Saturday saw our last organised Nordic Walk of the year in Bushy Park. We had a great turn-out, despite the cold.
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| Curious swan in Bushy Park |
In these conditions, it's important to dress well - stick to layers: windproof outer, warm middle (eg fleece), and thin layer next to your skin; with hats and scarves that make it easy to adjust your temperature without fiddling around with jackets. I also recommend always warming up your joints and muscles before heading off.
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| Striding out. |
However, after about 30 minutes, the snow that was to paralyse Heathrow Airport arrived suddenly - about 3 inches in an hour.
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| Into the blizzard |
This made walking a challenge, but the poles came into their own. Using 90% of the body's muscles soon warms up Nordic Walkers.
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| Happy walkers |
Walking through the park was a joy, despite the weather. The snow soon covered familiar landscapes and trees, allowing us to enjoy the park anew, and get fit.
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| Woodland garden transformed |
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| Avenue of coppiced hazel trees |
With temperatures below zero, the snow settled and provided good conditions for Nordic Walking.
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| Lime Avenue |
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| Palms in the Woodland Garden, Bushy Park |
But some of the park's residents found the conditions difficult...
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| Stag struggling to find fodder |
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| Frozen pond, Bushy Park |
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| Fallow stags in the snow |
I do hope if you are travelling at this time of year, that you get to your destination despite the weather.
Do enjoy the Festive Season, and I hope you will enjoy Nordic Walking in 2011. Please contact me if you wish to try, or continue, this healthy and fun activity.
Peter
07703-404-931
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