Walking Through History

During the last week of April, Laurie and I went with friends on vacation to Williamsburg, Virginia. Our vacation was an effort to have fun in an area known for making history. We did not - make history that is.
Within one hour of where the James River and the York River meet the Atlantic Ocean, Virginia has experienced the beginning of a new nation, our Declaration of Rights, Revolution, and Civil Wars (some would call it the War of Northern Aggression). From Jamestown to Williamsburg, one can experience history like no other place I have been - even Mackinac Island.
Every day we walked most all day because Colonial Williamsburg closes the streets from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. We had only one choice other than to walk everywhere - ride the shuttle bus. We walked the streets between historical presentations at the Colonial Capital, Governor's Mansion, and the Court House.
Early in the morning my friend and I walked through the historical streets before they filled with tourists, school tour groups, and history re-enactors. Only a few city workers and others walking and running for exercise. The town at that hour is quiet mostly. I ponder if Patrick Henry walked this early as he pondered becoming a rebel against the country to which he had always pledged allegiance.
I wonder as I walk down Prince George Street, if Thomas Jefferson walked this same street and thought, "all men are created equal" and "they derive rights inherent and inalienable, among which are the preservation of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these ends, governments are instituted among men. whenever any form of government shall become destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute new government." Radical thoughts from a man who grew up loyal to the King. When did such thoughts develop in the minds of the influential men of Williamsburg?
If you decide to visit Colonial Williamsburg, know that the terrain is mostly flat, but not completely. The walk will be easy enough and you should be able to walk the perimeter of the town in about an hour because it is only about three miles. Shoot, you could look in the shop windows like I did three mornings and make it in an hour!
Which historic sit have you walked?

Walking in Harmony

On April 16 and 17 I attended a seminar led by Dr William Abraham at Hendrix College. It was quite interesting, which is common with lectures by Dr Abraham. But, I also had opportunity to walk around campus. Two things interested me most: first, something called a "harmonic fugue;" and second, the labyrinth on campus.
When I first arrived at Hendrix on Monday, there were no parking spaces near the lecture hall. So, I parked about a block away in a community parking area. To get to the lecture hall I walked across Washington Street where it intersects Harkrider. There, the city built a "roundabout," which is designed to keep traffic flowing without installing and maintaining a traffic light. When the city built that they also installed a tunnel under Harkrider, which allows students to cross from the main campus to the athletic campus (and vice versa). That tunnel is also called a "harmonic fugue."
"Harmonic Fugue" is an interactive sound and light environment conceived as a place to experience creativity. You can see more of how it works and learn more about the designer, Christopher Janney at this website: http://janneysound.com/urban-musical-instruments/harmonic-fugue/
Walking through this tunnel was a fun experience. In fact, I walked through several times just to hear the different tones and to try to catch the different "environmental sounds indigenous to Arkansas." Go and see for yourself. Let me know what you think.
Later, on Tuesday, I walked completely across campus from the "harmonic fugue" in order to experience the Hendrix Labyrinth. I first experienced walking a labyrinth at Pulaski Heights United Methodist and seemed to relax while walking the concentric circles. Later I walked outdoors on Mount Eagle's labyrinth. It was even more enjoyable than the indoor one at Pulaski Heights! It seems to help me center my spirit on Christ Jesus through Holy Spirit. I'm not sure how and I know it doesn't help many people, but I liked it and I try to walk a labyrinth as often as I can. The Hendrix Labyrinth is a “Petite Chartres” labyrinth, modeled upon the labyrinth in the Chartres Cathedral, a Christian pilgrimage destination since the Middle Ages.
Where have you walked lately?

April - so far

I cannot think of the word(s) to describe how miserable I feel because of the pollen this year!
I have hardly walked any these past two weeks. I have parked farther from the store or the hospital when I went to those kinds of places. After visiting someone at the hospital, I will walk down the stairs rather than ride the elevator.
But, I have not deliberately walked thirty continuous minutes in nearly two weeks. I apologize. I have a good excuse. And I'm about over it - the sinus condition that is.
What about you? Has gardening taken over your walking time?