Real World - News Years Eve Day

As of December 31, 2007 at 5:10 PM
Steps: 530939
Miles: 226.02

Mile 226 - Perkiomen Bike Rail Trail

While the virtual walker stumbled around in West Palm Beach, hopefully avoiding the bingo halls and other perils of the Bermuda Triangle looking for a map, I spent some time on the Perkiomen Bike Rail Trail about 5 miles northwest of Gratersford (where I was last time). This area, known as Swenksville and Salfordville, was settled by primary by the Dutch (that is, German) of Quaker, Mennonite, and Amish roots. The plain people as the folks call them, were and are farmers of extraordinary ability.


Many years ago, the Reading Railroad came through the countryside here, blasting out cuts in the red shale rock and building stations to service the farms in the area. Milk, Cheese, Apples, Peaches and of course, Pretzels all rode the train.


This is a small dam, which forms the local swimming hole and a pond large enough for canoeing upstream. With the recent rains, the surf is definitely up.


The winter trail is very much different from that in the summer. With the trees bare, the green canopy of much needed shade is gone, and the views hidden by the summer foliage comes to the forefront.


In this picture, there are two bridges - one a more modern (1930) steel automobile bridge, the other a stone bridge that once carried horse drawn carriages and now in a state of nearly complete ruins. In the summer time, you can hear the cars but can not see the bridge at all.


The gentle babble of the many small streams makes the walk peaceful and relaxing.


But, we need to stay at least somewhat alert, as walking off the edge of the path here, would not be fun at all.


Time has obliviated much. This scene is near Hendrick Station, and is a junction, where the long gone rails branched in two directions, the path heads left, the overgrown trail to the right once went to the village of Hendricks, where quarried stone was loaded into rail cars. While the rails were pulled up 40 years ago - the Petticoats have probably been gone a hundred years or more.


The careful observer will notice the Christmas decorations along the trail. Here we spot Santa Claus... Umm... ...just what ARE you doing Santa???!

A Half Million Down...

As of December 30, 2007 at 7:00 PM
Steps: 512917
Miles: 218.34

I need a map. I got lost somewhere in West Palm Beach. Oh horrors, huh?

I'll figure out where I am tomorrow.

All I want(ed) for Christmas is my two left feet...

After 14,512,746 steps and 6257.07 miles since July 1, 2005, I've worn out a few pairs of walking shoes (seven pairs, I think) and nearly a dozen pairs of heavy walking socks. I have finally determined what shoes and socks work for me.

Looking at my current pair of shoes, I see it is almost time to kick some new tires... the trick is to find something that fits since my left foot is a size different from my right foot. I wish I had two left feet... or two right feet even, when it comes to buying shoes.

Time for some new shoe shopping, virtual-style.

You may want a pair of these before I get done shopping. They will be good for wading in "stuff".


No, I don't think so. Yellow isn't my color.


My! Aren't these a fashion statement. I guess these were made for all those people that wish for world peace at Christmas and Beauty Pageants.


These are sort of nice, but I can't bring myself to wear something called the Salomon Prosticky.


Hey! I think I finally found the right shoe department. These look good to me. Lets see if they have something with some more ankle support.


Hmmm.. lets try these on. Nah.. to much flash and dazzle. I might get mugged for my shoes if I wear these things.


Or maybe these? Durn, the shoelaces are way too long. I can put the shoes on and tie the knot around my belt. I wonder if anyone in the factory ever tried lacing these shoes up with those laces?


Hmmm... Men's Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots. Ahhh! Oh my! My feet have died and gone to heaven. Let's get these. They are HOW MUCH?!?! Oh well... I guess if I lighten my wallet that much, it is less load on the feet. Time to start breaking these babies in. Keep the Brannock Device* out... I'll be back for new ones in a three or four months!

*the foot size measuring gizmo thingy.

I realize I missed commenting on the Tamiami Trail Scenic Highway. Oh well, I'll get it on the way back!

195 Miles - Pompano Beach

Located in the heart of Florida's Gold Coast the City of Pompano Beach is the year round home to 105,000 residents. During season (September through March; Hey, that would include me today!) the number swells to nearly 160,000 as part-time residents from more inclement environments join in for "fun in the sun".

As of December 28, 2007 at 9:00 AM
Steps: 458205
Miles: 195.03



As the name implies (Pompano - a species of in-shore -tropical game fish) the fun includes some of the world's best sport fishing.



The Pompano usually grows to about 6 pounds, the record size is about 8-9 pounds.



This fish is the very similar looking Permit which grow to about 40 pounds and are caught in the same waters as the sporty Pompano.



Pompano Beach looking north toward the Hillsboro Lighthouse



Hillsboro Lighthouse

In 1904 the United States Dept. of Treasury bought 3 acres swamp land at the inlet for the lighthouse. In 1905, the Russell Wheel & Foundry Co. in Detroit, Michigan was awarded the contract for a skeletal 147' lighthouse and Barbier Benard et Turenne, Paris, France, was awarded contract for lens & turning mechanism.

In 1906, the lighthouse was completed in Detroit and was shipped on a barge via Lake Erie, Lake Michigan, Illinois and Mississippi River, Gulf Mexico, and Key West! A very interesting 4,000 Nautical-Mile trip to say the least. The J.H. Gardner Construction Co. of New Orleans cleared the land, laid the foundation and re-assembled and erected the lighthouse.

This lighthouse is still lit and operated today, thanks to The Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation Society

Two Small Side Trips

First, for your consideration is a trip to the real world:

I took a walk on the Delaware Canal on Christmas day. Contrary to the name, the canal is located in Pennsylvania running along side the Delaware River from Bristol to Easton, the southeastern edge of Pennsylvania. I was walking through Washington Crossing State Park - the place where George Washington and is resolute band of patriots crossed the Delaware River on Christmas day to surprise the British in Trenton, New Jersey on December 26, 1776. The American victory at Trenton proved a turning point in America's fight for independence. Many of you will recognize this famous painting by Emanual Leutze completed in 1851 depicting Washington crossing the river.



Photo Courtesy of Washington Crossing Foundation



The Delaware Canal was built in the 1830's and I find the towpath to be a wonderful place to walk. This Christmas, I had a surprise. The white bird in the canal (in the very center of the picture) is a large Swan undoubtedly resting from all the swimming he/she did during the 7th day of Christmas.



Swans mate for life, so a solitary Swan, sadly enough, usually means the mate has died. This one was hungry enough to come out of the water as I walked by, seeking a handout. Feeding the wildlife is forbidden in any of Pennsylvania's State Parks. I had nothing to feed him/her anyway.

Secondly, for your consideration is a trip back in time:



On Christmas day, my Grandfather came for dinner. Given that he is 98 years old, his appearance at the dinner table was a Christmas present in its own right. We had turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, cream of broccoli, stuffing, and hot rolls - totally yummy.

So what is the explanation of the picture? Well the light colored building on the left in the middle distance was my Grandfather's and Father's business in the City of Philadelphia. The building was converted from a row home with attached horse stable around 1927 to a brass and bronze foundry. My Grandfather's branch of the family were foundrymen and made things like church bells way back into the 1400's and earlier in England. The picture is dated February 24, 1953 and was taken by the city to document the recently done street repaving. The car out front, most likely belonged to either my Grandfather or his sister.

...Back to Our Regular Programming...

Mile 185 - Fort Lauderdale

As of December 27, 2007 at 9:17 AM
Steps: 439885
Miles: 187.23
Note: It is 533 miles From Key West, Florida to the Georgia state line*

The city of Fort Lauderdale is named for a Second Seminole (Native American Indian) War fortification built on the banks of New River in 1838. In that year, Major William Lauderdale led a detachment of Tennessee Volunteers south along the east coast of Florida to battle the elusive Indian warriors.



Altogether, three Fort Lauderdales would be constructed: the first at the fork of New River; the second at Tarpon Bend; and the largest on the beach at the site of today’s Bahia Mar (Sea Harbor). Try as I might, I couldn't find any pictures of any of these forts. Eventually, the Seminole Indians were largely moved out of Florida to the state of Oklahoma.



Click on the image to see the animation, and/ or go and see more about the remaining colorful Seminoles in Florida.



After the Second Seminole War, southeastern Florida remained a virtual wilderness due to the lack of transportation into the region. In 1896, our man, Henry Flagler and his Florida East Coast Railway arrived at Fort Lauderdale, providing rapid transportation from all parts of the nation to south Florida. The little village increased in size and was incorporated in 1911.



Being Florida, the lovely comfort of the beach can, and is, threatened at times by hurricanes. One of the recent ones was Hurrican Dennis. This picture was taken July 10, 2005 and was captioned "Day After Dennis, Fort Lauderdale Beach" - Note the red danger flags and the cruise ship off-shore in the murk.



In 1945, five TBM Avengers, Navy Bombers, left the Naval Air Station, Fort Lauderdale, Fl. Five officers and nine enlisted men never returned and an extensive sea and air search produced no wreckage or survivors. Oh dear, I've entered the Burmuda Triangle!



Adjacent to Fort Lauderdale is the hauntingly beautiful Big Cypress Reservation where you can get an Air Boat or Kayak ride.



My mom enjoys her butterflies and she will tell you that Fort Lauderdale is the home of wonderful Butterfly World. Butterfly Guide with Astonishing Pictures



Butterfly World is also "Bird World" Bird Guide with Awesome Pictures

I will enjoy looking at all of the sights (except Hurricane-related ones!) while I continue my virtual walk. Hopefully the mysterious Burmuda Triangle will leave me alone.

*It is way to early for this... but Willie Nelson singing "On the Road Again" got replaced by "Georgia On My Mind" somewhere...

Georgia, Georgia, the whole day through
Just an old sweet song keeps Georgia on my mind.
Georgia, Georgia, a song of you
Comes as sweet and clear as moonlight through the pines.

Other arms reach out to me
Other eyes smile tenderly
Still in peaceful dreams I see
The road leads back to you.

Georgia, Georgia, no peace I find
Just an old sweet song keeps Georgia on my mind.

Melodies bring memories
That linger in my heart
Make me think of Georgia
Why did we ever part?

Some sweet day when blossoms fall
And all the world's a song
I'll go back to Georgia
'Cause that's where I belong.

Merry Christmas to All

Merry Christmas -

I had a very busy but thoroughly enjoyable one, and I still got some walking in too. Fortunately there has been little to no snow here. I think the total year to date is an inch and a half. There is no snow on the ground here.

Just the way I like it. Before you snow bunnies get on me for that, let me explain, I have to shovel two fairly long driveways and a parking lot big enough for 12 cars. I'm getting too old for that sort of stuff.

As of December 26, 2007 at 10:00 AM
Steps: 423188
Miles: 180.12



You tell 'em Mooch!

I'll have to check when I get some time - the post-Christmas business is 20 times busier than the pre-Christmas business, but I think when the virtual walker gets back to Florida, he will be passing through Fort Lauderdale.

Meanwhile, Back In the Real World

Twigsville

As of December 23, 2007 at 5:00 PM
Steps: 384811
Miles: 163.79

Well, the virtual walker wanted to be home for Christmas, so today, he is walking in the real world. Twigsville is not on any map, because I made up the name. The location is on the Perkiomen Bike Rail Trail where a rail spur off a branch line off a trunk line of what was the Reading Railroad used to be. So I figured, a spur on the end of branch was a twig, hence the name, Twigsville.

More seriously, the name "Perkiomen" is derived from a Lenni-Lenape (Native American Indian) word and has been given two different interpretations. The first meaning "the place where cranberries grow" due to the fact that wild cranberries grew along the banks of the creek and the second being "cloudy waters." I've never seen any of these cranberries so I guess cloudly waters it is...



A trail map showing Twigsville, more commonly known as Gratersford, PA.

Having done so much walking over the past couple years, I am always seeking out new places to walk, so I didn't walk the same place over and over again. The Perkiomen Bike Rail Trail, however, is my favorite walk. It goes 19 miles from just outside Valley Forge National Park up the Perkiomen Creek and ends in another park called "Green Lane". Along the way it is bordered by quaint towns, more parks, and many breath-taking views of the creek.



The trail crosses over the creek a number of times, once on this railroad bridge, in Gratersford. Founded in 1756 by Jacob Kreator, a textile weaver, Graterford was originally named Grater's Ford (a corruption of Kreator) until abbreviated to Graterford by the postal service in the mid-1950s. It was renamed Twigsville by yours truely in December 2007.



One of the nice things about this trail is that there are benches for people to sit on every half mile or so - This particular bench is a memorial to Tommy Hunt. I know nothing about Tommy Hunt except he died young and this bench is profusely decorated with flowers on his birthday, and decorated at Christmas. The inscription reads “Dance as if no one were watching, Sing as if no one were listening, And live every day as if it were your last” (Born 9-6-1982, Died 7-12-2003).



Way back in the mists of time, the Perkiomen Creek Railroad contributed to the development of area. The train reached Perkiomen Township on July 5, 1869 stopping at Skippack Station, slightly north of Graterford. Somewhere along the line, the Reading Railroad took over and ran trains for years. However, passenger service ended by 1960 and August 2, 1978 was the last time a freight car passed through the area.



A newly built extension of the trail that heads toward the town of Skippack, PA.



It's hard to see, but the construction date is in a classic Reading Railroad diamond, 1928. The reason this bridge and spur was built was to provide building materials for the State Correctional Institution at Graterford. The facility, built in 1929, is Pennsylvania's largest maximum-security prison, holding about 3,500 prisoners. The grounds include an extensive prison farm on 1,730 acres which borders a small part of the trail.



On the other end of the bridge, one encounters this scene. How did that caboose get down those little, itty, bitty tracks? Steam trains are remembered by the Pennsylvania Live Steamers club located in the shadow of the railroad bridge. They run 1 and 1/2 inch scale trains, in which the rail cars are about the size of a medium dog. Check out the pictures! The trains are kind of cute.

Live, from Twigsville, your walking correspondent.

Gators and Pumas and Birds! Oh my!

In the Wizard of Oz, our heroes panicked for the wrong reasons: there was no real danger from Lions, Tigers or Bears. With care, I am in no real danger from Gators, Pumas, or Birds. When the virtual walker gets closer to Alligator Alley - a road also known as the Tamiami Trail Scenic Highway, he will go into more details about how that road came about... but for now, some Gators and Pumas and Birds! Oh my!

154 Miles - The Southern Miami Town of "Coral Gables"

As of December 22, 2007 at 2:00 PM
Steps: 366965
Miles: 156.19

American Alligator



Some quicky Alligator facts: They can survive two to three years without eating! They are one of the few reptiles today that care for their young. Alligators have vibration sensors on their skin that are extremely sensitive -- they can detect even the slightest vibration and get out of harm's way long before it arrives.



On the other hand, alligators can be quite dangerous. They are instinctual living machines. An alligator's brain weighs only 8 or 9 grams and would take up only one-half of a tablespoon. This lack of brain power means there is no such thing as a "nice alligator." If it is hungry, an alligator will eat anything that moves. Pets and children who wander near an alligator pond are frequent victims of this instinctive behavior. To stay safe, I'll keep my distance.


Florida Panther - Puma



The Florida panther is a subspecies of the mountain lion. It has short, light brown fur and a white muzzle, chest and stomach. It has a long tail with a slight crook in it. The crooked tail and a whorl of hair on its back are characteristics that make it different from the mountain lion. Males are between seven and eight feet long and weigh between 100 and 160 pounds. Females are about six feet long and weigh between 60 and 100 pounds. There are so few of these animals left, its very unlikely I will ever see one, let alone be threatened by one.

More Florida Panther Information and Pictures


Roseate Spoonbill



Picture Credit

The Roseate Spoonbill (Platalea ajaja) is a unique wading bird that has a long 'spoon-shaped' bill that is lined with sensitive nerve endings that help the bird locate and capture prey. To forage for food, the Spoonbill probes the bottom of shallow wetlands and marshes and swings its bill back and forth in the water. When it detects prey (such as small fish, crustaceans and other invertebrates) it scoops up the food in its bill.



I was lucky to see some of these beautiful birds fly overhead with the sun shining down through them. The sky turned pink coming through their feathers. No danger here, I'm not on the menu.

On the Yellow Brick Road without Jack Kerouac

142 Miles - The Southern Miami Town of "Lakes by the Bay"

As of December 21, 2007 at 9:23 PM
Steps: 333695
Miles: 142.01

I found a list of television shows that are or were set in or near Miami, Florida. I remember the following shows:


The Jackie Gleason Show (1964-1970)


Flipper (1964–1967, 1995–2000)


The Golden Girls (1985–1992)


Miami Vice (1984–1990)


Silk Stalkings (1991–1999) - I really liked this show, or was it I liked Mitzi?


CSI: Miami (2002–present)


Cane (2007—present) - It's Cane as in sugar cane...

I don't think I remember any of the following shows, or perhaps I won't admit to remembering them!

Miami Animal Police; (2004—present)
8th & Ocean (2006–2007)
Alright Already (1997–1998)
Burn Notice (2007—present)
The Crew (1995–1996)
Dave's World (1993–1997)
Dexter (2006–present)
Empty Nest (1988–1995)
Eve (2003–2006)
Grapevine (1992, 2000)
Invasion (2005–2006)
Karen Sisco (2003–2004)
Miami Guns (2000)
Miami Ink (2005–present)
Nip/Tuck (2003–2006)
Nurses (1991–1994)
One World (1998–2001)
South Beach (2006)
Top Chef (Season Three, 2007)
Wiseguy (1987–1990)

If I had time or was really anal, I'd get a picture for each of these TV shows, but I don't so I won't. And by the way, there are also large number of Spanish language shows si usted habla a español a que no lo hago.

Retrieved from Wikipedia

I don't really watch too much TV. I'm too busy walking most of the time. Really.