I own a car (don’t tell anyone). I live a very car-free life and promote a car-free existence to the point that my children at the age of two were calling people bad names if they blocked pedestrian crossings or almost ran us over while strolling to preschool. They complain that the car smells like our dog's vomit, because he too prefers the mode of feet to get around. But we love nature. We love escaping the city that we always cherish returning to in the end. Our—as in my—mind was set that we had to have a car sitting in our garage for such purposes. One time we left the house, bundled and ready for a snowy hike. It took a half hour just to make sure everyone found their hat and gloves. Then off we went to the garage to begin the strapping of car seats and whining about tightness, only to find that our tire had a large bulge which indicated it was about to blow. Frankly so was I. We went back inside in a cascade of tears and disappointment. Or, on other occasions when snacks have run out, we have, like author Lindsay Welbers, basked in the quiet and beauty of an excursion only to get stuck in traffic and have it all forgotten, ruined, promising ourselves it just isn’t worth it.
There is a better way. And thanks to Welbers’ intricately well-thought-out book about different nature getaways—all accessible without a car—the better way is now mapped out and planned for you. Literally. In the second edition of Chicago Transit Hikes: A Guide to Getting Out in Nature without a Car (University of Illinois Press) there are maps, rail lines to take, stations, information on how far to walk, how long the hike is, how big the park is, how difficult the hike, what it’s best for, if it's dog friendly, and more. Any question you might have is answered by this book about trails within Chicago, Milwaukee, Indiana and beyond. From the Dunes, to Songbird Slough, to Thatcher Woods, the options are abundant and organized by rail line. Welbers’ book is not just for the outdoor savvy and those already familiar with train travel. It's for walkers and hikers longing to do things differently, allowing for the space and time to be between the trees and last past the trail.
If you're a railway newbie, Welbers’ lets you know what to bring to make the excursion comfortable and carefree. Don't panic! The guide informs you about the stops, how they're announced, how to get a ticket, bathroom locations, what track to use and how to board. It's all explained in great detail, helping alleviate the stress of travel. From the train to the trail, etiquette and socially responsible behavior are emphasized to make sure you and everyone on the trail have a great time. Trail rules and helpful insights about bugs, wildlife, and the best sites—are all available.
Welbers’ book is inspiring—whether you make it a lifestyle choice to get out and hike more, or simply want to do things a little differently here and there. It’s a powerful shift in one's mindset. There is a freedom to getting out of the car and letting someone else be in charge of safely getting you there. It allows you to let go and enjoy what's right there, a simple card game shared with friends or family, the ability to close your eyes amidst the exhaustion of a great day, and more. Turning off the ignition turns on something even more liberating than being behind a wheel.
Chicago Transit Hikes: A Guide to Getting Out in Nature without a Car is available wherever you buy books. For more information, visit www.press.uillinois.edu.
