WALKING INTO 2015

WALKING INTO 2015

The journey known as Padakun has taken us down many surprising side trails this past year, and looks to do the same for the coming year. The year included a major presentation on contemplative walking at a mindfulness conference in Fredericton, the acquisition of certification for Nordic poling, the founding of the Kick and Push Pedestrian Society [KAPPS], Renfrew County’s newest walking group, and numerous wonderful walks throughout the County. All through the year, I have been pleased with a number of enthusiastic walkers of all ages and all interests. I have made the acquaintance of a few sympathetic walking authors and am convinced that interest in walking, for recreational and spiritual purposes, will only continue to grow.

We had a unexpectedly pleasant [for December] final KAPPS walk for the year. Having wrapped up the route from Renfrew to Calabogie in November, we concluded our double-route adventure, with a relaxed walk into Arnprior, and equally relaxed circuit through Gillies Grove. Although the last section of entering Arnprior was little more than bare fields, the walk in the Grove, with its old-growth trees and friendly fellow walkers, more than made up for the early part of the walk.

Having concluded these two routes we now have the delightful obligation of planning our progress for the coming year. I will be circulating a short questionnaire to all our interested walkers. Please take the time to complete this so we can have the most satisfying monthly walks for 2015.

As the Walker knows, we cannot predict what the trail will look like further along. The path does unfold as we walk it.

Yours , on the journey,                           
Ray
Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet
Thich Nhat Hahn