Alphabe Thursday … A is for the Alphabet of Walking

As I begin another round of Alphabe Thursday ;  I will set the scene a bit.  I have always enjoyed walking or rather it has never been inconvenient.  As a child there was no alternative; we lived on a house boat, without a car and indeed a long way from a metal road and therefore any form of public transport.  So I walked to the shops, school and for 2 or 3 miles to the nearest bus stop if I needed to go to town.  I did have a bike; for my paper round and have had one since and cycle daily for expedience, to and from work.

I did pass my driving test when I moved away from the the river and did have a car for longer journeys but gave that up when I moved in with my partner and the running two cars became financially crazy.

So if I have time and somewhere to go I walk, but, I prefer to go from A to B, the later being desirable with a cake and tea, a pretty picture, even a nice view or a new frock and definitely not a walk back again.  

For instance, last week I told you about a pleasant walk from Paddington Station to Little Venice and a boat trip to Camden (OK, the barge cruised at a leisurely walking pace so not to create a disturbing wash) then a walk around the market and lunch and later stroll to the Underground and a trip home.

I don’t walk for the sake of walking, in a circle or there and back to get hot and sweaty or cold, wet and muddy no matter how beautiful the scenery.

Alone or in company walking for me is practical but also a time to contemplate.

I have read much about the art and history of walking and the myriad of reasons for doing it.  It is complex and it seems I am not alone in my quest to walk in joy, to and fro, without the use of a car or public transport and then not enjoy rambling.

So I will discover who and what these walkers are doing of the next 26 weeks in an alphabet.

With the aid of artists who also its seems enjoy to walk and record its delights.