HUMBOLDT PARK

Humboldt Park, the community and the actual park are located on the west side of Chicago. It is in a part of the city that many 'northsiders' never see due to its 'inaccessibility' and/or the fear that it might be dangerous. 

Humboldt Park Field House and Refectory, 2014

I am fairly certain that I would not make a habit of visiting this location after dark. A lone guy trekking along with a backpack garners unusual stares in some neighborhoods. I have only once in all my urban treks felt uneasy, and that was much closer to home in broad daylight in front of a low income housing project. At that time, not a single person said anything to me to make me feel unsafe, but there is something discomfiting about walking past a block with scores of people just hanging around, apparently not doing too much of anything. And recently in America, thanks to our President, race relations are not exactly at a zenith.

Apparently Humboldt Park has been a place for Chicagoans to kick back for quite some time.

1883 Lithograph by Louis Glaser (1881-1915),  german printer

Humboldt Park was nothing like that. The park itself was large and reminded me of Central Park in New York. The park is home to a lagoon where fishing is allowed and encouraged, although I have no idea what fish are being hooked. I saw a lone woman with an entire section of the park to herself doing some new age exercise - yoga? pilates? Honestly, I have no idea. My hike yesterday, took me to Humboldt Park, and from there I continued my urban hike to visit to Garfield Observatory, then I turned east back to the city and passed the United Center which is currently adding a completely new wing to the building. I had wanted to see the famous Michael Jordan statue but that will be out of public view for a few months more as the construction project continues. During my hike I passed Roberto Clemente High School. I stared at this wall mural for a few moments trying to figure out why the artist has written the word 'hate' on Roberto's jersey.  Finally, I figured out that I was seeing the artists rendition of part of the name of the team that Roberto played for, The Pirates.

I had to stare at this wall mural for a few moments trying to determine why the word 'Hate" was on Roberto Clemente's jersey. I finally figured out that it was not 'Hate" but a part of his jersey, "PIRATES."  (Yes, that did make much more sense!) The artist depicted on part of Clemente's jersey, as the complete name of the team was obscured by a tiled rendition of a jacket.

I have lived in Chicago for 23 years, yesterday was the first time that I ever saw Humboldt Park from within the park.

* * * * * * * * * *

Isn't this supposed to be election season? Perhaps you have heard, the United States is about to select its next President in less than 50 days. When one walks 17 miles through a city, one might expect to see some yard signs, or signs in windows professing support for one candidate or another. The thing is, since both candidates are mostly distrusted by their own supporters, it appears that not too many people are willing to publicly announce their support to the world.  I have no doubt that the upcoming debate on Monday will be watched by many millions of voters. It is not a lack of interest that prevents people for publicly endorsing their guy (or gal). I did pass a bar which is looking to cash in on the Monday debate in much the same way that bars like to cash in on popular football games.

Other than this sign promoting the upcoming nationally televised debate, I did not notice one single solitary sign on anyone's lawn, window or doorway endorsing either candidate for President. I did see one "Hillary" sign, but it appeared to support her for a different job aside from the Presidency.

Hillary for Prison 2016

The private house that posted this sign on the west side of Chicago was protected by a iron fence.  That was probably a good idea. Chicago is a city in a state that has voted Democratic for the Presidency every time in recent years. This sign would probably not be too popular with most of the nearby neighbors.  Me? I concur completely the sentiments of this placard.

The first urban hike of my day was ended once I had logged 17 miles. Late in the evening, I met my family at a supermarket for which I had to walk an additional 3 miles.

Your Food Diary For:

Friday, September 23, 2016

BREAKFAST	Calories kcal	Carbs g	Fat g	Protein g	Sodium mg	Sugar g
Generic - Banana	110	30	0	1	0	19
Fruit - Honeycrisp Apple	80	22	0	0	0	17
YOGURT ALMONDS	300	30	19	5	27	26
	490	82	19	6	27	62
L U N C H
Trader Joes - Multigrain O's	440	96	4	8	540	24
	440	96	4	8	540	24
D I N N E R
Generic - Battered and Fried Codfish	300	22	16	19	0	0
Chef Salad	600	18	44	34	1,275	9
	900	40	60	53	1,275	9
S N A C K S
Dark Chocolate Chips	300	34	21	0	0	26
	300	34	21	0	0	26
Totals	2,130	252	104	67	1,842	121
Your Daily Goal	5,565	695	185	279	2,300	208
Remaining	3,435	443	81	212	458	87
	Calories kcal	Carbs g	Fat g	Protein g	Sodium mg	Sugar g
	*You've earned 3,635 extra calories from exercise today

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       Your Exercise Diary for:

Friday, September 23, 2016

Cardiovascular	Minutes	Calories Burned
17 MILE URBAN HIKE	232	3,205
3 MILE URBAN HIKE	39	603
Add Exercise Quick Tools
Daily Total / Goal	271 / 30	3,808 / 590
Weekly Total / Goal	859 / 210	13,007 / 4,130

SATURDAY - TIME TO WEIGH MYSELF
I am fairly certain my results would have been much improved if I could remember to eat less.
Nevertheless, my weight this morning was 219.9 lbs.
I guess, I will simply choose to be happy that I have remained under 220.0 lbs.
Still down 89 pounds from where I started nearly two years ago.