If a bad, expensive meal is the most disappointing, what is the most satisfying “everyday” thing? I’m going to say a nice, casual walk with the dog on a Saturday morning when the weather is just right. It’s so simple, practically free, yet so mind and body satisfying.

We start at Alamo Square park, the local dog park we frequent pretty much everyday. Not sure how the pup knows it’s Saturday but instead of sniffing around the park she starts pulling me south, toward the pet store. There are two pet stores south of us, the Animal House on Fillmore and Waller, and the Pet Food Express on Market street across from the Whole Foods. Animal House doesn’t open until 11am it’s onward to Pet Food Express.

We’ll walk through Lower Haight and make a pitstop at Duboce Park, another popular San Francisco dog friendly park for some water. Since I typically carry some treats, random dogs might come up to see if they can get lucky–and they always do, as long as their owners give me the green light. Then it’s further south to Market street, before making a left toward Pet Food Express. The dog loves pet stores because the staff always gives her treats, and it seems like treats from strangers is better than treats from me. Rolleyes.

To complete the loop, we keep heading up Market Street then veer left to Hayes Valley. Hayes Valley is where I might get a decaf Americano since I’ve already had my caffeinated coffee at home but enjoy sipping on on coffee for a couple of minutes. Then it’s another 5 minutes and we’re home, completing about a 2.5 mile loop.

During the walk I mostly avoid listening to music or podcasts. It allows the mind to wander and me to notice more of the environment. The loop virtually guarantees I’ll reach my 10,000 steps/day goal. It’s such a satisfying walk, especially when the weather is nice, but even on a gloomy day it never disappoints. And that, I think, is one of the most satisfying things you can do on a Saturday morning.