Hot Walk

Walking around in the hot hot heat is an amazing thing to do as long as that’s what you planned for. When you’re dressed appropriately, sufficiently hydrated, and bathed in sunscreen, then a long walk in the searing heat can be a cathartic activity. This also stands to reason, then, that when you’re not intending to walk far in the summer heat and you find yourself doing it anyway then it can be a far from pleasant experience.

I know what I need for a good time now. Only one layer of t-shirt. Sunglasses depending on the time of day. Knowing I will be walking into the sun makes it easier to carry the burden of sunglasses when I would usually try to be more minimal. Head gear also depends on the situation. Usually it’s nothing. My West Coast Constitution has me able to wander for an hour without feeling afflicted by the sun. If it’s going to be a proper hike then a baseball hat may be employed. If we’re making plans to spend all day out in the fields then I would pick a sombrero for sure.

Headphones, always. The big over ear versions sound the best. Earbuds will absolutely do in a pinch and when traveling light is of the essence. Music accompanies all walks. I know the sounds of nature and of life passing all of us by are sweet but I’ve always personally preferred whatever the latest released on FXHE records is. Or something that reminds me of another time. Music’s great ability to transport us is one of the reasons I love it so.

Gear ready. Walk on. Technique still applies. Sometimes the other side of the road is where the shade is cast. I will gladly cross and walk over there. There may be a long traffic light to wait for. When there is no shade close by I’ve learned to use the thin strip of cover cast but the traffic light pole itself. It’s not much, but it matters a lot when circumstances are such as they are.

Some of my favorite walks ever were in the summertime when work let us out early on a Friday and I took this opportunity to go to North Hollywood Pool as it opened. For a public pool it keeps very strange hours. It opened at 1pm on Fridays and this was perfect for me. It’s a 10 minute walk. I would very purposely forego some of the comforts listed above and make sure I sweat it out while making my way. I wanted to arrive hot. Pay the entry fee. Peel my shirt off in the outdoor changing area. Hot concrete already searing my bare feet at 1.05pm. Pool all to myself. And the lifeguards. But I would not trouble them today. I plunged in at the deep end and went about my laps. Every time I stopped and my head emerged above the water I would feel the slight sear of the sun on the crown of my head and feel happy to be living in this warm and most excellent of places.