There are a many good reasons to get out for a walk. Walking has benefits for both my physical and mental health. It strengthens my bones, makes me feel fit, and is a great stress reliever. My dogs love their daily trek down the Fox Lake Road. So much so that, when I wasn’t here to take them, little Blackie Chan set out on his own. It sent my dog-sitting grandson into a panic, and gave me quite a scare, too, but it all turned out okay. Now that I’m back home, I make sure to get them out for their fresh air and exercise.
In October, there are a few more reasons to step out. First, I just received a new book: Walk Your Way to Better: 99 Walks That Will Change Your Life by Joyce Shulman. I’ve only gotten through the prologue and first chapter, but so far find it to be both inspiring and motivating. Second, an on-line course I’m taking today talked about “Gratitude Walking” for good health and peace of mind. Third, the colors are beautiful, and changing daily. Fourth, the weather is outstanding, mild and warm here on Beaver Island. Fifth, winter is coming. No matter how mild this season, it will be followed by cold weather, and snow, and ice that will make walking outside less pleasant often, and sometimes nearly impossible. Better to take advantage when I can.
Finally, and this is new information to me, this is “Walktober!” I learned about it through my friend, Kathy, who writes her blog, Lake Superior Spirit, from the woods of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. She has, over the years, often been a source of information and enlightenment. This is no exception. She told me (well, me and any other person who is wise enough to read what Kathy has to say) about Robin, who whose blog is Breezes at Dawn, and who had the bright idea to share our October walking experiences. Kathy wrote about a lovely walk with her mother, and inspired me to share my walk as well. Because it’s so lovely out there, today I’m going to share it with a few photos.
cindyricksgers 
Lovely photos, Cindy. Thank you for sharing your Walktober with us. I really have to get mine written! I’m with you on walking – so many benefits!
Thank you, Dale, for reading, and for these kind comments. Here in northern Michigan, I have seen Octobers where the color show was obliterated by blowing snow! I feel very fortunate for this year’s mild temperatures!
As a Montrealer, I know what you mean! I’m working on my post (finally!)
Hi Cindy, I’m joining you from Robin’s site. I love reading everyone’s Walktober entries… it is like getting a walk via cyberspace, kind of like teleporting, right? 😉
It looks like you live in a beautiful area for walking. I agree that what is good for body, mind and soul. I’d go crazy without getting out in nature everyday, keeps me fit and sane. 🙂
Hi Eliza, yes, I do live in a beautiful area, and I’m fortunate to be able to get out and walk every day. It does me good, and my dogs like it, too! I’m also enjoying reading the other Walktober entries, a glimpse into other lives and places! Thank you for reading, and for taking time to comment!
Thank you so very much for joining us this year, Cindy. Those colors are amazing!! I will have to look into “Walk Your Way to Better.” I love books about walking (probably because I love walking). It appears you have a very beautiful place to get in your walks. 🙂
Thanks, Robin, for this lovely opportunity to share my walks. I’ll look forward to participating every year. You’re right, it is beautiful here, and I know how fortunate I am. Thank you for reading, and for your kind comments!
Excellent autumn colour and agreed there are so many positives to getting out and about walking in the fresh air.
Walking does me a world of good! Sometimes, after a lousy day, I spend the first half grumbling to myself, re-visiting and hashing over everything that went wrong. Before long, though, I am done with all that, and just relishing the fresh air, the dogs, and whatever view presents itself, depending at the time of year. Fall is especially breathtaking, in my area, in the fall. Thanks for reading, Suzanne, and for taking time to comment!
Wow! Your fall foliage colors are spectacular! I came over from Robin’s Walktober and I follow Kathy, too. I cherish my walks, too, and enjoyed hearing about yours. I agree, it’s the best thing we can do for our physical and mental wellbeing. The Gratitude Walking course sounds very interesting. I hope you get to enjoy your walks without winter coming too soon!
This has been a long, lingering fall. The first frost – often here my the first of September – only happened a week ago! Temperatures have been so warm, I worry how we’ll pay for these warm days (an extreme winter? freezing temps next summer?). But I’ve been thoroughly enjoying every bit of it anyway. Thanks for reading, Barbara, and for your comments!
Isn’t it a beautiful world? Autumn here is never so dramatic but there are many other compensations.
It sure is! I love Michigan for the changing seasons, but you’re right, other places have their own blessings. Thank you for reading, and for your comments!
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I love your photos particularly the top one which is stunning.
Thank you so much, Anne! And thanks for taking time to leave such a kind comment!