January 18, 2023

When Alan Colville goes for his walk on Wednesday morning, between 15 and 30 seniors go with him   Rain or shine, they’ve been covering about two miles in local gardens or in the nearby foothills every Wednesday for the past 6 years. That adds up to about 300 walks, minus the time out for Covid closures.

 The 91 year old retired geology professor is the leader of the Pasadena Senior Center’s Scenic Walking group.   He had been taking his students on field trips throughout his career. Then he realized he could invite seniors to go with him on similar short  trips to local walking trails.  When he proposed the idea for a senior walking group to the Center, staff set up an organizational meeting, expecting about 10 participants.   Instead 30 people showed up, and the Scenic Walks group took off. “Now we’re averaging 25 or 30 people per walk,” Colville explains, “We had 40 at Descanso (Gardens) the other day, and when it rained we had 15 who walked in the rain.” 

Most  people start with the group for what they  know is much needed exercise.  “I had been a hiker, but I didn’t want to go hiking by myself anymore,” Jan Sutherland explains. “ this motivates me to get out and walk.”   Every week the walks cover about two miles of not too challenging terrain at Descanso Gardens, the Arboretum, in the foothills, and at local parks.  Long time walker Judy Jenkins says, ”It’s not difficult. If someone finds it challenging there’s always someone to help them out.”

The Scenic Walks group helps seniors get out in nature in different locations. Colville  says studies show your brain actually gets better from walking outside.  The walkers appreciate the natural beauty on the different trails. Long time walker Esperanza finds, “As the seasons change, the venues themselves take on a whole different timber, the plants change, the colors change, the sunlight is different.  It’s nice.”

 It doesn’t take long for people to discover there’s a lot more to the group than walking. “I love the camaraderie, meeting new people, talking, laughing together, being in nature,“ long time walker Gretchen Anderson sums up what brings people back every Wednesday.      Joan Gomez appreciates the fun, interesting people in the group. “Everybody talks about their current interests, whether its books, travel, or different things, I just met some really nice people.”

All it takes to join the Scenic Walks group is to get on Colville’s email list through the Pasadena Senior Center.  He sends a weekly email to the list, specifying the location for that week’s walk, and coming walks.  They always start at 9 a.m.    You can miss the walks for a couple of weeks, or a couple of months, and when you show up again, you’re part of the group.

The Scenic Walks group started in January, 6 years ago. If you have an interest you’re ready to explore in the upcoming new year, check out the Pasadena Senior Center to take the first step in your adventure.