My dog Alby and I live in a tiny townhouse in Columbia. It's just me and him and so we don't need a lot of space. I could live in a much bigger house if I moved away from Columbia, but there are things about this place that I just can't find anywhere else and who wants to clean a huge house?
Driving around the adjoining cities and neighborhoods to Columbia, I notice differences. Sure, there are some neighborhoods with interesting and beautiful homes and lovely lush lawns, but when I look closely there's usually something missing. Walking paths and sidewalks. It's truly the pathways around Columbia that keep me living here more than anything else. I have lived in Columbia since my family moved here when I was five years old. After graduating from High School I did spend some time away while I was in College and then when I got my first job with benefits I lived in Owings Mills for a year. There is nothing like moving away to make you appreciate all that we have waiting outside our front door.
I can walk up the street where I live and within less than a tenth of a mile, I'm turning onto the Columbia pathway system that takes me nearly anywhere I want to go. The pathways wind around houses, through the woods, next to creeks and around lakes and ponds. Nearly every single day Alby and I take a walk on those paths. We have several loops in our general area that we've worked out that provide a bit of variety. Each loop is anywhere from three to four miles long. As we walk along we see many of our neighbors out and about as well. It's not just that we're outside getting exercise, but we're experiencing the neighborhood and we feel part of the community. This is especially important for someone like me with no children or spouse.
I think you can sit inside your house glued to the television, electronic devices like laptops and iPads or even stuck in a book and lose a bit of life if you're not careful. Of course there are more ways than just walking around to feel connected to your neighbors and the community, but I do think it's one of the best ways. I've never felt lonely or lost and I think one of the main reasons is the ease of getting outside. I head out with Alby and my neighbors see me and I see them and we chat and catch up on life. "How are your Mom and Dad doing?" "How does Chris like the Air Force so far?" "Are you guys hanging out with your Dad this weekend?" "Can I pet your dog?" "How is Grace doing on swim team?"
One of my best friends likes to come for a visit, go for a good walk with me on the pathways and then in warmer weather we sit on the back deck and drink a glass of wine when we get home. It makes for a lovely afternoon.
Alby and I walk the path in all weather. Yes, let me say that again. We walk the path in all weather. Rain, snow, wind....we're out and about and you really get to see the changes in the trees and the creeks when you do this. One thing that keeps us off the path is ice because I will be the first to admit that I prefer walking to laying on my back and nursing broken bones. Super cold and torrential downpours are challenging, but we still get out if only briefly. However, we love to walk in the snow and if it's deep enough I'll put on my snow shoes while Alby runs along beside me. I love walking right after a snowfall when it's bright and sunny and everything is crisp and beautiful out. The paths are a winter wonderland following a snowfall. In springtime the entire path is in bloom and throughout the summer it's a beautiful, leafy green.
Wildlife abounds in Columbia too. While we're walking we have come across Owls in trees, hawks, foxes, deer and even a wild turkey. We see Cardinals and Bluebirds and other bird species. We see baby ducks and geese in the ponds and the Blue Heron. Turtles sleep on floating logs and other spots while Frogs croak until you get too close.
If you live in Columbia and you haven't checked out the path near your house, you're really missing out. Get out there and enjoy the day and meet your neighbors along the way. The pathways even have an app now!! Columbia Pathways App.
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