AND WE 'RE WALKING

In my Skecher post I think I gave the impression that I walk 5 miles daily. Actually my walk is only 3 miles but since 50% of the walk is up hill, it does feel like 5 miles. I walk the county road I live on when I don't feel like driving to the city park or the National Forest for a more scenic route.

While the whole walk is either up or down hill, there is one section where the slope is quite gradual.

I really enjoy the walk except for one section. Just before I hit the steep part, I have to deal with Sneaky. There are sweet dogs, aggressive dogs and the most annoying ones, the sneaky dog. Meet Sneaky.

She is a recent Momma and while she will never bite while you are looking at her, I would never just ignore her. If she saw a chance to nail me without retribution, she would in an instant. So she circles and barks. I did discover a wonderful dog deterrent however, a camera. Each time I pointed it at her, she would shut up and just glare. Perhaps she is wanted in another county and doesn't want her picture on the Internet. Too late gal.

After I wrestle with Sneaky, the road plunges down hill. Now this is really easy walking but I do have to watch my momentum. Once while hiking in the mountains, I let my momentum get the best of me and when you pick up too much speed going down hill it builds to the point where the only recourse is to drop and roll till you throw up, or just slam into a tree and get it over with.
This isn't that steep but you still have to watch foot speed.

Above is the last hill before Panther Creek. I love that name-- so rustic-- till you realize it was probably named that for a reason. So far, no panther sightings.
Normally the creek is so clear, you can see the rocks in the bottom, this day was after a rain and it was pretty muddy.

Panther Creek is the last of the down hill. Here I turn around and my real exercise begins. This is where my Skechers earn their keep. When I first started walking this route, I would periodically stop and study the ditch with apparent interest while my sides heaved in and out in search for air. Being a proud old bat, I tried to hide my air sucking from the occasional cars.

The good thing is that I have progressed to the point where I no longer have to periodically study ditch weeds and can make the trip, nonstop. Since my personal odometer rolled over last week and I am no longer 70 but "in my seventies", I am pretty puffed up about that.

It is always nice to see my little house in the Ozarks come into view.

You have just taken a walk with Patti, now I recommend that you take a walk with Wanda with speakers on. Wanda has a popular blog that is guaranteed to lower you blood pressure and make you realize all really is right with the world. When Iran's Ahmadinejad gets on my nerves, a walk with Wanda will smooth the rough edges.

Enjoy.