The Billiken's Bluff

On a business trip in Michigan.

I arrived in a non-descript economically-depressed mall at 8:00am, two hours before the mall's stores opened for business. I walked into the mall's main hallway. Sleepy, not enough caffeine in my system. The lights were still dimmed. My eyes adjusted to the lack of lighting. I noticed that I was not alone in the concourse, not by a long shot. I heard nylon running suits swishing, swooshing together. Pedestrians were power-walking around the mall’s interior. Retirees, a whole flock of them, were getting their morning exercise by traversing the mall's perimeter. Power walkers, arms swinging, and they meant business.



It had all the makings of some post-apocalyptic horror sci-fi movie nuclear winter. It was like the end of the world as I knew it and all that had survived was geriatrics and Rockports.



Apparently this is not an activity confined to Frenchtown, Michigan. Mall Walking has a national following.





Rejuvenate Yourself - Try Mallwalking Want to shake off the blahs and get in shape? GRab a friend or significant other and try Mallwalking! Mall doors opena t 8:00am Monday-Saturday, and 11:00am Sunday, for your climate controlled walking comfort. Once around the interior perimeter (excluding the food court) is 1/2 mile. If you wish to join the formal Mallwalkers, stop by and register with Senior Friends in the Belk Concouorse. Get out and start Mallwalking!