Where did you walk ( locally ) in 2020?

[Annette london]

A sunny day after torrential rain, with more rain forecast tomorrow
It's all about the colours again in Epping forest
A day with our oldest grandson while the others were at football
Rode his much loved bicycle for hours ...a lot of time in low gear on the inclines.....
We were in low gear too after a while!
"I'll show you some "tricks" on my bike he says"
" I know all your "tricks" pet!!!
A drink and chips at the Kings Oak in High Beach
A den made by some enterprising builders and a stop at the visitors centre
A tree to be climbed and a rest by the pond, then back through those colours again

 

[SabsP]

Just before nightfall.

 

[VNwalking]

Tonight 's full moon is a holiday here so my evening stoll was lovely.
Candles are lot on people's homes and shrines, and tonight the moon gave us a bonus - a lunar halo.

 

[Annette london]

A walk above Keswick with views over the town and the Borrowdale valley to the "little" fell of Latrigg at 1200 ft
Through the park and over the river with a wonderful wood sculpture of an eagle
Here we met Horace..the friendly hippo who's travelled the world on the arm of his friend

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

October 20:
.

October 30:
.

Yep, we had the first snow of the season this morning. By the end of the walk Peg was done with winter. I really enjoyed myself though.

 

[Former member 49149]

In search of Golden Russet apples in a fairly near ‘organic’ market, I set out along the usual path, aware of the forecast, rain disappearing... When I reached the river, I saw a clutch of colours to my right. I took a photo of the scene on my left, and waited for the scene on my right to change. It did. From a very loose edged rainbow tip it became a double rainbow, and then they both disappeared as I was buffeted by some of the gusts of Storm Aiden. I almost ran, but as it is against my principles, I just trotted to safety, as the gusts might have managed, miraculously, to whip me over the bridge barrier. On the way home I noticed two things that have been sitting in a little park for months, if not years. Today was my first day to see them. A different clientele for albergues...

 

[Annette london]

In search of Golden Russet apples in a fairly near ‘organic’ market, I set out along the usual path, aware of the forecast, rain disappearing... When I reached the river, I saw a clutch of colours to my right. I took a photo of the scene on my left, and waited for the scene on my right to change. It did. From a very loose edged rainbow tip it became a double rainbow, and then they both disappeared as I was buffeted by some of the gusts of Storm Aiden. I almost ran, but as it is against my principles, I just trotted to safety, as the gusts might have managed, miraculously, to whip me over the bridge barrier. On the way home I noticed two things that have been sitting in a little park for months, if not years. Today was my first day to see them. A different clientele for albergues...

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That sky!

That rainbow,

Wonderful photos Kirkie

 

[VNwalking]

Annette said what I was thinking.
Just wow, @kirkie .
And the bug and bee houses touch my heart. We humans make the world so difficult for them, not aware that they are such important members of the family of living beings. Wonderful.

 

[SabsP]

My village. Not exotic or spectacular but still...
Cobblestones, mistletoe, rolling hills, mud, woodland and orchards.

 

[Annette london]

My village. Not exotic or spectacular but still...
Cobblestones, mistletoe, rolling hills, mud, woodland and orchards.View attachment 86588View attachment 86589View attachment 86590View attachment 86591View attachment 86592

SabineP
This looks like a beautiful place to me and whether mountainous, flat, hilly or urban...every place has a beauty of its own
These are lovely photos..you are a lucky lady

 

[VNwalking]

More candles from me tonight — this is a two-night holiday.

 

[Icacos]

We get an awful lot of rain here on the ‘wet’ coast of Canada, but every now and again a glorious day dawns. My walk two days ago ...

 

[Former member 49149]

We get an awful lot of rain here on the ‘wet’ coast of Canada, but every now and again a glorious day dawns. My walk two days ago ...
View attachment 86604

My sister said last Sunday that the snow had begun for her area - Dawson Creek. Your photo looks to be showing a crisp autumn day.

 

[Icacos]

My sister said last Sunday that the snow had begun for her area - Dawson Creek. Your photo looks to be showing a crisp autumn day.

Snow now in Dawson Creek sounds about right; their winter is much more severe than ours.

Yes, ours was a crisp day, with a cold wind blowing. I tried sitting for a while to soak up the sun, but had to keep walking to stay warm.

 

[Icacos]

More candles from me tonight — this is a two-night holiday.
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@VNwalking, I’m guessing this is part of the Diwali Festival of Lights? When I was a child back home my dad always took us driving along the country roads at night to see all the houses decorated with lights. We loved it; it was so beautiful.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Today we went to the state park with the farm on it. We walk there fairly often but usually on the wooded trails and roads. We walked along fields today because Peg wanted some sun for warmth (I was up this morning when the temperature was -7C, cold for the time of year).

 

[peregrina2000]

More candles from me tonight — this is a two-night holiday.
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Beautiful pictures from both nights. What is being celebrated?

 

[VNwalking]

@VNwalking, I’m guessing this is part of the Diwali Festival of Lights?

No, at least not directly — this is a different country and a very different culture.

What is being celebrated?

There are mythical reasons and practical ones. Practically, it's the end of the rainy seaon.
And it's a Buddhist Festival all over Southeast Asia and up into Tibet, a celebration of the introduction of the teachings of the Abhidhamma (this is the mythical part).

It's a time here of paying respects to parents, teachers, and elders — a beautiful part of this culture that I so deeply appreciate.

 

[ginniek]

There are reasons the city is also known as Winterpeg. Many years ago I used to go fly from Toronto to Winnipeg for business. It was amazing in the winter and--except for the black flies--was a real pleasure in the summer.

 

[Former member 49149]

The morning after the incessant fireworks - illegal of course. If you want to know more, wikipedia will fill you in. Very windy, but nothing like what other places have experienced locally, or what is battering the East, Philippines in particular.
I saw something else today for the first time that I know has been in its spot for a long time. A statue. Religious statues were placed near factories and bus depots, and taxi ranks, and seaport buildings in and around Dublin, whatever about anywhere else in the middle of the last century. They are still to be found in strategic spots in Dublin. In these ‘enlightened’ days, I find it touching and amusing that they are respected and cared for. My other photos capture reflections, and also a set of bicycles: Covid has seen exponential growth in the food delivery business. (I have been dying to use that word for months). The last photo shows how the sky is being crowded out, although the style of building does allow reflected glory... the photos chose their own positions, never mind.

 

[Koidream]

Another 12K walk from home to the top of the Adventure Mountain and back...

 

[Icacos]

No, at least not directly — this is a different country and a very different culture.

Sorry, I was aware of that, and I made the too-wild assumption that because of the lights and the time of the year, it might have anything to do with the other festival. My apologies. And thank you for explaining the meaning of your celebration.

 

[SabsP]

Another 12K walk from home to the top of the Adventure Mountain and back...

Beringen I presume?

 

[Koidream]

Correct.
Not that far from "Het land van Loon" isn't it ;-)

 

[roving_rufus]

A bit late as my internet has been playing up (probably due to the storms) - but on Friday I headed off to Big Dog Little Dog Forest (the Ulster Way passes through it) - Perfect autumn afternoon. Its name comes from two mounds and of course a legend about the famous Irish giant Finn McCool (who also built the Giants Causeway) -These two mounds are Finn's Irish Wolfhounds - they give chase to a witch but the witch, in order to escape, casts a spell on them, turning the two dogs to stone.
A path leads to the top of Little Dog with lovely views

 

[SabsP]

Met a friend for a Covid proof walk in the area around Tienen. Known for the cultivation of sugar beets and the factory that processes them.
Start at the very impressive Saint Genoveva church. Nice walk but almost all on paved roads.
We also walked by a cemetary from WWI with graves of unknown soldiers.
Also a very impressive castlefarm ( a former abbey ).

 

[Glenshiro]

No photographs, I'm afraid ( I don't own a smartphone) but I walked today from Lewes, East Sussex, briskly up on to Malling Down from where, in brilliantly clear skies, Crowborough could be seen over 14 miles away to the north. Across the springy, sheep-grazed turf and down to Glynde of opera house fame (but whose pub, sadly, closed 3 year ago). Then up the steep (scarp) slope of the South Downs and on across miles of open country in the face of a stiff wind but under blue skies with the occasional Constable-inspiring cloud. Eventually down again through the valley of Poverty Bottom (I wonder what that name commemorates?) to Bishopstone and its 12th-century church and 20th-century railway station for the short journey back to Lewes. I never forget how lucky I am to have such glorious countryside on my doorstep.

 

[peregrina2000]

Walking in a nearby Forest Preserve was a good way to clear the brain and lower my blood pressure, getting home just in time to partake of the election frenzy and watch the blood pressure rise again


.

 

[Jomas]

weekend excursion to the mountains (Lake Misurina 1754 a.s.l. to Monte Piana 2324 a.s.l.- Dolomiti - Italy).
a nice sunny day




a break for refreshment

 

[SabsP]

Semi-local ( next village ). A circular walk of only four k.but I am always amazed by the variety in the landscape.

 

[Stephen Nicholls]

I love walking through our local forest - a short walk of about 6 kms, but so beautiful with the autumn leaves ....

 

[Annette london]

Walking in a nearby Forest Preserve was a good way to clear the brain and lower my blood pressure, getting home just in time to partake of the election frenzy and watch the blood pressure rise again


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Just have a little tipple to steady those "nerves"now
And pour a larger one for later on ...for either..

1. To celebrate
2. To drown your sorrows

Either way...enjoy the tipple/bottle!!
Good luck
Annette

 

[Annette london]

weekend excursion to the mountains (Lake Misurina 1754 a.s.l. to Monte Piana 2324 a.s.l.- Dolomiti - Italy).
a nice sunny day
View attachment 86852
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View attachment 86856 View attachment 86857
View attachment 86858
View attachment 86859 a break for refreshment

Misurina ...Tre cima...the most wonderful walking there ...as soon as we can we're back there ..and .just seeing these photos ...."beam me up Scottie"

 

[AlwynWellington]

We also walked by a cemetery from WWI with graves of unknown soldiers.

I always feel saddened when I encounter graves with the equivalent in English of onbekend/inconnu. Having spent some time at the Commonwealth Military Cemetery of Tynecot (between Gravenstal and Paschendaele, Belgium) and at the military extension the civil cemetery at Le Quesnoy, France (and elsewhere) I become upset when I see the words "known unto God".

Yet when I visit both French and German military cemeteries I see every grave marker usually has the full name, date of death, military occupation and often more details.

From that attention to detail I take away a sense of who cares most about those who gave "the ultimate sacrifice".

@SabineP, thanks for your images.

 

[Former member 49149]

I am currently limited to 5km from home. I cheated. I cycled 5.1km, to give a goodie bag to a former neighbour. She had just collected a bag of apples from the tree in the back garden - it is not possible to give her anything without a return gift! On the way back I stopped briefly and took a photo, facing the sun, of a sculpture of a wave... and another showing the low tide. It gives a different view of my more usual panorama. Then I called in to a wonderful community cafe and gave them the apples - one of the staff will use them for the cakes she bakes every day. It is a beautiful day. There are many things rattling round in my head: wars and rumours of wars, pandemics, strife and division. It is still a beautiful day.
.

 

[AlwynWellington]

The last week of October I did a circular of about 180 km in 4 days!!! This was a clockwise circular route along the "Great Taste Trail".

Started at the Cathedral city of Nelson at the north west top of Te Waipounamu (South Island), Aotearoa / New Zealand and followed an abandoned railway (including a 1.4 km abandoned tunnel) for 60 km over two days.

Cafe almost as required on the first day. A notable event for me was walking around the dispaly on what had been the birthplace of Ernest Lord Rutherford at Brightwater and an early recipient of a Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1908.

On the second I started about 07h with persistent rain and had to endure that and 24 km for the first taste about 14h30. The highlight was the tunnel, and not just because there was no water inside. On emerging, having passed through a range, I was almost in another place: no rain, and almost no cars despite having the only major road for many, many many mile around beside me.

On the third day, the next 50 km was impossible to walk - a main road with many bends and no shoulders - so put Shank's Pony in my pack and rode on my thumb to Motu'eka early on the third day. The thumb worked and the ride was from a local orchardist: we chatted easily for the distance and, with local knowledge, he dropped me at a fine cafe mid morning. Lunch that day was a shared meal at a community dedicated to pacifism and started in the late 1940s - I shared doing the dishes afterwards. Mid-afternoon I reached the giddying height of 120 metres above sea level walking along a ridge on a north/south alignment. To the west I could see many hills rising above 1,000 metres and some over 1,700 metres (one still had some snow). To the east was Tasman Bay with Nelson on the far side and beyond ranges of hills rising above 1,000 metres as far as the eye could see. Shortly after that high point, and when minding my own business, a guy with a flat tray and about 30 bee hives offered me a ride towards on to a camp ground beside Tasman Bay. Never one to refuse an unrequested offer (I am sure the medieval pilgrims to Compostela had a similar attitude) I accepted. In one day I had achieved three days walking and encountered, in a meaningful way, about six locals.

Day four: the plan was to take a 5 minute ferry crossing and walk about 40 km back to Nelson. Started well but within 10 minutes the rain had returned, and was to last the rest of the morning. I had done about 15 km when a van pulled up and the driver offered a ride. He had just bought this and it was kitted out with a bed, storage and simple cooking facilities. He had often walked himself and appreciated whenever he was offered a ride. He was going to Nelson and we had a great chat, about himself mainly, but also about my last walk in Europe in September 2018 and why I was doing this stint.

And, with two days rain out of four days on the trail, I found a deficiency: I couldn't keep my hands dry.

Day One


Pukeko near Stoke


A more interesting aspect at the side of a vineyard


This church, from 1913, replaced two previous (the first in 1846) that had burnt down.



lunch stop after crossing the Wai'ora river. The bench is entirely recycled plastic.



On the outskirts of village of Brightwater, the approach to the memorial at his birthplace.


At the end of day one at Wakefield. I set my tent (no camping allowed) under some trees behind me.

Day two


About 50 metres, as I left the village the next morning.


One of the few things left of the railway. This was a station yard and the windmill pumped water into a tank to supply the steam locomotives for about 60 years until 1955.


A few km on and now staring the rise to the tunnel: low cloud and persistent rain ...

 

[Former member 49149]

At present, am working on a 2000 piece jigsaw of the world, and am learning so much. I will have to use the magnifying glass to check out some of the places you mention. For some reason, maybe due to the connection between Scotland and ANZ, I have always had a soft spot for Australia and New Zealand. It was once my intention to go ‘over there’. I will have to wait for my heavenly drone, assuming I will get one!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I will have to wait for my heavenly drone,

I love this, Kirkie!

 

[Former member 49149]

Another sneaky little walk, met with a friend for a socially distanced walk, this day was too precious to waste on inside stuff
!

 

[AlanSykes]

First day up the high fell after two weeks of self-isolation. My vizsla finds social distancing quite easy up here in the North Pennines.

 

[Tulle]

A grey but mild November day. Still some nice autumn colors left.

 

[hel&scott]

Whenever we returned from a Camino we would be greeted by these amazing native flowers. Coming back from my daily walk around the farm I was greeted by a flock of Tui feasting on the flowers, but before I could snap the picture my dog came steaming through and they flew off..

 

[AlwynWellington]

now some images from:

Day Three

View attachment 86979

In the Motu'eka River valley, with a steep hill behind the flat land is used to good effect.


When he was a lot younger, my forester brother maintained a watch on this hill over the hills to my left. The trees in both cases are the exotic (not local) Pinus Radiata.


Traversing the ridge 120 m asl and looking west (Tasman Bay behind me) and the only hill with snow.
Motu'eka is about 10 km to my right and the windy unwalkable highway is at the bottom of my ridge and against the first (dark green) ridge in the middle distance.

A bit further along my 120 m ridge and again looking west - and the rows look like vines to me.

And still further, some belted Galloway (?) - compare with this at Wikipedia


Still on the 120 m asl ridge and looking east across Tasman Bay to the port of Nelson (left and centre) and light industrial and construction (right). These features are more than 20 km (as crows do fly) from my position. The shady grid pattern in a simple fence line (not to contain ovine of bovine creatures - you can see that type of fence with the belted Galloway on the other side.

Day four images of a clockwise circular stroll from Nelson back to Nelson follows directly.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

It was a beautiful day today and most of the people we came across on our walk had a dog or two or three with them. Everyone seeing us would put their dogs on a leash except for the ones where we had a chance to say "Don't bother we're dog friendly." We got to be affectionate with lots of dogs today.

I was greeted by a flock of Tui feasting on the flowers, but before I could snap the picture my dog came steaming through and they flew off..

Many, many years ago I toured NZ for months staying in hostels. At one, in the guest book, someone created a couple of pages of an illustrated guide to NZ roadside wildlife for everyone hitchhiking from place to place. Accompanying each animal description was a picture of a flatted animal with tire tracks over it. All except the last one mentioned. "You may not see a tui along the road. It is not because they are rare. It is because they are extremely fast."

 

[AlwynWellington]

You may not see a tui along the road

But if you hear a very sweet melodic call, that is Tui. More about Tui here.

In urban areas people often keep a Tui feeder hanging in a place safe from cats. Tui love nectar and have long thin beaks to access to the base of flowers and flax. The Tui feeder has sugary water in an enclosed container with a perch and small self closing opening for the beak to access. An image of my Tui feeder taken a few minutes ago:

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

In urban areas people often keep a Tui feeder hanging in a place safe from cats. Tui love nectar and have long thin beaks to access to the base of flowers and flax.

Elsewhere people put out motorcycles for the entertainment, if not feeding, of keas.

 

[AlwynWellington]

now some images from:

Day Four

8289) my tent just before breaking camp

8304) the other side of this bund is Tasman Bay and the black stilt (details here) looking for a meal.

8307) from my tent to Mapua and the ferry across the water to Rabbit Island is about 5 km. I got the first ferry and looking back from Rabbit Island. Facing the other way is Nelson more than 30 km away.

 

[Icacos]

A surprise when I walked into my kitchen today ... the afternoon sun shining on my landlady’s Japanese maple.

 

[SabsP]

Walked 11k with a friend.Covidproof break on a bench.
Gorgeous weather. WIth the lockdown and seeing it is autumn schoolholidays, authorities warned to avoid the popular nature parks and think about plan b. Original plan was to drive to a forest thirty minutes from home but a workmate ( who lives in that area) warned me about the masses of people there.
Walking and biking are really the only things we are able to do outside.Luckily I know the local area very well , so except for some locals we did not meet many people.
But the parking spaces on the main road were packed with cars. All license plates from people living a bit further away. Makes sense seeing everyone knows their local area by now....

 

[Annette london]

A local walk from Upshire village
A linear "there and back" walk which turned into a circular one as we changed our minds halfway through...too many inviting paths going everywhere!!
Muddy lanes, then across the fields, and then getting a bit lost in a small mobile home park. however we ended up there I don't know!!
A lovely sunny day after the rains

 

[SabsP]

@Annette london ..very similar to my region.

 

[Koidream]

Another "Looooong" walk

 

[SabsP]

Superlazy day on the couch...went out for twenty minutes...better than nothing I guess!

 

[peregrina2000]

I am trying to branch out, so yesterday I cycled all the way down to Amish country, only to remember that it was Sunday so none of the buggies would be out. But it was still a very nice ride over some new terrain — lots of falling down houses and barns, which made me wonder what happened to these places that were once so loved.

 

[OzAnnie]

I am trying to branch out, so yesterday I cycled all the way down to Amish country, only to remember that it was Sunday so none of the buggies would be out. But it was still a very nice ride over some new terrain — lots of falling down houses and barns, which made me wonder what happened to these places that were once so loved.

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Laurie , Such an interesting area. How far away from where you live ? They look like scenes from a movie. Was the home abandoned or just needing a bit of love ?

 

[peregrina2000]

Laurie , Such an interesting area. How far away from where you live ? They look like scenes from a movie. Was the home abandoned or just needing a bit of love ?

The main Amish area is about 35 miles south of me, surrounding the town of Arthur. It is definitely an interesting area, with lots of juxtoposition between old and new. There is a real range between the more traditional who do not use electricity or zippers (and probably many other things) and the less traditional who have both cars and buggies parked outside. The main occupations seem to be either agriculture or cabinetry. Many people in my town get their dining room sets, their kitchen cabinets, their bookcases, etc from Amish businesses. Many of the farms appear to have houses that would hold a couple of families (in fact, in front of one I saw two separate mailboxes). Also many of the sites had three or four small houses on the same farm site, so I assume there are related families living together. They interpret the Bible strictly but also selectively — I suppose that’s true of many religions so it is not a criticism.

.

The number of Amish is growing in the US at a pretty good clip, though the total numbers are small. The typical family has many children, and those children seem to have real freedom to decide whether to join the Amish way of life or leave and head to the big city. They make that decision as young adults, and I have heard that there is not (supposed to be) pressure on the child to commit.

Sorry to hijack, but I have enjoyed some of the other tangents these pictures spark and haven’t noticed any complaints from those whose main objective is to see some pretty pictures. But let me know if it’s inappropriate and I will delete.

oh, and a p.s. — the homes and barns were abandoned, I saw quite a few of them.

 

[frbobs]

In lieu of not being able to leave the country, or the state for that matter (I live in NY), I've made some short trips to the Hudson Valley and the Catskills. Some beautiful converted railway trails, and some more strenuous mountain trails as well. I even hiked overnight (walking over the Hudson River) to get a "just me and my backpack" Camino feeling. It's been important, for me at least, to not let my world get too small. Just traveling a little bit to hike outside makes it big again. Buen Camino, WHEREVER that is.

 

[peregrina2000]

In lieu of not being able to leave the country, or the state for that matter (I live in NY), I've made some short trips to the Hudson Valley and the Catskills. Some beautiful converted railway trails, and some more strenuous mountain trails as well. I even hiked overnight (walking over the Hudson River) to get a "just me and my backpack" Camino feeling. It's been important, for me at least, to not let my world get too small. Just traveling a little bit to hike outside makes it big again. Buen Camino, WHEREVER that is.

WOW, just beautiful. What is that bizarre stone structure?

I totally share your sentiment. I have found that taking a trip once a week to walk in a nearby forest preserve, even though the locations are no more than 20-40 miles away, helps keeps our worlds a little more open. Your locations are far more stunning, though, lucky you!

And how about a few more details about walking over the Hudson River (I assume that was on a bridge) overnight?!

 

[Tulle]

On a short walk in the neighborhood I saw this nice little house on the picture in the middle. What is the English word for it? A little sunshine today. In some weeks the sun will disappear behind the mountains and there will be no sunshine in about six weeks...

 

[Koidream]

The little house is ... a birdhouse.

 

[Icacos]

and

The little house is ... a birdhouse.

And is that a satellite dish I see on it?

 

[Tulle]

Birdhouse, thank you, very logical that is And yes, it is a satellite dish. Norwegian birds are very interested in what is going on abroad

 

[OzAnnie]

The main Amish area is about 35 miles south of me, surrounding the town of Arthur. It is definitely an interesting area, with lots of juxtoposition between old and new. There is a real range between the more traditional who do not use electricity or zippers (and probably many other things) and the less traditional who have both cars and buggies parked outside. The main occupations seem to be either agriculture or cabinetry. Many people in my town get their dining room sets, their kitchen cabinets, their bookcases, etc from Amish businesses. Many of the farms appear to have houses that would hold a couple of families (in fact, in front of one I saw two separate mailboxes). Also many of the sites had three or four small houses on the same farm site, so I assume there are related families living together. They interpret the Bible strictly but also selectively — I suppose that’s true of many religions so it is not a criticism.

View attachment 87185 View attachment 87186.

The number of Amish is growing in the US at a pretty good clip, though the total numbers are small. The typical family has many children, and those children seem to have real freedom to decide whether to join the Amish way of life or leave and head to the big city. They make that decision as young adults, and I have heard that there is not (supposed to be) pressure on the child to commit.

Sorry to hijack, but I have enjoyed some of the other tangents these pictures spark and haven’t noticed any complaints from those whose main objective is to see some pretty pictures. But let me know if it’s inappropriate and I will delete.

oh, and a p.s. — the homes and barns were abandoned, I saw quite a few of them.

Wow Laurie - thank you for the feedback. It spurred me to do some googling.
Looks like you are getting a good bit of exercise on your bike - ‘possibly a cycle camino coming up in the future?’

Sorry to hijack, but I have enjoyed some of the other tangents these pictures spark and haven’t noticed any complaints from those whose main objective is to see some pretty pictures. But let me know if it’s inappropriate and I will delete.

I wouldn’t say it was hijacked.. you just added commentary to your pics. Gentle education is great . I didn’t know a lot of the info you passed on and found it interesting that they are not all fixed 100% to old ways. Maybe why some homes are abandoned when children move away to the cities. After I drifted to sleep last night I thought more about the Amish and their wheels rather than motors etc. it got me wondering whether they used bikes too.
My googling then included some I nteresting reading about ‘why’ they are not used as much as scooters.

Thanks

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

it got me wondering whether they used bikes too.

We bought a small travel trailer made in Ohio with a large Amish workforce. A truck tire run over on the highway did some damage and with Ohio on the way of a trip we stopped in for a repair. Lots of buggies in the area but the factory was adding a pretty elaborate shed to the side of the building for bicycles.

 

[OzAnnie]

What is the English word for it?

The little house is ... a birdhouse.

I also would call it ..’.a birdhouse ‘
but these words are not wrong either :
Bird box.
Nesting box
Bird nesting box

 

[Annette london]

The main Amish area is about 35 miles south of me, surrounding the town of Arthur. It is definitely an interesting area, with lots of juxtoposition between old and new. There is a real range between the more traditional who do not use electricity or zippers (and probably many other things) and the less traditional who have both cars and buggies parked outside. The main occupations seem to be either agriculture or cabinetry. Many people in my town get their dining room sets, their kitchen cabinets, their bookcases, etc from Amish businesses. Many of the farms appear to have houses that would hold a couple of families (in fact, in front of one I saw two separate mailboxes). Also many of the sites had three or four small houses on the same farm site, so I assume there are related families living together. They interpret the Bible strictly but also selectively — I suppose that’s true of many religions so it is not a criticism.

View attachment 87185 View attachment 87186.

The number of Amish is growing in the US at a pretty good clip, though the total numbers are small. The typical family has many children, and those children seem to have real freedom to decide whether to join the Amish way of life or leave and head to the big city. They make that decision as young adults, and I have heard that there is not (supposed to be) pressure on the child to commit.

Sorry to hijack, but I have enjoyed some of the other tangents these pictures spark and haven’t noticed any complaints from those whose main objective is to see some pretty pictures. But let me know if it’s inappropriate and I will delete.

oh, and a p.s. — the homes and barns were abandoned, I saw quite a few of them.

Wonderful pictures and the information/explanation a real treat.Giving some background information always makes the pictures more interesting
Personally, I love reading about the Amish and there have been quiet a few documentaries about them in the Uk in the past few years

 

[SabsP]

Part of GR path and an animalhotel .
This the GR 128 that goes from Wissant in France to Aachen in Germany.

Trekkings.be GR128 Vlaanderenroute wandelen GR 128

GR128 : Dwars door het oude Vlaanderen, van Wissant tot Aken, 650 km wandelen over GR 128, utgebreid wandelverslag.

www.trekkings.be

 

[Annette london]

Part of GR path and an animalhotel .
This the GR 128 that goes from Wissant in France to Aachen in Germany.

Trekkings.be GR128 Vlaanderenroute wandelen GR 128

GR128 : Dwars door het oude Vlaanderen, van Wissant tot Aken, 650 km wandelen over GR 128, utgebreid wandelverslag.

www.trekkings.be

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Sabine
Just love those GR signs...the red and white showing us the way
Once, somewhere in the south of France we actually met one of the guys who painted the GR marks with his little cans of red and white paint...a real delight for us as here we were thinking that the fairies painted them!!

 

[Annette london]

Anyone for Golf?
Today we had intended to walk around the edge of the local golf course....this we did last week when it was still open, so today we thought we'd repeat the exercise without the balls whizzing past our heads
It was a straightforward walk of 5 miles last week

This time we started at the top of the course but soon a little path appeared at the edge which we followed onto a track
Then more gates and paths and so one path led to another ...as they often do.
Some were a bit muddy so decided that they were for another day with boots!

Back onto the golf course and it just seemed to go on for ever, each section with lots of trees in between ....even came across 2 lakes which we never knew existed despite walking in this area for many years!
Never realised a golf course could be so big and we really were lost for a while ....even coming across a sign for the London Loop which passes through the course....after 3 hours we found the forest path out of the golf course

Who'd have thought anyone could get lost on a golf course....
I guess that lockdown has done this to us!!!

So it's off again in a few days for another adventure to the golf course!
PS I even found 5 golf balls in the long grass

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Wow Laurie - thank you for the feedback. It spurred me to do some googling.
Looks like you are getting a good bit of exercise on your bike - ‘possibly a cycle camino coming up in the future?’




I wouldn’t say it was hijacked.. you just added commentary to your pics. Gentle education is great . I didn’t know a lot of the info you passed on and found it interesting that they are not all fixed 100% to old ways. Maybe why some homes are abandoned when children move away to the cities. After I drifted to sleep last night I thought more about the Amish and their wheels rather than motors etc. it got me wondering whether they used bikes too.
My googling then included some I nteresting reading about ‘why’ they are not used as much as scooters.

Thanks

I, too, have always been fascinated by the Amish. I have been through Arthur, Illinois myself a few times and also through a few areas in Wisconsin, stopping for homemade baked goods they sell out of their breezeways or garage. Often many articles of only gray and black color clothing hanging outside on a clothesline, and no curtains at the windows.

 

[frbobs]

WOW, just beautiful. What is that bizarre stone structure?

I totally share your sentiment. I have found that taking a trip once a week to walk in a nearby forest preserve, even though the locations are no more than 20-40 miles away, helps keeps our worlds a little more open. Your locations are far more stunning, though, lucky you!

And how about a few more details about walking over the Hudson River (I assume that was on a bridge) overnight?!

Hey Peregrina, Thanks for responding to my post.
The stone structure (that Tolkien looking thing) is called the Testimonial Gateway. It is the original entrance to the Mohonk house (the picture of the Castle on the lake, built into the cliffs... only $637.00 a night...I don't stay there They were both built in the early 1900's, and the whole area is a maze of Carriage roads and trails. The Mohonk Preserve allows access to the property for hiking, otherwise, you have to be a Guest at the House. They are all right near the village of New Paltz, N.Y., which is about 3 hrs. from where I live on Long Island, N.Y.
The last couple of years I have fallen in love with the area, particularly drawn to a series of "rail-trails" and walkways they've established. The Hudson Valley Rail Trail runs west to east from New Paltz ending at the "Walkway over the Hudson", a 1 1/2 mile linear park rebuilt from the old freight train Railroad Bridge that ran from 1889 to 1974 (when it was destroyed in a fire), completed and reopened in 2009. The other side of the "Bridge" is the city of Poughkeepsie, and becomes the Dutchess Rail trail (which runs another 13 miles). Both trails are paved and total over 25 miles one way. I walked 13 or so from New Paltz to outside Poughkeepsie, stayed in a cheap Hotel and walked back the next day. I do not prefer paved paths, but it is still a beautiful hike with an ever changing series of things to see (even some little shops and stuff along the way).
I'm not familiar with your area, but the organization that creates these trails (at least one of them, anyway) is the Rails to Trails Conservancy (railstotrails.org). If you have any of them anywhere near you, they are definitely worth checking out. Thanks for causing me to reminisce about some great walks I've had the last few months. Peace, Bob

 

[Camino Chrissy]

@frbobs, you live in a lovely area to explore. I have toured (mostly by car) the Hudson River Valley, Catskills and the Adirondacks back in about 2001.

 

[Theatregal]

Into the quiet drizzly woods today for some cool, aromatic, rainforest air. Well...quiet except for a beautiful, very busy pileated woodpecker who was unconcerned that I was only about 4 metres away!

 

[OzAnnie]

.quiet except for a beautiful, very busy pileated woodpecker who was unconcerned that I was only about 4 metres away!

He is beautiful. I ‘heard’ the European variety when I walked the Vdlp last year. I have just looked up the varieties... they are all such pretty birds. Lucky you to get so close for this picture.

 

[DoughnutANZ]

Walking in the Cattlins, South Island, NZ

Sea lion, sunning himself on the beach and waiting for the females to turn up.

 

[DoughnutANZ]

Stewart Island, NZ


Not exactly walking (fishing) but I did have to walk down to the wharf and back.

 

[DoughnutANZ]

View from the Coastal track, Oban, Stewart Island, NZ

 

[DoughnutANZ]

Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary, Stewart Island, NZ

 

[DoughnutANZ]

Stewart Island Robin (at risk/recovering) Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary

 

[DoughnutANZ]

More from Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary

 

[SabsP]

Walked at Meldert/Hoegaarden. Covid proof again.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

View from the Coastal track, Oban, Stewart Island, NZ
View attachment 87301

It certainly wasn't a local walk for me but I once spent a week on the Coastal Track going from Oban to Mt. Anglem and back. I enjoyed myself but what I always remember first is mud and second, sandflies.

 

[Theatregal]

He is beautiful. I ‘heard’ the European variety when I walked the Vdlp last year. I have just looked up the varieties... they are all such pretty birds. Lucky you to get so close for this picture.

I see them often in these woods but never before so close and so low on the tree! It's hard to get a good photo - they're usually moving so fast that my photos are a blur. Lucky this time - he paused for a moment in mid-peck

 

[DoughnutANZ]

It certainly wasn't a local walk for me but I once spent a week on the Coastal Track going from Oban to Mt. Anglem and back. I enjoyed myself but what I always remember first is mud and second, sandflies.

You were much more adventurous than me. Your trip was real hiking. My trip was a half day stroll around the town of Oban.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Not long ago we had snow. This last week we have had tee shirt weather. The temperatures are going to be getting colder though. This would explain why the state park was so crowded today.

It seems that the oak trees had a contest last night to see which one could drop the most leaves.

We walked today with a friend from the city. That made the walk more interesting but it also meant that our masks were up all the time, darn.

. . . . .

You were much more adventurous than me. Your trip was real hiking. My trip was a half day stroll around the town of Oban.

That was back when I was a long way away from being half my current age. But Peg and I walked the Milford Track a few years ago.

NZ

 

[Icacos]

Stewart Island, NZ
View attachment 87299
View attachment 87300
Not exactly walking (fishing) but I did have to walk down to the wharf and back.

Thank you, @Doughnut NZ, for all your pics of Stewart Island. My elder son spent several days some years ago on a solo trek of the Northwest Circuit and ever since I've been intrigued with this island. He loved his time on this trail. He said there was nothing to worry about, that NZ had no natural predators and, I think, nothing poisonous; no bears, cougars, snakes, scorpions or the like.

..... but I once spent a week on the Coastal Track going from Oban to Mt. Anglem and back. I enjoyed myself but what I always remember first is mud and second, sandflies.

I think if one asked my son he would say that what he remembers most of Stewart Island is his - as he termed it - "thrice daily soaks" in the hot pools.

 

[Canada Wanders]

Glorious weather for a walk in Alberta.

 

[Former member 49149]

Six steps outside the front door... but I will go walking in around an hour. Can't not share this...

 

[Lexicos]

Great Ocean Walk.
Bells Beach. S.W. Victoria. Yesterday morning.

 

[Lexicos]

Anglesea. Dusk.

 

[Annette london]

A walk between Hainault forest and Havering park ending in the village of Havering-atte- bower
An overflowing lake after all the rain
A long straight lane reminiscent of the Meseta passing farms and a riding school where Seamus and Gabor (not Greta) greeted us over the fence
The village church built on a former palace and where our local Hospice...a place of calm and tranquility is based
An 8 mile walk on easy tracks
A map and compass helped us to navigate our way this time through the golf course!

 

[AlwynWellington]

I always remember ... sandflies.

They must have been juveniles!
Adult sandflies pride themselves on devouring you completely

 

[peregrina2000]

I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again. For those of us who don’t live in the country, finding a way to walk on unpaved trails and without any car noises is a challenge, but it is well worth it. In the US, it seems to be a bit harder than for lucky people like Annette, Kirkie, Theatregal, Sabine and others! My walk today was in a woods where the brown palette predominated. Fall always makes me feel nostalgic and I inevitably listen to the Adagio movement of the Concierto de Aranjuez. The whole concierto is beautiful but this movement just says “autumn” to me.

 

[Former member 49149]

I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again. For those of us who don’t live in the country, finding a way to walk on unpaved trails and without any car noises is a challenge, but it is well worth it. In the US, it seems to be a bit harder than for lucky people like Annette, Kirkie, Theatregal, Sabine and others! My walk today was in a woods where the brown palette predominated. Fall always makes me feel nostalgic and I inevitably listen to the Adagio movement of the Concierto de Aranjuez. The whole concierto is beautiful but this movement just says “autumn” to me.

View attachment 87388 View attachment 87389

View attachment 87390 View attachment 87391

I agree that some people are indeed fortunate in their locations. I consider myself one of those - although in fact I live very close to the city centre (Dublin).
I can walk to various points around Dublin Bay with little effort. I can walk up along the two canals. I can follow the river into the city, or a smaller river into suburbia. When the 5km travel limit is lifted, I can also head for routes that are unpaved and traffic free. The restrictions on using public transport will have to be lifted as well. We do have a car, but I prefer to keep that as a last resort. Your post reminded me of something I saw during the first freedom of being able to walk within 2km of home, so I looked it up. A 5km radius gives me a fair bit of freedom. As on the camino, I have to temper my enthusiasm by identifying locations with public toilets. Today, I will walk towards Heuston Station, and then home again. A saunter, but with a blue sky, and an awareness of freedom, it fits the bill of walking for health from top to toe!
I attach a screenshot of my permitted area...

 

[Deleted member 76633]

I have to temper my enthusiasm by identifying locations with public toilets.

The curse of any Camino.

 

[Lexicos]

Fairhaven. Lorne.

 

[Lexicos]

Sunrise. Sunset.

 

[Annette london]

I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again. For those of us who don’t live in the country, finding a way to walk on unpaved trails and without any car noises is a challenge, but it is well worth it. In the US, it seems to be a bit harder than for lucky people like Annette, Kirkie, Theatregal, Sabine and others! My walk today was in a woods where the brown palette predominated. Fall always makes me feel nostalgic and I inevitably listen to the Adagio movement of the Concierto de Aranjuez. The whole concierto is beautiful but this movement just says “autumn” to me.

View attachment 87388 View attachment 87389

View attachment 87390 View attachment 87391

Oh that bridge is wonderful, reminds me of "The bridges of Madison county" one of my favouritem films


Although we live in a built up area of outer London, we are indeed lucky to have so many green spaces around us and indeed Londoners are pretty well catered for in terms of parks and green spaces
Even in our area though we've had to give "the bums rush" and see off the developers (predators) waiting in the wings to turn areas into concrete jungles and where future generations of children would have no place to play or enjoy nature

The U.K. In general, despite its large population for such a small island has vast public spaces and public rights of way in which to roam
Although we've travelled in Europe for many years....mainly to walk ...this lockdown has really given us an appreciation of our own ares and has indeed "forced" us to explore our own surrounding areas ....from 5 minutes down the road to 30 minutes drive away
As soon as lockdown happened in March, we bought ordinance survey maps of Essex and other nearby counties(1:2500) ....one of our best investments!!!
And even though we're within spitting distance of 2 forests where we've walked for years it is nice to explore ...and get lost...further afield
Yes the music...mine is mostly "soul" "disco" R n B with some country and western thrown in..just need something to keep me moving!!

 

[Former member 49149]

I did what I wanted to do - I walked all the way along the quays to Heuston Station, and back along the other side. I detoured to get something for dinner, and then continued. I share a photo of the first bridge in Dublin to be named for a woman, and a photo from the shopping centre. At least there was no music to go with it. I have a few things to do, but I will work on making a post on my blog (that is so funny for me! “My blog” ) to avoid taking too much space on this thread. I thoroughly enjoyed the walk, and also managed to avoid swearing inside my mask whenever runners threatened to invade my space. Need to get moving as I have a zoom impending!


edit: for reference, my 17,116 steps equals 12.7km on Stepz. I need to remember this as I might use it against another virtual camino...
Gosh: did I break the rules? boo hoo!

 

[archecotech]

I new here on the boards and this is my first post. Just got back from spending 9 days in Sochi, Russia. Spent everyday walking 5 to 7 kilometers around the city which is really hilly. I was hoping someone here might be able to tell me what kind of distances I should be walking in order to be more prepared for the Camino?