Urban Hike and Bike – Journeys 3.1

Exploring Diamond Head

After walking through a tunnel and across the Diamond Head crater floor, we reached the far side where we hiked up to a gun emplacement and were rewarded with a superb view. On our walk back to our VRBO, we stopped for a traditional Hawaiian mixed plate lunch, which, of course, included macaroni salad.

Donut Stop Believin’

With temperatures in the 50’s, it was time for a bike ride. I passed by the meter box that had needed a front panel (which I’d reported the other day), indulged in a sugary donut, then pedaled to the university for a blood draw. Unsurprisingly, my glucose was elevated. The tumor marker is also starting to rise again, a topic I’ll discuss with my oncologist tomorrow.

Rainy Day in Osaka

Rain set in for much of the day, but we never had to put on rain jackets. We took a 15-minute bullet train to Osaka, where we walked a few miles through the city’s vast indoor spaces, both above and below ground. A side trip to the Cup Noodles Museum added variety.

Three Princes and a Pencil

Today, as I do most Tuesdays in warmer weather, I went for a cycle ride with my friend, Dave. Sometimes we like to punctuate our ride with a theme: today, our theme was murals. Or, to be more precise, murals connected with music, plus a sculpture depicting a large pencil. We thought up the idea… Continue reading Three Princes and a Pencil

When Doves Cry

Meandered through Minneapolis on my bike. Got a sneak preview of a new Prince mural that “will be unveiled at a Purple Block Party” tonight.

Chicago Day Trip

This week, it felt good to be standing on MSP carpet after a long absence: I’d last seen the inside of an airport back in March 2020. It felt even better to be on an early morning flight to Chicago. 1. ‘L’ from Chicago Midway Airport to the Chicago Loop From Chicago Midway Airport, I… Continue reading Chicago Day Trip

Trespassing on a Rail Bridge

Walked across the Mississippi from Nicollet Island on this 1893 Burlington Northern Santa Fe bridge, watching for freight trains, Northstar commuter trains, and cops. We then reversed course back across the bridge to avoid getting stuck in a narrow gap in a fence.

Lawlessness

Caught glimpses of the Mississippi below through cracks and gaps as I wheeled my bicycle across the bridge. The railroad company had installed a steel grid walkway for their workers over rotting and missing boards. A sign that once stated “No Trespassing” exuded lawlessness.