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, Shell and All,

Dools, I enjoyed reading about the gum tree, bottlebrush and wattle flowers. There are some lovely bottlebrushes in pink shades. I’ve seen some both pale pink and deep pink ones. I like to smell the gum blossoms which feel medicinal. I feel that when smelling roses and other fragrant flowers too.

My breathing is a little better today and I’ve managed to walk down to the river where I’m now sitting. I’m doing as you describe and not walking too far and taking rests. The wind is coming from an unusual direction and the tide is high, so water is splashing up through the planks of the town jetty. Boats tied up to it are being tossed about. The wind is warm rather than cold so it is quite pleasant. It is neither too hot in the sun nor cold in the wind. I feel like lying down on this bench I’m on for a cat nap. I think I will because it feels like it will be restorative. I can hear the wind in the trees above me a waves lapping the shore.

[Doolhof]

Hi Eagle Ray and All reading,

When I was recovering from Covid and went walking, I took a small light weight back pack. I had an old sheet in it that I put down on the dry grass so I could lay down and have a rest. I had a drink and snacks with me as

well.

I enjoyed your description of where you were walking. 

Our weather is cool, there was a light drizzle while I was out walking. It seemed strange to once again not see sheep in the paddocks as I walked past. There were no rabbits, hares or kangaroos and very few birds around. It all felt rather weird. One paddock does still have sheep, I saw one lamb in amongst the ewes.

Along the road in one section is an embankment with crumbling small stones that I imagine would look magnificent if you were an ant. I took some photos close up to see what it looks like. The colours are amazing in rich browns, burnt orange and red brown tones. 

[Eagle Ray]

Hi Dools, Shell and Everyone,

Dools, the old sheet, drinks and snacks are a very good idea. I think I will do that on some future walks. Today my breathing has improved quite a bit but still needing to take it easy.

 I loved your description of the embankment from the perspective of how an ant might see it. It’s amazing to wonder about how different creatures perceive and experience their world.

My walk today started where the estuary goes into the sea. The tide was very high and sections of beach have disappeared. I walked along the path next to the road up to where a narrow dirt track goes to the water’s edge. I followed this path through a thicket of trees, like a mini dark forest, out to the rocky shore. The rocks here are fascinating in their colours and patterns. Many are pale with bluish streaks and speckles.

 I spent a while sitting on a rock. I was looking out to sea at an island and imagining a rainbow appearing over the island. Literally about two minutes later a rain shower passed over it and that’s exactly what happened! A half rainbow appeared with the base of it right on the island. The island itself remained illuminated by sunshine even though rain was falling there.

The light this time of year is stunning for photography. I didn’t have my camera but I explored options for spots and angles for landscape images as I walked back along the rocky shore. I think I found a good spot and will return there with my camera soon.

[Guest_1055]

Hello Mrs D, Eagle Ray 

Your description of the view from an ant 🐜 reminded me of an old movie called " Honey I shrunk the kids" they are so tiny you see them walking amongst the blades of grass. Just like an ant would.

Eagle Ray I think you can hang up small branches of gum leaves in your shower. Then the warm water flows through the leaves releasing the  healing oils into where you are standing having a shower. Never tried it myself , just heard about it. 

I have not been walking much since I last wrote about it. 

However I did walk a little in a park from the car and back. We had a picnic in the park. I heard a group of people practicing on their drums in the distance. I liked the sound. 

[Eagle Ray]

That's a very interesting idea about the gum leaves Shell. I think I'll give it a try. I have some gum trees right across from my unit growing on a reserve. A lot of leaves came down today actually with strong winds this morning.

I'm glad you enjoyed hearing the drums in the park. I always enjoy hearing drums and other musical instruments and there is something especially nice about hearing them outdoors.

[Guest_1055]

Hi Eagle Ray, it's the steam in the shower that releases the oils not the water. Rather don't hang the bunch under the water. Sorry my bad

[Doolhof]

Hi Shell, Eagle Ray and all Reading,

It really is lovely to read all that is written here, the image of the walks and even ideas for different exercises and general health are uplifting. I really like the idea of gum leaves in the shower. I might try that one myself, we have an abundance of gum trees here. 

My mind immediately went to the idea of having big branches of gum leaves in the shower, like being in a jungle! That would be amazing! 

This morning when I was out walking I saw hundreds of small spider webs along the side of the road. It is like a convention of spiders got together and decided today is the day to show off their creations and beauty. The webs were incrusted with frost and looked stunning in the early sunshine.

The glowing webs reminded me of tiny fairy lights, it was so very pretty to see. 

[Guest_1055]

You don't see spider webs much here like you described Mrs D

[Guest_1055]

Today I walked out on the breakwall. I am working on improving my sleeping habits. So I am super tired and spaced out. Felt that way as I was walking. 

It smelt so clean and oceany out there. Love that. Noticed the yellow flowers growing down low. A small dog was in front of us at one point. I watched it bounce around as it was walking along. It had no leash. His old body looked happy and so carefree. So much so that his whole tiny body wagged as he wagged his tail. Sooo cute.

I got sprayed a little bit with a fine mist of water too. The ocean was rough and the waves big. You can hear them hit the rocks as they come in.

Nice walk 

[Eagle Ray]

Hi Shell and Dools,

That makes sense about the steam releasing the eucalyptus. And I love the idea of gum leaves in the shower - like being in a rainforest. How relaxing!

I’m just imagining the spiders organising themselves as if for a special festival event showing off their creative work - like an art and craft fair. I found a similar grouping of spiders about two months ago and have been meaning to go back with my macro lens.

This morning I drove to a beach that’s not visited much by people. I had my telephoto lens for birds. There were plenty of small birds in the coastal heathland. The tide was high in the bay.

On my way back up the hill I deviated to a rocky outcrop next to a swampy gully and sat down for a while. Before long about 30 black cockatoos came and roosted in nearby low trees. I just hung out with them and got photos while still sitting on the rock. I’ve spent a fair bit of time with black cockatoos and they are these gorgeous, highly intelligent, deeply family-oriented bunch of feathered beings. Their movements can seem kind of slow and ungainly because they are quite large, but that also makes them easier to photograph compared with small birds. A baby was squawking and getting fed. Another went to sleep with head tucked in feathers. I love them.