Eric Walker

  • One Sign, One Run, and a Rabbit Hole

    The other day while out on a run on a route I have done many times before I made a small detour to go up next to the recreated Train Depot in Eden Prairie. It is supposed to have the look and feel of the original one that has been gone for years. As I was passing through the area a sign caught my eye. I have seen it before but this time I decided to snap a picture of it to look at more closely later in the day (pretty sure I have taken this same picture before).

    A historical information board showing a black and white map of the Eden Prairie Station on the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railroad from 1917. Above the map is a sepia-toned image of a steam locomotive pulling a train through a landscape. Text on the board explains the location and route of the

    Once I was home and looking at the map on the sign more carefully I noticed something interesting near the area marked Island Lake. It showed an abandoned line that had been rerouted. That sparked my curiosity because I know that area well and have had some questions about trails around there. However, what was more interesting is that the line that still exists in Eden Prairie today was missing from the map. I understand that the purpose of the map was not to show every train line but instead to highlight the depot and the old train line that no longer exists, which is the one I had just been running on.

    Over the past couple of days that small discovery has sent me digging into old plot maps, articles, and photos. It reminded me of other things I have come across before in Eden Prairie but never looked into far enough to make sense of. I now have a pile of notes and references with no real purpose except to satisfy my curiosity. Every time I think I have found an answer it seems to only lead to more questions or another string to pull on.

    So this is my warning, so you know what you might be getting into I will probably post some of these random historic facts here, if only as a way to keep my own record of them.

    That is all for now but there may be more to come if I can find some kind of ending to the thread I started pulling on…

    Finally, to not let this post linger too long, here is a little about the Eden Prairie Train Depot itself. The placard in the photo above tells most of the story, and there is more detail at the Eden Prairie Historical Society or local news. The only embarrassing thing I found in all of this is actually right there on another sign I had taken a picture of before. The original Eden Prairie Depot was not located where the recreation sits today but just to the right of the photo below and not to the left where the replica now stands.

    Interpretive sign titled “The Eden Prairie Depot” with historical information, images, and a map, located in a grassy area with a gravel path leading through trees in the background.

    View of the current recreation of the Eden Prairie Train Depot, sitting south of the original location. The replica water tank is in the background.

    A rustic train depot labeled “Eden Prairie” with a wooden water tower in the background. The building has a wooden exterior with large windows, and a pathway leads up to it. Surrounding the area are grassy fields and a clear blue sky.

  • Wasn’t sure what to expect with the loose route I put together but it turned out to be a good run thanks to a map and running friend that knew better than I. The quick elevation gain in the first half mile was a shock to the system but then all was well and we went longer than planned.

    A scenic view of a cityscape under a clear blue sky with a few fluffy clouds. The foreground is filled with lush green trees and vegetation, while the background features various buildings and structures spread across the horizon. We started at the bottom and went straight up a ski jump hill to this overlook.

    Sunset over a serene lake with silhouetted trees and a group of ducks swimming, reflecting the warm, fading light on the water. The last mile circled this lake at sunset looking back to our first .3 miles where we were under the ski jump in the back ground.

  • Felt really good on this run today after a slow start trying to get through this muddy trail that didn’t seem to end. I also hit up another section of this trail and went off the trail to do a little searching for things.

    A lush, green forest scene with a narrow muddy path winding through dense vegetation and tall trees, under a clear blue sky.

  • Decided to get this run in very early today. It was actually 50°F this morning which to some might seem cold but it was great and glad to extend it as I had some time and wanted to get a longer run in.

    Sun setting over a lush green landscape with various plants and wildflowers in the foreground, casting a warm glow and long shadows across the scene.

  • This was kind of a last min decision to go on a run today as the plan was tomorrow. However, plans changed and so did the route. It came together in my mind as I needed to capture so other pictures missed last week. I still would have love a picture on the top of the ridge catching that sunset.

    If anyone knows anyone who live on the West side of Ridge Road I just want to walk to the back cliff and look over the edge at sunset… once 😍

    A serene lakeside scene with a well-manicured grassy lawn in the foreground. In the distance, a dock with flags stands at the water’s edge, surrounded by calm waters and bordered by lush green trees. Fluffy clouds are scattered across the blue sky. New little road that gave me a good look at Christmas lake and I didn’t trespass.

    A multi-lane road runs through the foreground, bordered by a grassy area. Beyond the road, a lush, green landscape features dense trees under a clear blue sky with a few clouds. Looking over Highway 7 back to where I found myself a week ago.

    A narrow path flanked by tall grass and foliage under a clear sky at dusk. A utility pole and a speed limit sign are visible in the background. Maybe a sidewalk but I guess better than running on Highway 7.

  • Decided to get this run after dinner and try to catch a sunset as well as hoping it would be cooler out. I think 1/3 went well for me as the sunset was nice, was still warm and waiting till after dinner didn’t sit well. Oh well, I do like the view so I will just remember that.

    A wooden path cuts through tall grass under a expansive, cloud-streaked sky, with the sun setting behind distant trees.

  • Not going to lie… This run felt stifling as the DewMe.app says. I had a plan I stuck with it but honestly consider bailing more than one time.

    A lush green landscape featuring dense foliage and tall trees under a bright blue sky. Sunlight filters through the branches, casting dappled shadows on the ground.

  • The plan was to do this earlier in the morning but needed to help get a kid moving to work. However, might have been for the best as I maybe avoided more of the rain but I still did get rained on during this run.

    A narrow, paved path winds through a lush, green forest with dense foliage and tall trees arching overhead. The greenery is vibrant, and the scene is serene and inviting.

  • Decided to get out of the house this morning for short run while waiting for the oldest to wake up so we can figure the day out.

    Lush green landscape with various trees and dense foliage under an overcast sky, creating a serene and natural scene.

  • ⛈️ I guess I am glad that I went for a long run yesterday with the major storms this morning. Not to mention the loss of power which makes for a fun morning so far. Dogs seem a little scared by all this so I will just be here on the couch if anyone needs me.

  • Even with the rain last night today’s long run was a humid one but it didn’t stop me and I just kept pushing along. I did a route I have mostly done in the past and this time I ran across a historical marker that honestly I am not sure who will ever find it unless you knew it was there.

    A serene lake at sunset with sunlight reflecting on the water. The surface is dotted with lily pads, and trees line the shore. A small pier with a flag is visible in the background.

    A large tree trunk dominates the left foreground with textured bark, while lush green foliage frames a serene view of a distant lake and treeline under a clear blue sky.

  • Was able to squeeze this run in and added an extra bit as I had the time and was feeling good. Glad to get out as the weather wasn’t too bad and you could smell the rain in the air.

    A wooden boardwalk surrounded by lush green vegetation stretches into the distance under a clear blue sky.

  • I might not have drank enough water before setting out on this mid day run today. When I got home I was not feeling tiptop for sure. Granted after cooling down I felt better but maybe I shouldn’t have gone out when I did or if anything as far. 🤷‍♂️

    A serene forest scene with dense green foliage surrounding a small waterway. A simple metal railing is positioned near the water’s edge, and sunlight filters through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground.

  • Felt good to get this longer run to start the week off in knowing mid week is going to be a challenge to find the time. Explored some new areas on this run and connected other places up.

    A narrow dirt path winding through a lush, green forest, with tall trees and dense undergrowth on either side. The canopy above filters light, creating a serene and secluded atmosphere.

  • Tatami is so fun and glad I stumbled upon it. I am more than happy to now pay the small price to unlock the game further. I actually didn’t even realize there was a buy up but glad to support the app as it is a great little game. Well done Kaylee!

    Minimalist illustration of a bunny face with geometric shapes on a black background, accompanied by the text “#200” at the top and “BUNNY” at the bottom.

  • Friend in town

    Had a busy but great weekend doing things I normally wouldn’t have done as one of our High School friends were in town. So the three of us made an adventure out of his short time here by doing the following:

    • Fri Night: St. Paul Saints game - They were playing the Iowa Cubs who won pretty easily. Was kind of hard to know who to cheer for as we are all Iowa kids.
    • Sat Lunch: Maynard’s - Sat outside by the Lake which was not to bad out.
    • Sat Dinner: Butcher & The Boar, Minneapolis - Such good food but I am still way to full from this.
    • Sat Night: Acme Comedy Club - We didn’t really know what to expect as we hadn’t heard of Jeff Dye before we purchased the tickets. Overall, he wasn’t too bad if anything some people in the crowd as we were at the late show might have had to much and shouldn’t have joined the fun.

    Three people smiling in a cozy venue with red curtains and rows of seating. Ceiling lights create a warm atmosphere.

  • After eating way too much food last night I really needed to get out for a run today to just move after not doing much yesterday as well. With the food, lack of good sleep last night, and heat today made this short run feel miserable.

    A lush, green forest with a narrow dirt path winding through dense vegetation and tall trees, leading towards a sunlit clearing.

  • Glad to have gotten this longer run in today and I was able to add a mile longer than last week which was good. However, by the time I got done I was drenched due to the humidity and heat. The only saving grace was that it was overcast and not full sun. 🥵

    A red wooden bridge spans a lush, green area filled with tall grass and dense trees under a cloudy sky.

  • Wanted to get a couple of miles in today and probably picked a real bad time as mid day it was warm out. 🥵

    A paved pathway curves through a lush, green forest. Tall trees cast shadows over the path, while the sky is clear and blue with fluffy clouds.

  • I was on the fence about doing this run in the morning vs holding off to do it later today. It wasn’t to bad out today and somehow there was a rainbow out this morning. Maybe good sign for the day? 🌈

    A curved road bordered by lush green trees under a blue sky with scattered clouds and a faint rainbow.

  • Great way to start off a new week is to get some miles in before really hitting work hard today. The weather was OK, but I could tell there is still smoke in the air and it was very humid. It did rain a little bit and I think that helped things but who knows it was still pretty humid out. A straight, narrow dirt path is surrounded by lush, green trees that form a canopy overhead, creating a serene, tunnel-like effect in a wooded area.|354x266

  • 🤯 I just realized that in the Obsidian note Properties section I can make links to other notes. I guess it makes sense I just didn’t realize I could do it till now. This will be very helpful as I sometimes wish I could easily link my blog posts files to other internal files in Obsidian.

  • 2025 Zone Championship Meet

    What a great first experience for our youngest at a Zone Championship where she was able to swim for Team Minnesota! I still can not believe that less than a year ago she was only dipping her toe into swimming and it was just a “fun” thing to do when she was not dancing.

    In the past year she went from being in bronze to a silver swim group (highest for her age) and during that same time didn’t have a time for state in the fall to not only qualifying the maximum number at state but then geting 4 zone times securing her a spot on Team Minnesota as well as putting her in the two fastest relays. I can’t express how proud I am for all she has worked on this year with determination and focus. Seeing her happy about her own success this year in swimming as well as making memories with friends from her team as well as other Minnesota swimmers was just great to see.

    Here are a couple of highlights from the Zone meet:

    • Her 100M free was her first race and she got 5th overall which earned her a medal
    • Was the 2nd leg of the 200 Freestyle extending the teams lead that ultimately allowed them to get 2nd overall
    • Helped anchor her 200 Meter Medley team (with the freestyle stroke) to give them a smashing first place victory
    • Got 6th in her individual 50 free which was really tight race because between 6th to 4th there was only a .02 second difference.

    A young swimmer stands smiling with numerous medals draped around her neck and a green ribbon for 13th place in her hand. She is in front of a background featuring logos of USA Swimming and the Rochester Swim Club. Gretchen with all of her hardware

    A young girl wearing a bright yellow t-shirt smiles while holding a medal in her mouth and showing a “number one” sign with her finger. She is adorned with multiple medals draped around her neck, standing in a busy indoor setting with people and Another pose with the hardware

    A group photo featuring five individuals smiling together outdoors. They display a sense of celebration, with one girl wearing multiple medals around her neck. The group includes three girls and two adults, with trees in the background. The whole family came to cheer her on during Day 1

    A young girl stands proudly in the center, wearing multiple medals around her neck, flanked by two adults who are smiling at the camera. The background features a blue tent, grass, and a few people sitting in chairs. Mom and Dad with the Swimmer

    Three young people pose together outdoors. Two girls are smiling, one wearing a medal and a backpack, and the other holding a water bottle. A boy in a black t-shirt stands in the middle with his arm around one girl. They are in a The siblings after race 1 with their sister

    Two young swimmers sit together at a poolside during a competition. One girl, wearing a swim cap and goggles, smiles brightly over her shoulder, while the other, wrapped in a light blue towel, grins at the camera. The background features a Hanging out with Friends was also a highlight of hers (even though it is a FoxJet friend)

  • Was able to get a longer run in this morning and in fact my son was going to join me for 3 of these miles but I got a text at 1 AM with him bailing. That is ok, I still kept with my own plan and the weather was not to bad out. Also, glad to hit double digits again.

    Tranquil lake with a hazy sky during sunrise, surrounded by dense trees. The water reflects the soft sunlight, and a few buoys are visible in the distance.

    A narrow dirt path winds through a lush, green forest, surrounded by tall trees and dense foliage. Sunlight filters through the leaves, creating dappled patterns on the ground.

  • Not sure if it was because of all the smoke in the air today or because it was a long day or maybe the last two days with longer runs. However, this run felt like more work than it should have for being short. I actually had thought of going a little longer but decided against it.

    A lush, green wetland landscape with dense grass and a small tree on the right. The sky is overcast, creating a hazy, serene atmosphere in the background. Yes that is smoke in the air, not fog… 😶‍🌫️

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