The nice thing about it is that it's not just a canal--it's also a trail, a beautiful wide flat trail perfect for walking, running, and biking. The trail follows the canal pretty closely, through residential neighborhoods with gorgeous fancy houses, green fields (including some with horses), ponds, and public parks, all with the beautiful mountains visible to the west.
It had been raining for days and days, and much as I appreciated the rain, when the weather cleared up and the sun came out on Saturday afternoon, and Torsten was on a brewery tour with a friend, I took advantage and walked the dog down to the canal. I didn't bring the camera or anything, but I did have my BlackBerry so I took a couple photos.
I crossed the bridge from the street onto the trail, and it was like a whole different world. The water was calm and creek-like, despite the rain. There were even ducks (ducks!) splashing and playing in the canal. The fields on the other side of the trail were lush and green. The trees were flowering and everything felt peaceful and idyllic.
Montana and I walked about five miles altogether. During that time we passed maybe 10 or 15 people, evenly spread among walkers, runners, and bikers. Everyone was friendly, just enjoying the glorious weather. The path was perfect, mostly flat and winding beautifully, always alongside the creek. The dog was in heaven, watching the ducks and diving after the occasional rabbit.
It was so blissful that I didn't even notice the five miles. I just walked and enjoyed the view and the atmosphere and the weather.
I still can't believe that such a paradise is so close to our house. This will be the perfect walk to take with a baby or a toddler in a stroller, or the perfect bike ride with older kids. And in the meantime it's the perfect walk for just us, us and the dog. I can't wait to go back with Torsten.
What about you? Do you have any hidden gems in your neighborhood?
That really is gorgeous! I always love it when there are paths that take you away from the noise and pollution of motorized vehicles!
ReplyDeleteIn Chicago, most people head to the lakefront for that kind of opportunity, where there are miles upon miles of paved paths. However, most Chicagoans don't know about a much smaller, quieter path that follows the north branch of the river. I can pick up this path about a mile from my house. There are fewer people there and everyone seems to be a bit more laid back. I have my favorite 3- and 4-mile loop runs that head over that way.
It was nice to have a few moments of sunshine over the weekend! The Highline canal and I have many memories - including a permanent one on my knee from a bike ride gone wrong!
ReplyDeleteWe have a fairly new park in our area that is known mostly for its large wooden playground (because of the playground, the kiddos call it “The Brown Park”). Until recently, a lot of people didn’t know about the mile or so of trails that wind along a shallow creek. Hub and I had our wedding photos taken back there almost 8 years ago, and since then, trees have grown, along with more flowers, bushes and vegetation. It is one of my favorite places to take the kiddos. Whether we are walking, or down throwing rocks in the creek, there are always enough people around where you’re not afraid to be walking back there, but it is never crowded or overrun with people.
ReplyDeleteAre ducks uncommon in Denver? I don't think I've ever lived in a city that didn't have ducks.
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome to have that resource so close to your house! I mainly stick to the lakefront trail in Chicago. I just love it!
ReplyDeleteWe have so many trails like this in Arlington, VA, and I love it. They really inspire me to get out and get moving. When I was training for a marathon, I was also very lucky to have such a large network of mostly flat, well-kept trails to do some of my longer runs (actually, run/walks). But, you don't have the gross humidity. I admit I am jealous of your move for the humidity alone. And all the grand nature Colorado has to offer. Maybe I'll make the move one day. :)
ReplyDeleteIt is most certainly not a hidden gem, but I LOVE walking along Chrissy Field and over the Golden Gate Bridge. If we're feeling ambitious, we'll make it a round-trip and go all the way into Sausolito (with a ferry trip back), which comes out to about 8.5 miles!
ReplyDeleteSo lovely! Doesn't it just warm your heart to live somewhere beautiful?
ReplyDeleteIt looks completely gorgeous, very lush and serene. I don't have anything like it close by, but I'm happy to look at your photos and dream. :)
ReplyDeleteNever knew about the High Line Canal. Very cool though! I recently found a recreation area that has a great trail for me and Fuzzy Britches to run- it's about two miles around and I try to go twice for a good workout. :-)
ReplyDeletethe W&OD trail - one of the best in the country, apparently! (i used to date a guy who worked for rails to trails) - is RIGHT NEXT to my house. i've been meaning to buy a bike for aaages so i can take advantage of it :-)
ReplyDeleteLooks WONDERFUL! We have a similar trail system here. It's a series of several trail systems that link together around Lake Washington and wind through cool neighborhoods and the University of Washington campus. It's perfect for walking, running, biking, rollerblading, and even horseback riding on specified sections. I have many fond memories of riding bikes to our favorite beaches along the lake, and now we live just a few blocks from it, so I'm there almost every day.
ReplyDeleteThat looks really nice! Love the view!
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