Cool Bloggers Walking Club Week #1 + FIGs

And just like that, the first week of our walking challenge is in the books. I don’t know about you, but I had to push through some seriously uncooperative weather (rain, snow, and sleet – literally) along with a short-lived (but intense) illness. I’m excited to watch the weather – and the greenery – transform as we continue through April.

In previous CBWCs, I aimed to snap a photo on every walk. But this month, with the gray skies and dreariness, I decided to get a bit creative and reflect on a FIG related to each walk – along with the occasional picture because, well, it’s me!

ELISABETH’S WALKS

Distance | Company | FIG

1. 3.27 km | John | A text message from Lisa while I was on my first walk of the challenge. Knowing that this walking club is inspiring people to move their bodies truly makes me happy.
2. 4.62 km | Joy | Despite cold, windy weather we kept up a brisk pace and had some fascinating discussions about books we’ve been reading.
3. 1.57 km | John + Indy | Being with my two favourite boys in the whole world. Seeing them walking and talking together is precious. At one point Indy reached over and grabbed John’s hand and my heart melted.
4. 5.04 km | John | Sneakers. I hate walking in winter boots, so it’s a joy to be outside in sneakers.
5. 3.36 km | John | The smell of wood smoke wafting over from our neighbour’s campfire. It was cold outside and knowing people were warming themselves around a fire was comforting and pleasant.
6. 0.73 km | Belle | It was dismal outside – rainy and brown – so we walked for 10 minutes and that was enough! Ironically, in such a short time, I managed to think of many FIGs. On our way home from church earlier in the day we had been talking about fire stations; seeing a fire hydrant reminded me how thankful I am we have a department in our little town. I was also thankful for the time alone with Belle (Indy was at a friend’s house). Then we spotted a pair of cardinals on a neighbour’s lawn. And right before we got home we stopped to listen to a bird high in a tree that was singing with gusto.
7. 4.20 km | Solo | Sunshine. It clouded over after my walk, but while I was outside there was blue sky and sunshine! I listened to a fascinating podcast episode about insomnia and cognitive behavioural therapy while walking to a local farmer’s market to buy a little Nova Scotia treat for Coco.

AROUND THE (BLOGO)SPHERE

• Sabine has been walking in the Netherlands! She spotted vibrant tulips ready to bloom – a sure sign of spring.

• Sabine also submitted a FIG (who am I to turn down fresh FIGs?). She writes: Whoever came up with the planning for all trees, bushes etc. in our neighborhood (built in the 1970s), I am grateful that they planted a lot of trees, especially blooming trees such as a number of white/cream colored magnolia trees.
• mbmom11 spent most of her week in the Midwest fighting cloudy skies and wind but, despite the slow arrival of spring, “herringbone sidewalks in my historic town are attractive at least!”
• Kyria walked to an outdoor market and brought home a rainbow of fresh veggies.
• Julie sent me pictures of various beautiful flowering things spotted in the suburbs of California.
• Sophie saw butterflies and mushrooms as big as her hand…but, alas, no kangaroos. She has assured me she will make it happen!
• Nicole (and Rex) saw all sorts of things on their daily walks, including a beaver dam. She didn’t manage to get a picture of the rabbit-headed motorbiker, but she did share a picture of the state of her coat and Rex’s fur after a 5-km walk in the pouring rain. There’s no bad weather, just bad gear I suppose?!

• Jacquie sent pictures from her favourite walk along the Brunette River which is near her home. “On one side of the trail is the river and the other side is a train track. Near the end of the trail is an overpass that is full of graffiti. The photo I attached is kind of creepy, but also quite impressive.”
• Engie (and Hannah) walked SO MUCH. I am always amazed by how many outdoor adventures this fabulous duo fit into each day. Dr. BB even joined in on the walking fun.
• Lisa and Paul used leg-power to get themselves to church on Sunday morning.
• San spotted intriguing sculptures (by artist Helen Post) in a local park.

And last, but certainly not least, Alexandra was thwarted by weather and illness but still managed to fit in over 4 km each day!

As we continue on with Week 2, I’m excited to see how our walks evolve – whether it’s changing weather or new perspectives we’re discovering on our daily routes. Let’s keep the momentum going!

• What was the most interesting thing you spotted on your first week of walks?