Walkin and thinkin

[Lycanthrope]

I went on a walk today. I don't do that enough. When I was younger, I'd go on runs (and I honestly still should, but the urge and energy to do so are waning). These days, the desire to go on a walk with the dogs around the neighborhood is getting stronger.

Usually when I go on walks, my mind wanders as much as my feet do. Today, it started by noticing all the Canada geese congregating at the golf course. They hadn't been there at all recently, instead holding to the river or, presumably, finding some thawed fields nearby. So it was with some amusement that I got to witness the ker-honks and squawks of ornery geese as they squabbled on the greens and fairways. In a few months, I'd probably witness that again -- but with middle-aged men and women in shorts and visors.

Sometimes, my thoughts turn dark. I blame this on my upbringing a bit (nature vs. nurture) as my mother has always been a persistent pessimist. Today, it was about some of the current news -- more war, more AI, more wintry weather on the way. Then I thought about even deeper things, like what this all meant any more. It used to be that life was about making a living. Making things. Doing stuff. Now, we do a lot of "work" that is mostly thinking. Or typing. Numbers and data. Which turns into money.

Money that really isn't real any more. It's all just zeros and ones in a digital bank account.

Wouldn't it be wonderful, I thought, to sell the house. Cash in the retirement early. Buy that 40 acres and just live simply. Some chickens, maybe. A place for pigeons and chukars so I could kickstart my dog training business. Maybe food plots and a trap line for the kids to work.

Then the wind picked up and the brief warmth of the sun was numbed by cold. We'd come home again. I let the dogs sniff some trees and remind the local woof-packs whose yard this was.

As soon as I was back inside, I checked the work email. Whoops, almost time to pick up the little girl from school. It's piano night, and I promised to make spaghetti so they could bring it and eat in the car. Luckily I remembered to grab some parmesan on the way home.

What was I worry about again? Oh yeah. I guess it's not all that important. When you're sitting and occupied, thoughts tent to focus more on the tasks at hand.

I guess that's why walks are nice. You stretch your legs and your mind a bit.

Tomorrow, I think I'll go on another one. Maybe I can hammer out this whole back 40 idea after all.

Ive got the 40, was planning to build right when covid hit. Now prices are up, interest rates are up and Im hesitant to pull the trigger with this unstable economy. Not sure things will ever get better unfortunately, this new war certainly doesnt help...

 

[johnr]

My youngest moved to Dayton FL for school, he loaded his car and off he went last august. He was unable to fit his motorcycle into the original journey, so I loaded it up in the rear of the pickup and made the 3,000+ mile trip to see him and deliver his bike. As you guys have stated, that much alone time, and thinking time was refreshing. I stopped at many rest stops and actually just walked around them. Surprisingly they all seem to have a walking path, a bit of history about the spot, and a really nice place to take a break. I must've looked like a moron wondering these little rest areas, sometimes with a tear in my eye knowing that my adult life's work of raising kids was over, and they are all on their own doing their own things. The kids I spent so much time and money on really no longer need me.
As an old man shit hits me harder than it used to. I miss them all, but this one hit hard, as he was my only son, and we had of course a deeper bond. Now I have a room with all his guns, fishing poles, and other items that he wont need to collect until his next step, and sometimes I just look at them and wonder where all that time went, and what I would have done differently.
I have been walking my dog too, pretty much every morning, it is refreshing, and really gets me in deep thought some mornings. My old bastard is now 13, and these purposeful walks will soon end too. I will not be replacing a dog at this time in my life, but don't know if the walks will continue without one.

 

[Maddog]

Later.
The walks will continue.
It will take you a bit.
But they will come back with a vengeance.
Good luck

 

[Allen Gamble]

You nailed it @Duckslayer100. I quit drinking just over a year ago when I turned 40 and found myself connecting with the outdoors more everyday. It was damn hard to keep me inside no matter the weather. Runs, fishing, hunting, shoveling snow, you name it - it's all fun, freeing, and theraputic to me.

About 6 weeks ago I tore my achilles tendon and I miss all those things more than ever. I've been able to walk again, with a boot on, for about 10 days now and it has been one of the most freeing events in my life. I may not be running near as much as I used to in the future, but I will continue my theraputic adventures outside as often as I can until I no longer occupy this earth.

The best thing we can do is take time to connect with mother nature and rid of those nasty chemicals poisoning our lives (booze, tobacco, sugar, etc.). It'll make you a better husband, father, and all-around human.

 

[Davy Crockett]

I'm like johnr , I like a long road trip thinkabout ,


I worked in the oilfield when our two little boys grew into men, I was gone a lot and didn't take the time I should have for them. Now I get to watch them raise their own littles and this song really takes on a meaning. One of them has a very demanding job and doing the work of two people with very little time for his kids even though he loves them dearly. I try to be there for my grands as much as I can be, fixing thier bikes, taking them fishing, and teaching them mechanical skills, all those things a busy dad doesn't have time to do. It's good therapy for all of us.

Before I was even married , I liked this song and I thought I'm not going to be that guy. Guess what , work got in the way and I had to feed them. Now after watching time fly by I like this song even better , it takes on a stronger meaning.

 

[Allen]

I have always been a runner, and my mind goes down the same paths as yours, on your walks. Some day I will be too old to do it anymore, but I will try to fend that off for as long as possible.

While I won't say I have "always been a runner", there have been times in life where I ran a lot. That came to an end as my last dog took me out while on a run and my knee wouldn't tolerate running for a long time afterwards. Not surprisingly, I put on a few pounds (ok, probably more than just a few), but since last summer I've gotten into taking long walks (2-6+ miles) and have enjoyed doing it.

I used to always say that I enjoyed walking...so long as I was carrying a bow or a gun. Now, I don't need to be hunting to enjoy the hike. Must be getting old.

 

[Jiffy]

To all you runners….

Walking is just slow running. As soon as you accept this, the sooner you can move on from your “running” days. It’s part of the natural progression of life. My last marathon I had the best training cycle of my life and I missed qualifying for Boston by 5 minutes. I was oddly ok with it. I knew it was time to quit “competing”.

I now walk…..I walk a little faster though when I hear someone behind me. I just can’t help it! The competitive nature runs deep.

 

[Zogman]

If there is a devil, I think he lives in our electronic devices.

This. I have discussed this with my sister, who is much smarter than me and a pastor. Could the internet be the antichrist? I think YES.

I have to give you 2 for this. Thanks!

 

[Zogman]

When the big C hit the land about once a week the wife packed a lunch and we hit the dusty trail. Toured the back roads of the NE counties of ND. Saw many old farmsteads and old cemeteries.
And shared our Deep Thoughts.

 

[SDMF]

When the big C the land about once a week the wife packed a lunch and we hit the dusty trail. Toured the back roads of the NE counties of ND. Saw many old farmsteads and old cemeteries.
And shared our Deep Thoughts.

Despite driving a ton for work, I LOVE a "wander-drive" off the 4-lanes and/or off the blacktop.

 

[shorthairsrus]

I am putting my shoes hit the lift remote my walk is short -- a slight little push ----and were off. Tie on that creature bait it dont get any better.

 

[bigv]

You guys are truly something. I send out a spur of the moment prattling on something about nothing, only to get tremendous feedback. NDA is a special place.

Guy, I did do that once upon a time. Making a living out of it is -- daunting. I do have published works, though, in some fine outdoors magazines. But that was before kids and responsibilities. Now I work for the salary, not necessarily a passion. I hope I can get back into it again, once things become a bit less hectic. Then again, we're all kind of like goldfish when it comes to time: If we have the space, we fill it (and not always with what we were hoping).

I'm not an overly religious person, despite my folks' best efforts. But I do believe there are things that can't be explained. The simplicity of a walk, or quiet solitude in the woods, or just sipping a cold beer on the front stoop and seeing the sun set. These are precious, Godly moments when we live them, but it's becoming harder and harder to make those moments.

We are distracted by phantoms. Digital deception. The algorithms. Social media. The hooks that sink into our eyes and trigger that sweet drip-drip-drip of dopamine.

If there is a devil, I think he lives in our electronic devices.

And no, the irony that I'm communicating on one such device doesn't escape me.

If you get that 40 acre plot let me know...I'll move near help train and raise dogs. Always wanted to do that as well and just be away from people. I think you should start something like a daily journal to publish or something? Something outdoorsy/whimsical like these last two posts. I find them oddly relaxing to read.

 

[Jiffy]

Despite driving a ton for work, I LOVE a "wander-drive" off the 4-lanes and/or off the blacktop.

With guns…

 

[SDMF]

With guns…

Duh....

 

[Zogman]

With guns…

Guns. What are these guns you are talking about???

 

[SDMF]

Guns. What are these guns you are talking about???

They just like a slingshot, but better, and they're different.