It was one of those things I said I would never do.
I’ve enjoyed walking since I was a child in York City. Back then, walking was the main mode of transportation. As I got older, I continued to walk. I think it is good for the body and clears the brain. On warmer days, I continue to walk multiple laps around the one and one-quarter mile perimeter of the Springettsbury Township Park.
The recent wet and cold weather has forced me indoors — literally. So I’ve been doing early morning laps through the halls of the Galleria Mall. Who knew there were so many people — of all ages and levels of mobility — walking the mall.
I have come to enjoy the solitude of the nearly empty mall. Passing by the store windows helps break the monotony of the walk. In fact, in my mind, I have named the various mall halls: Boscov’s Avenue, Penney’s Parkway, Bon-Ton Boulevard, and Sears Street.
I enjoy seeing the various stores and food court come to life before the shops open and the customers descend on the mall. McDonald’s even opens a bit earlier than the rest of the food court to offer breakfast to the mall walkers. I’m also impressed by the early arrival of the Sbarro’s pizza and Auntie Anne’s pretzel folks to get a head start on the day. As the hour or so goes on, it is sort of like watching a slumbering giant yawn, stretch, and then become fully awake.
I’ve found myself where I never thought I would, but I’m enjoying the indoor journey.
York Sunday News columnist Gordon Freireich has been observing, commenting and remem- bering York for 30 years. “York at Heart’’ continues those observations on life and family in York – then and now.
Be careful with walking on those hard floors over long periods of time–they can do damage to your feet and cause painful ailments like plantar faciitis.