You'll never walk alone?

Thanks to Alan Hardy for his talk today at Castle Park bandstand. A small audience enjoyed his tales of life afoot, starting with his excitement as a young boy, when Everest was first climbed. (1953 for those who want to estimate Alan's age without chopping his leg off and counting the rings.) Young Alan imitated the adventure by putting a stick in the top of a pile of rubble on a demolition site. Alan expressed concern that today's young people are not given the opportunity to explore and play like that, and so may never get the bug for adventure outdoors.

Alan chatted about his hikes across the Scottish highlands, and in the Himalayas. But it wasn't all about walking and fording rivers, it was about people he met on the way, and a bit about food and drink - well you do get an appetite don't you?

The audience were interested in the differences between solo trips, and walking with another person or in a group. Alan had no particular preference; each option had its advantages and downside. Walking alone meant that you would see more of the natural world; groups of people make more noise and smell, which means less animals and birds to see. Besides, some people are driven crazy by their own company after a couple of hours! The audience enjoyed Alan's company for 45 minutes. Look out for him giving illustated talks to local groups after the summer.

Hiking Hardy tomorrow lunchtime, 12:30 Castle Park

A quick reminder for tomorrow's "Hiking Hardy" talk at Castle Park bandstand. It starts at 12:30, will last about half an hour, and we get the chance to ask questions and chat with Alan afterwards. Castle Park is looking great this time of the year, and we're right by the Park cafe, so take in a stroll, a talk and a cuppa tomorrow lunchtime.

Step and Snap competition underway

Entries for our photography comp are coming in. Click on "Step and Snap" at the right for more info about our fun competition. Pigeons optional.

Voting with our feet - we joined the Walking Party

Another brilliant day, as the sun shone on our Walking Party. About fifteen people met at the War Memorial, and we made our way along the town streets, through the green link over The Moors, along the riverside path and over the railway footbridge to the Uni. Most of the party were associated with the University.

But some were simply along for the pleasure of the walk, uninfluenced by the prospect of a super cooked breakfast on the Uni campus. It was great to meet some of the project supporters; there are some talented people working on the Walk Colchester project - more about that next week.......

Foot Feast - our perfect picnic pitch

Team meeting in the conference room? No thanks, when this lovely open space is ten minutes away. The weather and setting were perfect for the first Foot Feast, and six representatives of town centre businesses met at The Mercury for a short stroll in brilliant sunshine over to Hilly Fields. With a rooftop view of the town's northern aspect, we had the perfect backdrop for our picnic lunch.

Thanks to Ewan and team at Whybrow Chartered Surveyors http://www.whybrow.net/ and Andrew from Big Swifty Associates http://www.bigswiftycompany.blogspot.com/ for supporting the event.

Walk to work week isn't just about walking to work. For many of us it would not be possible, but maybe we can get some walking in during the working day? A lunchtime stroll could be an option, or a team meeting on local green space?

CW2W received several apologies for non-appearance at our event, some saying the weather was so nice that they had gone to the beach for a picnic. Absentees, you missed a blissful picnic, and the Whybrow team proved to be splendid company and lots of fun.

Vote "Walking Party" tomorrow

Tomorrow is "Walk to Work Wednesday", and some individuals will be stepping out many miles from home to the office in a massive attack of solo walking fever. But for those who are more sociable and relaxed, join in with our "Walking Party" for a stroll from the town to the Uni.

We meet at 08:00 at the Castle Park gates by the war memorial. For most of the route we will follow a green coridor, and expect to arrive at the Uni around 09:00, where there will be cafes for your refreshment. Vote "yes" to the Walking Party" tomorrow.

Foot Feast today - Hilly Fields, meet at noon at Mercury

See you later, this is our picnic spot! The sun is shining, the ground is dry, the company will be good, and I am bringing some creme caramels for you.... Meet at Mercury theatre at noon, for a short walk to this blissful spot.