Every weekend, my wife and I like to take a walk.
Even before this pandemic situation we are all in, my wife and I would do our best to get out and take a walk. No tech (OK our GPS watches to track our progress…cause that’s fun to see), because you need to distance yourself away from the insanity that is the internet for a bit. While walking is not only great for your physically, it does wonders for you mentally.
But did you know that Iowa is LOADED with all sorts of great trails? Yea it is.
I live in the Cedar Valley, and just in that area alone, my wife and I have discovered over 10 different great trails full of lakes, hills, trees, vast landscapes, etc. Also how can you forget the Cedar Valley Nature Trail? This beast is 67 nicely paved miles for bikers and walkers that spans all the way from Waterloo to Cedar Rapids to Ely. I have walked on the Cedar Valley Nature Trail many times, but have never gone ALL the way to Ely, but I plan to at some point.
One of the best parts of venturing out to one of these great Iowa trails, especially with a loved one? Is you talk…you talk A LOT, and many times you don’t realize it, but you end up walking for an hour and you have no clue you did because of how much you are communicating with your loved ones. About a week ago, I did a blog on here talking about how ‘We Need to Return More to Verbal Communication,’ and if you are having trouble with that? Get out and walk.
At home, our lives are FULL of distractions…..TV, phones, video games, internet, chores, pets, cooking, etc…and while I think it’s good to sit down and watch TV for a bit to stay informed on world happenings? I feel as though that is not spending quality time with family…your brain is engaged with an outside source, and not another person. Using the excuse of ‘Well, we’re in the same room, that means we’re spending time together!’ I hate to break it to you, but you’re really not.
Here is a great website that can help you find some great Iowan Trails! So…CLICK HERE.
Get outside, breath in fresh air, and enjoy what this state offers….cause it’s quite a lot.
