Feet in the Indian Ocean

Instead of early morning pavement duty, I went walking on the beach this afternoon, barefoot.

Such a different way to walk, the beach was quiet with a few fishermen, the odd surfer and swimmer.

I could watch a White-breasted Cormorant fish, and White-fronted Plovers darting away in front of me.

Although it is hot here in Toti the breeze was up and the ocean around my feet was just lovely.

A beach walk is one of the pleasures of staying here at our Loft. This is a photo I have next to my bed which celebrates stepping out on a beach.

This poem inspired me today:

“Instructions for living a life. 
Pay attention. 
Be astonished. 
Tell about it.” 
― Mary Oliver

• Walking log: 24th February

4km barefoot beach walk.

Total kilometres to date: 304

Durban's Beachfront Promenade

Another small milestone in my walking preparation, 300 kilometres.

Over the last six weeks I have walked along the Atlantic Ocean; sweated along steep Loerkop, Table Mountain and Lions Head paths; covered many kilometres of city streets in Cape Town and Johannesburg; strode out on a farm in Greyton and in the Karoo; walked while overnighting in Hilton, Greyton and Bloemfontein and here I am walking along the fabulous promenade in Durban.

I needed to do 12.5 kilometres so I walked the sweeping bay from the Moses Mabhiba Stadium to the pier at uShaka Marine World - a couple of times. It was a fine morning, not too hot, still humid and the fresh salt-laden breeze kept me going.

I admire what this wonderful 2010 FIFA World Cup legacy has created for Durban, it is such a great space to walk along the meandering brick-paved promenade. I counted more than 20 different 'activities' happening around me as I walked.

Next time I am here with Fred I would like to do the full stretch from Blue Lagoon all the way south to the last pier.

Doreen kept me company, we stopped and rested at our favourite foodie spot along the promenade, Circus Circus and had a feast.

• Walking log: 23rd February

12.5 km, I was aware of my neuromas along the walk, quite burny feet and toes numbing at times. 

Felt weary after the walk.

So the challenge is to do what I have done in 6 weeks in 10 days, goodness me, daunting thought.

Walking companion: Doreen Phillip

Total kilometres to date: 300

Inspiration for the next 100 km:

"If you want to know if your brain is flabby, feel your legs." 

-   Bruce Barton