Nature Table

I’m thinking about adding a section here for sharing my photos of things I find on my walks, a bit like I did before, back in September, but this time adding information about what I found and what it is called, where and when it can be found and other facts.  I’m not sure how this will go but I will be sharing the first post next month on 21st February.

What do you think?  Is this something you would be interested in?

Walking Routes

I did start this series back last year but it was a bit hit and miss with the frequency I posted and the routes I shared.  This year (as I may have mentioned in previous posts), I have had a bit of a shuffle around and created a timetable of posting certain items to this blog.  When I was doing the Cancer Research Walk All Over Cancer (10000 Steps A Day in September) I attempted to post a new walking route each week if I could, this was pretty difficult to do as there are only so many places that can be walked in that short a time-frame.  I am now going to be posting around once a month (around the 3rd Monday of the month to be more precise!), this schedule will give me time to research a new route, walk it a few times in (hopefully!) different weather conditions, take some photos, research any interesting facts or history about the walk and then talk about it here!

So, the first walking route that I will be planning and photographing will be up for you to read on 13th Feb 2017!  I am hoping to go down to the local park and take you on one of my favorite walking routes that I used to go on when I was in school and college!  And, I’m hoping to be able to capture some lovely images for you to see too…we are forecast snow toward the end of the week, the park looks amazing in the snow!  So keep your fingers crossed and check back then!!!

You can also follow me on Instagram now!  Just search @tenthousandsteps2016 to see my daily stats and sneak peeks of things that will be coming up on the blog!

Staying Safe

After yesterdays “episode” with loose dogs I thought it would be appropriate to talk a little bit more about safety, especially when there has been a lot written about individuals dressing up in clown outfits to scare people and with Halloween and Bonfire Night just around the corner.  If you read yesterdays blog you will have read how I decided to change my route to somewhere more built up in order to feel less vulnerable but I encountered some loose dogs that were not the friendliest, I gave the advice to make a lot of noise to startle and scare the dogs and to keep your eye on them as you back away slowly.  There are other situations which you may feel vulnerable and need to keep your wits about you and think about your safety.  The advice I can give you is…

• Act Calm
• Walk confidently
• Have good posture – do not hunch up, hold your head high
• Walk with Purpose (like you have somewhere to be)
• Make Eye Contact, Smile and Say Hi
• Avoid Arguments or Back Chat
• Be Aware at all times

 If you feel threatened or someone is harassing you

• Make a lot of noise – it might be worth investing in an attack alarm (also known as a rape alarm
• Don’t back up into corners –  keep an exit path behind you
• Walk or run to the nearest place where people are (a street, park, housing estate)
• Alert authorities – others may be in danger if you don’t

Please, whatever you do, stay safe.

Now for yesterdays stats…Did I hit my target?

I did!  🙂