Why Walking Is Exercise

 Today when people were worried about finding their car in the parking lot, I was appreciating how walking made me not have to worry about this. Also, you never have to worry about going to the gym when you walk several miles per day.

Car Discrimination

Sometimes you have to explain to people that some of us do not drive, and it is not a bad thing. Uber is convenient for wherever I need to go. I am very obsessive about being punctual, so walking has never prevented me from not being on time. You just leave earlier if you have to walk, and it helps jump start your morning because you have to eat breakfast early and get out the door sometimes before 6 in the morning. The bonus is there is no need for a gym membership when you walk, and for optimal health, you do need to squeeze in several miles of walking per day. Being active is so crucial for physical and mental well being, which is another reason I am happy to be a pedestrian. In future videos, I want to talk about the benefits of walking for transportation. This video was more of a rant, so to speak.

Walking And Talking Vlog

My bike tire popped the other day, so I had to walk. This seemed like a good opportunity to do a walking and talking vlog.

Why Uber And Lyft Are A Good Option For Pedestrians

Most people want to drive, so transportation is not an issue for them. However, not everyone is interested in driving, and some people do not want to own a car. Or maybe, someone would rather hire someone to drive once and awhile.

In the past, I had to take taxis, and some of my experiences were not the best. Southern California has a large population density, but places are spread out between each other because we are the largest state in the continental 48 states. I do not take Uber and Lyft every day, but once and awhile when I go to visit a friend I like to use their service. I also liked that you can sometimes find a female Uber driver, not that I have had any bad experiences with the male ones.

However, it just reminded me of my days taking taxis. The cabs would act like they could pick and choose who they wanted to pick up. That is all fine and good, but it does not work for someone who needs a ride and is lost in a rural area. I remember when I first moved to a new town and I had to wait two hours for a cab. Finally, an old fashion cabbie came and got me, and told me how he was appalled that taxis were not picking up jobs, and ignoring some people. He also had picked up a lady waiting at the hospital for over five hours for a ride. This is just not acceptable, so if new competition comes into town that is ready and willing to pick people up, guess who wins out.

So it is not that I am an uber fan girl, but every experience I have had taking uber has surpassed that of a taxi. Sometimes you even end up paying more for uber when there was a surge, so one time I spent 85 dollars on a ride that is usually thirty. The driver told me he got eighty percent, so I felt good about that. Another uber driver was using the service to help put her kids through college, and it was the only job that worked for her schedule.

So I know uber is not popular with taxis, but the reason I like it is because it is reliable, and I do not have twiddle my thumbs wondering if someone will pick me up if I am lost in a rural part of SoCal. It is also helping to cut down on drunk driving here, which is still a problem in our part of the state. Uber is also gaining popularity in Southern California because they are willing to provide a service the taxi cab companies are not. If a taxi company wants to build an app and become more dependable here in SoCal, then maybe people will consider cabs here.

What Is Your California Dream?

Does the California dream have to involve having a certain house, a certain social status, or a certain car. I do not think so. There is enjoyment to be found in walking and bicycling for transportation, and I have finally reached the point where I am not afraid to say so.

Hiking In Southern California

Yesterday I went on a hike, which is a great way to get exercise in. You do not have to be a pedestrian to enjoy hiking in Southern California.

Cinco de Mayo Walking Memory

I forgot to post this Cinco de Mayo walking memory, but I created a video about it yesterday for your viewing pleasure.

Pedestrians And Bicyclists Should Just Stay In The Park

Pedestrians and bicyclists should get off the road and stay in the park. According to one jokester, that is.

I do believe we need some rules of the road for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. Of course people break those rules, but there need to be some guidelines to keep people in their own lane so to speak. Beyond that we need more courtesy for all people, and that includes drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

I am not a fan of bicyclists or pedestrians who pull in front of drivers, or who are not aware of their environment, but there is another segment of the population who irk me a bit more. It is the drivers who say they are joking, but who say things like:

"Pedestrians and bicyclists should stay in the park."

So as much as you may say you are joking when you make comments like that, there seems to be a bit of truth to the joke. I often hear drivers complain about how they do not like bicyclists clogging up the street. As if only drivers have the right to be there.

I have even heard drivers say things about how they want elderly people to cross the street faster. I am the worst driver in the world, but the one thing that bothered me when I was learning how to drive was my driving instructor complaining an elderly lady was not crossing the street fast enough. I have had people honk at me for not crossing fast enough, and call me the b word if I do not make it across the street in one second. This might be a minority of people you say, but it seems the inclination to road rage increases when people get behind the wheel.  Bicyclists and pedestrians have to leave earlier to get to their location, but people in cars seem to think the laws of time do not always apply to them. Okay so you left late, but that does not mean you get to scare the bejeebees out of someone crossing on the walking light by taking your right hand turn as they are crossing.

Being a jokester and poking at a person who shares an alternative mode of transportation does not make you cool. To me it just sounds like the standard commentary of people who think that anyone who does not want to drive is an outcast.

Then again, the need to poke at someone says a lot more about you than anyone else. The most witty people with the best sense of humor do not usually have to prod others. They are not constantly making cheap shot jokes. It is not an endearing quality, but I realize the people who need to do that must be looking for some sort of validation.

The way people drive can be improved by simply displaying a bit of common courtesy. A lot of people do not want to drive for a good reason, and we do not contain our activities for simply going to the park.

I actually would rather go hiking on a nature trail when I do have free time, and not spend it in a park.

The Palm Tree

Today on my bike ride home I stopped to admire the little palm tree.

Why I Do Not Drive

Today I spotted some beautiful trees and other sights during my walk.

These are things I might notice if I were driving all the time. I am not the best driver in the world, which is the reason I sort of stopped trying to do it. Honestly, I never had an interest in owning a certain type of car, or even felt excited about driving. Thus, walking everywhere that was close-by just became practical for me. In 2013 I started riding a bike again, which cut down on my commutes, and also upped my fitness level. If you are someone who does not want to drive and is tired of people telling you that it is an essential thing to do, I created a vlog about this subject. I realize the majority of people want to drive in America, and I have no desire to tell anyone not to. On the same token, it is pretty disconcerting how people who drive do not show the same difference towards people who might prefer biking and walking.

Are Kids Being Told Not To Walk?

I have not been following the news closely as of late, but this morning an over the top story caught my attention.  Two parents are being criticized for allowing their responsible ten year old son to walk a mile to and from the park with his six year old sister, and I just that is a bit on the ridiculous side.  I am not saying all ten year old kids are capable enough to do that, but I used to do the same thing when I was a kid.  Of course it was a different time, and I grew up in the mountains, but now it seems if you are under the age of eighteen you cannot be left unsupervised, ever.  Maybe that is an exaggeration, but that seems to be the way things are headed. 

It is not as if these kids were left for eight hours in a public place, they just went to and from the park to play.  I know what that was like as a kid, and I can imagine they did not spend long there.  Too bad these seemingly good parents are being scrutinized by allowing their kids to get a bit of fun and exercise, and I am glad I do not have kids because it seems like a lot of things I did when I was younger are no longer allowed.

What also disconcerts me about this story is it is pretty much sending the message kids are not supposed to walk.  We continuously hear about how kids are more sedentary than thirty years ago, and they should go outside and play more.  Are parents going to want to let their kids go outside and play when they hear stories like this?

Also, when is there an appropriate time these days for a kid to learn certain crucial life skills, like how to cross the street on a traffic light?  That probably sounds like a mundane task to most people, but there are some eighteen year olds who do not know how to take a bus, or cross the road on their own because they have never done it before.  I have actually witnessed eighteen year olds who cannot do these things, and it will become much more prevalent since it seems we are heading towards an era where you cannot step foot outside of your house without being supervised up until the age of eighteen.  People complain that young adults cannot do a lot of things they could do at their age, but this story is more evidence why this is happening. 

Ten years old is a reasonable enough age for a responsible sibling to be able to go on a walk with his sister.  I feel these parents should be given kudos for promoting an active lifestyle for their kids.  When we continue to send mixed messages like this, what are people going to believe?  Should kids all go to corporate gyms to work out with a paid babysitter?  Maybe that is what this is all about.  It makes the writer of the Pedestrian Walking and Biking Life wonder.  Also, no wonder everyone thinks you have to have a flashy car, and to drive all the time in America.  Walking is always being discouraged.

Pedestrians And Bicyclists Will Get Wet When It Rains

This is an issue that people who drive everywhere will not understand. If you are a pedestrian or a bicyclist you are more likely to get wet when it rains than someone driving a car.

 

Even if you ride the bus rather than walk or bike in the rain, your chances of getting wet will be higher than those who drive. Waiting for a bus in the rain can be worse than just walking or biking, but that is just my opinion. I know people who will wait an hour for a bus in the rain, and they have to compete with everyone else who is waiting under the weather structure for the bus. I would rather move and stay a bit warmer during a rain, but it is just not that cold in Southern California, and people act like we will freeze during a rainstorm or something.

 In the UK people walk and bike in the rain all the time, but people act like it is unthinkable here in Southern California. On Tuesday I rode my bike home, and took a picture of the water flowing through this storm drain. It has been so dry here in Southern California that I was excited to document of our first big rain in a long time. As someone who does not drive I like riding my bike, and it is inevitable I will get a little wet doing so.

I had to stop and pick up a few groceries on the way home, and some woman giggled when she spotted my soaking clothes clinging to me as I entered the store. What I have discovered when it rains is other people are more upset and/or disconcerted about me getting wet in the rain than I am. I grew up in the mountains and walked three miles in a snowstorm, so a little bit of rain on a day when it is sixty-five degrees outside does not seem like a big deal to me.

Well meaning people who drive tell me I should wear a rain coat or wellies when I walk or bike in the rain, but this is not always practical. Yes, I should look into getting a rain coat, but how often will I really use that thing here in Southern California? Most days are sunny, and buying another item of apparel I will rarely use feels a bit cumbersome. Also, have you tried walking or riding a bike in rain boots? That is just not manageable at all, so I opt to dress in layers and hope for the best during my bike rainy rides. I will get a little wet, but oh well. I think other people who run from their cars to buildings are more upset about it than I am. Also, this might sound unthinkable, but I actually had fun riding my bike home in the rain. It felt exhilarating to feel the rain drops landing on my face for the first time in a long time.

It might not rain that often here in Southern California, but the song is correct about how it pours. Our storm drains fill up at record breaking speeds when we do get rain, and flash floods in the local mountains and canyons are quite common.

Hiking In Southern California

If you do not walk or bike to work, then why not at least go on a hike here in Southern California?  Here are some photographs I took on a hike last week.  I love hiking because it is free unlike a gym membership.

The View Around Loma Linda

 Today I went for a walk around Loma Linda, and here are some of the pictures I took during my
walk.

Do You Hate Driving? Then Hop On A Bicycle!

I have never liked driving, and it gets old to hear people comment on how everyone in Southern California needs to drive.  Perhaps the majority of people do drive here in the south land, but that does not mean I have travel this way.  For years I have enjoyed walking around, but a few months ago I decided to get a bike because it does cut down on my travel time.

Riding a bicycle is not as fast a driving a car, but you only need to go a three miles each way, a bicycle is a wonderful way to commute.  Also I love riding my bicycle for about eighty percent of my travel because it helps me get exercise without scheduling a workout session.  Riding a bike up a slight incline for three miles is a great workout, and you feel rewarded on the way back because you are mostly coasting downwards.  So if you want to save some money on gasoline and car repair, or if you are tired of taking the bus to work every day, why no invest in a bike?

Walk Or Bike To The Store To Avoid Parking Issues

I am not going to be doing shopping much during the holiday season because the crowds and frenzy are not really my thing.  However, there were lots of Black Friday news reports about people fighting over parking spaces, when this could have been avoided by walking or biking to the store.

If you live less than a mile from the store, then why not plan a family walk to go shopping?  Sure the stores might be a bit crowded during the holiday season, but at least you will not have to worry about fighting over a parking spot because even on regular days people can be a bit contentious about these.

A good pair of walking shoes is always a nice gift for people who are active.

Whereas I have no interest in waiting in line to buy a TV or computer, which are items that can be purchased online, I do enjoy more practical gifts like shoes.   I might treat myself to a new pair, and this is a great gift for people who are active.  A bike is also a nice gift for people who want to commute without a car.  So there are other gift options out there for the Christmas season, and walking to the store is a great way to avoid fighting over parking spaces.

Walking After Thanksgiving Dinner

Some people tell me they need to settle their stomachs by sitting down after a large meal, but I always felt the opposite.  Even though I try to portion out what I eat because even going overboard on Thanksgiving Day is not recommended, and you will feel much better if you can only eat what you truly feel hungry for.

However, rather than wanting to move around and burn off calories after this large meal, some people tell me they have to sit down afterwards.  I actually feel the opposite, and always like to get up and walk after I eat. I have been told to sit down and relax after the meal, but I always find it stifling when others tell us how to best handle things. I would always get up and start moving and go for a walk, and no one was forced to go with me.  I find it invigorating to move, which is why I am always walking or biking.

Many people up in the mountains go for meandering walks to burn off the large meal, and to enjoy the beautiful scenery.  It is so much more enjoyable than watching some sports game or repeat show on TV, and those things can be recorded these days.  So if you are feeling a bit full after your Thanksgiving dinner, a walk might be a good way  to get moving and enjoy the amazing view.

View of Highway 173 up in the San Bernardino Mountains.  I captured this image during a walk up in the mountains.

Why The Gym Is Not Required For Being In Shape

Being in shape does not mean you have to look like a fitness guru, or feel anger over some ordinary person who claims they lost a ton of weight, and posts pictures of their physique to social media. They might say provocative things about how others should strive harder to look like they do, but it is our choice if we let such comments rile us up.

All of my life I have been exceedingly active, and I have learned over the years I would rather eat balanced meals and be in shape rather than being a certain number on the scale.  Wearing a bikini on the beach is not my goal, but having toned legs really does inspire me because this helps me to bike and walk longer distances without fatigue.  I never get tired from a several mile walk, and I get an energy high from getting out there and walking and biking.

So the next time you get angry over someone telling you that you need to join a gym or weigh a certain amount to be healthy, I would just zone out.  It gets really boring when women start comparing each others physiques and talking about their weight foibles, especially when what is really going on is there is a little bit of a contest to see who is losing the most that month, week, etc.

Why not take the more solitary and economical approach to fitness and go on a walk, or buy a bike? Seriously, there is no need to spend big bucks to get fit. The truth is it is better to get into a healthy weight range, and I would rather be on the high end of that range get toned from walking and biking.  Having people tell me I look like I never eat dessert is not my goal.  Rather than get upset about the recent viral photographs people post on social media talking about their happiness over fitness and weight loss, I choose to have my own approach to physical fitness.  Even though I have been biking many days out of the week as of late, the other day I walked five miles and took pictures of a vacant field during my walking adventure.  I also spotted some stunning wild sunflowers growing in this field, and that is not something I would have seen if I had been cloistered in a gym.

Empty field with a view of the San Bernardino Mountains.

I wish I had brought my regular camera with me because the cell phone camera is just not as
vibrant, but it did suffice.

Wild sunflowers I spotted growing in the field.

Walking By The Santa Fe Depot

Last Sunday I took a walk down by the Santa Fe Depot in Redlands, and I thought about how great it would be if this train station was still in operation.