15 Mile Walk in Fort Worth

Two Sundays ago, before the Super Bowl, my best friend/roommate and I decided to walk fifteen miles around Fort Worth. We started at 12:30 in the afternoon and did not finish until a little after 5:00. What began as something casual quickly turned into an immersive way of seeing the city and noticing the nature that surrounds our campus. 

We covered TCU’s campus, the surrounding neighborhoods, much of University, and eventually connected to the Trinity River Trail. From there, we walked past Clearfork and Press Cafe, one of my favorite restaurants. After our fourth mile, and a cup of water from a restaurant we passed, I proposed that we put our phones away and walk quietly for a while. I wanted to see how Maddie's and my observations would differ. 


One of the first things Maddie noticed was how many people were out (though it was a really nice day). Families pushed strollers along the trail, and the runners and bikers passing us were never-ending. Even in the four neighborhoods we walked through, there was movement everywhere. My first observation was that the Trinity River's water level seemed extremely low. Large sections of the ground or bank were nearly exposed, and the current moved more slowly than I am used to seeing. I found myself wondering why the water was low — whether it was seasonal, or the result of a weather change, etc. I wish I had taken a photo, but I forgot to. I think the most surprising thing I noticed during this silent time of our walk was the sound. We were still on the Trinity, and in some areas, the birds were loud and constant. Their chirping was so consistent that it felt like we were somewhere far from traffic. Then we would take a few more steps, and the sound would shift instantly. We would again hear cars and people, instead of the birds. Noticing this sound shift made me aware of how layered urban spaces are. Nature and infrastructure surround one another, not really stopping for the other. 


After this week’s presentation on industrial tourism, I began thinking differently about that walk. We were moving intentionally through places that were designed for consumption. Every trail and path we walked on, as well as the E-bike stands, and restaraunts, and stores that we crossed, are placed there with a purpose. I started to imagine what these spaces might have looked like before they were all covered with concrete. Additionally, I realized I did not see many animals during this excursion, beyond dogs being walked by their owners. For a walk that long, not seeing anything besides a squirrel was noticeable - though I am not terribly surprised, given the area we are in.


Overall, this walk allowed me to enjoy the company of a friend while appreciating all we might notice while covering so many areas of town. I am looking forward to our first trip to the Nature Center, because I think that while I am developing more attention to my surroundings right now, I will be able to notice more when we are there.


                                            



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