Greetings! Quite often when we travel, our hotels are locked
in a labyrinth of Interstates and limited access highways. These occasions give
way to less than scenic options for running, not to mention they are far from
optimal for safety. When we arrived in Richland, WA I saw a fantastic path as
we were circling off the Interstate. Unfortunately, the Interstate exit led
directly to a round-a-bout and then a quick jaunt through a business district
to our hotel. I was a bit disoriented, but I knew the basic way back to the
pathway. The problem was I felt certain the path was on the other side of the
Interstate. Hmm.
The next morning I decided to explore and see if I could
find a legal and safe way to cross over to the path. The benefit of running at the light of dawn
comes in the low number of cars on the road at that time of day. I had no
trouble negotiating vehicles as I shot through the round-a-bout. I quickly
crossed another street and ran alongside the access ramp to the Interstate. I
could see a lake and the path on the other side of a fence. I was ready to
climb it when I noticed an entry point. I happily entered the Yakima Watershed
Habitat. The beautiful setting was well
worth the effort. I trotted along watching water fowl and early morning anglers. I noticed concrete posts and thought them
mile markers. Actually, these were stop points on the trail for Pompey’s
Lessons. These are education bits about the area, as well as plant, animal and
marine life. The Name Pompey refers to Sacagawea’s
son, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau.
As I exited the Habitat I realized the walk/run path continued
alongside the Interstate with only a retaining wall and fence between the two.
I found that odd and unsettling.
Find the Path. Run.
Tom
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