Don't worry about the weather!

This week has seen the first rain during one of my walks since about January - an incredible fact.  I bought a new summer rainjacket a couple of months ago, and this is the first time it's been wet! But it also shows how sporadic and intermittent our rainfall can be.  I've noticed that many forecasts are too general or just inaccurate - "60% chance of rain" - is fairly unhelpful.  On a few walks it's stopped raining just as we've started, or just after we've finished.

"If in doubt, get out.....and walk!"  is my motto.  Many's the time we have had glorious walks when the forecast was dire.

  

Stags in search of green grass

The stags in Bushy Park are beginning to lose the velvet on their antlers, and the sharp tips (or tangs) are now in evidence.  The recent rain has transformed the bleached grass of the park into something resembling the usual verdant oasis.

However, the stags need to bulk up quickly before the rut starts.  They will need all their strength to fight off rivals.  It could be a matter of life or death.

Nordic Walkers in Bushy Park

Nordic Walking is not a matter of life or death, but it could enhance your life - keeping you fit and healthy; introducing you to new places and people;  enjoying the outdoors and much more.

Nordic walking 

These photos were taken this week, in between the rain that was forecast.

If you would like to join me and others Nordic Walking, please do give me a call.  I am canvassing for a gentler walking session for what I call "Strollers", to see if there is interest in this.  The first session is due on September 4th at 11.30.   Please let me know if you are interested.  The usual 9.15 walk will take place, too.

Peter

07703-404-931

Walk 10k in Richmond Park, for Marie Curie

Well, that's a first - Nordic Walking around a Royal Park in the dark, on a Saturday night.

Along with several hundred 'normal' walkers,  6 Nordic Walkers decided to walk the 10km (7 miles) around Richmond Park to help raise funds for the Marie Curie Cancer Care charity.  The Marie Curie nurses do wonderful work and deserve support. For more information and to make donations, please visit their site -
http://www.mariecurie.org.uk/whatwedo/

Once we had warmed up, we listened avidly to some words of encouragement from TV's Julia Bradbury-

Walkers, and cocker spaniel,  warming up

On a warm and dry evening, we set off about 7pm, heading in a clockwise direction to Kingston Gate, then climbing to Richmond gate, before returning to Roehampton gate.

Orange-clad walkers start the walk

The route was a mixture of woodland, meadow and hills, with beautiful views over the lights of London at the end.

Nordic Walkers, with  Sophie the cocker spaniel leading the way

Striding through the woods.

The park gates shut to traffic at 8pm, so it was very peaceful to walk through the park without the normal stream of cars  - just walkers and deer.  Marie Curie had an agreement that the walkers could stay in the park till 10.30pm.

After a few miles, the poles came in handy for the long uphill stretch to Richmond Gate.  However, the exertion also caused one of group to slightly 'overheat'.  As it was getting dark, we merely averted our headtorch beams, and she was able to adjust the layers of clothing to a more comfortable level, without attracting a crowd or frightening the deer!

Then it was downhill the last few miles to Roehampton gate and the finish.   10 kilometres in 2 hours!  We were looking forward to the picnic!

At 10pm, one of the Marie Curie nurses came on stage to explain their work.  The timing was significant - they start their shifts at 10pm and visit cancer patients who prefer to be looked after at home.   The nurses' visits  allow family members to have a break and get some sleep.

The walk raised about £35,000, which equates to about 1,750 hours or 215 nights of Marie Curie nursing care.

If you wish to help this worthwhile cause, please go here to find out about donating, fund-raising  and volunteering  -->  http://www.mariecurie.org.uk/supportus/  

If you want to find out more about Nordic Walking, please do give me a call, or search for a local Instructor here -->  http://www.nordicwalking.co.uk/

All in all, an energetic, interesting and humbling evening in Richmond Park.

Peter

07703-404-931

Nordic Walking - more health benefits.

Nordic Walking groups in Bushy Park and surrounding area.

Regular walks on Saturday mornings, and individual lessons by arrangement.

Contact details below.

Nordic Walkers at Hampton Court Palace

I've been reading an excellent magazine - Country Walking - for many years.  It's usually filled with good walking tips, routes and reviews of walking equipment.  This month, there is an article stating that walking benefits you in various ways - eg,  lowering blood pressure;  reducing the likelihood of having a serious fall;  and also reducing the chance of developing diseases like cancer.   For more details, the magazine is available in most newsagents or here - 

http://www.livefortheoutdoors.com/

Bushy Park walkers

Whatever your motivation, (gaining fitness, losing weight, enjoying the countryside or whatever), the key aspect of exercise is to do it over a long period and this only tends to happen if you ENJOY it.

I've found that most people who enjoy Nordic Walking usually have other things in common.  So striking up conversation with others on a walk tends to lead to interesting conversations.  In fact, some walkers hardly realise they are exercising at all!  Engrossed in the surroundings, they are back at the finish without noticing.

On my walks, people have found out about new holiday destinations; reliable local tradesmen; where to get a decent sports massage, or where to get soft furnishings... as well as a whole lot more!

Cliffs on Shetland

If you want to give Nordic Walking a try, please do get in touch.  I have no taster sessions currently planned, but I will hold them if there is demand.

Peter

07703-404-931

"Summertime, and the Nordic Walkin' is easy..."

Enjoying an evening Nordic Walk in Bushy Park

Well, now that August's here, the weather is becoming less 'summery', or perhaps we should remember that the odd shower is typical.  This week, a Nordic Walking group sheltered from the rain during the warm-up and warm-down exercises, but the rain held off during the varied walk.  We walked in two parks, and at one point, were about 100 yards from the busy Kingston Bridge.  However, despite that, we saw no other walkers for the last 30 minutes of the route.  Peace, tranquility and....  Exercise!

An empty Home Park between the showers

We also get close to nature - 

A Red deer stag, still with the velvet-covered antlers.

In case it looks as if we get too close to the deer, this stag approached us, and continued eating, so we just stopped for a drink and took in the scene.  He was very relaxed.

Studies have shown that all the elements of Nordic Walking - exercise; the outdoors; nature; and convivial company - contribute to a healthier lifestyle.  Lowered blood pressure, toned muscles, less stress, etc, - all can be by-products of Nordic Walking.

My next group session is on Saturday 14th August in Bushy Park, followed at 11am by a 'taster' session (£5) for those wanting an introduction to the activity.

Please get in touch for more details.

Peter

07703-404-931

Shetland Safari

Shetland resident

[Nordic Walking update - the taster session on 7th August is CANCELLED.  The regular Saturday group walks and the 14th August taster sessions are going ahead.  See below for more details.]

In between Saturday walks, I recently visited the Shetland Isles for the first time.  The northernmost point in the UK has always seemed, and indeed is, remote.  As Shetlanders point out.... the nearest cinema or train station is in Bergen!  (Although locals are wondering how life will change when a cinema is opened soon.)

However, I wasn't going for the cinema.  I had heard of the stunning scenery and wildlife, and also hoped to visit some of the world-class archaelogical sites which litter the islands.

So, it was an early flight to Aberdeen and then a small plane the 200 miles north to Sumburgh Airport at the southern tip of Shetland.  From touchdown to driving away in the hire car took less than 15 minutes, even with a quick glance in the tourist shop.

A few miles up the road and we came across our first Shetland wildlife  -

Had the famous Shetland pony crossbred with some hardy long-necked sheep?

The famous Shetland ponies are all over the islands

Many roam free

An itchy ear needed scratching

Although the weather was variable, and at times "bracing", we were lucky enough to have a few sunny days watching wildlife at close quarters.  With the help of a great guide, John Campbell of Shetland Otters (http://www.shetlandotters.com/) , we enjoyed a day looking for and watching families of otters, which were unaware of our presence.

Otter cubs

Mother and cubs

Using a rock as a dining table

It's estimated that Shetland has about 12% of the UK's otter population.  Despite the fact that otters are very shy, they can be found alongside busy fish farms and Europe's biggest oil terminal (Sullom Voe).  Shetland is so thinly populated that the otters are very unlikely have their day disturbed by people.

Otters live on Shetland all year round, but many seabirds are summer visitors - coming to breed on the vast cliffs and live off the abundant food in the surrounding seas.  It's a birdwatchers paradise with huge colonies of gannets, skuas, kittiwakes, petrels, terns and.....puffins!  Below is a small selection of many photos of these photogenic birds...

Shall we go fishing today?

Sheltering from the rain

Looking south at Sumburgh Head

Two days later, the sun returned, and all but 3 puffins had disappeared out to sea.....

Intrepid photographer ignoring the gale, rain and 300' cliff. Wish I'd brought a longer lens!

This site has some excellent visitor information, and webcams - Shetland visitors' guide.  There's even  RSPB  Puffin cams inside a burrow.  Hurry, while the chicks are still there!  It's certainly a great place for a safari!

More later on the amazing scenery, landscape and history of the northern isles...........  

Nordic Walking update - the taster session on 7th August is CANCELLED.  The regular Saturday group walks and the 14th August taster sessions are going ahead.  Please call or email me for more  details.

Peter

07703-404-931