WnTOuting
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Walk n' Talk Outing # 5
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Summary
Three brave male members and four much younger women decided to take a challenging walk, zigzagging across the primary Western section of a very large wooded park in Kiyota Ward. The best option is to visit this park by car, and we parked the four vehicles used in the shade at 10:00AM in parking lot #2 near the entrance located on top of a hill. Once inside the park, we gathered together for the traditional group photo next to a large map of the area. Since no one was very familiar with the various trails winding through the park, we decided to try and avoid shortcuts up and down steps and unpaved trails leading off to unknown destinations.
In general, we were successful, but there are places along the way where one must get off the paved walkway as you will see in the photos. Since it was a mid-morning start there was quite a bit of shade protection, but when we came out into the open areas, the sun was quite hot, as the sky was very clear. There are many benches scattered throughout the park, so we could take a short break whenever we needed one. I was our defacto guide as I had a printout of the general park map with some trails marked on it. When necessary I tried to confirm which way to go with anyone who happened to pass by our group.
This park is famous for a large plum grove, which blooms in early May, and I would recommend coming next year to view that colorful section of the park. There is also a wetland section, which should be in bloom later this summer. Very few people seem to visit this park, but it is excellent for getting in an extended walk with hills, and if you really want to get more exercise, just use the natural log steps built into many hillsides as shortcuts to other points of interest. Those are typically located in the woods so one can avoid the heat from the sun in the open areas. Do take something to drink with you, because you will not find much of anything to drink along the way. There are toilets located throughout the park and a couple of gazebos where you can take a break.
After two hours of exercise, conversation and laughter, five of us headed over to the Hiraoka Aeon Mall for a power up lunch and a lot more conversation. We were fortunate that almost no one else felt like eating at the restaurant we chose so it was like a private room. Each of our walks have been educational and most of all enjoyable, and we look forward to more members being able to join in future outings this summer. Ken
In general, we were successful, but there are places along the way where one must get off the paved walkway as you will see in the photos. Since it was a mid-morning start there was quite a bit of shade protection, but when we came out into the open areas, the sun was quite hot, as the sky was very clear. There are many benches scattered throughout the park, so we could take a short break whenever we needed one. I was our defacto guide as I had a printout of the general park map with some trails marked on it. When necessary I tried to confirm which way to go with anyone who happened to pass by our group.
This park is famous for a large plum grove, which blooms in early May, and I would recommend coming next year to view that colorful section of the park. There is also a wetland section, which should be in bloom later this summer. Very few people seem to visit this park, but it is excellent for getting in an extended walk with hills, and if you really want to get more exercise, just use the natural log steps built into many hillsides as shortcuts to other points of interest. Those are typically located in the woods so one can avoid the heat from the sun in the open areas. Do take something to drink with you, because you will not find much of anything to drink along the way. There are toilets located throughout the park and a couple of gazebos where you can take a break.
After two hours of exercise, conversation and laughter, five of us headed over to the Hiraoka Aeon Mall for a power up lunch and a lot more conversation. We were fortunate that almost no one else felt like eating at the restaurant we chose so it was like a private room. Each of our walks have been educational and most of all enjoyable, and we look forward to more members being able to join in future outings this summer. Ken
Check out the Photo Gallery for some photos taken during the event.
