Where did you walk ( locally ) in 2021?

[Peter Fransiscus]

- or just use smaller pictures... in editing, right click on bottom right corner on said picture until small blue square appears and move cursor on this square upwards to the left, thus skrinking your picture to your own liking.....

I know , you need to post thumbnails.
Thumbnails need les storage space.

 

[Koidream]

How to use thumbnail pictures...

 

[Lexicos]

Thumbnails.

 

[Koidream]

Another 10K walk in a forest at 500 meters from our doorbell

 

[Annette london]

Apologies if this is in the wrong place, I was only made aware of this thread in the recent Forum Digest. It relates to last year but the 2020 thread has been closed and I do want to give a shout out to the London Loop.

My plans for 2020 had included walking La Ruta de Pedra en Sec across Mallorca in May/June and continuing on the Ruta de la Lana (Cuenca to Burgos) in September after a week on a beach with my other half on both occasions. The high rates of infection in Spain and the 14 days quarantine on return to England put us off and we postponed both trips. Some time in August, Portugal was briefly removed from our quarantine list. We seized the window of opportunity to get to the beach for a few days in September. Without planning it, my morning run from Cascais to the ocean took me along part of the Caminho (with an 'h') de Santiago and Caminho de Fatima. I hadn't planned to walk in Portugal but rather to undertake the West Highland Way in Scotland as soon as we got back home. Unfortunately while we were in Cascais Scotland put Portugal on their quarantine list (swiftly followed by England a week later but we were back in Blighty by then). I started to make arrangements for what was now about Plan F - the Coast to Coast from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hood Bay in Yorkshire - while we were still in Portugal. Then the Rule Of Six kicked in. This meant that all dorms were closed with the inevitable consequent hike in hotel prices. In the Lake District National Park you had to make a reservation for two nights - never mind the single supplement. I moved on to Plan G.

A few years ago some Aussie friends of ours were returning home to Sydney and gave me their London Loop guidebook. They were very enthusiastic. They'd done the walk over a number of weekends throughout the year. I tried to look interested but cannot help feeling that my eyes must have glazed over and my nodding appear mechanical. I had a hundred and one things that I'd rather do than walk around London. The guidebook made its way to the bottom of the barrel. By September I'd reached the bottom of that barrel and it was either that or paint the kitchen!

In brief the London Loop is 150 miles (240 km) within the M25 motorway along a green corridor. You start in Erith in Kent on the Thames estuary work your way clockwise, south, west, north and back east to Purfleet in Essex. The guidebook breaks the walk up into 15 daily stages but you could do it in less than that. I mostly ran in the mornings and walked in the afternoons after a couple of lunchtime pints and got around in 8 days. The route takes you through countryside, parks, woodlands, marshes, along canal towpaths, rivers and waterways, some residential areas and past a number of historic sites. You get to see how the other half live (Chislehurst and Hadley Green), any number of historic buildings and churches, old gunpowder factories, the oak under which Wilberforce and Pitt The Younger debated the abolition of the slave trade, the deer park at Hampton Court, the Grand Union Canal, the site of the Battle of Barnet, locks, Elizabethan hunting lodges, the concrete barges that towed the Mulberry Harbour over to Arromanches, the occasional view back over the city and many other things besides. Plenty of birds, including pheasants, and aquatic fowl.

My Tube pass covered almost all the Tubes, trains and buses I needed so I was able to return home at the end of each day and go back the following morning to resume where I had left off. The upside of this was that I only needed to carry the smallest of day packs. A sandwich and a piece of fruit for lunch, the guidebook, a camera, as well as a reading book (it took me up to an hour and half to get to and from my daily start and finish points). I was also incredibly lucky with the weather - eight days of Manchegan blue skies, so I didn't even have to carry any waterproof clothing.

The only bleak spots along the way were Hayes in Middlesex and Turkey Street in Enfield - and I commiserate with anybody who has to live in either.

I was rather disappointed to discover that a good number of the pubs listed in my guidebook had closed, been bulldozed or now had flats where they once had stood. My disappointment was exponentially increased when this discovery coincided with lunchtime!

The London Outer Orbital Loop may not be Spain but it was a good Plan G.

There's an inner loop, The Capital Ring, which I plan to do when lockdown is over and the weather gets better.

So glad you enjoyed the London Loop...and in 8 days....weve been walking it since 2013 on and off and as a few loops are within a mile of the house, have walked the same ones a few time
A great walk of 150 miles though
Only 4 Loops left to go out of 15 for us but they will have to wait for the moment
It's hard to believe at times that it's within spitting distance of London as the whole walk, apart from a few places is walked through countryside and parks.
It's so well marked that it's hard to get lost....even for us!
The only place we got totally lost was at Loop 9 "Uxbridge to Moor Park" along the Grand Union Canal
We'd come off the Loop for a cuppa...and then back onto it...

So far, so good ...and then after a while the conversation went something like this
"I recognise this place"
"No" he says "can't be, we've never been here before"
"So how come I've seen this bridge before"
"You've got water on the brain I suppose!"
"No, I've seen those houses before"
"You're demented"
"And what about that barge we passed"
"You're hallucinating now"
"Hah....well my imagination does not stretch to conjure up a pub where we had a coffee outside a few hours ago now does it"!

We'd only missed the bridge crossing after the tea break
Had to go back the same way again until we found the bridge!
A long day and ended up doing about 25km!
Just 4to go now!

 

[SabsP]

Another 10K walk in a forest at 500 meters from our doorbell

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And no fog today!? Well I don't know if you had fog yesterday but we could not see much.
On call for work so no walk for me.

 

[Lexicos]

Night lights at our oldest port.

 

[Canada Wanders]

Moose on the loose

 

[lovingkindness]

…boughs stripped bare by a freezing wind; life sucked up from limestone + clay; humans roosting in a pigeon coop; water birds in flight…

Map : Lacépède – Lac de Salabert -Lacépède pdf 11.5 kms

..........
*l'ancien temple protestant, Lacépède, France.
*hazelnut grove
*distant hills where pilgrims pass: Chemin de St Jacques (GR 654E, near Clairac)
*Pine tree, pidgeon roost + sechoir de tabac
*tree tunnel
*Lac de Salabert

 

[SabsP]

@lovingkindness : Gorgeous pics! Always so nice to see how the French provide such detailed walkingmaps.

Lacépède Did not know you are so close to Agen.

 

[lovingkindness]

@lovingkindness : Gorgeous pics! Always so nice to see how the French provide such detailed walkingmaps.

Lacépède Did not know you are so close to Agen.

Yes! There is so much to discover in Agen... and there is a gîte de pélerins!

After the first Covid confinement I decided to explore pilgrim trails close to where I was staying in Le Lot-et-Garonne, two of which pass through Agen (Agen is about 30 kms from a friend's place). Both were solitary, beautiful walks, quite a challenge to find a bed. I also walked from Port Saint Marie to Eauze during this time but that's another story....

*le Chemin de Cluny: Moissac - Agen
*le Voie de Rocamadour: nr Pujols - via Agen + La Romieu - Condom

 

[Kanga]

Warm day; 30 C, with a northeast breeze. Jervis Bay.

 

[Former member 49149]

Warm day; 30 C, with a northeast breeze. Jervis Bay.

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Have you any idea what a treat it is to see all these beautiful images? Thank you.

 

[Lexicos]

Last ones from me. Too many to choose from.
Taken 10-12 January.

3 days 300 km on a bike.
Port Fairy to Nelson and back.
Batter give it a rest.

 

[Canada Wanders]

Beautiful walk day on the river.

 

[kulkija]

Today I had a walk in Helsinki, the capital city of Finland. There was a kind of snow storm going on, and much less people around than usually. I walked along the Töölönlahti bay where you can normally see quite a number of walkers and runners and bikers. Now there was a man skiing with a baby wagon stroller.



Then I continued to Mannerheimintie, the main street of Helsinki. Not much traffic there. Just a tram with Unikko (Poppy) pattern.



A cafeteria was open on the Market Square.



A narrow street leads from the Market Square to the Senate Square.



The Senate Square is dominated by the Helsinki Cathedral.



In spite of the storm, it was a pieceful walk because there were few people around and not much traffic.

 

[ranthr]

In 10 days the sun will be back after 2 months absence.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I walked 4.5 miles in the park today with a friend I met last year. It was a very chilly 48° and dreary. I came south for this? Brrr.
My only photo of an armadillo.

 

[Icacos]

I walked 4.5 miles in the park today with a friend I met last year. It was a very chilly 48° and dreary. I came south for this? Brrr.
My only photo of an armadillo.
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48° F. That‘s about 8.8° C. and what it is here today. I was out this morning and thought it was lovely and mild.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

48° F. That about 8.8° C. and what it is here today. I was out this morning and thought it was lovely and mild.

Well, I'd left my winter clothes at home in Illinois.

 

[Silencio Por Favor]

Part of the trek that I really wanted to do today was closed because of a rock slide, so I had to make a significant diversion. Disappointing, but I did see some areas along the Capilano River that I hadn't seen before. It's hard to think that just a bit over a hundred years ago there were old growth forests near here. What we have left now, still beautiful, is second growth forest. Pics include the upper portion of the Cleveland Dam spillway. If you look closely through the railing to the right of the walkway at the top of the spillway you can see a snow capped mountain. We do get snow here in the winter but it is usually at the higher elevations.

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We was very near you at the time, snowshoeing at Grouse. A small world

 

[Icacos]

We was very near you at the time, snowshoeing at Grouse. A small world

Beautiful! I did say there was snow at higher elevations.

 

[SabsP]

Walk to the main village ( had to go the bakery anyway). Through the old centre and quick visit to the church and then back home via my avatar.
8k.

 

[Stivandrer]

Wee bit nippy, but sure is pretty....



This is my reward for walking home from my work in the morning.
There was a storm yesterday, horizontal snow and mucky weather,
today a brilliant morning sun....

 

[Annette london]

Less than 10 minutes walk from home is Claybury Park, Londons newest park opened in 2010 and 270 acres
I am ashamed to say that I've only walked through this once as a shortcut going somewhere since opening but what a change from the same ole same old walks since the latest lockdown
And what a discovery it's been..2 woods, open spaces and a lake.
Greeted by muddy paths at first, we explored the many wooded paths and then the open tracks in the open.
5 miles was a good walk for us yesterday

HISTORY OF THE PARK AND THE HOSPITAL

The park was once part of Claybury Psychiatric hospital...built in 1883 and known as "a mental asylum for the clinically insane" ...a term outdated now.
A costly private hospital then...it could treat up to 2,500 patients and was one of the country's pioneering mental establishments.
It had vast grounds and a farm where patients were able to work and wander.

However after the NHS was established in 1948 the patient numbers began to dwindle and it was closed in 1997 and "care in the community" for most psychiatric patients became the norm.

I always loved the buildings of this hospital and along with colleagues did many a training course there for our own specialities in the NHS
Even then however, the long halls and corridors always seemed a bit spooky!

The buildings were renovated instead of being bulldozed and now consist of very expensive,luxury homes inside a gated community estate.
The outside character of the buildings has been maintained however, especially the beautiful old church.....I hate to say this church now houses a gym and a swimming pool but this is the way of the world now I suppose!

Reports of spooky goings on have frequently been reported at times though and people who used to work at the hospital before it closed in 1997 are convinced they saw the ghosts of distressed patients still roaming around the buildings!
My neighbour however who lives next door and who worked at the hospital for over 40 years will not tell me the full story!!!
I think I can feel a shiver down my spine!!

 

[Tulle]

I haven’t walked much lately. I don’t know why really, weather, Christmas, laziness? Now the weather here is cold, but beautiful. I don’t go for a walk when it is minus 10-17 degrees C. I am not much of a winter person... Now I am longing for the sun to come to my house

 

[Theatregal]

A walk on the Stanley Park seawall. Along the way an otter and a large flock of Barrow's Goldeneye ducks. I had meant to walk all the way around but a good portion of it was closed due to clean-up of debris from the high winds and king tides the last few days. Had to detour up into the woods. Found a view of the wall from above that I hadn't seen before. A beautiful day.

 

[Former member 49149]

Less than 10 minutes walk from home is Claybury Park, Londons newest park opened in 2010 and 270 acres
I am ashamed to say that I've only walked through this once as a shortcut going somewhere since opening but what a change from the same ole same old walks since the latest lockdown
And what a discovery it's been..2 woods, open spaces and a lake.
Greeted by muddy paths at first, we explored the many wooded paths and then the open tracks in the open.
5 miles was a good walk for us yesterday

HISTORY OF THE PARK AND THE HOSPITAL

The park was once part of Claybury Psychiatric hospital...built in 1883 and known as "a mental asylum for the clinically insane" ...a term outdated now.
A costly private hospital then...it could treat up to 2,500 patients and was one of the country's pioneering mental establishments.
It had vast grounds and a farm where patients were able to work and wander.

However after the NHS was established in 1948 the patient numbers began to dwindle and it was closed in 1997 and "care in the community" for most psychiatric patients became the norm.

I always loved the buildings of this hospital and along with colleagues did many a training course there for our own specialities in the NHS
Even then however, the long halls and corridors always seemed a bit spooky!

The buildings were renovated instead of being bulldozed and now consist of very expensive,luxury homes inside a gated community estate.
The outside character of the buildings has been maintained however, especially the beautiful old church.....I hate to say this church now houses a gym and a swimming pool but this is the way of the world now I suppose!

Reports of spooky goings on have frequently been reported at times though and people who used to work at the hospital before it closed in 1997 are convinced they saw the ghosts of distressed patients still roaming around the buildings!
My neighbour however who lives next door and who worked at the hospital for over 40 years will not tell me the full story!!!
I think I can feel a shiver down my spine!!View attachment 91225View attachment 91226View attachment 91227View attachment 91228View attachment 91229View attachment 91230View attachment 91231View attachment 91232

Annette, sounds like a very similar change of purpose for the local asylum next to my hometown. It was declared a model of enlightened treatment in its day. The luxury homes are all new, except for a couple of facades and a clock tower, so I have not heard of spooky sensations. I will check with a brother, he lives there!

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

How to use thumbnail pictures...

View attachment 90972

I don't know how I missed this when originally posted but it is excellent. I've given instructions too but this is so concise and clear. Great job!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Today's walk in Gulf state park with great weather. 4 miles.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

We've been to the same state park where @Camino Chrissy took her pictures. Those weird buildings are intended for bird watching but they are good for getting out of the sun too.

 

[peregrina2000]

We've been to the same state park where @Camino Chrissy took her pictures. Those weird buildings are intended for bird watching but they are good for getting out of the sun too.

Sort of the same technique as. the church in @Sabine’s avatar. @chrissy, do you know why “connect” and “feel” are written in large letters on the walls?

We’re getting snow as I write this, so you are lucky to be away from Illinois!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Sort of the same technique as. the church in @Sabine’s avatar. @chrissy, do you know why “connect” and “feel” are written in large letters on the walls?

We’re getting snow as I write this, so you are lucky to be away from Illinois!

There are three wood structures in a row. The last one out of sight says "listen" so connect, feel and listen. Inside each one there are a few other interpretive words, benches to sit on and a big square open "window" on the back sides for watching birds and nature...probably mostly geared towards children.

 

[Silencio Por Favor]

A walk on the Stanley Park seawall. Along the way an otter and a large flock of Barrow's Goldeneye ducks. I had meant to walk all the way around but a good portion of it was closed due to clean-up of debris from the high winds and king tides the last few days. Had to detour up into the woods. Found a view of the wall from above that I hadn't seen before. A beautiful day.

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Trust that you are avoiding the aggressive Coyotes in the the park. I guess if they had a Goldeneye duck or 2 they would mellow out.

 

[Kanga]

Short but sweet. A bush walk in Jervis Bay National Park.

 

[SabsP]

Walk with friends. Only passtime in these days of lockdown.
A cross from 1622. Burial place of a beguine.
A castlefarm.
Typical holloway.
A small chapel.

Snow is coming slowly our way.

 

[Koidream]

Another 12K walk...
Somewhere we passed the "Vogelkooistraat" what means "Birdhouse street". Whatever that means...
Maybe my picture can help

 

[Former member 49149]

In case anyone is missing the Camino Portugues...it was dark when I went out, best way to stay away from people. I looked down...on my regular circuit.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

In case anyone is missing the Camino Portugues...it was dark when I went out, best way to stay away from people. I looked down...on my regular circuit.

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I was one who never minded the cobbles on the Portuguese.

 

[Theatregal]

@Silencio Por Favor "Trust that you are avoiding the aggressive Coyotes in the the park. I guess if they had a Goldeneye duck or 2 they would mellow out."

I stayed clear of the Brockton Oval area where the incidents were happening but did notice a couple of interior trails along my way were closed. Though this could have been due to fallen trees from the high winds.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

This morning a three mile walk on the beach. Met up with a blue heron and frightened him away. I thought it unusual those shells were laying perfectly on the sand.

 

[lovingkindness]

...walking the verge on a vaporous day. Naked trees.


nr Dolmayrac, France.

 

[Tulle]

Too cold for a walk today, minus 15 degrees But today the sun was shining on my house at last so I hope for a walk soon

 

[Theatregal]

This morning a three mile walk on the beach. Met up with a blue heron and frightened him away. I thought it unusual those shells were laying perfectly on the sand.
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Beautiful heron photos Chrissy! Love it's shadow and footprints in the sand.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Beautiful heron photos Chrissy! Love it's shadow and footprints in the sand.

Thank you! That's quite a compliment coming from the lady who takes the most beautiful photos of birds and shares them with us!

 

[C clearly]

Those herons are everywhere! Here's one I found on my walk today.

 

[Ekelund]

A very cold but sunny day in Copenhagen, Denmark.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Those herons are everywhere! Here's one I found on my walk today.

They are fascinating to me because they look so "prehistoric".

 

[C clearly]

They are fascinating to me because they look so "prehistoric".

And they always look grumpy!

 

[Canada Wanders]

View attachment 90999Moose on the loose

Wish I had some pictures from this morning’s walk to share, but almost run over by two of these huge moose... too busy reeling in the borrowed dog to think about snapping a pic...sorry.

 

[Former member 49149]

Today I was reminded of Turner's paintings...

 

[SabsP]

Theme of today...

 

[Stephen Nicholls]

Walking through a local forest - I do this twice a week. Not a "camino" but simply a lovely walk.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Walking through a local forest - I do this twice a week. Not a "camino" but simply a lovely walk.
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Lovely! The green calls to me...much of the UK apparently stays green all winter.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Theme of today...

It rains mud in Belgium?

 

[Canada Wanders]

It rains mud in Belgium?

I did my first marathon in Belgium 2003...and it did seem to! Of course it was the Flanders Fields marathon...so at no point could you complain!

 

[Tulle]

Surprise! When I woke up this morning the temperature had changed from -15 to +5 degrees. So then it was time for a walk again, a short walk in the neighborhood. I like winter when it isn’t too cold...

 

[lovingkindness]

Today I walked along an old muddy trail through woodlands and fields where pilgrims occassionally pass, in the hills above Castelmoron-sur-Lot. I followed the GR654 Est (Chemin de St Jacques) for a couple of hours and would have walked much further if there hadn't been a curfew...

Map: Castelmoron sur Lot - Toureille - Castelmoron sur Lot

....Château "Solar", Castelmoron-sur-Lot (Hôtel de Ville): Inspired by l'Alhambra in Grenada, the Cordoba mosque and also the Casino Mauresque in Arcachon, France. Built by the widow of Felix Solar (1811-1870), financier and patron of the Press. Sold in 1902 to the municipality of Castelmoron-sur-Lot.




Castelmoron -sur -Lot

 

[Roland49]

Took a trip to the winterly Harz:


real snow


winter forest


The castle of Wernigerode

View down to the city of Wernigerode, notice the ski-jumps on the upper left corner


coloured houses

cafe-terrace of the castle

detail

Townhall of Wernigerode

timbered house from 1583

It was a 3h walk through the forest above Wernigerode, down to the city and back to my car, just 10k.
Few people outside, more than expected (lockdown), all restaurants, cafes, etc. closed.

 

[Annette london]

In case anyone is missing the Camino Portugues...it was dark when I went out, best way to stay away from people. I looked down...on my regular circuit.

View attachment 91316

Kirkie,
Am trying to forget your picture as it brings back memories of when, after walking for hours, we arrived in Villafranca del Bierzo and met the dreaded cobble stones!!
First thought was "you must be joking" "you're having a laugh" "I don't believe this" ........walked down the central flat bit but I still remember the pain!

Chrissy...you must have feet of Iron! But for some reason, I can't remember the cobble stones when we walked the CP ...maybe best forgotten!!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Chrissy...you must have feet of Iron! But for some reason, I can't remember the cobble stones when we walked the CP ...maybe best forgotten!!

Annette, not sure my feet are made of iron, but Icould use a bit more "firmness" in other places!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

A lovely day...a three mile beach walk.
*An ugly jellyfish washed ashore.
*I like it when I get to this more remote stretch.
*Footprints in the sand...no wonder each of us has a different preference on best walking shoes.
*Kids at play off school on MLK day.

 

[C clearly]

A lovely day...a three mile beach walk.

I LOVE sand dunes and blue sky. Maybe because I come from the Pacific Northwest (aka the Wet Coast).

 

[Stephen Nicholls]

Lovely! The green calls to me...much of the UK apparently stays green all winter.

Hi Chrissy! The pine trees are "evergreens". But we are lucky in the UK - minimum temperature this winter around minus 2 deg C here in the east of England: currently, as I write, a very unusual +11 deg C.
But I miss Spain so much: I am so glad I kept a diary of all the caminos I walked - they're all on my web site.
Best wishes and buen camino from England....

 

[Former member 49149]

To the dentist and back... wet cobblestones this morning, but on the return, dry. A mountain of containers at the stacking area caught my eye, as did a couple of scrawny little trees, defiant signs of hope!

 

[amorfati1]

Last week - Engadina High Valley -

• walking while snowing, on a frozen lake . UTTER stillness there. Magical
• the following morning - view through iced window pane
• afternoon in Solgio - viewing south
• back in Engadina - view of same lake, peninsula, mountains as in the first image (images 24 hours time gap)

 

[SabsP]

@amorfati1 : Long time no see. Gorgeous pics!

 

[Stephen Nicholls]

I was one who never minded the cobbles on the Portuguese.

Nor me, Chrissy. They have the great advantage of being able to hear a car coming from half a mile away. Unless, of course, they're like this .... taken in Porto in 2011.

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

To the dentist and back... wet cobblestones this morning, but on the return, dry. A mountain of containers at the stacking area caught my eye, as did a couple of scrawny little trees, defiant signs of hope!
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The trees remembering me of the tree of Denise. Beautiful , thank you for sharing

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Nor me, Chrissy. They have the great advantage of being able to hear a car coming from half a mile away. Unless, of course, they're like this .... taken in Porto in 2011.

So true, Stephen. The rumble of speeding car tires on narrow cobbled roads on the Portuguese was very helpful for safety.
Yes, I had nearly twisted my ankle a couple of times on the broken setts.

 

[lovingkindness]

La vie en rose....

Map: a circular walk from Ste Colombe de Villeneuve, 5 kms, a village through which the Voie de Rocamadour (GR 652) passes...

...beside les pruneaux d'Agen (prune trees), down a trail strewn with autumn leaves into a world suffused in rose, lilac and pastel grey, where branches backlit in emerald take on twisted form...

 

[Former member 49149]

I see no map, but I love Edith Piaf. Thank you!

 

[SabsP]

Also five k. circular walk. Seven Celsius. Feels like spring. Trying out my new Fitbit.

 

[lovingkindness]

I see no map, but I love Edith Piaf. Thank you!

Can you see the map now?

 

[lovingkindness]

Also five k. circular walk. Seven Celsius. Feels like spring. Trying out my new Fitbit.


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Bonjour, @ SabineP...I see mistletoe (le gui) suspended in trees. Does mistletoe feature in Belgian mythology or festive traditions?

Cheers

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I enjoyed seeing mistletoe on my travels in Europe as we do not have it in the US. As Sabine's picture shows, I have read that it prefers it's hosts in trees on open land and not in heavily forested areas.

 

[SabsP]

Bonjour, @ SabineP...I see mistletoe (le gui) suspended in trees. Does mistletoe feature in Belgian mythology or festive traditions?

Cheers

Hi @lovingkindness: I do not know of any festive traditions regarding mistletoe like in other countries. But I will ask around.

 

[Icacos]

On my way to the store yesterday - on a much appreciated 'blue day' during these rainy months - these colours and the different shapes of the trees, appealed to me.

 

[Arn]

Hello everyone and Happy New Year!

Looking forward seeing your pictures and stories behind it.

Sabs, Happy New Year to you also!
My latest walk is a short one with my dog Raider (Australian Cattle Dog) in the Zoar State Forest. For years the forest was not well maintained and the trails reduced drastically in number. The new Ranger is busy reestablishing previous trails and adding new ones. Raider and I often try out the newest, though hardly completed trails, that are rather treacherous due to the rough foot paths and the significant thorn bushes. On many a sojourn I've returned to my car with torn shorts and deeply gashed legs. Raider seems to come out of it without a scratch. Well, I've never been one to do something the easy way.
My last real pilgrimage was in the fall of 2019 when I walked the St Magnus Way in Orkney, Scotland. On that walk, I fell several times on slippery rocks along the sea on the first day, again wearing shorts, was ravaged by Stinging Nettles. Day Two was spent at the Mill recovering from inflammation to the legs, high fever, etc. Back on the Way on Day three now wearing long trousers. No further problems. See, I can learn new tricks.
Arn

 

[SabsP]

@Arn841 : good to see you ( back )!

Be careful out there... . Big cuddle to Raider.

 

[CWBuff]

So... my work's Fitness Coordinator put something in front of us and of course my wife and I eagerly signed up.
It is akin to something other Esteemed Members here spoke about (and even did\doing), namely it's a 'virtual walk'.
We are participating in "Run West Ireland"


only we wont run - we are walking.
Starting from this past Monday we have until 31 May to complete 503 miles between us (it averages about 13.3 miles a week per person... but there is no requirement per se to walk any minimum or maximum)
So... we started on Monday "from Céide Fields Visitor Center" and as of yesterday looks like about 1/2-way through on to Crossmolina


Of course if The World opens up and I do get to start my CF as planned - I get 10 days to hoof it up (Plan to leave SJPdP on 22 May) and REALLY blow the "Ireland" distance out of the water since I doubt very much that I'd be averaging 13 miles\week

 

[Camino Chrissy]

So... my work's Fitness Coordinator put something in front of us and of course my wife and I eagerly signed up.
It is akin to something other Esteemed Members here spoke about (and even did\doing), namely it's a 'virtual walk'.
We are participating in "Run West Ireland"
View attachment 91619

only we wont run - we are walking.
Starting from this past Monday we have until 31 May to complete 503 miles between us (it averages about 13.3 miles a week per person... but there is no requirement per se to walk any minimum or maximum)
So... we started on Monday "from Céide Fields Visitor Center" and as of yesterday looks like about 1/2-way through on to Crossmolina
View attachment 91621View attachment 91619View attachment 91621

Of course if The World opens up and I do get to start my CF as planned - I get 10 days to hoof it up (Plan to leave SJPdP on 22 May) and REALLY blow the "Ireland" distance out of the water since I doubt very much that I'd be averaging 13 miles\week

Fingers crossed for you, my friend!

 

[Tulle]

This is my new winter walking shoes! I tested them today, walking on ice and snow. I felt really safe

 

[Koidream]

Today's lung treatment existed of a 5K walk.

 

[Former member 49149]

Can you see the map now?

Thank you, yes. Sorry I didn’t see your question till now. I had a very busy day.

 

[amorfati1]

Bonjour, @ SabineP...I see mistletoe (le gui) suspended in trees. Does mistletoe feature in Belgian mythology or festive traditions?

Cheers

The myths of Mistletoe by Dylan Warren-Davis

Medical Herbalist Dylan Warren-Davis explores the physical and symbolic properties of Mistletoe

skyscript.co.uk

good morning - this is one link i found in my files (got other articles on MistleToe, but not in english.)

on walks here I see them everywhere. As kids we called them 'witches-brooms'. Also very well known/used for medicinal purposes w/ good results/effects. (can attest to that). Quite interesting plants those Mistletoes. Lot's of lore about them too.
best wishes - warmly, C

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Recently, besides my daily walk with Peg, I've been walking alone too on occasion, farther and faster for exercise. After finishing our joint walk it started snowing and I headed out for an exercise walk. I gave Peg a call from the parking lot to say that I would be home later than I told her. I decided to pace myself for the views instead. It did snow the whole time but the big fluffy flakes soon gave way to just a few small ones.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Rick, it looks like you have some very nice nature areas to hike in close to home. Walking in fresh falling snow in the forest is always lovely and "otherworldly".

 

[AlanSykes]

Always like it when my footprints (and my vizsla Huba's) are first in the fresh snow. Furthest I've so far managed to walk on my new (23 days old) knee. 30 minutes walk from my front door, all off tarmac. In the cloud is a local hill called Tarnmonath.

 

[peregrina2000]

Finally a day with sun and temperatures up in the 40s. But the wind, oh the wind. And because I was so busy watching the inauguration festivities, I quickly planned my route with google maps, rather than using the detailed regional bike map I have. BIG MISTAKE. Google maps wanted me to ride through unpaved roads, and at one point I had no option but to go two miles on a mud/gravel road. Yuck.

Anyway, it was so good to get out.

A question for the more knowledgeable — why is sunrise on January 21 the exact same as it was on December 21? l thought the days were supposed to be getting longer! I left the house at 6 in the dark, and the sun came up at 7:10, exactly the same time as on my December 21 ride!

 

[Koidream]

A question for the more knowledgeable — why is sunrise on January 21 the exact same as it was on December 21? l thought the days were supposed to be getting longer! I left the house at 6 in the dark, and the sun came up at 7:10, exactly the same time as on my December 21 ride!

Were you wearing the same watch?
According to this there was a difference:

December 2020 Sunrise and Sunset Times in Champaign, Illinois

Sunrise and sunset in Champaign, Illinois, on December 2020 with day length, twilight and solar noon.

sunrise-sunset.org

January 2021 Sunrise and Sunset Times in Champaign, Illinois

Sunrise and sunset in Champaign, Illinois, on January 2021 with day length, twilight and solar noon.

sunrise-sunset.org

 

[peregrina2000]

Were you wearing the same watch?
According to this there was a difference:

December 2020 Sunrise and Sunset Times in Champaign, Illinois

Sunrise and sunset in Champaign, Illinois, on December 2020 with day length, twilight and solar noon.

sunrise-sunset.org

January 2021 Sunrise and Sunset Times in Champaign, Illinois

Sunrise and sunset in Champaign, Illinois, on January 2021 with day length, twilight and solar noon.

sunrise-sunset.org

Oh, there was a 4 minute difference. I was relying on my phone’s weather app, which said that sunrise was at 7:11 yesterday, but it really was at 7:09!

But still, four minutes difference in one month doesn’t seem like much, though I guess it’s the same at the other end of the day.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

A question for the more knowledgeable — why is sunrise on January 21 the exact same as it was on December 21? l thought the days were supposed to be getting longer! I left the house at 6 in the dark, and the sun came up at 7:10, exactly the same time as on my December 21 ride!

I hope this helps but figuring out all the angles and motions in astronomy can be pretty confusing.

https://www.redshift-live.com/en/magazine/articles/Astronomy/12950-Long_and_short_days-1.html

 

[peregrina2000]

I’m not sure I understood it, but I did see that my instincts were right. Self-confirmation that one is right is always welcome.

While the Sun rises only a little earlier every day at the beginning of the year, it sets noticeably later every evening.

 

[Koidream]

As long as we see the sun rise, we know we will have another exciting day waiting for us...

 

[Former member 49149]

I was deceived by the sun just now. It was beaming in the window, enticing me to go out for a second walk today. When I got out, it was bitterly cold and the clouds were rather menacing. I persevered, for a little while...and re the above about the lengthening of days, a learned lady told me when I lived in Edinburgh that the day was longer by three minutes from 21st December till 21st June, and then of course the reverse happens. I go approximately. Precision is not a strong point of mine!

 

[SabsP]

Stopped a bit earlier from work.
Thirty minutes walk. Promise of spring...

 

[Annette london]

An 8 mile walk yesterday but started off later than usual
Mud was the order of the day but we managed to dodge most of it
Through the golf course and onto the little village of Havering Atte Bower built in 1042

At the stables Grace, Leah, Bandit, George and Gabo came to say hello...such beautiful animals

The London loop also passes through the village and our local Hospice is situated here opposite the church which was closed, as was the cafe and the pub
Spotted a few new paths on the way back but too late and too muddy to explore

Met a man with a Goshawk on his arm...nearest we've ever been to a bird of prey
As usual, floundering around through the trees and the golf course or two we found the path back.
What is it with all these paths ...can't be us......can it?

 

[peregrina2000]

Met a man with a Goshawk on his arm...nearest we've ever been to a bird of prey

Do people typically walk around your area with birds of prey perched on their arms?!

Good mud pictures, I’ll bet it brings back a lot of camino memories. I had to push my bike through mud that was nowhere near as bad, but it is impossible (for me anyway) to ride a normal bike when there is even a slight bid of mud.

 

[Paladina]

Good mud pictures, I’ll bet it brings back a lot of camino memories. I had to push my bike through mud that was nowhere near as bad, but it is impossible (for me anyway) to ride a normal bike when there is even a slight bid of mud.

When leaving my house in the rainy season, i.e. 6 months of the year, I have no choice but to push or carry the bike through glutinous mud and floods to reach the road, stopping every 100m to use an old knife to scrape out the mud trapped between the wheels and mudguards - tedious, but effective. Just back from a 15km round trip to the village shop in brutal weather. I have to remind myself regularly not to let the sun go down on my winter gloom!