It has been a long time since I went out for a walk let alone cover10k steps. The lock-down meant that we could barely step out of our homes in the last year and a half. Finally, I went out yesterday, my calf muscles hurt after I walked 500 meters from our home.
There were just stray dogs on the road but not too many people around. I was thrilled about that, too many people means trouble in times like these. I slowly walked at a pace at which I felt comfortable because of the long gap and lack of exercise during that period. It makes sense to be slow but steady, consistent and regular than do too much in one day and then hurt and stay home for the rest of the week.
I decided to enjoy the sights and sounds around. It actually took my mind of my hurting legs. The song of the birds and the crackle of the leaves under my feet were the only sounds to be heard. I forgot my phone in my hurry to get away before the crowds flocked the roads, so I couldn't get any photos.
Periwinkles and mirablis seemed to have suddenly sprung up in the rain and looked pretty everywhere. I love the way the mriablis seem to hybridize and change colors every season. There were lovely bunches of yellows, salmons and pink colored flowers a little off the road in a ditch. I wish I had my camera then.
Walking further down I found four stray puppies near a home, they seemed well fed, perhaps the owner/tenant of that home took care of them. There is a small snack bar near that place and I guess the mother was fed by those people. This is how it works here,. Strays get protection and food from kind souls around. Food stall owners often feed these dogs.
I stopped by a friend's place on the way. I just waved out to her from the road. Her hedges were over grown I could hardly see her face, in the normal I would have offered to her help, but with Covid no one ever entered other peoples homes.
I was back home in 20 minutes. Hope to go on a longer walk tomorrow with my phone in my hand. I may have walked about a kilometer and a half . I've got to slowly increase this distance without putting too much pressure on my legs.
It was a wonderful walk in all.
It felt wonderful to be out in the open after a long time.
All images used here were captured by me.