From home in Southwest Roanoke to the Roanoke City Market area and back. About 6 miles.
On the morning after Roanoke’s record-breaking 17.8-inch snowfall, we set out on a trek that involved no driving to get to the walk; just out the door and onto the snowy streets of Roanoke. And though we both started out taking steps into the deep snow, we soon found ourselves walking along the relatively deserted roadbeds, some of which had been plowed. While this took away some of the purity of a snow walk, it did allow us to be able to look up at things like snow-laden trees and structures instead of at each footfall. Or foot bury, as even with tall boots on, we’d have had snow-laden socks before long.
Among the most scenic spots was the war memorial in front of the old post office building near city hall, where the monument and building were complemented by wreaths, flags and snow.
There was some hope, as we set out, that there might be a little Christmas shopping tossed into this hike, but to the dismay of The Day Hiker and the delight of her ever-trailing companion, everything downtown was closed up, with a few rare exceptions. One of which was Meze Restaurant, an off-shoot of the highly successful The Isaacs, in the neighborhood we had walked from. As we enjoyed a good lunch, an increasing number of people walked by, some of whom came into the restaurant.
The walk back home was equally snow-filled, with a few more people out walking, people sledding on the hillsides and a few more cars on the roads.
December 19, 2009
