Why & how often do you walk?

[flatfoot]

I took up bushwalking 6 months ago. This was primarily for fitness and also the social aspects of walking in a group, although some of my walking has been solo. Getting out and enjoying the bush is also another big factor for me.

My first real bushwalk of any substance was in Venturers. There were a few occasions in the last 20 or so years where I went bushwalking but it was not something that I had the inclination to make into a regular pastime (but I wish had).

I'm enjoying my new pastime since I've managed to walk most weekends (23 walks). Most of the walks have been daywalks of 4-8 hrs duration. The longest walk so far has been around 21km.

Why & how often do you walk?

[ollster]

For some inexplicable sense of fun. And every other weekend at minimum, sometimes every weekend, sometimes twice a weekend. Probably around 6 multi day walks a year too.

[Pteropus]

My main motivation for bushwalking is to be amongst nature. Mostly because I love nature and feel happier/better being surrounded by trees, animals, rocks, running water et al...some people are happiest in a night club or on their lounge, I am happiest in the bush. Fitness is a secondary motivation. I do enjoy keeping fit by bushwalking so I can enjoy the experience of the bush rather than feeling so buggered that I might prefer to sit at home...
So to keep fit I walk for a couple of hours at least once or twice a week on my local hill (aka Mt Coot-tha), which keeps me in reasonable shape (and gets me in the bush for a couple of hours!) so I can walk to more remote places, which I do two or three times a month.

[rowan]

My reason for bushwalking was because I have lived in a tent in the bush for around 2o years or so. I love living in the bush. Anyway... now I have started living at my parents place for the forseeable future to look after them as they are elderly and ill so I can't get out much and I am getting fat and lazy. I really miss it - sigh. At least I still get out once or twice a month for my courses, and I am living within walking distance of the nearest bush area.

[north-north-west]

Why is far too complex to explain. Principally because it's one of the few things that stops me going completely and utterly bonkers. And before anyone starts, yews, it is possible to be even crazier than I currently am.
As I've become a temporary non-diver, I'm out every weekend if possible. Most commonly daywalks, as work is tending to be a six day a week thing of late. But two dayers whenever I can, and at least two four day trips each year, plus at least one longer one.

[flatfoot]

Why is far too complex to explain. Principally because it's one of the few things that stops me going completely and utterly bonkers.

For me it's a great way to recover from the stresses and pace of a typical working week. It's a great way to recharge!

[flatfoot]

My main motivation for bushwalking is to be amongst nature. Mostly because I love nature and feel happier/better being surrounded by trees, animals, rocks, running water et al...some people are happiest in a night club or on their lounge, I am happiest in the bush. Fitness is a secondary motivation. I do enjoy keeping fit by bushwalking so I can enjoy the experience of the bush rather than feeling so buggered that I might prefer to sit at home...
So to keep fit I walk for a couple of hours at least once or twice a week on my local hill (aka Mt Coot-tha), which keeps me in reasonable shape (and gets me in the bush for a couple of hours!) so I can walk to more remote places, which I do two or three times a month.

I've got a few favourite walks in the Blue Mountains that I try and fit in regularly for fitness. Unfortunately the start-points are a 90 minute drive from home. I also enjoy the slower pace of exploring interesting rugged landscapes.

[Lindsay]

1. Because it's fun.
2. Not nearly as often as I'd like!

[Bluegum Mic]

Why- because I love everything about it. I love the nature, I love the feeling of being away from it all, I love the adventure, the challenge and huge sense of accomplishment. I love packing my "home" on my back and disappearing for the week.

How often- sob, sniff sniff. I did the six foot track in April 2008 (I usually do a multiday walk that time of year) then fell pregnant shortly after. I was unable to do a huge amount of walking whilst pregnant, then with a young one to feed I only managed one walk (he is now 20 months old). To top it off in august this year I dislocated my knee whilst skiing (first injury in 18 years of going to the snow) and whilst I am doing exceptionally well post surgery I have to wait till beyond the end of November till my graft is through it's most delicate stage.

So how long you ask..waaayyy too long. That's why I love this site. It's my little fix till I can hit my beloved trails again

[photohiker]

For the challenge, the reality, the exercise, the fresh air, to feel the sun/rain/wind/ice/snow beat on my face, and finally to escape and get away before I go crazy and do something stupid.

Oh yea, to take the odd photo too.

I'm lucky. I do it every day (5km or so) and I look for several extended walks a year. Don't always get them, but if I don't have a goal, there wouldn't be any...