Dads: "I pray that if you are fortunate enough to have a father close by, he can be your hero. Dads, live in such a way that your sons and others can look up to you as heroes." Tortoise will continue trying to do just that ...
At this point, Lou is walking happily, deciding which of the previous two thoughts he might share in this post, when Thomas Monson begins speaking. President Monson is always good, but he really hit a home run with me with this one. Here's just a little snippet: "I am confident we at times wonder if we are affecting the lives of others in a favorable manner. ... The simple words from Ecclesiastes, or the Preacher, carry an assurance that brings comfort and inspires effort: 'Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.' ... Such was my experience as pertains to George H. Watson ... who wrote ... 'This is a letter out of the blue. Its purpose is to thank you for the letters you wrote some twenty years ago—one to me and the other about me—and to let you know the effect they had on my life. ... I often sit and ponder why the Lord has blessed us so greatly. We have all had reason to feel His sustaining hand in difficult times. Although it is unlikely that we will ever meet, I would like to very sincerely thank you for taking the trouble to write those two letters. They have completely changed the course of our lives. I am grateful for the knowledge of the Savior’s purpose in coming to earth, my relationship to Him, and what He expects of me.'"
Two comments on that: (1) Please watch, listen to, or read this one. President Hinckley gets personal. It is very touching, and there are wonderful lessons taught in the process. (If you listen to all four, you'll get the "bonus" Tortoise enjoyed on today's walk. What a remarkable experience!) (2) This is a good example that at the right time and in the right situation it is good to share some personal experiences when speaking or teaching. The human soul responds well! #ShareGoodness
The tortoise is definitely smiling!
Definitely an awes section of trail, and definitely brings back memories of the time spent living right in that pocket. As always, love the messages and want you to know that you do live in such a way that your sons, grandsons and all around you can look to you as a hero, I know I do! Thank you for the awes example to follow as always. Love!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving, Son, I am definitely thankful for you, Megan, and your family!
ReplyDeleteTotal! Used to live right there; would love to do this loop with legend Lou one day. And I echo the words of josh that you are my hero and the best Dad ever! Love!
ReplyDelete