Where do ( did ) you walk ( locally ) in 2022?

[Camino Chrissy]

I went from Florida weather and walking/collecting shells on the beach (my favorite past time) and lush vegetation, to my first walk back home. Everything is still colorless, but signs of spring are evident as wildflowers and trillium are making their presence known.
Anyone know what the blueish ones are?
See that ugly bridge...makes me miss the ancient beauties on the Camino. I also found and opened a geocach for kids, and a jawbone with teeth. When the landscapes are not pretty, other things often grab my attention.

 

[TrvlDad1]

I went from Florida weather and walking/collecting shells on the beach (my favorite past time) and lush vegetation, to my first walk back home. Everything is still colorless, but signs of spring are evident as wildflowers and trillium are making their presence known.
Anyone know what the blueish ones are?
See that ugly bridge...makes me miss the ancient beauties on the Camino. I also found and opened a geocach for kids, and a jawbone with teeth. When the landscapes are not pretty, other things often grab my attention.
View attachment 123020View attachment 123021
View attachment 123022View attachment 123023
View attachment 123024
View attachment 123025

Nice photos!
The blue wildflowers may be Siberian Squill, common to the north country.

 

[TrvlDad1]

Just back from my short Camino, Burgos to Rabanal, and found my backyard vineyard (my COVID project) gone riotous. May have grapes this year.

 

[Annette london]

Hi Chrissy,
the blue flowers look very like bluebells but these stems look a bit longer than the bluebells here
also in full bloom

A walk around our local lake
more of a stop and start really as forts had to be climbed and boulders conquered!
Then it was football as the ball almost hit the water a few times
A lively bunch as the 4 grandsons are all around the same age
Then a visit to the “fun house” for some more climbing and slides
We were exhausted just watching them on this walk
I asked them “to pose” for one of the photos towards the lake

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

All the best @Peter Fransiscus with your volunteering! If you have time it would be nice if you are able to make a live thread about your work at the Huiskamer but no pressure of course!

I will and no pressure

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Nice photos!
The blue wildflowers may be Siberian Squill, common to the north country.

I just checked out Siberian Squill images and they are exactly the same flowers!

Annette, we have bluebells here in our wooded areas, but they are not blooming quite yet; taller with larger flowers.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

A lively bunch as the 4 grandsons are all around the same age

Those boys are definitely keeping you "young"!

 

[SabsP]

Finally the masses of daytourists are gone. So many on electric bikes and not always observing others.
Time for a short stroll to enjoy the blossoms.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Finally the masses of daytourists are gone. So many on electric bikes and not always observing others.
Time for a short stroll to enjoy the blossoms.

View attachment 123103View attachment 123101View attachment 123102

On a closer look, Sabine, what fruit or other do these blossoms produce? The shape of those trees is different than any orchards I've seen in the US.

 

[D.Matthew]

I'll be walking the Ingles with my family this summer. Our first local training hike was on Catalina Island this March to shake out our gear selections.

 

[SabsP]

On a closer look, Sabine, what fruit or other do these blossoms produce? The shape of those trees is different than any orchards I've seen in the US.

Darn , I do not have a clue.There are so many varieties here but seeing the farmer is mainly cultivating raspberries and these trees are on a small plot I guess they are just a variety of an apple or a pear. Might even be for own use only.
Will ask one of the neighbours later.

 

[Former member 49149]

Cycling this morning. First time for a long time. The cycle shop where I bought the bike about ten years before I retired, the guys are so kind. I always get them something from the nearby bakery, they were happy! On the way home I stopped by a secret garden. Here it is. I will not tell you where it is!!!

 

[SabsP]

On a closer look, Sabine, what fruit or other do these blossoms produce? The shape of those trees is different than any orchards I've seen in the US.

@Camino Chrissy ; my neighbour to the rescue.They are cherry trees!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

@Camino Chrissy ; my neighbour to the rescue.They are cherry trees!

Thanks, we have cherry trees, too, but ours must be pruned in a different shape; more rounded/short/wider. Yours are more tall and thin.

 

[SabsP]

Thanks, we have cherry trees, too, but ours must be pruned in a different shape; more rounded/short/wider. Yours are more tall and thin.

Exactly. I got an instant course on pruning but he lost me underway....

 

[lovingkindness]

...well it's not often that I have internet access these days. I have missed chatting to you all here on the forum and seeing where everyone has walked. For the past few months I have been in the bush tramping tracks in the Nelson/Tasman region (NZ) and also parts of Te Araroa Trail, exiting only for supplies, foul weather and the occasional party. Here is a five-day snippet from along the Kill Devil and Anatoki Pack Tracks in Kahurangi National Park.


Day 1
The Kill Devil track is an endless zig zag up to a saddle. 2 hours hard work on a pristine day. 17 kilos on my back: 6 days food, autumnal gear and 2 litres of water. Tough. From the saddle one gains fine views to the interior of the range. Dramatic slopes plunging to a distant river.

Bliss. I have lit the open fire in Riordans hut, made my bed, cooked dinner then finished with a ginger- lemon infusion...

Riordan’s hut was constructed in 1926 by musterers, restored in 2003. The hut is wooden. Light blinks between the joins. The door frame has great gaps. One can see the ground beneath loosely fitted floorboards. There are two flyblown windows, a food safe with an upside-down naked lady sketched upon it. Another wooden cupboard is positioned above a rustic bench. There are two benches to sit upon and an old thrown together table -four bits of wood tossed on top of an old frame. The beds are ancient.

Piwakawaka and other small birds chirp at dusk. The resident weka scurries by. Bellbirds peel and clonk. A morepork suddenly swoops then lands a meter from where I stand. We stare at each other for a long minute. Owl eyes fixed, motionless.

 

[mspath]

Lovingkindness,
Wow! That is quite a trek! It is great to read your posts and see your pics once again. Stay safe. Ultreia.

 

[lovingkindness]

Day 2: Riordan's hut to Waingaro Forks hut (3 hours)

The sugary scent of honeydew. Black mold covering beech. Wasps menacing in sunlight...

Waingaro Forks hut is splendid. A step back in time. It is built with adzed planks hewn from red beech wood, the roof and chimney are clad in corrugated iron. On entering one breathes in old smoke and the scent of hewn wood.

The onerous task of collecting water: 5 minutes down a mossy path to a river. Boulders and stones strewn about. Sandflies attack, burning flesh. I strip off then plunge...

How calming it is to be in the bush. The sound of the river is ever present. Birds and insects converse. A precious day.

 

[lovingkindness]

Day 3 Waingaro Forks Hut to Soper Shelter

Trail: ascending and descending through bush. Arriving at an avalanche zone. Scrambling over rocks and roots then walking. River stones covered in strange orange lichen.

At Stanley Lake drowned trees stand half submerged, snapped off like twigs. Stanley Lake was formed after a massive earthquake in the Murchison area (1929). An avalanche dammed the river.

Birdsong at dusk

 

[lovingkindness]

Day 4 Soper shelter to Anatoki Forks hut.
5 hours

What a day! An excellent physical challenge. Many creeks and streams to cross. Scrambling with 15 kilos on my back...descending and ascending into a beech forest then down a gully. Following a river, endless scrambling. Then a ridge. Gorgeous crystal ponds.

All in all, an exhilarating tramp with a variety of experiences. Awesome trees towering over me.

Then, voila, Anatoki hut. Hoorah, there is a wood pile and... a shower! The wood-burning stove has a wet back. So, hot showers for all! What a luxury. Someone has split wood and left kindling and logs by the oven. Just as well. I tried to chop wood but found the axe too heavy.

Tomorrow I'm going nowhere. I'll collect scrappy wood for the fire, eat huge amounts of food then read a novel.

 

[lovingkindness]

Day 5 Out: Anatoki Forks hut to Takaka
9 hours to trail's end. I Am a Tramper!

Awake at 3 30 am. Lit the wood burning stove to lessen the night chills. Why do they build outhouses so far from the huts? In the dark one trips along an uneven track, scared.

5 45 am. Hot shower! Yes.

7 30 am start to a demanding day. Multiple stream crossings; clambering down stony banks; big boulders. Many beautiful waterfalls and crystal ponds to slosh through. Fern gardens. Between each crossing a track carved out of the mountainside during goldmining days.

Multiple treefalls and major slips to climb over. Bushwhacking. What a challenge. Later, a rockface to be traversed. A chain had been stapled into the rock. One sidled along a ledge holding on to the chain. I felt proud of myself - calm without an ounce of fear.

Gorgeous waterfalls and deep pools. No time for a dip. Piwakawaka and South Island Robins flitting, a halo about my head.

At trails end a farmer offered me a ride into Takaka. He was off to the pub. As I waited for him to scrub up, he offered me figs from the tree!

Day's end: bacon and eggs, fried tomatoes with zucchini washed down with ginger-lemon tea, then to top it all off, Ernest Adams Raspberry Shortcake – a kiwi classic.

 

[mspath]

How wonderful it must have been for you to feel "- calm without an ounce of fear."
Thank you for sharing these precious emotions.

 

[lovingkindness]

How wonderful it must have been for you to feel "- calm without an ounce of fear."
Thank you for sharing these precious emotions.

You're welcome, @mspath. It's nice to have a place where one can share.

 

[Former member 49149]

...well it's not often that I have internet access these days. I have missed chatting to you all here on the forum and seeing where everyone has walked. For the past few months I have been in the bush tramping tracks in the Nelson/Tasman region (NZ) and also parts of Te Araroa Trail, exiting only for supplies, foul weather and the occasional party. Here is a five-day snippet from along the Kill Devil and Anatoki Pack Tracks in Kahurangi National Park.
View attachment 123198

Day 1
The Kill Devil track is an endless zig zag up to a saddle. 2 hours hard work on a pristine day. 17 kilos on my back: 6 days food, autumnal gear and 2 litres of water. Tough. From the saddle one gains fine views to the interior of the range. Dramatic slopes plunging to a distant river.

Bliss. I have lit the open fire in Riordans hut, made my bed, cooked dinner then finished with a ginger- lemon infusion...

Riordan’s hut was constructed in 1926 by musterers, restored in 2003. The hut is wooden. Light blinks between the joins. The door frame has great gaps. One can see the ground beneath loosely fitted floorboards. There are two flyblown windows, a food safe with an upside-down naked lady sketched upon it. Another wooden cupboard is positioned above a rustic bench. There are two benches to sit upon and an old thrown together table -four bits of wood tossed on top of an old frame. The beds are ancient.

Piwakawaka and other small birds chirp at dusk. The resident weka scurries by. Bellbirds peel and clonk. A morepork suddenly swoops then lands a meter from where I stand. We stare at each other for a long minute. Owl eyes fixed, motionless.

View attachment 123199View attachment 123200View attachment 123201
View attachment 123202View attachment 123203View attachment 123204
View attachment 123205View attachment 123206View attachment 123207

As said above, so lovely to see you! I am struck by the weight of your pack at the start. How is it possible? I would love to have the opportunity and the courage. Too late for me, too late! Enjoy! Enjoy! And thank you for sharing.

 

[lovingkindness]

As said above, so lovely to see you! I am struck by the weight of your pack at the start. How is it possible? I would love to have the opportunity and the courage. Too late for me, too late! Enjoy! Enjoy! And thank you for sharing.

Hi @kirkie, how nice to hear from you! The weather in the NZ mountain ranges is changeable. One must always be prepared for the worst. It can rain, shine, blow a gale, hail and snow all in a single day, even in summer. So, some of the extra weight comes from wet weather gear and woolens. Added to that I carry a winter duck down sleeping bag (1.2 kilos). I found my European summer sleeping bag inadequate in the huts even in high summer. Then there is food and water: NZ is a young country without a network of closely spaced villages, farms and monasteries such as one finds in the valleys, foothills and mountains of Europe. One must haul food for many days when out tramping, a gas primus for cooking and also a water purifying system or tablets. My body groans under the weight.

Today I purchased another 9 days food and gas. I can barely lift it all. I am heading back into the Kahurangi National Park for one last tramp before winter... I seem to eat about 1/2 a kilo or more food each day. I am still figuring out how to eat well without carrying a heavy load. I haven't succeeded with it yet. I could cold soak food and not carry a gas primus but what misery -cold breakfast and cold dinner with nothing hot to drink. That's not for me.

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

Had some shopping to do yesterday so I crossed the river and made a view pictures in the old town of Dordrecht.

And we decided to leave for Santiago tomorrow instead of Monday.
Made just now the live from... tread for all the news , story's and photo's.

 

[Lexicos]

Still walking. Never stopped.

 

[Former member 49149]

On the one photo a day thread, I was reminded it is earth day. So, our 17 year old rose bush. It has a real perfume... I forget the name of course. Then a memorial to a mother and grandmother on a bench along by the Grand Canal, and my boots, my trusty boots, touching the earth daily.

 

[SabsP]

It does feel good noticing you get better and you can go out.
Too dry really for this time of the year.

 

[Ekelund]

We have had the most beautiful Spring weather, warm temperatures and no rain. It inspired to a wildcamping trip to Odsherred only 50 km. from Copenhagen
Nature showed itself at its best with flowering anemones and balmy evenings. Still too cold to swim in the sea

 

[VNwalking]

Even in a busy city there are wonderfully serene places. I'm up in Holland again after walking a camino from here, down to France. A sunny Sunday in Den Bosch. It's so much greener than 3 weeks ago!

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

Even in a busy city there are wonderfully serene places. I'm up in Holland again after walking a camino from here, down to France. A sunny Sunday in Den Bosch. It's so much greener than 3 weeks ago!
View attachment 123570

Enjoy your stay in lovely Den Bosch

 

[Tia Valeria]

@Camino Chrissy ; my neighbour to the rescue.They are cherry trees!

I came on the thread to post 3 of our photos from local walks and found your cherry trees....
Here are ours, just starting to open out, plus bluebells and other flowering bushes.


The cherry are flowering cherry, not fruit bearing, and are not pruned at all.

 

[Lexicos]

Well, I’ve almost run out of places to go. And I’m not overstating it. Here’s tonight’s sample….

 

[VNwalking]

I'm near Loenen in Holland - there's lots of forest, even some sandy hills. Well inland, but perhaps the coastline once upon a time. Spring. Such a gorgeous time of year!

 

[Theatregal]

I'm so happy to be home after 2 months away. My first day back began with an early morning walk at Beach Grove in Tsawwassen where I had the joy of watching a Great Horned Owl and her 2 owlets. Then a late afternoon walk at Terra Nova.

 

[Former member 49149]

I'm so happy to be home after 2 months away. My first day back began with an early morning walk at Beach Grove in Tsawwassen where I had the joy of watching a Great Horned Owl and her 2 owlets. Then a late afternoon walk at Terra Nova.

View attachment 123734 View attachment 123735 View attachment 123736 View attachment 123737 View attachment 123738 View attachment 123739 View attachment 123740 View attachment 123741 View attachment 123742

You share your joy through your lens! This thread shares equal top place with the one photo a day thread as reason for my forum membership!

 

[Lexicos]

By the river ….
View attachment IMG_0296.MOV

 

[Esperanza]

Doing the last few hikes before I restart my abandoned Camino in Pamplona next week. This was along the gorgeous Columbia Gorge.

 

[Lexicos]

St. Paul’s Cathedral in Melbourne today where clergy and community leaders spoke with one voice for world peace.

 

[VNwalking]

A quick walk near Loenen (Holland) to blow away the cobwebs. When the landscape is flat you can really notice the changeable spring sky.

 

[Former member 49149]

A quick walk near Loenen (Holland) to blow away the cobwebs. When the landscape is flat you can really notice the changeable spring sky.
View attachment 123997
View attachment 123999
View attachment 124001View attachment 124002
View attachment 124000

Your bike?

 

[TrvlDad1]

Post-Camino walk in Harris Neck NWR on the Georgia coast. Beautiful but not a Camino.

 

[VNwalking]

Your bike?

No. Someone had parked it there in the middle of nowhere. I thought, "How Dutch!"

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

No. Someone had parked it there in the middle of nowhere. I thought, "How Dutch!"

The owner of the bicycle has crawled into the bushes to take a pee.

 

[Former member 49149]

Post-Camino walk in Harris Neck NWR on the Georgia coast. Beautiful but not a Camino.

An armadillo? For real?

 

[VNwalking]

An armadillo? For real?

My thought too. They seem like mythical beings, but obviously exist in some people's everyday places.

 

[TrvlDad1]

They are becoming a nuisance with the milder seasons; now as far north as the southern Atlanta suburbs and absolutely devastating to lawns. But cute indeed!

 

[VNwalking]

Lawns require water, energy, and chemicals. Go armadillos! They're just the climate police, trying to encourage nautural gardens.

 

[TrvlDad1]

Lawns require water, energy, and chemicals. Go armadillos! They're just the climate police, trying to encourage nautural gardens.

 

[Tulle]

After a long winter it is lovely to walk again in my favorite forest along the river. These are pictures from last Sunday and today. Less snow now and more flowers. I also had company for a while.

 

[lovingkindness]

Hello everyone. Kei te ora ahau! Yes, I am alive! ....which honestly is somewhat of a surprise after nine days on rugged slippery terrain scrambling and rock climbing, crossing slips and avalanches, avoiding bogs, climbing over windfallen trees, and crossing swing bridges which rock and bounce with every foot fall. The river voices were ever present.


I have been following the Leslie-Karamea Track and the Wangapeka Track over to Little Wanganui, a village on the West Coast of New Zealand (Sth. Island). Below are some of my favourite photos.

Traversing the Kahurangi National Park one passes primarily along the dark soggy side of the mountains where the vegetation is drenched and sunlight barely sifts through the canopy. One's feet are permanently wet. The terrain is rugged and steep with many ascents and descents to the creeks and rivers. Level track and tussock covered flats are a relief.

Gold diggers once prospected along the rivers in these mountains. In the 1930s, during the Great Depression many folk headed into unchartered areas bushwhacking and carving out tracks in search for gold. The NZ government provided the prospectors with food and other supplies. .

Highlights:
*'conversing' with birds. Seeing a Kea for the first time in its natural habitat; listening to Wekas herald the dawn; A Toutouwai pecking at my toes...

*Lighting the fire in a rustic cabin; sleeping in a duck-down sleeping bag; sharing tea with a retired DOC hunter, listening to his stories...

*Anticipation. Dreaming of day's end: cooking up a pot of polenta milk pudding, hot, dense with sultanas, nuts and powdered ginger - that first mouthful, ah, bliss...

* at trail's end having a hot shower for the first time in 9 days; machine washing stinky gear; jumping into a cosy double bed with white sheets, 4 pillows and a thick fluffy duvet; cake, Fish and Chips with a live salad...Yes!


Leslie-Karamea Track

Leslie-karamea Track


Day 4 Thor Hut. Leslie Karamea Track

A gymnastic moment. Windfallen trees. Leslie Karamea Track.



Day 6 approaching the Taipo River. Wangapeka Track

Day 7. Saddle Lake. Little Wanganui Saddle. Wangapeka Track

Piwakawaka

Day 9. Looking back. Little Wanganui River. Wangapeka Track

 

[mspath]

Lovingingness,
Ouf/Wow! So glad to read that you made it out; what tenacity you have! I bet those clean white sheets felt splendid.

Thanks for your update and pics.

 

[VNwalking]

Wonderful update, Lovingkindness!
Seeing these pics makes my morning. I can pracically hear the piwakawaka!

It's been 30 years since I had the nerve to tramp in that neck of the woods. It's beautiful country, but not for the faint of heart or unprepared. I'm glad you made it out in one piece, to enjoy the different beauties of washing machines, white sheets, and fresh food.

 

[VNwalking]

I had much tamer walking.
May Day in Loenen and the woods were abuzz with happy people, though none are in my pics.
Spring is well along, with blooming flowers everywhere.

 

[lovingkindness]

@VNwalking + @mspath, In the NZ bush there is solitude without absolute isolation. Solace appears on twiggy legs, with a flit of charcoal grey and a fluffed out pale lemon breast. The Toutouwai has bright beady eyes. It will approach a human being without reserve, it's inquisitive pecking an avian kiss.

Here is one for you... Thanks.

 

[VNwalking]

Oh! I adore Toutouwai. Many happy memories. Thank you, lovingkindness! I was hoping you'd taken a photo, et voila!

And if you see my friend Titipounamu in the beech forest, please convey my fond greetings. Wee little sparks of light.

 

[lovingkindness]

...then on to where river meets sea...


Little Wanganui River.

 

[lovingkindness]

Ps I am new to owning a phone. Until recently i always used a computer when participating on the forum. If the photos which I have recently posted are too big , will somebody kindly explain what needs to be done. Thanks.

 

[VNwalking]

If the photos which I have recently posted are too big , will somebody kindly explain what needs to be done

Simple. Attach a photo file from the gallery in your phone. Then once it shows as a little square below the message you're writing (with "Insert..." in the top left-hand corner), hit Insert, then 'thumbnail.'
Bob's yer uncle.

 

[lovingkindness]

Simple. Attach a photo file from the gallery in your phone. Then once it shows as a little square below the message you're writing (with "Insert..." in the top left-hand corner), hit Insert, then 'thumbnail.'
Bob's yer uncle.

Thanks

 

[ranthr]

03.05.22 Still walking in snow in the north of Norway.
To-day I cancelled my flight to Madrid next Monday. No camino de Madrid this spring either. may be never???

 

[rometimed]

The snow has been annoyingly low this year so far so haven't gone up the local mountains but did get to an area called "Tunnel Bluffs" just up the coast from Vancouver, BC:

 

[lovingkindness]

The snow has been annoyingly low this year so far so haven't gone up the local mountains but did get to an area called "Tunnel Bluffs" just up the coast from Vancouver, BC:

View attachment 124364

View attachment 124365

Beautiful blues...

 

[Theatregal]

A walk in an area that I hadn't been before and didn't know existed before yesterday - the Surrey Nature Centre and the trails of Green Timbers Urban Forest. I went because there was a reported sighting of a Black Headed Grosbeak. I found the bird pretty quickly. Beautiful markings - I watched it for a bit and caught a quick photo before it flew off.



A little further along the path where I saw the grosbeak was a sign for the Story Trail. A children's book with themes connected to nature is chosen each month and reproduced page by page and installed along the story trail. The book for May is the lyrical and powerful "I Talk Like a River" by the poet Jordon Smith and beautifully illustrated by Sydney Smith. A lovely way to read a book! Along the way, serenaded by a White-crowned Sparrow.



Continuing on along a path leading into a story I didn't know - the birthplace of reforestation in British Columbia. Almost 100 years ago, citizens protested the proposed clear cut of a 2,000 acre old growth forest. They lost the fight but the government promised 640 acres as the province's first reforestation project. Begun as the "Inaugural Forest", it still stands as a protected place and important ecosystem for animals, birds and many plants including the Salmonberry, my favourite spring blossom and the protected Western Trillium.



I owe my teenage summer tree planting jobs to this project It was a great walk exploring the paths of this forest.

 

[SabsP]

My pictures are so bleak and more of the same compared with what you all post here.
But I guess it is what it is....
Morning walk. The five k.loop around the village. Even the muddiest parts are now dry...

 

[Former member 49149]

My pictures are so bleak and more of the same compared with what you all post here.
But I guess it is what it is....
Morning walk. The five k.loop around the village. Even the muddiest parts are now dry...

View attachment 124707View attachment 124708View attachment 124711View attachment 124709View attachment 124710

Why is this song in my mind now? I never promised you a rose garden... the main point for me is to be able to see what you have seen! For example today, my first thought was: thank goodness Sabine does not have to spend time cleaning her boots after her walk! Second thought: the farmers do need rain. let it come during the working week...

 

[chinacat]

… and at night!

 

[Former member 49149]

A walk in an area that I hadn't been before and didn't know existed before yesterday - the Surrey Nature Centre and the trails of Green Timbers Urban Forest. I went because there was a reported sighting of a Black Headed Grosbeak. I found the bird pretty quickly. Beautiful markings - I watched it for a bit and caught a quick photo before it flew off.

View attachment 124698

A little further along the path where I saw the grosbeak was a sign for the Story Trail. A children's book with themes connected to nature is chosen each month and reproduced page by page and installed along the story trail. The book for May is the lyrical and powerful "I Talk Like a River" by the poet Jordon Smith and beautifully illustrated by Sydney Smith. A lovely way to read a book! Along the way, serenaded by a White-crowned Sparrow.

View attachment 124699 View attachment 124705

Continuing on along a path leading into a story I didn't know - the birthplace of reforestation in British Columbia. Almost 100 years ago, citizens protested the proposed clear cut of a 2,000 acre old growth forest. They lost the fight but the government promised 640 acres as the province's first reforestation project. Begun as the "Inaugural Forest", it still stands as a protected place and important ecosystem for animals, birds and many plants including the Salmonberry, my favourite spring blossom and the protected Western Trillium.

View attachment 124700 View attachment 124703 View attachment 124701 View attachment 124702 View attachment 124704

I owe my teenage summer tree planting jobs to this project It was a great walk exploring the paths of this forest.

I found a video with Jordan speaking his book. I cannot thank you enough for this treasure.

 

[Lexicos]

I plan to walk with full gear today. Backpack Weight 10 kg, as light as I can get it. Aiming for 32 km.

 

[Theatregal]

My pictures are so bleak and more of the same compared with what you all post here.
But I guess it is what it is....
Morning walk. The five k.loop around the village. Even the muddiest parts are now dry...

Well... I have to say that I don't find them bleak and perhaps the same geographically but never the same depending on light, weather, time of year. I always find beauty in your photos Sabine. These in particular today - beautiful moody light with the brightness of spring colour on the landscape. Those lovely cows

 

[Theatregal]

I found a video with Jordan speaking his book. I cannot thank you enough for this treasure.

Was it the San Diego Festival of Books video? It's wonderful and such a beautiful book!

 

[Former member 49149]

No, but I will look that up. It was the one in this screenshot. I have not finished it yet..

 

[Lexicos]

On my way to the sea, some panels in front of public housing in South Melbourne. A bit of colour to an otherwise grey landscape.

 

[Lexicos]

The halfway mark



…… and dusk.

 

[lovingkindness]

View attachment 124711

I do like these cows. Regard the tender gaze of one and the eyes-forward indifference of the other....

 

[VNwalking]

I have cows too.

And impossibly beautiful surroundings.
I have well and truely busted out of my corridor - in the Toggenburg region of Switzerland, with views of Churfürsten on one side:

And the Säntis on the other (not to mention strange animals):


I don't have much walking time, but even a 20 minute stroll is impressive.

 

[VNwalking]

My pictures are so bleak and more of the same compared with what you all post here.

Not. At. All!
Just more subtle.
I so enjoy seeing your changing seasons, with the different play of light and color. And now that I've walked through your neck of the woods, I have a deeper appreciation of the quiet beauty of the low countries. It's actually very special.
(And wow, since I was there, Spring has well and truely come. May there be rain, too, just not when you want to walk.)

 

[Camino Chrissy]

A five mile one way walk on my local trail gave me a few different things to see. It's finally coming to life with wild bluebells, violets, and more.

 

[Theatregal]

And impossibly beautiful surroundings.

Oh my gosh - WOW!

 

[Former member 49149]

I am going to cheat quite openly. I sometimes send screenshots from the paper I read to @Theatregal, given her art in photographing birds and fowl. This time I will share one with you all. I will walk shortly, but the same old same old, so no need to take up cyber space!

To credit, which is fair, the Irish Times, today, front page.

 

[lovingkindness]

A five mile one way walk on my local trail gave me a few different things to see. It's finally coming to life with wild bluebells, violets, and more.
View attachment 124919
View attachment 124920
View attachment 124921
View attachment 124922
View attachment 124923
View attachment 124924
View attachment 124926

More cows!

 

[VNwalking]

More cows!

I have even more. Beautiful glossy fawn-coloured ones. But I will spare you.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Here are fawn colored beauties on the Norte; Mom and kiddies...adorable.

 

[VNwalking]

No (close) cows in this pic, from my short walk yesterday afternoon:

Edit. But I can't resist. Because you can see a salient feature of Swiss cows in this photo.

 

[Former member 49149]

Almost like a summer's day today... so, along I trekked by the quays and up into the Church of St James, and home again. I will be on a spell of duty there next Saturday. A few photos from inside the church...


And then a little detour to buy a treat!

The half eaten one was hot!!!

 

[Corned Beef]

Three C's today. Coast, Countryside and Canterbury.

Managed to go along the sea wall so cutting out a lot of travel through roads and villages. Beautiful day but sad to see the Navy anchored in the bay waiting for migrants to cross, which they will do today as the sea is flat.

Then over the downs to Canterbury through the quaintly named village of Lynsore Bottom - home to proctologists?

The route to Canterbury travels along the first few miles of the Via Francigena so was able to have a quick chat with a practising pilgrim, practising walking with a pack prior to starting next month. Commented that the signs out of Canterbury for the VF and not clear which I would agree with so if it's on your list have a detailed map so you don't wander around the city.

If you do want to have a wander in Canterbury there are some very pleasant parks and the opportunity to have a punt along the Great Stour river - though from the pics you will see it is more of a stream than a river.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

And then a little detour to buy a treat!
View attachment 125219
The half eaten one was hot!!!

View attachment 125225

I have often read about the "one lone" hot padron pepper lurking in the bunch; thankfully I've never been "gifted" any of them.

 

[VNwalking]

Pimentos de Padron...yes please. Hot or not. I don't care.

This is not a cow.


Nor are these.



I move on tomorrow, so my surroundings will soon be quite a bit less dramatic. It's actually hard to imagine living here. But lots of people do.

 

[TrvlDad1]

It’s summer in May here in the south…85F yesterday. No snow capped mountains or livestock in the City, but the backwaters of the Chattahoochee are lush and green and the cold-blooded wildlife is out and enjoying it.

 

[SabsP]

Was out this morning before it got too warm.
Expected to be 28 Celsius today.

 

[Former member 49149]

Was out this morning before it got too warm.
Expected to be 28 Celsius today.

View attachment 125385View attachment 125386View attachment 125387View attachment 125388

Such a contrast to your muddy boot photos. I will pray for night time rain for the poor dry earth...

 

[Theatregal]

My favourite walk near home - Terra Nova. First checking progress in the community garden and then along the trails. A cold, drizzly rainy Sunday but everything scented, lush and green.

 

[Theatregal]

Was out this morning before it got too warm.
Expected to be 28 Celsius today.

Send some warmth this way!! We've had such a cold, wet May!

 

[VNwalking]

On my way to the bus back to the lowlands yesterday we went past the gorgeous Thurwasserfälle. In the 1920's someone made a tunnel that allows you to go right up to the top and stand at the edge.

 

[Lexicos]

Believe it or not, that bright disc in the sky is the moon. Taken after a 30 km city hike, with full backpack.

 

[VNwalking]

My walk this sfternoon, a relief after a day in front of a computer. About a 4 km loop in Emelia-Romana, up to the top of a hill called Monte Santo and down the other side. Oak and Black Locust on this side, and Chestnuts over there. And everything is blooming! It's a gentler landscape than last week, but no less lovely.



Hmmm....la Via dell’Olio e del Pan...
My kind of walk! :

Itinerario storico-culturale ed escursionistico La Via dellOlio e del Pane"

PSR 2014-2020: Itinerario storico-culturale ed escursionistico “La Via dell'Olio e del Pane" Itinerario storico-culturale ed escursionistico “La Via dell'Olio e del Pane" PROGRAMMA DI SVILUPPO RURALE - REGIONE EMILIA-ROMAGNA 2014-2020 PROGR...

www.comune.pontedellolio.pc.it

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Where are you now, @VNwalking? Who did you walk with in Holland and Belgium, and are you teaching your meditation classes along the way? Looks like a delightful trip!

 

[VNwalking]

Where are you now, @VNwalking?

in Emelia-Romana

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Lucky you! I love Italy and have been to many areas as a tourist, not a walker.
Enjoy the remainder of your trip!