Hello blog friends! How are you doing? I hope your day is going well and you have a few minutes to stay for a chat with me over a cup of coffee or tea.
Today is the 10th Wellness Weekend link up. The optional prompt is Walking, which is one of my favourite activities. If you’ve recently gone for a walk, feel free to join in, meet new friends, and share your walk here.
For those who are new to my blog, I’ve been living without a car for many years. I walk to exercise and to get from A to B in all four seasons. I’m sharing one of my recent walks and some photos of autumn scenery along the way.
Preparing for an enjoyable walk
I check the weather before I head outside. Whenever I see a sunny forecast, I smile and do my happy dance. I wear comfortable clothes, sun protection, and sturdy shoes with proper arch support, a firm heel and thick flexible soles, to cushion my feet and absorb shock.
Since I walk outdoors, in cooler weather I wear layers that I can take off when I get warm. For my 5K walks, I bring water and snacks in my day pack. I also choose to walk where the path surface is fairly even, and during the day when visibility is good.
Walking a scenic route
I do many of my walks along the scenic shore of Lake Ontario and the Waterfront trail which is reserved for pedestrians, joggers and cyclists. I walk different routes for variety. I usually walk without listening to music or an audio book or a podcast because I want all my senses to focus on what’s in nature.
This month, for example, I see plenty of beautiful trees showing off their yellow, orange, red and even deep eggplant hues. There are evergreen trees as well which provide a nice backdrop for the autumn colours. Birds, butterflies, squirrels, sea gulls, and Canada geese are common sights.
Autumnal themes continue in gardens, parks, and planters in the neighbourhood. Examples: Light purple asters, potted mums, ornamental cabbage or kale plants, and a lot of pumpkins. I bet there will be a lot of pumpkin carvings to decorate for Halloween on October 31.
Warm up, Cool down, and Stretch
I start my walk slowly for five to ten minutes to warm up my muscles and prepare my body for exercise. Then I pick up my pace for a brisk walk to make it count. At the end of my walk, I walk slowly for five to ten minutes to help my muscles cool down. After I cool down, I pick a scenic spot for a view while gently stretch my muscles.
Keeping track
Even though I walk year-round, I keep track of how many walks I do in a month as part of my Health maintenance routine. I don’t use an app or an electronic device, just a simple spreadsheet where I keep track of all my key activities. This helps me see where I started from, how many walks I’ve made, and serve as a source of motivation.
Knowing the benefits
I’m grateful for easy access to the lake shore and many parks and gardens. After breakfast, I usually go outside to explore nature, open space, fresh air, the lake, plants, and animals. I come home feeling good and ready for the rest of the day.
I know my regular brisk walking helps me:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Strengthen my bones and muscles
- Boost my energy and immune function
- Improve my balance and coordination
- Improve my mood and keep me mentally healthy
- Let my creative thinking flow
There is no need to complicate physical activity. Something as simple as a daily brisk walk can help us live a healthier life. We can really walk our way to fitness.
How did your week go? Do you do brisk walks regularly? I’d love to hear your comments.
Linking here.
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Natalie the Explorer 
I think I could walk forever with this kind of scenery, Natalie. Your photographs are stunning. I love that crystal blue sky! I agree, this time of year that is perfect walking weather. Enjoy!
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Jill, It looks beautiful with so many rich colours here and I’m hooked to go outside to enjoy the scenery. I’m glad you like my photos. I hope they brighten your day and give you new ideas, even though you’re already super busy writing NaNoWriMo and with your books. You’re really awesome. Have a wonderful week!
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I didn’t realize you’ve been without a car for a few years; I bet you get lots of physical activity in that way! You have some really beautiful photos here.
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Joanne, Yes, walking and cycling keep me in good shape. I’m glad you like my photos. I feel grateful to have so many rich colours around me at this time of the year. Thank you for linking up with me on this Wellness Weekend. Have a wonderful week!
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I didn’t know you didn’t have a car! But walking is wonderful and like you’ve shared so good for our health for so many reasons. Your photos are stunning, especially the Fall colors!! I’ve been a bit busy to squeeze in my walks lately but hope to get back to it soon! Have a great weekend! ❤️😀
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Diana, I’m glad you like my photos. Fall colours are abundant and beautiful here. I hope your busy schedule will settle down so you can take time out for a walk. Have a wonderful weekend!
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I want to be a brisk walker, and you certainly have shown me why I could do it. The health benefits, the opportunity to see beauty, the sense of accomplishment. I get that. Your photos are gorgeous, btw. Those colors!
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Ally, Yes, you can walk your way to fitness. I’d start small and gradually increase distance or frequency over time. The main thing is to enjoy the walk. The Fall colours entice me to go outside. I’m glad you like my photos. Have a wonderful week!
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Hi Natalie – your walking routine sounds perfect. I walk 3-4 times a week and enjoy both listening to music and an occasional audiobook as well as unplugging and just taking it all in. I also like to mix it up so I don’t get tired of a certain route and I have plenty of options. See you out there! 😉
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Barbara, Sounds like you’ve had a perfect walking routine, too. There are so many ways we can keep our walks interesting. I’m glad to find a kindred spirit. See you on the trail! 🙂
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Sounds good! I walked so much this week that today I’m taking a break 🙂
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I have one full rest day every week and it’s usually Saturday when it’s busy outside. Enjoy your break!
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Thanks, Natalie 🙂
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Thank you for this lovely, refreshing walk, Natalie! You’re lucky to be able to walk your community and exist without a car. Not so in the burbs of California where everything is spread out and designed for cars. Even some bike paths are scarce or too narrow to be safe. The fall colors are spectacular!
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Terri, Thank you for hosting Sunday Stills. I choose to live close to the city centre and feel grateful that I can walk to places for my essentials or bike using the dedicated bike paths. The fall colours are so rich here, they entice me to be outside. Have a wonderful week!
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I could a ling time in a place like that. So very beautiful. I am trying to walk more and more. It is something that I enjoy doing. Plus I take pics along the way.
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Patrick, It’s great that you enjoy walking and taking pictures. There’s always something new to see. Autumn is beautiful here with many rich colours. They entice me to go outside and explore. Have a wonderful week!
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What a beautiful walk! I bet it’s lovely just about every season but when Nature adds her fall colors, the scenery is stunning!
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Janis, You’re right that the scenery here is stunning in the fall. So many rich colours to take in. I feel like a billionaire when I go outside. Thank you for stopping by. Have a wonderful week!
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Going for walks is lovely, especially during the autumn. I used to always walk a lot during the autumn. This year I haven’t been in the mood but I probably should, it would probably be good, both for physical and mental health.
Such lovely autumn colours where you are!
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Thank you, Susanne, for your visit and comment. Walking outside has kept me calm and sane during this covid-19 pandemic. Autumn is beautiful here. On sunny days, the colours are brilliant and I feel like a billionaire when I see them. I’ll visit your blog shortly.
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Stunning photography, Natalie. You’ve brilliantly captured the glory of autumn!
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Donna, Thank you so much for your kind comment. Autumn in Canada is stunning.
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It must be such a joy to be walking under all that colour, Natalie. Really beautiful 🙂 🙂
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Jo, It’s a joy for sure. In the fall, when I go outside to walk or bike, I feel like a billionaire, with all the beautiful and rich colours around me. I hope you’ve been keeping well. Have a wonderful week!
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We’re good thanks. You too 🤗💕
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What a great colourful post! How lovely! #Lifethisweek
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Lydia, Autumn is beautiful here. Every time I go outside I see so many rich colours. Happy to share some on my blog.
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And #Lovinglifelinky
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Hi Natalie. You really do live in a wonderful place for walking, but did not realize you do it car-free. Having a car has become just an extension of me and I can’t really see enjoying my life without one. You most likely have it down to a science, but that path is not for me. And I do love walking I just like being able to jump in the car and drive for 20 minutes to see our son and his new wife. Without a car, it might be 2 hours one way and that would not be acceptable to my wife or me. I’ll bet you have such details figured out.
Have a great week..
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Gary, It’s harder to live without a car in California or most places in the USA. The benefits of my car-free lifestyle outweigh the inconvenience so I’ve been living it for many years. I understand it’s not for everyone. Have a wonderful week!
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Gorgeous colors! I’m originally from San Diego and our family moved to Minnesota three years ago. Although I miss the San Diego beach and warm Summers, I finally understand why Fall is such a big deal. The colors are amazing!
Thank you for sharing these.
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Thank you, Jed, for your visit and comment. Fall is a beautiful season here and likewise in Minnesota. I tried to look for your blog and couldn’t find it. If you have a blog, please share the URL.
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Hi Natalie I enjoyed reading about your approach to your walks. As you know I also enjoy walking. I also keep a record of my distances. I’m particularly pleased that I did that when I was coming back from injury. Seeing my progress made me feel much better. Beautiful photos again Natalie
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Jennifer, I’m glad you keep a record of your walking distances. I find keeping track of fitness activities is a helpful source of motivation.
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So beautiful. Vibrant colours of nature everywhere. Just wish spring would take off here in Melbourne instead of raining constantly!
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Hopefully, the rain will soon bring beautiful spring flowers to Melbourne.
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Hiya Natalie, such gorgeous colours! And the sky, beautifully blue! I don’t do enough (ummm…. any) walking though want to change that. I could very easily drive to a nearby beach to walk but tend to find excuses, but I shouldn’t – for all of the reasons you mention!
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Hi Deborah, The initial habit-forming part is usually the hardest part of any fitness routine. Having a friend who likes to walk or joining a walking group or making the walk a fun game may help.
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Isn’t this a beautiful time of year to walk? The weather has been perfect and the colors are beautiful. I have been walking with my grandson a lot lately. He loves to hike, even though he is just 5. Actually, he mostly runs ahead, then runs back to me, then runs ahead again, then back to me. He covers twice as much ground as I do! 🙂
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Laurie, The energy of a 5 year-old boy is wonderful. Sounds like he’s already into running like his grandparents 🙂 Hello world athletes, watch out!
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Hi Natalie – walking is my go-to exercise as well. There’s nothing better than being outside on a beautiful Autumn/Spring day and enjoying nature while knowing you’re keeping healthy in the process. I loved all those beautiful autumn colours you shared – the seasons are definitely settling into their next stage aren’t they?
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Hi Leanne, I feel like a billionaire when I’m outside with all the rich autumn colours around me. It’s a privilege to experience about 13 weeks of beautiful autumn here. Hope you’re enjoying signs of spring in Perth.
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Your photos are stunning! It would be so freeing to not need a vehicle.. 🙂
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Kathleen, Yes, it’s very freeing to not need a vehicle and it saves me a lot of money over the years. I’m glad you like my photos. Autumn is beautiful here.
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What a lovely overview of where you walk, how you do it and why! I really enjoyed your gorgeous photos too Natalie. Up until recently I also walked and ran but a few issues have made that difficult lately so I’ve been riding my bike instead and love the freedom and pace I can manage. #lifethisweek
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Debbie, Good for you to change your physical activity to suit your body. Cycling is an excellent way to stay fit. I love it, too. Have a wonderful week!
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Beautiful pics 👌
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Thank you. I’m glad you like them.
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I walk my dog for 3km every day. I like to be at one with nature so I don’t wear headphones either. Your photos are beautiful
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Christina, Dog walking is a great way to get your steps in every day. Autumn is beautiful here which makes it easy to take nice pictures. I’m glad you like my photos. Have a wonderful week!
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I like those changing leaves.
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Frank, The changing leaves are beautiful here.
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I love walking, but most of the time I am out, I have a couple of dogs 😉 I still get out occasionally on my own, and run at least twice a week (between 7 and 10 km, depending). I’m with you about not having music or words in my ear to distract me – I never, ever listen when I am outside! I want to be in the present. And the benefits of walking are great 🙂 Good for you for keeping track. I’ve tried, and usually get about a week in before I drop it.
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Trent, Dog walking and running would keep you fit for sure. The sounds of nature are amazing, for example, the sounds of water ebb and flow at a beach, rustling leaves, gulls calling, etc. It’s a pleasure to listen to them.
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What beautiful colors on your walk It looks so peaceful and calming #SeniSal
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Yes, it’s wonderful to walk in autumn here, and the city centre has been much quieter since the pandemic started in March.
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Love those autumn colours…it really is a lovely time for walking. We’re heading into summer here and it’s already quite warm although not yet humid. I too keep track of my steps. I wear a fitbit and at first struggled between boots on walking and just walking but figured that as I work from home I have very few incidental steps so just take the total.
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Jo, I hope the humidity doesn’t come your way for a long time so you can enjoy your walk. Every step counts.
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i would take the scenic route all the time!!
Great walk.. I mean talk
~B
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Thank you, B. Yes, I walk or bike the scenic route often. Have a great week!
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Loving these autumn colours!
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Thank you, Lía, for your visit and comment. Autumn colours are beautiful and rich here.
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So I like autumn, these great colours in nature, sun, blue sky…
Beautiful photos!
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Thank you, Joana, for your visit and comment. I’m glad you like my photos.
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I agree with one comment: I could walk forever with this kind of scenery. 🙂
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Thank you, Klara, for your visit and comment. I’m glad you joined me virtually and enjoyed this walk.
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WOW! Your corner of the world is BEAUTIFUL!
Love the photos, especially the gorgeous fall colours!
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Thank you, Veronica. Autumn is beautiful here. I’m glad you like my photos. Hope to share more in my next post.
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What a very autumn-y post!
Many thanks for your link at ‘My Corner of the World’ this week !!
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Thank you, Betty, for hosting and commenting. Have a great week!
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Beautiful photographs Natalie. I love seeing around where you live. The autumn colours are gorgeous! We don’t get that too much here in tropical Brisbane. It’s funny seeing your autumn leaves when we’re in Spring here and soon summer. I think it’s fabulous that you manage to live without a car and walk everywhere. It’s certainly very healthy for you. Enjoy your week! xo
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Min, I love that we live in different climates and hemispheres and get to share what’s happening on our blogs. I’m glad you like my photos. The benefits of living without a car outweigh the inconveniences so I’ve been living the car-free lifestyle for many years. I know it’s not feasible for everyone. Have a beautiful week and enjoy spring!
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How thoughtful of you to include all you do that helps you maintain your day of structure, walking and observation. Great focus on all that is important for you. In Australia you could possibly live car-less in a big city but not where we are. We are in regional NSW. The colours in your photos are just so vibrant!! Loved them. Thank you for linking up for #lifethisweek. Next week’s optional prompt is 43/51 Inside 26.10.2020. Hope to see you there. Denyse.
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Thank you, Denyse, for your kind comment. It’s certainly easier to live car-less in or near the city centre than in a suburb or rural area. I look forward to your link up next week. Have a great weekend!
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You pictures are very beautiful ! I always say that I don’t like walking, but this is not quite true, I like to walk and look around to take pictures or just admire the surroundings. I hate when somebody walks head down and doesn’t see anything ! Hiking is nothing for me either !
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Thank you, Gattina, for your visit and comment. I’m happy that you like my photos. Walking and taking pictures are fun and relaxing. I’ll visit your blog shortly. Have a wonderful week!
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What gorgeous views you have for your walks. The gourd-plant photo is beautiful and so are the photos of the leaves changing colors. I have always been more of a runner but this ole body is appreciating that I am beginning to switch over to more walking than running. We have been doing a walking program online which doesn’t allow for enjoying nature but is hopefully keeping us Covid-free!!
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Leslie, Doing a walking program online to stay free of COVID-19 is a good idea. I feel fortunate to walk outside and enjoy beautiful views, with very few people on the trails. Stay safe and well my friend.
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Yes I do enjoy a good walk. I’m dogsitting my daughter’s dog this week so that gives me even more reason to take a long stroll. I’m planning to walk a kilometre or so up the road where there’s a group of peacocks living in the suburbs – always lovely to see them. I might leave the dog behind for that one.
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Dog walking is a sure way to go outside and get your steps done. I bet the dog would love to chase the peacocks 🙂 Have a wonderful week!
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An interesting and beautiful post, Natalie! I look forward to seeing how the Eastern part of Canada is enjoying the Fall. The colours in your photos are exceptionally vibrant. I am a huge believer in walking for all the reasons you list. I hope you are doing okay with the uptick in cases. We are facing and bracing for changes. Take care. 🙂
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Hi Erica/ Erika, I’m doing OK here. I hope you and your family are all well in BC. I continue to follow public health measures, limit social contacts, and go outside for exercises or groceries only. Fall in Toronto is stunning this month. I run out of words to describe the beautiful landscape 🙂
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👍 😃 Great pics and mood!
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Thank you, Stephan, for your visit and comment. I’m glad you like my photos. I took it as a compliment from you as a professional photographer. Have a great weekend!
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Love the blue sky, and the post. Made me think about my routine next week, going back to work. We’ve been up into the Scottish mountains every other weekend and really does replenish the sole….I need to figure out how to get something in daily.
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How nice that you can go to the Scottish mountains every other weekend! I’m sure you can build a walk routine when you’re back at home. Start small and you’ll be surprised how the steps/ mileage add up.
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Wow! Stunning autumn colors, Natalie. Thank you so much for joining up with the Walktober event this year. 🙂
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Thank you, Robin, for hosting the Walktober event. I look forward to your recap post. Have a nice weekend!
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Look at those lovely colours!
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Yes, Fall is stunning here.
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And now the lovely walk. Beautiful photos and such an easy and smart wellness plan you have taken up. I agree. There is nothing better than walking and when you have such spectacular scenery, it’s all the more lovely, isn’t it?
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Dale, Yes, autumn colours have been beautiful here and we’ve had some sunny days which make my walks super enjoyable. Hope you’re safe and well. Have a wonderful week!
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I’m in Montreal and we’ve been blessed with fabulous colours and lovely weather, too.
Same to you!
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A fellow Canadian blogger? Wowza 🙂 I hope we get to meet IRL in the future when it’s safe to do so.
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Yes, ma’am! Wouldn’t that be grand? I’m overdue for a visit to Taranna…😉
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Feel free to reach out whenever you head this way to Taranna 🙂
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And you, should you decide you’re due for some Montreal 😁
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Yes, ma’am! Some Montreal would be lovely.
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Excellent!! Lots of great places to walk…
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Such gorgeous colourful photos, Natalie! Like you, I really value my daily walk, although, unlike you, I’m not super organized or consistent. Sometimes my walk ends up being a short walk in the rain late at night if I somehow failed to find time for it during the day, and sometimes I don’t do one. Also, because I live in a very hilly, semi-rural area, most of my walks are on rough trails in the woods, all of them hilly to some degree. When I do walk on the streets, especially if the light is dim or it’s nighttime, I wear a reflector vest. We don’t have sidewalks in my neighbourhood, and the streetlights are few and far between.
Jude
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Hi Jude, It’s a very good idea to wear a reflector vest when you walk at night. The hills in your area give good workouts when you walk. I usually do my walk in the morning to get something done for me and to benefit from the positive effects of a walk outdoor for the rest of the day. We’ve had a mild autumn here and the trees were stunning in October.
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