I take photos along the way — it keeps me in the moment.
By John Murphy
My exercise of choice these days is walking. Not sexy I know, but it works for me.
My place to stroll after a jolt of coffee is the old part of Redlands. Roughly Cajon Street to Terracina Boulevard and back. It’s a bit under four miles.
Lately as I walk, I listen to Bruce Springsteen’s podcasts. They cover the pandemic, Black Lives Matter and other current events. The Boss also reads names of people who have died from COVID-19 and what they enjoyed. Powerful stuff. In between he drops songs by Paul Robeson, Tupac Shakur, Woody Guthrie, etc. It’s worth a listen.
The houses and landmarks along Orange and Fern avenues fascinate. There’s a funky old two-story house on Orange reminiscent of “Animal House.” There’s another home, bathed in red and cream, that’s a 1904 Victorian cottage. I buy avocados from the owner.
Along the way there’s the ancient Olive Avenue Market which needs no introduction. And the McKinley School with the sign saying, “We Miss You Bears.” The first half of the trek is capped by the magnificent Morey Mansion (see photo at bottom).
Returning from Terracina, there’s a house on Laurel that has a water fountain. Thoughtful. Over on Fern is a small orange grove. There, fruit magically leaps right into my hands. Amazing!
The visuals stun all along Fern — a huge Victorian “cottage” at Beverly Ranch that looks more like a mansion; dozens of ancient homes adorned with American flags or congrats for the graduates; and grander, two-story palaces with views of the mountains.
The walking, the caffeine, and the music – it transports me to an alternate universe. Cares melt away. Problems vanish. I recommend it.
Main Street Dog 