So far this winter, I avoided Pickleball at the Y to prevent possible viral exposure, even though the other players are careful sorts, too. And my recliners and books were so tempting that I avoided walking until late January.
My Precord neighbors are strong walkers and aware of all things local. They told me about trails to try, and that the Harbor Light Bar & Grill is now open.
As to trail lore, they noted that the trail that extends from Fourth Street West meets up with the path that extends from Third Street. Even better, the combined trail extends down by a power plant to the west. I cannot find that power plant on the internet, so I will have to try the path later and report back.
Starting to exercise gradually, I took the West Second Street trail to its end and then went left to the reopened Harbor Light. The southbound trail headed there was wonderfully prepped with the snow marked by a large tracked vehicle. It made for an easy walk except around the three to four-foot snow pile at the edge of the Harbor House parking lot. No cars welcome. The tracks went right over the snow bank, and then the walk around it was not too hard.
Walking home down Highway 61, the southern sidewalk appeared to be plowed, but not the northern sidewalk. Traffic kindly moved away as I walked facing traffic down that north side. I was heartbroken to discover that the resting bench on West Eighth Avenue between First and Second Streets is hibernating for the winter. But it was a good walk to get restarted. The total was about 4,500 steps and took less than an hour.
Visiting at the Harbor Light Bar & Grill, the wait staff kindly answered my questions. They have a one-page grill menu with starters, burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, and a kids’ menu. The full menu runs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Closing at 10. There is a large salad that, with chicken, is the most expensive menu item at $17.00. A basic burger costs about $11.00. Desserts cost $6.00 and $8.00, and a drinks menu is on the way. Limited wines, several tap beers, and a reasonable selection of liquors are available. Only one scotch and no single malts yet, but I have hope. The bar area and the big dining and entertainment space are both open. Two big TV’s are in that latter space. The adjacent game room is not open, and I had to enter the restaurant by the front door only. Testing the salad and sampling the single malt selection when it arrives is on my to-do list.
The next day it was time to check out the West Third Street trail extension. At the end of Second Street is a trail that connects northward to the Third Street trail. It is snow-packed, and the creek was frozen. The course goes gently uphill past the new houses on West Second and the Homestead housing cooperative. That circle route from Tenth and Second and back took about a half-hour and about 3,000 steps. My neighbors reminded me that trail walking is better because the trees cut the wind. One day I will take the Third/Fourth Street trail and see that power plant!
VIRAL NEWS: As noted in last week’s News-Herald, seniors age 75 and over may sign up on Mondays for Thursday vaccination appointments at the Community Center. Seniors get the Moderna vaccine. Appointments for the first Thursday were wide open in the morning but filled by afternoon. Get up early and make your appointment at this link: vaccine. cookcountyil.gov/sign-up. Appointments for seniors over age 65 will soon follow.
Our next Wondering 61 column will relate some fascinating Minnesota and Canadian Plains history involving the Anishinaabe, the Dakota and Lakota Sioux, and the Metis and their interactions. If you cannot wait to know, there is always Wikipedia.
Steve Aldrich is a retired Hennepin County lawyer and mediator, serving as judge from 1997-2010. He and Myrna moved here in 2016. He likes to remember that he was a Minnesota Super Lawyer before being elected to the bench. Now he is among the most vulnerable to viruses. Steve really enjoys doing weddings, the one thing a retired judge can do without an appointment by the Chief Justice. He has not yet officiated a Skype, Zoom, or Google Team wedding. Flowers and brickbats may be addressed to the editor or stevealdrich41@gmail.com. If we get none, we will wonder if you are paying attention.
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