Walking Shoes - Walking and Other Exercise

[Guest_1055]

Hey to anyone reading this.

Last night I had an idea about starting a new thread about exercise especially walking. I am aware that walking is very beneficial for our mental, emotional and physical well being. And by actually doing it....well it can make a huge difference to how we cope with the storms that we face in life.

OK, I am not real good at disciplining myself to walk, and have to really push myself to do it. And sometimes it is even hard to leave this bedroom. Anyway I am not a beginner walker, as I have stuck to sort of a plan before. So I know that it does make me feel somewhat better. But I only stayed on the plan for a couple of months, then gave up.....for whatever reason. So here I am again wanting desperately to not fail this time.

So I guess this thread is for anyone that does walk, anyone that is struggling to walk because of depression or anxiety issues. And anyone else really......

I am unsure of the outcome of all this. But my ideas included: Sharing about things we have found out about exercise especially about walking. Writing down the reasons that one would chose to walk ( like something to help motivate). Being accountable in same way. Sharing about the places where we actually do walk, like the beach, gym, around the block, with the dog, out to the clothesline and back. And any other useful tips that could help others. So here we go......

[Eagle Ray]

Dear Dools

I haven’t been for my daily walk today, though did a decent walk yesterday. I saw a kangaroo who sat up and watched me from a distance. I also met three magpies along the same straight stretch of road I was on the day before. I chatted to them (yes I talk to birds!). The fascinating thing about several magpies around here is that they are mimics. They very accurately copy other bird calls, but also dog’s barking and wolf whistles among other things. So I feel like they’re really listening when I’m talking to them.

Mainly I wanted to support you in relation to how you were feeling in relation to work. Sometimes workplaces do have some rumours and gossip going on which are a sign of emotionally immature behaviour from others. It’s something I really don’t like so I can see why it felt upsetting. You were absolutely justified being off work with Covid. I think you’ve done such a wonderful job of self-nurturance during that time, gradually building up some strength and self-care through your walks and time in nature. I would say don’t let the immature behaviour of people interfere with your well-being. I’m glad you had the support of the senior staff member.

It’s great you’ve been immersing yourself in nature and the rural settings you describe. Yes, counting sheep can get difficult! I hear cattle mooing to the west of me sometimes. It’s nice to have these landscapes around isn’t it.

Take care and hope you’re continuing to enjoy some nice walks.

[Doolhof]

Hi Eagle Ray,

Unfortunately the incidents at work are on top of other incidents ! The work place feels a little toxic at present. I attend work, do my very best and walk out with my head held high at the end of the day knowing I have not compromised myself!

My walk yesterday was cut short, as I heard a bird squawking loudly on the side of the road. I carried the poor thing home carefully, then drove 20 kilometres to the vets so it could be humanly put to sleep. Made me cry.

This morning was much better! I too talk tot he birds, the kangaroos and the sheep. One paddock of sheep seem to recognise now that I am not going to hurt them. On the other road, the sheep there just run when I am walking past them. They created quite a dust storm today as they all took off!

I've heard that some birds are great at imitating other sounds. I try talking to the magpies more during nesting season! It didn't help last year! Some of the magpies were extremely aggressive! They obviously don't recognise the fact I can't climb trees anymore!

Hope to get out for a walk a little earlier tomorrow morning for the pre dawn again.

Thanks for your kind words Eagle Ray. I need to leave work stuff at work!

[Eagle Ray]

Hi Dools and Everyone 

Yes, I think at the end of the day it’s just knowing you’re maintaining your integrity even if others are not so much. I hope the walks in nature are a good antidote for the not so good work energy.

I’m so sorry about the injured bird. I’m guessing it may have been hit by a car. That kind of thing really upsets me too. I’m glad you had a much better walk the next day. Nesting season can be a tricky time with magpies. Yes, it’s odd in a way that they swoop since humans are generally unlikely to go high up where their nests are. I had some nesting seagulls chase me out of a coastal spot recently when I accidentally encroached on the nesting area.

Today I had an unusual walk in area near my home that I hadn’t explored on foot before. I walked past paddocks with black and white cows, some looking up at me curiously before returning to grazing. There were lots of interesting old farm machinery and odds and ends in some paddocks. I saw an old wooden farmhouse on a hill with character. It looked about a century old.

As I got to the top of a ridge I entered a forested area that has a mysterious feeling. I could imagine rare marsupials living in it. It’s part of a national park but not an area that’s visited much by people nor promoted in terms of tourism. It was cloudy with a cool wind that almost made things feel a bit spooky.

Returning home I walked through familiar woodland I know well now. I accidentally startled a large kangaroo who bounded away. As I arrived home pink hues were appearing in the east. A kookaburra was sitting on my fence.

It was an interesting walk that felt quite different to other spots I’ve been walking in near town.

[Doolhof]

Hi Eagle Ray and all,

Thanks for sharing your walk with us, it sounds amazing. I could picture myself walking in a similar area.  I like the idea of the cool wind as well! It is going to be about 40 degrees here today, a heat wave all this week.

I was out early for my walk this morning and chose the road running north-south so I could better appreciate the sunrise. When it is cooler again I will get in the car and take a different road out in the back blocks somewhere to walk along.

The sunrise was subtle today with hardly any clouds. The sky had a burst of yellow, orange and a tinge of pink. The sun came up as a large ball of orange. 

I saw some magpies, crows, a small flock of green coloured parrots and a few other birds I don't know the names of.

I'm very thankful I can go walking, even wandering along the same road can be refreshing if I look for a different detail in my surroundings.

The lambs are increasing in size and are looking quite chubby, I enjoy listening to the calls between the lambs and their mothers.

[Guest_1055]

Thankyou for sharing about your walks Mrs D and Eagle Ray. 

I am away on holiday about 2 1/2 hours drive north from my place. On the coast.

I have walked a lot. On the beach, up and down timber and concrete steps, on trails that have reddish brown dirt, up a path beside a winding road that had a rainforest feel to it. That walk was by the torch light on the phone. There was such dense vegetation on that winding road. And quite dark apart from the phone torch.

We walked on a beach that is for dogs. You couldn't swim there, as there were not safe currents in the water. There were heaps of dogs that day. They were running, jumping, chasing each other it was chaos. But I liked watching their happy carefree manner.

We have seen goannas, very large ones. One was staying so still. Their skin texture and colour matched that of the above ground roots of a nearby tree.

Whilst walking on some trails, we looked out at the ocean and rocks from a few designated lookouts. I felt the breeze on me, I felt the warmth of the sun. Even felt that burn sensation on my skin a couple of times. The sun was hot. I liked looking at the colour of the green/ blue clear ocean. I have been swimming in it a couple of times.

[Eagle Ray]

Lovely to hear of your walks Dools and Shell.

Dools, the subtle sunrises can be nice too can’t they and I loved the imagery of the sun as a giant ball rising on the horizon. I really enjoyed reading about the chubby lambs and them calling with their mothers. So cute 🥰 

And Shell I’m so happy for you enjoying those walks on your holiday. The rainforest feel sounds really nice. I’m glad you enjoyed seeing the dogs. I find they have the best energy, especially at the beach where they are so immersed in their surroundings, having fun and getting to meet other dogs. I find dogs never fail to cheer me up if I’m in need of it. I love how the goanna patterns matched the tree roots. They are cool animals. That green/blue of the ocean is my favourite colour. It’s so nice, refreshing and reviving to swim in it too.

My walk today has taken me along the river to the river mouth. I’ve seen two dolphins swimming about going after fish. There’s a strong sea breeze now and it’s actually quite cool. The water is a beautiful blue/green here too. I could look at that colour all day. Some people are relaxing on the jetty fishing. The sky is blue with white fluffy clouds. I can see someone in a kayak in the distance.

Wishing everyone a peaceful day/evening.

[Doolhof]

Hi Everyone,

Not been on the forum for a few days. It is lovely to read about your walks Guest and Eagle-Ray. I really need to make a day to visit a beach and to spend time there. I'm still rather tired from COVID so don't like to drive far at present.

Had a walk yesterday up the road to watch the sunrise. It was glorious and kept changing colour from purple to pink, orange, yellow, more pinks and then slowly to the colour of grey-white clouds in a blue sky.

It was funny to see a small flock of really noisy crows in the trees the magpies usually occupy. The magpies were on the outer in other trees further up the road waiting for the crows to move on.

I noticed a few spider webs, for some reason all the spiders were in the middle of their webs upside down. 

This afternoon I am planning on going for a walk with my sister. 

Wishing everyone a good day, or at least some pleasant moments amongst possible struggles! 

[Eagle Ray]

Dear Dools

That sunrise sounds spectacular. I love how the colours change. I am fascinated by all the spiders being in the middle of their webs upside down. It makes me wonder if they synchronise somehow, and if so how and why?

Going gently post Covid sounds wise. I hope your walks continue to be fulfilling and help your body towards complete recovery. It does so help to be out walking and seeing different things doesn’t it.

My walk today involved a visit to the bakery first then a walk to a nearby lake. Interesting patterns form on the surface of the lake from the breeze. I’m sitting watching it now. There are two ducks at the far end of the lake. I think they are Australian Wood Ducks, but hard to tell from this distance.

Reptiles are active and there are rustlings in the grass. The sun has a bit of a bite in it but the wind counters that as a cooling force. The lake level is low with a lot of evaporation over summer and lack of rain. There are some ferns nearby and I am beneath shady trees. The wind makes soft shushing sounds in the canopy.

This peaceful spot is only 5 minutes from home. Kangaroos are often about just before sunset but not at the moment. Off home now to do some chores, more peaceful for this time by the lake.

[Doolhof]

Hello Eagle Ray and All reading,

Thanks for sharing your walk and time at the lake.

My sister joined me for a walk on Friday. We drove about 5 minutes to the beginning of a dirt track, as I wanted to walk the full distance of the track but didn't have the energy for the first part of the walk for 15 minutes on the road.

It was a lovely walk and we stopped often, sat in the dry grass, listened tot he birds and the light breeze in the trees. It was late afternoon so the light was different than it is in the mornings. There are all kinds of bushes and trees thinly lining the old track, so we had some shade as the sun was hot.

You mentioned ducks, on one of my morning walks there is a dam that always had a couple of ducks floating about on it. Recently a farmer has introduced sheep to this dam. It was so funny to see the ducks up on the bank of the dam and sheep having a drink and wandering around.

It looked like the sheep were about to leave, so the ducks would advance towards the water. More sheep would come along and the ducks would retreat again. I'm not sure how long that went on for as I was watching from the side of the road and it was not a safe place to linger with trucks whizzing past.

Hope you all have a lovely day! Regards from Dools

[Eagle Ray]

Hi Dools, Shell and Everyone

Dools, I found it comical reading about the ducks and sheep. I could just imagine the ducks thinking, “Drat, they’re coming back again”.

I’ve had quite an extensive walk today. I walked along the river again. There were people on stand up paddle boards, some of them hilariously falling into the water as they lost their balance, laughing and having a great time. Further on up a hill I walked on a section of path I hadn’t been on before. I discovered I nice seat in an area of tall forest and sat there for a while. I then walked through several other sections of woodland before finding my way back to the lake where I was yesterday. I rested a bit more there before it got a bit cool and the mosquitoes were bitey. Some galahs were grazing. They have such a cute waddle.