URBAN HIKING

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DISCOVERING THE WILDLIFE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

You really don’t have to go out to the woods or onto a hiking trail to experience the joy of hiking. You can just walk out your door. Urban hiking has all the thrill, adventure, danger, discovery and health benefits of any other form of exercise. So, grab a partner, human or animal, your walking shoes and sunscreen and start today. My favorite walking partner is my best friend and soulmate. Hiking is always more fun when you have someone to share the adventure with. The best place to start is in your own neighborhood. The first thing you’ll do is get to know all the dogs. They’re an unending source of entertainment. We’ve met many memorable canines on our jaunts. There was the tiny spotted chihuahua who took such joy in scaring us that we couldn’t help but become willing participants in its game. It would hide in a bush at the corner of its yard until we drew abreast, then would erupt in a paroxysm of furious barking. We’d jump and act appropriately frightened. You could tell how much this pleased it as it strutted off with its tail held high. Then there was the lab pup. As soon as it saw us approaching, it would run out in the yard and grab whatever toy was handy, then jump up on the fence and proffer the object. We’d stop and throw it a few times. It would actually smile at us with a big toothy dog grin. I always felt a little bit guilty when we’d walk off and leave it leaning on the fence grinning like the Cheshire Cat. Big or small, fluffy or sleek, vicious or welcoming, you’ll come to know your canine neighbors when you urban hike.

Urban hiking is not limited to domestic animals. You’ll discover an abundance of wildlife thriving in the yards and parks of cities. One summer, a couple of bachelor elk adopted our city as their hangout. We’d spot them on our walks, nibbling the trees in the park or grazing on residential lawns. We nicknamed them Marion and Cordyon for the two ranchers our town of Show Low, Arizona was named after. The story says that the two men played a card game for the land that eventually became the town and whoever “showed low” won. (We also have a street named after the winning card, the deuce of clubs.) One day, we stopped to watch the Show Low boys as they grazed placidly on a green lawn. Suddenly, two tiny furry furies erupted off the porch and flew at the elk, barking with all their might. We feared for their lives. The elk stood their ground, causing the furies to hesitate. Then Marion, or maybe it was Cordyon, lowered his antlered head and sniffed noses with the little doggies, then placidly resumed his meal. The tiny furies lost their fury and scurried dejectedly back to their porch beds. We’ve seen snakes, frogs, lizards, tarantulas, skunks and even javalina on our treks about town -- sometimes in greater abundance than one might encounter in the wild. You just have to keep your eyes open and look around.

There’s treasure to be found on urban hikes too. Jewelry, money, toys and objects of wonder can be discovered in empty lots and street gutters. We’ve returned several found wallets to their distraught owners. Coins and even paper money turn up in the strangest places. One day, after a summer rain, we found a damp five-dollar bill nestled in the branches of a sticker bush at the side of the road. We usually pick up enough lost change over the course of a year to buy an extra- large pizza or a couple of Frappuccino’s after a hike. Then there are the items that make you scratch your head. A lone shoe or sock. A pair of underwear. How does one go about losing these things?

I must warn you that urban hiking has its dangers too. Be wary of distracted drivers. On too many occasions, we’ve had to jump out of the way of a car veering over the sidewalk or turning the corner as we crossed a side street while the driver dialed their phone or sent an important text. And there are those occasional devious individuals who get a thrill by shouting loudly and thumping the sides of their cars as they drive past. That’s always good for an adrenaline rush. Of course, never walk after a rain when the street is still full of puddles. That’s just too hard for some drivers to resist. We’ve had things thrown at us and been purposely gassed with diesel fumes. We mostly just take it “ in stride” as part of the adventure but we have learned to keep an eye on oncoming vehicles and carry a can of pepper spray in case it becomes necessary to ward off an overzealous “prankster,”-- human or animal.

But, if it’s peace and serenity you seek, I recommend your community cemetery. There are plenty of walking paths, beautifully maintained landscapes and seating in quiet niches where you can contemplate, pray or meditate. I guarantee the local denizens are not only good listeners, they are excellent secret keepers. Our local cemetery sits atop a hill and affords a most breathtaking view of the eastern horizon which is usually obscured by trees in town. It’s a great spot to watch the sunrise or the moonrise.

That’s just a few of the exciting adventures you might encounter while urban hiking. Plus -- it’s a great workout! Look for hills and steps to add aerobics and, for an even greater calorie burn, bring along a garbage bag and pick up litter. (Hint: you might need more than one). So, strap on your walking shoes and get hiking today.

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