Where did you walk ( locally ) in 2017?

[Theatregal]

Walking through the trails of Pacific Spirit Park and the adjoining boardwalk paths around the Camoson Bog in Vancouver. Beautiful 3 hour Sunday wander.

 

[Purky]

Wow Theatregal, I am both in awe of your surroundings and the pics you keep taking of them. Keep up the great posts!

 

[Theatregal]

Wow Theatregal, I am both in awe of your surroundings and the pics you keep taking of them. Keep up the great posts!

Thank you so much for your kind words Purky!

 

[RedRuby]

I hiked through 12kms of bushland in Bayview Conservation Park, Redland Bay, Australia, on Sunday, it took two and a half hours. The trails and maps were poorly marked, and I did get lost for a bit but then found some higher ground and got my bearings. The mosquitoes were swarming for some of the trail and I was so glad I had my insect repellant on. There were kangaroos and wallabies darting in and out of the bush, they were too fast and unpredictable for a photo but I did catch this little one enjoying some juicy greens. Overall is was a great adventure and I will venture there again.

 

[RedRuby]

I did hill training on Monday, all I can say is that is was a heart pounding, leg burning hour. They call it the Stairs of Death, an intimidating name for a steep winding staircase in Springwood Conservation Park, Springwood, Australia. It sure gives a killer of a workout. My iPhone says I did 5kms and 61 flights of stairs. The picture I took doesn't do it justice. A great cardio and hill climbing workout.

 

[SabsP]

21k training with full pack . Some rain during the walk.Gear does work perfectly. Mesesta like landscape.
Tarmac and country roads and of course in that part of our country a war cemetary from World War 1 with also some rest places of unknown soldiers.

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

21k training with full pack . Some rain during the walk.Gear does work perfectly. Mesesta like landscape.
Tarmac and country roads and of course in that part of our country a war cemetary from World War 1 with also some rest places of unknown soldiers.

Hi Sabine, it always does a lot with me when I visit a war cemetary or a concentration camp .
And you will be very viseble in the rain with your yellow rain cover.

Wish you well, Peter.

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

We had our region day of St.James today and after the lunch we had a short walk and I made some pictures of young live.
Wish you all well, Peter.

 

[Purky]

I was in SabineP's country the last couple of days. Spent some time near Houffalize, in the south-east of Belgium, close to the Luxembourg border. Excellent hiking country, as I found while walking the Eisleck Trail in 2015. On the way back home today I had a very nice walk along the Ninglinspo, the only mountain river in the Belgian Ardennes (between Remouchamps and Stoumont).

 

[SabsP]

@Purky ...aha the Ninglinspo : traditional school outing here years ago.
I am back from your country, went to Maastricht for some hillwalking. Closer to home than driving to Stoumont or Houffalize.

 

[Purky]

I am back from your country

It's like being part of an international walking exchange program

 

[RedRuby]

Yesterday I had soaring wedge tail eagles overhead while I climbed Mt Greville (720m). It's one of the Moogerah peaks in Queensland, Australia. I scrambled and climbed up a steep rocky gorge filled with palms, which made it lovely and cool on a hot summer's day. It took about 2 and half hours to get to the top ridge and then a further shorter climb to get to the summit. The views were stunning and unfortunately my photos don't even begin to describe the breadth and depth of it. My descent was down the south east ridge. My walking poles were very helpful on the downhill, it was steep, rocky scree for 3 hours. I had a fabulous time and plan to conquer another peak in the near future.

 

[SabsP]

Last local walk before heading off to Spain.
Spring is in the air....
And instant Meseta feeling.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Yesterday morning, Joe and I took a short hike up to the Thousand Palms Oasis. We left around 7 am and by 9 it was hot as heck!
The desert is blooming right now and it's just lovely walking!

 

[SabsP]

Woot! Annie...that looks hot indeed...and good you have the sticks! Quite the terrain.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Woot! Annie...that looks hot indeed...and good you have the sticks! Quite the terrain.

Yes, I actually only had one stick. Had Joe toss me an extra before I did this descent.

 

[NualaOC]

5 weeks until my next Camino, so it's time to get walking again!

I did a nice walk on a work trip to County Sligo last week. Along the coast & beach at Rosses Point.



And a MUCH more strenuous one with the walking club yesterday - Slieve Binnion in the Mourne Mountains, County Down. Really nice weather, with great views of the sea and mountains.

 

[pilgrim b]

I was on the Cleveland Way in Yorkshire watching Lapwings in flight a beautiful sunny day too

 

[SabsP]

A very short stroll around the block. My latest Camino adventure left me with an injured knee.
So a short and slow stroll around the block in the mist. But our blossoms are here! And with them the Vespa tourists who like to visit our orchards...but that is another story...

 

[pilgrim b]

A warm barmy day today couldn't resist putting on our boots and we climbed to find this vista through the trees, a truly unbelievable day.

 

[SabsP]

@pilgrim b : Stunning!!

 

[Tia Valeria]

With bright sunny weather and a few local walks we have found:-
a fascinating tree trunk covered in ivy;
the rare breeds back in their field (alpacas and herdwick sheep
primroses on a back lane recently, and bluebells this week;
the nearby steam railway has begun this season's trips (our answer to the FEVE?). The path crosses the track.

 

[Tia Valeria]

Final 2 photos here of the bluebells and the steam train.
(They would not load above )

 

[pilgrim b]

The weather is being good to us here in the UK for a change right now Tia, so forgive us for flaunting it please you kind forum members. Today we walked a new piece of path on the Cleveland Way near Staiths the sky was blue and not a cloud to be seen anywhere.

 

[pilgrim b]

A second view looking from the direction where we had come Port Mulgrove.

 

[LesBrass]

I've loved looking through these photos... the walking world is very lovely indeed

I did my last training walk today around our local village... the trail is part of the GR65... which is part of the Camino Vezeley. It's really quite hot in SW France right now and we walked with full packs... and I think I'm ready... time will tell!

The next time I put on my pack to go walking I'll be on my way to Orisson

 

[SabsP]

@LesBrass : that is so beautiful! You are so lucky living there. And good luck with your next Camino!

 

[m108]

Slovenian part of Jacob's route near my home

 

[LesBrass]

Slovenian part of Jacob's route near my home

Wow... lovely and great photos! Love the Cockrell!

 

[FamPed]

@SabineP Woow, what a wonderful thread!

Pat has become a bit of a 'Tree Hugger'

I´m also a tree-hugger, and I love to pat a stone or some moss. Nature is tactile, and that´s a lovely way to experience it and show appreciation. Thanks for the lovely picture!
@Margaret Spencer Look at that tree!
Thank you all for taking me on your lovely walks and adventures!

 

[VNwalking]

Catching up with this thread and loving all the photos. Thank you everyone!
Now on the continent, in the far North of Holland. A friend treated me yesterday to a 7km walk along the dyke above the Waddenzee--to me it seemed pretty cold, but very special, with the tide rolling in and the islands floating on the horizon...and all the birds.
But did I say windy?? Wow, just a bit.

 

[Kanga]

Stunning @m108 - is Jacob's route well marked?

 

[m108]

Thank you @Kanga! the path is marked (yellow arrows, shells), but not as good as CF. With modern technology, you can additionally very help (kmz, gpx: http://www.jakobova-pot.si/jakobova-pot-slovenija-na-zemljevidu/). There is Society, which marked and care of the way http://www.jakobova-pot.si/. I have a feeling that the landscape is a little similar to Galicia.

 

[Purky]

Now on the continent, in the far North of Holland.

Welcome to our little country, Viranani! If schedule permits, try to visit one of the Wadden-islands (Terschelling and Vlieland are my favorites).

 

[VNwalking]

Welcome to our little country, Viranani!

Thank you, Purky! I am very to be here and very happy to have kind local friends who when there is a little time can take me to their favorite places. Those islands will have to wait--but they looked very enticing from afar. My friend who is a mudwalking guide also said they are beautiful. So maybe someday!

 

[Kanga]

@m108 the video is great. I've bookmarked it for the future. Are there any guides you know of in English? I'm also wondering about the accommodation, distances between lodging, and how someone who was linguistically challenged (i.e. only speaks English) would get on.

 

[m108]

@Kanga There is a guide in Slovenian language. I contacted the author, and I'm going out for a meeting - not yet, because the group just goes to CF + Portugal way. I think that sleep and food is not a problem, certainly will be useful to obtain the framework information. I'll take care of it. Surely there can be nothing wrong - Slovenia is a small and the people are friendly. I think the atmosphere is similar to that as sometimes were CF. A little adventure adds additional charm !
Commercialism associated with pilgrimage is not (yet) present.
Most people in Slovenia speaks English (better than my Google-translate English hahaha), but also a smile very well perform the functions. Language certainly will not be a problem. One of accommodation is also in the Cistercian monastery of Stična (from 1132. year). I really recommend it, sometimes I go there for 2-3 days, when I wish offset from civilization.
And - in case of emergency: as I said Slovenia is small - you get my phone number and in one hour I will arrive wherever you are !!!!
and one more thing: way ending in Trieste. From there it is only a one hour drive to Venice

 

[Tulle]

I tested my new socks today! Seemed comfortable. Also some signs of spring

 

[VNwalking]

No new socks here but the sun is out in Groningen! A short walk in a local botanical garden.

 

[Mike Trebert]

I walk most days for an hour around my neighbourhood which is a tiny village surrounded by "bush" (forest). Part of my circuit is a dirt road through the bush. I don't like having to drive and walk every day so stick to the local area outside my front door here in The Blue Mountains west of Sydney, Australia. These photos were all taken not far from here (car plus hike), this is a popular tourist/bushwalking area with lots of what you see in the pics.

 

[Mike Trebert]

Thanks for all the beautiful pics everyone. Such a nice change from debates and head-butting on some other threads.

 

[VNwalking]

Like like like, @Mike Trebert !

 

[SabsP]

@Mike Trebert : I'm in awe with your beautiful and professional photography. What a talent.

 

[Mike Trebert]

@Viranani and @SabineP, Thanks for your generous comments. I enjoy so much just posting pictures instead of getting caught up in some recent very wordy and contentious threads.

 

[LesBrass]

@Mike Trebert WOW... really WOW! I love your photos!! Of course the area and scenery is wonderful but your photography is just great... maybe you should start a thread about photography and how we can better capture the outdoors... I could learn so much from you!

 

[Mike Trebert]

@Mike Trebert WOW... really WOW! I love your photos!! Of course the area and scenery is wonderful but your photography is just great... maybe you should start a thread about photography and how we can better capture the outdoors... I could learn so much from you!

Thanks LesBrass. Let me think about that thread suggestion. I think the first step is knowing when there's a particularly good composition in front of you. For instance, the instant I saw the sunlight in the trees in pic #1, I dropped my backpack and set up for the shot (tripod, biggish lens and camera). I rushed like a maniac because the light down in that canyon changes so fast. So it's mainly luck and light, but key is knowing when a good shot is staring you in the face. My camera is always set to shoot 'raw' files, which are the biggest recordable files with maximum detail. BUT, this choice produces rather flat (no strong contrast) looking originals. They must be processed using good software and a fairly strong computer. The lenses I used for those shots are very expensive.

Having said all that, I could probably put a list of suggestions and links together. There are a lot of very good photographic channels on YouTube which I watch. Just for now, have a look at the videos of a young British landscape photographer called Thomas Heaton. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfhW84xfA6gEc4hDK90rR1Q His videos are very short and he's an engaging, charming, humble guy. And a very good photographer. There's an archive of his videos to look through.

Thanks for asking, Mike

Edit: P.S., But you want travel photographers' videos as much as landscape. With travel, especially on long walks, you just have to be in the right place at the right time for best (lucky) weather and light. And one can almost never go back - at dawn or dusk, for instance. Low light, glowy, foggy, rainy, misty - photographers love bad weather. It's hardest to get a good shot on a sunny day when the sun is high.

Most cameras can be set by degrees to shoot increasingly contrasty and colour-saturated pictures. Whatever you do you'll have to shoot a lot of pictures while you pay attention to the influence of different camera settings. Check out YouTube for instructions re your particular camera, there will likely be shots showing results of various control choices. MANY videos on YouTube, it's a goldmine.

 

[Kanga]

@m108 to me your Slovenian Way sounds wonderful and yes, I definitely would do it, although I'd feel more comfortable if I had a friend along with me. I've bookmarked your post for future reference.

 

[m108]

I read the instructions @Mike Trebert and wait for the bad weather (for a little drama)! Then I went on walking along the Slovenian part of Jacob's way Kranjska Gora - Mojstrana - Krnica - Bled. Without good equipment (only smartphone) without your talent, unfortunately. However, it was wonderful!

more photos here:
https://goo.gl/photos/psX2uJNGRtKnfQx2A

 

[Mike Trebert]

I read the instructions @Mike Trebert and wait for the bad weather (for a little drama)! Then I went on walking along the Slovenian part of Jacob's way Kranjska Gora - Mojstrana - Krnica - Bled. Without good equipment (only smartphone) without your talent, unfortunately. However, it was wonderful!
View attachment 33215 View attachment 33216 View attachment 33217 View attachment 33218

https://goo.gl/photos/psX2uJNGRtKnfQx2A

Beautiful! Phone cameras work best away from full sun, like here IMHO. That second photo of the hut and backlit trees is a great shot, very elegant, lovely contrasts of light against dark and texture contrast of trees against meadow (edit: and against geometric roof). Thanks.

 

[jonarv]

We just completed three practice days on the Severn Way, from Gloucester Cathedral via Tewkesbury Abbey and starting today with Easter Service at Worcester Cathedral. Where we paid our respects to the 'Worcester Pilgrim' found buried in the Cathedral in the '80s dressed in his Camino garb.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hereford-worcester-26925774

Legs are tired, spirits are high. We're looking forward to starting in SJPP in just under 4 weeks time!

 

[Mike Trebert]

I read the instructions @Mike Trebert and wait for the bad weather (for a little drama)! Then I went on walking along the Slovenian part of Jacob's way Kranjska Gora - Mojstrana - Krnica - Bled. Without good equipment (only smartphone) without your talent, unfortunately. However, it was wonderful!
View attachment 33215 View attachment 33216 View attachment 33217 View attachment 33218
more photos here:
https://goo.gl/photos/psX2uJNGRtKnfQx2A

@m108, Look at all this wonderfully bad weather!:
https://www.theguardian.com/artandd...ing-british-landscape-photography-in-pictures

 

[m108]

I'm completely speechless @Mike Trebert . This is why I decided on the Camino I no longer wore the camera, just a smartphone. For a good shot you need: an eye that sees, good equipment, the time / patience, experience, interesting conditions ..... when I last walked the VDLP, I had a compact camera. And early in the morning, all impressed - my eye sees ! I stop, prepare the equipment specified settings, shoot - and a magical moment of walking (meditation) and connection with the universe escapes ..... the result is a snapshot that is nothing special. I make from the moment a memory, you, Jozero, nalod,..... and many others - from the moment you make art. So I decided it was enough for me that I have a smartphone and enjoy walking, and enjoy the photos made by masters! (even my own, but for other reasons).

 

[VNwalking]

Spring is happening East of Amsterdam.
A walk from the retreat centre where I'm staying (in Naarden) to what was once open sea, with a view of the Polders on the other side of the water. there are some fabulous big beech trees here, and the late afternoon sunlight through their new leaves is looks like it's coming through stained glass.
I am still not on speaking terms with the camera on my phone, but am persisting. I can't get the hang of adjusting exposure...and thanks a lot for your advice, Mike--you can see what the phone does shooting into light. Yes, it's not so good as a 'real' camera!

 

[pilgrim b]

Two shots i took on the Yorkshire Moors in my walk from Newton Dale to the Hole of Horcum so peaceful

 

[FamPed]

This is were I walk my daily walks, when I don´t have time to explore or take a longer walk. It´s a mudroad and some small paths in the middle of the forrest by a small lake.
View media item 5900View media item 6362View media item 6367

 

[Mike Trebert]

Spring is happening East of Amsterdam.
A walk from the retreat centre where I'm staying (in Naarden) to what was once open sea, with a view of the Polders on the other side of the water. there are some fabulous big beech trees here, and the late afternoon sunlight through their new leaves is looks like it's coming through stained glass.
I am still not on speaking terms with the camera on my phone, but am persisting. I can't get the hang of adjusting exposure...and thanks a lot for your advice, Mike--you can see what the phone does shooting into light. Yes, it's not so good as a 'real' camera!

That last shot through the trees/light on leaves looks gorgeous. Thanks.

 

[FamPed]

This is from some Islands in the archipelago of Karlskrona (11 Mars 2017).
View media item 6370View media item 6371View media item 6372View media item 6373

 

[FamPed]

This is Pictures from Stenshuvud National Park in Skåne, Sweden (12 Mars 2017). It was freezing cold and strong winds, tough terrain in most parts, but it was beautiful. My son and I sat down by the ocean and drank hot soup, ate some bread and fruit. Off with the gloves, red stiff fingers, spill some ... Love it!

 

[Tulle]

At last some sun after days of rain, wind and snow! And some of my favourite spring flowers, anemone nemorosa.

 

[Purky]

Last week I was back in the Belgian Ardennes. Again near Houffalize, which was a bit of a coincidence, but no harm no foul. On my hikes I found that beavers like it there a lot too. Can't say I blame them...

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

Spring is happening East of Amsterdam.
A walk from the retreat centre where I'm staying (in Naarden) to what was once open sea, with a view of the Polders on the other side of the water. there are some fabulous big beech trees here, and the late afternoon sunlight through their new leaves is looks like it's coming through stained glass.
I am still not on speaking terms with the camera on my phone, but am persisting. I can't get the hang of adjusting exposure...and thanks a lot for your advice, Mike--you can see what the phone does shooting into light. Yes, it's not so good as a 'real' camera!

Lovely pictures , it's be a while that we went to Naarden and the surrounding country side .
Wish you well,Peter.

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

This is Pictures from Stenshuvud National Park in Skåne, Sweden (12 Mars 2017). It was freezing cold and strong winds, tough terrain in most parts, but it was beautiful. My son and I sat down by the ocean and drank hot soup, ate some bread and fruit. Off with the gloves, red stiff fingers, spill some ... Love it!

View attachment 33368View attachment 33373View attachment 33369View attachment 33370View attachment 33376View attachment 33371View attachment 33375

Hello , I will say it's not a punishment to live over there.
Wish you well, Peter.

 

[SabsP]

Sint Jacobus church aka St James in Gent..nice klezmer music..Finally some walking with the dodgy knee.

 

[FamPed]

I will say it's not a punishment to live over there.

I will not disagree.. Thanks Peter.

 

[VNwalking]

Spring feels like it is actually here--and lucky me, I was free to walk a little this afternoon. I accompanied a friend to the bus stop into Naarden--about a 5km walk, there and back together. Even the swans are basking the sun! It's Sunday and everyone is out on their bikes, enjoying the weather and the many cycling and walking paths here.

 

[Tulle]

A wonderful day for walking!

 

[pilgrim b]

My walk on the moors this week was at Great Ayton it included the climb up Roseberry Topping and Captain Cook's monument. The weather again was beautiful.

 

[Mike Trebert]

@Mike Trebert WOW... really WOW! I love your photos!! Of course the area and scenery is wonderful but your photography is just great... maybe you should start a thread about photography and how we can better capture the outdoors... I could learn so much from you!

Hi LesBrass, Here's another note about YouTube videos. Have a look at

This channel, called Advancing Your Photography, particularly the series of conversations with Bob Holmes, is very informative without being too technical. Lots of strong basic stuff about seeing, light, composition, and just shooting as often as you can. He says a lot of what I would say but better.

 

[VNwalking]

This morning a friend took me to Marken Island--we walked in the brisk and chilly wind out to the lighthouse and maybe 5 kms around the island back to the village. It's connected to the mainland with a causeway, but it still felt like an isolated and very different sort of place--outsiders are obviously very welcome to visit and buy stuff, but it would probably take many generations to actually be considered as from there.

 

[SabsP]

It is wonderful to see all your beautiful pictures. One way or another I do not get automatic replies every time so it is a surprise when I open this thread and find new pics.
Walks I did were limited to a max of five k. ( but I did 8 anyway and regretted it dearly ) but physio gave me the ok to try 10 but on a nice soft surface.

Next pics are from around the block ( again ) and the blossoms that now dissapeared to make room for the cherries, apples and pears. Even after all these years living in this region I still do not know which tree belongs to which fruit...

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

We had a nice city walk today in Zierikzee in Zeeland.( no backpack )
The weather was very nice.

Wish you all well and Sabine be carefull with your knee.

 

[VNwalking]

I did 8 anyway and regretted it dearly

Bad girl, Sabine.

 

[Purky]

Playing around a bit with photoshop and some pics I took this morning just outside my hometown. I tried to recreate the feel of an "old Dutch master" painting, without adjusting too much. I kinda liked this one...

 

[Theatregal]

Intense work schedule since returning from my Finisterre walk a month ago ~ today was my first chance to get out for a good wander about. A lovely day with alternating sun and cloud, cool and warm. Walking along the West Dyke Trail to Garry Point, where I had a wonderful unexpected experience. The Japanese tall ship, Kaiwo Maru was in Steveston for a maritime festival. I wasn't able to go to the festival because of my work. When I reached Garry Point today, the ship was still there and about to leave. I was able to watch the crew prepare and then see it sail away. A beautiful site. Especially thrilling when the crew ran up and across the masts as part of the goodbye ceremony.

 

[FamPed]

Lovely pictures @Theatregal.

 

[VNwalking]

No photos, just a story of 'the one that got away'...
Out for an evening walk, to see a big orange balloon emerging from behind a row of trees, floating over the furrowed fields lit up by the evening sunshine, with a rustic fence in the foreground--and trees to frame the shot. Sigh. I had not brought either phone or camera!

 

[FamPed]

17 Mars.. I spent the day on Öland, started of in Färjestaden were i bought some food. In the first picture you can see over to Kalmar on the mainland.

 

[FamPed]

17 Mars.. After some hiking along the coast i Went in to the middle of the Island to walk on Alvaret.

 

[FamPed]

31 mars... This river is called Lyckebyån and it brings clean drinkingwater to Karlskrona city. There is a marked walking path along the river for about 7 km.

 

[FamPed]

This pictures are from 30 April, this day is called Valborgsmässoafton in Sweden and we traditionally celebrate the end of winter and greet the spring by lighting fires and sing songs. Me, my son and his friend walked from our Island Trossö in Karlskrona over to the Island of Saltö where we took part in the celebrations.

 

[Theatregal]

No photos, just a story of 'the one that got away'...
Out for an evening walk, to see a big orange balloon emerging from behind a row of trees, floating over the furrowed fields lit up by the evening sunshine, with a rustic fence in the foreground--and trees to frame the shot. Sigh. I had not brought either phone or camera!

Your words give us the beautiful image.

 

[Theatregal]

Lovely pictures @Theatregal.

Thank you FamPed. Yours as well!! The end of winter celebration looks beautiful!

 

[FamPed]

3 May.. I spent half the day walking around in the center of Kalmar, trying out ryggsäcks just for fun. Afterwards I walked to the nearby Kalmar Castle, on the grass by the sea people where sunbathing it was amazingly 18° C.

 

[RedRuby]

Monday 8 May I spent a good 3 hours rock hopping, splashing in puddles, seeing leaves of trees sparkling with raindrops and enjoying the clean, fresh air that had the distinct aroma of Aussie bush. It was a wonderful way to start the day.

 

[RedRuby]

Today was at Mount Coot-Tha, Australia and I smashed 14kms of never ending steep hill climbs When finished I felt as though I could achieve absolutely everything. No pictures unfortunately as I simply was just enjoying 'being in the climb'.

 

[FamPed]

@RedRuby, sounds like you hade a marvelous time. What are the name of the flower in the second picture?

 

[RedRuby]

@RedRuby, sounds like you hade a marvelous time. What are the name of the flower in the second picture?

The plant is called Lantana.. it's actually an introduced species to Australia and a noxious weed. It comes in many vibrant colours and is extremely resilient and fast growing. Unfortunately it destroys much of the native vegetation.

 

[FamPed]

9 May.. I went to Byxelkrok in northen Öland and spent the day walking over meadows and in forrests. Here you can see wild orchids for instance Johannesnycklar (Orchis militaris). In about two weeks they will be in full bloom, I came a bit to early.. I saw Blueberry blossoms, some sort of Sedum blossoms and a blue egg that layed on the ground. In the late afternoon I went to Nabbelund and took a photo (across the bay Grankullavik) of the lighthouse Långe Erik.

 

[FamPed]

The plant is called Lantana.. it's actually an introduced species to Australia and a noxious weed. It comes in many vibrant colours and is extremely resilient and fast growing. Unfortunately it destroys much of the native vegetation.

Sorry to hear that, it´s a lovely looking flower, but I understand the problem.

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

We are for a week in Limburg to have some nice walks .
Today we came acros a few cows that where walking in the water beside the meadow.

And the good news is,walked today for the first time after my mishap with my shoulder with a day pack of 3.5kg.
I had no problems with it.
Hope that it stays well , find that out tomorrow morning when I wake up .

Wish you all well ,Peter.

 

[Purky]

I recently found out about a long distance walking path starting from my home town, and today I bit off the first part. It is called 'Hertogenpad', which translates as 'Dukes path'.
Between 1200 and 1500 A.D. the province of the Netherlands that I live in, Brabant, was a lot larger than it is now. Cities like Brussels, Antwerpen and Leuven (now Belgium) were part of it, and it stretched into present-day Luxembourg and even parts of northern France.
Those 300 years were the golden ones: Brabant was then the heart of the historic Low Countries and the centre of power, religion, culture and trade. Ruled by the Duchy of Brabant, three centuries of dukes and their entourage lived the good life out here.
Anyway, that is the origin of the name Hertogenpad. From Breda to Roermond, 238 km, and today me and my wife ended up in Dongen, so the first 20 km are done. Nice and varied: sanddunes, forests, ponds teaming with frogs, you name it. Just a wee bit of rain, and already looking forward to the next bit.

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

Again a nice walk today and a well deserved drink at the end.
My shoulder is holding out fine , till now no problems.
Wish you well,Peter.

 

[FamPed]

On my way out of the door.. Heavy clouds in the sky and they say it´s going to rain, so I will take the opportunity to try out my budget version bright orange rainjacket/pack cover, to see if it keeps me and Ryggan dry.

@Peter Fransiscus I´m happy to hear your shoulder is holding out fine .

Have a nice day, you all!

 

[C clearly]

I've been back from the camino for a few weeks now, and haven't done too much walking. Today I got out for 15 km. By the last 5 km, I was wishing to be finished, but Oh, it felt so good to arrive home tired!

 

[AParker16]

Hello i hike with a group in Ontario Canada. We are doing 925 km Bruce Trailnover a number of years. Its wonderful!

 

[RedRuby]

I learnt what 20kms felt like yesterday. The ground was tough under foot as it was mainly broken rock. The trail was uphill for 10kms followed by 10kms down hill. I got in done in 4 hours and was glad for the experience.

On another note.. I now have a group of like minded bush walkers and hikers. I never anticipated that this would happen. Word got around that I regularly bush walk and hike and now I have a walking/hiking group of around 50 people. Never saw that coming. Fortunately they don't all come at once.

 

[SabsP]

@Peter Fransiscus and @Purky : Ha I have the distinct feeling that one day we will meet by accident somewhere on the road in both our Brabant or Limburg provinces and Peter good to hear your shoulder is getting better.

@RedRuby : now that is spectacular countryside! Bring your walking group over to Spain and Europe. The Australians are so much fun on a Camino!!

 

[SabsP]

Finally a walk without pain...still no long distances but will get there...
Meanwhile rooting for my Baztan friends.

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

No pain , thats good Sabine.

 

[alansykes]

Spring is late up on the border with Scotland, but wonderful now it's here, with the hawthorn blooming all over the place. The picture of bluebells is from the woods where my dog and I walk every day. The oak is finally in leaf, so only the ash is still bare.