Running Grandin and the Coolest Trash Cans Ever, plus, September Mileage Recap

I thought this month instead of doing my usual fitness update, I'd take you along on one of my favorite runs.  When you see all the interesting finds along the way, no doubt you'll recognize one of the reasons I love to run so much.  This is a six mile route, called simply "Grandin" and it starts along the greenway next to the Roanoke River.

 After a mile and a half on the greenway, you pop out on Main Street.  Where cool trash can #1 is found.  It's a solar trash can, with a compactor in it.  And when it gets full?  It just emails Waste Management so they know to come empty it.  I love the historic picture of Howbert Cabin on the outside. 

 Up a hill on Main Street, and then a right turn onto Sherwood.  There is a cactus garden I love there, but it was too weedy this time of year for pictures.  I did, however, catch a picture of the door in the tree.  It's in front of an Elementary school, and I always wonder as I pass if Atticus Finch put it there. 

A few hills later, and we come to my favorite part of the run - Grandin Ave.  Lots of historic buildings, this area is my old stomping ground.  My parents lived here for a few years when I was in middle school, and I loved to ride my bike down to the historic Grandin Theatre (which back then was a dollar theatre).  It's since been restored, but back then I loved the shabby Victorian style bathroom parlor on the second floor. 

Next up is a cute little firehouse and firedog.  One day, the firedog had an unfortunate accident, and his head fell off.  Happily, he is no longer the headless firedog. 

Then we come to cross Memorial Bridge.  According to the sign, it's been there since around 1917. 

On the other side of the bridge is Black Dog Salvage.  They have some neat (albeit out of my budget) things if you ever have a chance to wander through.  Apparently they are on some tv show, but since we don't have tv I have never seen it.

Alright, coolest trash can ever #2.  This one has the Fishburn Family on it, and sits on the corner of 13th Street.  I don't know how many of these trash cans there are in Roanoke, but if there are more I'd love to see them.

The picture to the bottom left used to be an apartment complex, but it burned down, and it seems they are building community gardens in their place.  The middle picture is a rose garden, and the last picture is an interesting marker that sits right in the middle of the sidewalk along Ferdinand. 

Finally, back across the bridge, headed down to the greenway again.  You can see in the bottom right the part of the greenway that was covered in the beginning of the run.

Past the skate park (which is nestled under the bridge) and over the Roanoke River again.  When the river is stocked, this bridge is covered with fishermen.  You can see, in the distance, the hospital - so if I ever run too hard I know where to go (ha ha). 

See why I love running?  Maybe next time I'll take you all on the downtown loop.  It's always fun too.  As for my monthly summary - I ran 140 miles in September.  I'll be cutting back next month to rest my legs a bit.