Welcome to Walkings by Andre Barrett. As you read, you will be taken along many of the walks I have taken in the past two months. Walking is something that I do every day without even thinking about it, and sometimes I take it for granted. When people think of walking, the first thing that comes to mind might be a workout or going on a long walk outside, but walking is everywhere in our lives. I use walking as a way to transition between parts of my life around my house or elsewhere in the world. In my writing, I shared my walking adventures that range from just casual outdoor walks to using walking as a means to arrive at my location, whether it is a sporting event or my car. Before the project, I was never actively engaged in many of these types of walks and was definitely not as attentive to details. Sure, I would notice things here and there, but only if those objects were loud and expressive in either color, shape, or placement. Through these walks, I began to understand how movement shaped and impacted the way I looked at certain experiences. Walking connected my routines, travels, chores, and sense of place. My walks took place in a variety of places, from Blacksburg mornings, soccer trips, hikes, and big cities. The walks revealed something different about each location, and as I paid more attention to detail, I began to notice just how much I had been missing. This project allowed me to use walking as a way to observe and appreciate moments I would otherwise do without thinking twice. I invite you to take these walks with me and see how ordinary walks can become unforgettable memories.
A for A chilly morning
Prompt 2.03 Overhead Time of Day; Photograph & Text, Oct. 10
Figure 01. “Sunrise”. The sun is rising beyond the trees as I get an early start to my morning. (Original Photograph, Andre Barrett)
A chilly morning in Blacksburg. Waking up at 7 a.m. and walking out to my balcony and feeling the brisk forty-degree weather in the mountains of Blacksburg, Virginia. I am wearing my sweatpants and hoodie as I start my morning walk out of my neighborhood. The sun is still rising, and the neighborhood is quiet. Was it not warm just a week ago? I continue my walk with one hand in my pocket and the other holding my Yeti full of warm tea. It’s a great morning in Blacksburg. (90)
B is for Bald Knob
2.35 Go for a hike; Video & Text; Nov. 8
Figure 02. “Drone Strike”. As I set my drone into the sky to take my video, my friend there was a drone strike. (Original Video, Andre Barrett)
Bald Knob. It had been a long time coming, but we finally agreed on a time and place to go on a hike as a group. We embarked on our thirty-minute journey to our destination, only to find out our group would get even bigger as we caught up to some teammates on the highway. My GPS said we had arrived at our destination, but none of us knew where to go until we asked for some guidance and embarked on our hike as a group. As a group, we had only done cascades, so this hike was definitely more than we were expecting in terms of elevation, and our calves felt that. Halfway up, we separated from the trail and decided to do some rock climbing to continue our way to the top. We made it to the top of the hike and were rewarded with a wonderful sunset in Southwest Virginia. We collectively sat near the edge for some time and appreciated Mother Nature before we took some pictures and made our way down. We all had fun. (180)
C is for Cascade Trail
2.35 Go for a hike; Picture & Text; Sep. 1
Figure 03. “Waterfall”. The rewarding view at the end of the trail. (Original Photo, Andre Barrett)
Cascade Trail, a four-mile loop with a breathtaking view at the end, is worth every minute of my time on a Monday morning. A relaxing hike with friends, listening to the sounds of birds and water going downstream, but also sharing good conversations with friends and creating memories. As we took the longer route, we encountered many elevation changes and naturally made paths. Eventually, we arrived at the waterfall and were surprised by the cold water. We took a dip in the water, then headed back on the opposite trail. (90)
D is for Downtime
3.01 Reflective preparatory writing; Video & Text; Oct. 19
Figure 04. “Impromptu Walk”. I took a break from work and decided to get some fresh air (Original Video, Andre Barrett)
Downtime on a soccer trip is guaranteed just like life, death, and taxes. Just today alone we have had about 6 hours of free time and I have used it to nap, write this, and go on a walk. Today’s walk was impromptu and an excuse to take a break from school work as you can probably assume from me wearing sandals. We are staying in Cary, North carolina and there is not much within walking distance, but the walk was much needed to relax my mind from school work. (90)
E is for Everyday
2.23 Shortest Walk; Video & Text; Nov. 7
Figure 05. “Everyday Routine”. I always walk up and down these steps everytime I leave my house. (Original Video, Andre Barrett)
Everyday I commute somewhere. I go to school. I go to soccer. I go eat. Everyday I leave my apartment. I have a routine. First my room door. Open the front door. I walk down steps. Turn the corner. Head toward my car. Finally, I get in. I do this everyday. I do it reversed. Everyday I get home. I park my car. I get out. Lock the car. Go up the steps. Walk in my house. The front door. It opens and closes. This happens everyday. More than once. (90)
F is for Friday Night
2.17 Desire Paths; Photo & Text; Andre Barrett; Oct. 10
Figure 06. “The Path Most Followed”. Many people typically walk up and down Main Street to get to the bars Downtown. (Original Photo, Andre Barrett)
Friday nights in Blacksburg, classes are out for the weekend and I’m walking to downtown from the edge. It’s starting to get cooler, people are still outside, there are cars with headlights on, and I am making my way downtown. My friends and I are walking together on Main Street past El Rodeo and Taco Bell. We keep walking down Main Street toward our go to spot, 504 Arcade. My roommates and I love going there just to play games. The memories and friendships made there will last a lifetime. (90)
G is for Golf
2.18 A Wish for Something to be Different; Photo & Text, Andre Barrett, Nov. 27
Figure 07. “Grass is Greener” Grass is always thought to be green, that is until it gets cold. (Original Photo, Andre Barrett)
Golf at East Potomac Golf Links on Thanksgiving morning. The grass was brown, it was cold, and worst of all, there were high winds. You might be thinking that these are not ideal golf conditions, and while you’re right, we just went out there to spend some quality time. I wish we could’ve changed the conditions. Because of the cold and the season, the grass was no longer green, and a majority of the tee boxes were closed for repair, and the course was covered in leaves. There were so many leaves that I even lost a couple of balls on the course, and not because they were bad shots. I had an alright round with my father, also considering that I was not using my own clubs because I left them here at school. I understand that the temperature and winds are uncontrollable factors, but that just means that I need to take advantage of better weather days as we are heading into December and the colder months ahead of us. I cannot wait to golf in better conditions. (180)
H is for Hokies football parking
2.14 Signage, Photo & Text, Andre Barrett, Oct. 30
Figure 08. “No Parking”. These signs are seen all over campus for home football games. (Original Photo, Andre Barrett)
Hokies football has a home game this weekend, and parking services have put up no-parking signs all over campus. Chances are, you have seen these before and have been impacted by them just like me. It so happens that the Hokies men’s soccer team has an away game on Friday, and we do not get back until 4 pm on Saturday. Naturally, to avoid being towed, we have been directed to park in Duck Pond to allow paying supporters to tailgate in the McComas parking lot. The problem is not the parking itself but the proximity of the parking lot to the main campus. After finding a spot, I had to walk back to the merryman facilities, which required a steep uphill walk on Duck Pond Drive, then a pretty level walk on Washington St. The walk was very stressful for me because I was rushing to get back to the facility so that the bus would not leave. I was on the path along Duck Pond Drive, speedwalking, then crossed the street to the sidewalk and kept going. It’s not too cold outside, but like any day in Blacksburg, the wind is really kicking in, and I am only wearing a long-sleeve shirt in an environment where a jacket would be appropriate. I eventually make my way past Stinger Hall, Life Sciences, and the university greenhouse. Leaves are orange and blowing in the wind as I cross the street at the roundabout and cut through the parking lot. I arrive at the bus loop with 5 minutes to spare before its departure time of 2:30 in the afternoon. (270)
I is for Indoor Walk
2.12 Indoor Walk; Photo & Text; Andre Barrett, Nov 24
Figure 09. “What goes Un-noticed”. I walk past this corner multiple times per day at work and rarely notice it. (Original Photo, Andre Barrett)
Indoor walk that is ordinary, for me, that is the walk from my desk to the break room at the office. Over break, when I visited the office, I made the common walk of about 50 steps and paused for a second. I thought to myself, “Has anyone ever used this space?” and “How long has that been there?” The space seems more decorative than functional seen as there are other seating arrangements closer to the kitchen. I decided to sit and relax before I got up to go home. (90)
J is for Junk
2.23 The Things You Carry; Photo & Text; Andre Barrett; Nov. 1
Figure 10. “My Everyday Carry”. These are the items that are always in backpack. (Original Photo, Andre Barrett)
Junk to some, essentials to me, and many other students around the world. My essentials ranked by importance are my MacBook, AirPods, Charger, pens, water bottle, and keys. These are things that are always in my backpack, whether I am traveling or just going to class. My computer allows me to do so much from work to entertainment, and my headphones allow me to listen while my charger keeps all the devices powered. There might be more in the bag, but there will never be less than what is photographed. (90)
L is for Lost
2.34 Directions for a First-year Student; Photo & Text; Andre Barrett; Nov 1
Figure 11. “Drillfield”. A photo that helps the reader visualize what theyre looking for as I refer to it in my writing. (Original Photo, Andre Barrett)
Dear future Hokie, Lost is probably what many first-year students like yourself might be, or how you might feel right now as you just got to campus. This is a big campus with lots to offer, but my most important advice to offer in terms of guidance is to always know where the drillfield is. Treat it like the North Star and your wayfinding will be simpler. The drillfield is currently the center of campus and divides the dorms from the academic buildings. If you’re trying to go somewhere, think about what the use of the building is, and you’ll know which direction to go in. I will give you a heads up that there are a couple of academic buildings along the drillfiield on the resident side. I recommend that you also take advantage of the drillfield to do activities with your friends, such as throwing a ball or being outside together on the grass on a nice sunny day in Blacksburg. The drillfield is also a great way to meet new people and create everlasting memories with friends. (180)
M is for M Street NW
3.01 Reflective Prepatory Writing; Photo & Text; Andre Barrett; Nov. 23
Figure 12. “Calm Before the Storm”. A photo that shares the calmness before a busy monday morning. (Original Photo, Andre Barrett)
M Street Northwest, Georgetown, is famous for all of its stores and the luxurious shopping. Busy during the day and even at night, but this time I came on Sunday night. The calm before the storm of traffic, rush hour, and chaos of Monday morning. I haven’t taken a nighttime walk here in a long time, but it was refreshing and something I did not know I needed again. My friends and I had just finished watching a soccer game at Georgetown University, and I was walking down M Street to meet up with another friend to grab a bite to eat. In my time alone walking to the meet-up up I felt a calming sensation. I got to walk at my own pace, with no one near me in either direction. Just walking, admiring the sights around me. I have always enjoyed being in D.C and felt that every part of the city is nice for its own reason, whether it’s culture or architecture. Being back in Georgetown allowed me to appreciate how wonderful this place truly is. (180)
N is for New York City
3.27 Epic Walk Story; Photo & Text; Andre Barrett; Nov. 24
Figure 13. “Times Square”. A photo that shares a view of our journey. (Original Photo, Andre Barrett)
New York City over Thanksgiving break. This time I made the trip with some friends to do some sightseeing. Two of my teammates from Portugal wanted to see what the hype was about, so we took a day trip to the city. We walked throughout the city and used their public transportation. They wanted to try all that New York had to offer, from the food to the elegant tourism. Chilly temperatures, lots of people, and a busy city, I had a great time visiting the city that never sleeps. (90)
S is for Sometimes
2.11 Huckleberry Trail; Drawing & Text; Andre Barrett; Oct. 9
Figure 14. “Huck Trail” A photo that tries to show the view from the top of the Huck trail (Original Photo, Andre Barrett)
Sometimes I find myself with lots of free time and nothing else to do but go for a walk outside, because why not? One of my go-to routes in Blacksburg is the Huckleberry Trail. My favorite part of this trail is the view from the top overlooking the athletic complexes on campus. This trail, for the most part, is quiet on an early morning or late evening. Even when the sun is out, the trees provide some nice shade. There are some hills, but nothing too steep, especially when walking. The trail is paved with smooth concrete and wide enough for two-way traffic. At the top, there is also a water cooler and a bench for people who need a break or those who just want to soak in the view from above. I can say that I have only discovered part of the trail: from the start near the library to the top near the airport. I have not had the opportunity to continue on and explore more, but I hope to continue my journey in the near future. (180)
U is for UNC
2.08 Sporting Event; Video & Text; Andre Barrett; Oct. 19
Figure 15. “Dorrance Field”. Taking in the sights and environment of the soccer stadium. (Original Video, Andre Barrett)
University of North Carolina, otherwise known as UNC, is a school in the Atlantic Coast Conference, and this season our soccer team was matched up against theirs. This was a beautiful complex that was worth the long walk from the bus to the field and locker room. Similar to Virginia Tech, UNC has its own building style, which is very old-fashioned brick, which complements the university very nicely. The field, stands, and environment were all great, and it was a truly shame we could not come home with a win. (90)
V is for Vroom
3.09 Sound Archive; Audio & Text; Andre Barrett; Oct 31
Figure 16. “Vroom” An audio recording of the noises I capture on my walk.
Vroom, all I heard as I walked on the sidewalk. I’m in Greenville, South Carolina on Halloweekend. Yet another soccer trip as we prepare to face Clemson away. Our hotel is about a forty minute drive from Clemson’s field, and I have never been to Greenville, so I decided to start exploring on foot, the only available option. So naturally I leave the hotel and make a right just following the flow of traffic. The first building I locate is a local dealership, and then it hits me, I kept hearing the sound vroom. These sounds were not coming from under the hood of the car of the exhaust, rather they were coming from the wind as they were passing by me, one car after another. Immediately, I knew this was different from some of my other walks where I felt more connected with nature. This view just consisted of concrete and cars, the complete opposite of the Huckleberry Trail back at Virginia Tech. The walk did not last long as there was not much to explore in the area. (180)
W is for Washington Capitals
2.08 Sporting Event; Video & Text; Andre Barrett; Nov. 26
Figure 17 “Capital One Arena”. Taking in the sights and sounds of intermission at the game.
Washington Capitals, one of my favorite teams to watch in person. Caps fans pack the arena and bring the energy. I particularly enjoy events at Capital One Arena because of its accessibility via the Metro. My family and I got off the train and made our way into the arena, and were welcomed with a smell of concession food, particularly popcorn. We kept walking through a packed concourse and made our way to our seats in section 119. These are seats that my dad gets through his job, and we get the opportunity to go to some games throughout the season. This game was particularly great because it was high scoring for both teams and ended with a victory for the Capitals. Apart from the game itself, it was also a great experience because it was spent with family, and we got to see a pre-game ceremony for Alex Ovechkin’s 900 goals. He stayed hot after the ceremony and scored a goal in the second period, and the place erupted. Safe to say, we all had a great Thanksgiving Eve. (180)