GETTING STARTED

Chances are you've secured your trusty map, camera and water bottle to your backpack and weathered a sundry of delightful and grotesque elements in pursuit of your passion for exploring other people's cities. And the fantabulous tales you've garnered to tell through word and image! If you haven't ventured forth yourself, I'll betcha know those who have. But try getting them to name the districts, parks or special places in their own city. Betcha again they come up short, not just short but their list will include the obligatory tourist traps and/or places that can be accessed readily by their vehicles.

Too often, we get enured into disengaging ourselves from what's around us. What a novel, foreign concept: exploring the world around you. Really, many say, could there be anything more boring. Yet, dynamic cities such as the one I'm fortunate to be part of, are brimming over with more beauty, mystery and portentous happenings than anyone could partake of in a lifetime. The best part is that it's always changing.

There are any number of ways to explore your city, but as an urban trekker, I've found that the best way is to leave your vehicle at home and hit the ground with your most comfortable footwear. When push comes to shove, use public transit. Yes, and check your TV and other brain wasters at the door before you leave home. You're not going to get tuned into what's going on around you, with your ears assailed by bleating earphones. Be prepared to surprise yourself. And be surprised by the diversity and friendliness of your fellow urbanites. Don't hesitate to reward yourself by finding a park and having a picnic. Ours are usually impromtu pic-a-pacs from a grocery store along the way.

The images I've included in this trekking
section are derived from my urban treks in
Calgary, Alberta, Canada:
 
melted frost glistening on blossom petals,
wild daisies thriving amongst the rocks
     on a slope,
tenacious bird perched on a wind-tossed log,
sailors relishing the wind, while tree-sheltered
     golfers play on,
glimpes of the past, present and future
     in a window,
spider carrying her agitated young away
     to safety,
lone sunflower born of a seed spit out
     on the shore,
crimson leaves backlit by the setting sun,
original range overseeing the urban forest,
fawn munching on grass, under the watchful
     yet hidden eyes of the mother,
snowflakes falling on autumn flowers,
cityhall basking in the spring light,
trodden down harebells reaching
     for the sun,
ice crystals dancing in a sunburst,
snow hanging around until April,
playground after the storm leaves
     and before the children arrive,
all, and so much more,
     in the heart of the city I love.