Mark McClure: A wandering spirit
Mark McClure has been walking miles every day, long before “getting your steps” was a thing. And while fitness is certainly a benefit, what truly fuels him is his fascination with pedestrian accessibility, public transportation, and photographing the world around him.
He recently shared his story with 50plus at a sunny coffee shop.
Mark, a retired IT professional, has been married to Sheryl for 39 years. They have three children and two grandchildren. When their kids were young, he commuted to and from work by bicycle. A decade later, a job change allowed him to switch to walking the 5–7-miles, year-round.
“As I began to notice unique scenes and changes along my routes,” Mark recalls, “I decided to start photographing and blogging my walks. This helped me practice and improve my photography skills. In 2012, I started taking longer weekend walks and photoblogging those as well. I knew I could walk out my front door, go in any direction, and walk 10 miles or more and not be disappointed in what I saw.”
Can an affable guy really enjoy so much time walking alone?
“Growing up in rural Alaska and participating in solo sports like cross-country running and skiing were ideal for someone like me — an introvert,” he says. “I can slow down, be alone with my thoughts. It’s meditative and I can focus on what I see.”
He never had a destination in mind. “I was just kind of guided by what I’ve seen or not seen.”
This has led to a few mishaps. “Once I did have a destination, walking from Grant High School to Beaverton to visit my son and his wife. I have a sense of the trail systems and roads, but. . . GPS failed me.”
When hiking, Mark says, “I always know where I’m going to go. Don’t just cross the Tundra not knowing where you’ll end up — too chancy. Urban environments are different.” Wherever he goes, he has camera in hand, capturing images along the way. He’s shared these with the public, at one time featuring as many as 40,000 photos on his photoblog website, pnwphotowalks.com.
Now preparing to retire this site, the following appears on the home page:
“After 14 years, I’ve decided to close my WalksInPortland photoblog. This page will remain online through 2025. About a third of my Portland metro photos — around 13,000 — are still available on my Flickr account (flickr.com/photos/memcclure/albums), where they’re tagged for searching and organized into albums and collections.”
Albums most popular with visitors include “Active and Public Transportation,” “Bridges,” “Green Spaces,” “Little Free Libraries,” “Poetry Posts,” and “Quirky.”
While his photoblogging days are nearing an end, his walking days aren’t. And these days he often has company.
“Sheryl and I now often walk together. We did many hikes in 2023 and 2024 as we prepared for treks in Scotland and Portugal. (Our daughter’s dog, Ace, was our hiking buddy.)” They also like walking with their grandsons, who, Mark says, “take delight in sights we grownups sometimes don’t see.”
“I plan to keep walking and hiking for as long as I’m able. This spring and summer, Sheryl and I plan to start cycling more, so that might mean a break in my routine.” Another change may include participating in the Oregon Senior Games, which he just discovered.
Oh, the places you’ll go. . . with a little curiosity, good shoes, and a penchant to wander.
Want to walk? Mark’s Tips:
*Check City and Bureau of Transportation websites for walking maps, pedestrian activities and more.
*Explore walking apps. “Some are pretty good. But even with an app, it’s good to have a physical map.” Mark recommends the article on using map apps under Resources below/at right.
* Oregonwalks.org is a nonprofit that promotes walking and advocates for safe, convenient, and attractive walking conditions as an essential part of thriving communities.
*Have a route before setting out.
*Dress for weather — Hat, gloves (that allow function), fabrics that stay dry (no jeans) and that provide wind protection. “I walk year-round and tend to layer up.”
*Good shoes. “No cheap sneakers! I wear Merrells in winter and Nikes in summer.”
*A lightweight backpack with:
– A treat (for energy, protein). “When I was climbing, I found hard candy helps promote salivation and keeps your mind off the drudgery.”
– 1 liter of water (not needed where available along the way).
– Debit or credit card (Mark discourages carrying cash).
– Quality whistle, pepper spray. “If you find yourself somewhere you don’t feel safe, don’t challenge; turn and go the other way.”
-Poles if desired. “I don’t use them in the city, but if you’re not stable or could use a slight assist, use ‘em!”
See Mark’s Photos
flickr.com/photos/memcclure/albums
Resources