I’d walk a mile for a good walk
When last did you just, well, take a walk? Not a run, hike, or even swim, just a simple old walk? KPH reporter Blake Linder spent a recent Sunday afternoon taking a leisurely stroll around Leisure Isle and found lots to feel just fine about.
I am someone who thrives on physical activity. I’ve been playing some form of sport and doing some form of regular exercise ever since I could hold a cricket bat or golf club.
But, with the strict lockdown level 4 restrictions in place as we battle the third wave of the pandemic, my primary forms of exercise have been placed on hold. Yes, I can keep pounding the pavements around town, but some days I just don’t feel like running. So I opted for a mid-afternoon Sunday stroll around Leisure Isle.
And my subsequent message to all is: you need to get out and walk.
I parked my car at the intersection at the entrance to the island, slung my camera around my neck, propped by backpack on my back, plugged in my earphones and selected a comfy acoustic music playlist and set off. Making my way along Woodburne Drive, I could feel the effects from the get-go.
This tree was one of very few signs that winter has crept in. Photo: Blake Linder
I was stopping to smell the flowers (admittedly dropping my mask for a moment), I could feel the wind wafting through my hair, and I found myself in my own little slice of heaven.
The sun was gentle and persistent, never letting me go as I rounded the section of the road that lines the water’s edge to face the Heads and the crystal blue water of the breathtaking estuary.
The wind was expectedly a bit stronger here, but not enough to break my stride. And I wasn’t the only one reaping the benefits of my surroundings. While not quite teeming, the road carried its fair share of foot traffic, and those whom I crossed paths with were never shy to share a wave or an eye-smile.
Always stop and smell the flowers, but be on the lookout for some nectar-hunting bees!
After I reached the end of the road along the water’s edge, I chose another route back. Blessed by a different sort of serenity, the diversity of fauna scattered around Leisure Isle is delightful. It’s almost as if the plants have refused to recognise winter and exist in a constant state of spring.
The tree-lined streets cast beautiful dappled light onto my face and the angular edifices people call home.
I diverted to the paths that criss-cross Steenbok Park and was out in the open again with the wind slightly bending the stalks of the tall grass beside the beaten paths.
The fresh air was tangible, refreshing as it made its way under the fabric over my skin and began raising the hairs on my arms, thankfully just in time for me to reach my car before it got uncomfortable. And so came the end to a delightful experience.
At this point, I realised that I’d effortlessly covered 5km and felt the freedom that comes with embracing the open air. And invigorated enough to encourage everybody out there to dedicate a fixed amount of time every week, or perhaps even every day, to simply go for a (Covid-compliant) walk and allow your stresses to be blown away with the wind.
Your mind and body will thank you for it.
If you don’t take the time to enjoy your surroundings, the local wildlife will give you a side-eye or two.
Photo: Blake Linder
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