Here’s something adventuresome to do right here in “the hood”!
Have you noticed that we have back alleys in Montgomery? Well, they present a great alternative walking route! If you have already taken advantage, you will know that surprises await you as you stroll down our alleys! Our first clue may be the following. The term “back alley” is slang for “dirty, unprepossessing, sordid, clandestine”, according to the dictionary.
Back alleys are disappearing in urban environments and purportedly only now seen in older communities like ours. Our back alleys are unpaved, meaning they absorb rainwater and snow runoff and hence are environmentally friendly. Most of all, they offer a different lens onto our community. Quick! Before winter comes and the alleys become full of snow and ice, zigzag through the community in the back lanes. There you will enjoy discovering some cool back buildings and structures, a whole new diversity of flora and fauna that might surprise you, and also people and activities that only can be seen in the alleys.
In May, I pick lilacs in the alley to put in a vase in my living room. I actually have a patch of rhubarb behind my house available free for harvesting by lane users. We have some marvellous out-buildings, fencing materials, and backyard attractions that can only be appreciated from the lane. Ignore the myriad garbage bins. I suggest, especially, that our neighbours who have pets on leashes pay special attention to the alleys. They are fun, clandestine, spontaneous spaces, and they are pet friendly! We are blessed to have them! See you in the back alley!
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