I would walk 500 miles ... or maybe just 104.5 km

Well, April is over, and that means my walking challenge is over, too.

Anti-Automobile April was a good experience: I burned some calories. I witnessed the day-by-day growth of those first spring blooms each time I walked by my neighbours' gardens. I relished the sunshine and fresh air.

I also realized that walking places raises eyebrows. Ben and I started walking to church, and I think we genuinely shocked some people. I discovered that, for many, walking is a fine recreational activity, but isn't a viable mode of transportation when you have an actual destination. Why is that?

My results are below. Please note that these are only my logged kilometres. This chart doesn't include Ben's driving about, nor does it include the times when I was a passenger when carpooling.

DAY	KM BY CAR	KM BY FOOT	COMMENTS / EXCUSES / JUSTIFICATIONS
1
2
3
4		4.5
5		5
6	3		Cranky baby = speedy option required to get home quick if necessary
7	15	8
8		5
9		8
10
11			April storm = hibernation
12			April storm = hibernation
13	3.5		It was raining. Hey, I have a baby! Baby can't get wet!
14		18
15		8
16	2		It was rainy looking. Hey, I have a baby! Baby can't risk getting wet!
17	35
18	3		It was rainy. And so I was by myself this time ... but I don't like to get wet, either.
19
20		4.5
21		10
22		4.5
23		8
24
25		5
26
27	18	4
28		8
29
30		4

TOTAL KM BY CAR: 79.5
TOTAL KM BY FOOT: 104.5

The challenge is now over, so I no longer need to avoid my car. But I still will. Let's call it Mozying-May.

Wanna join me?

The walking challenge

I've been walking up a storm this month as part of Anti-Automobile April, a challenge presented by blogger Mr. Money Mustache.

Mr. Money Mustache argues that in order to save money and avoid some of the pitfalls of car culture (i.e. costly repairs, crowded parking lots, etc.), people should either walk or bike when out for errands under 3-5 miles (approximately 5-8 kilometres).

Halton Hills is a small town, and most of the errands I make or destinations I frequent are within the 5-8 kilometre range. And so, I've been walking.

Walking or biking is obviously not only good for the wallet – we all know that exercise is important for our health. But it can be hard to squeeze physical activity into our day when we treat it like just another item on the to-do list.

Rather than viewing exercise as a separate errand to complete, consider walking (or biking) to the grocery store, the library, or your job site. Yes, it requires more planning, more effort. But it really is worth it. While driving offers speed and convenience, walking allows you to think, to chat with family or friends who join you, to really see your neighbourhood, to say hello to strangers passing by. And it's really, really good for your health.

Mr. Money Mustache posted the video below, highlighting the benefits of exercise – even low density activities like walking. It's worth the watch.

At the end of the month, I'll be sharing how many kilometres I ventured via car and foot. Although April is half over, it's not too late to join in the challenge! Your wallet and your heart will thank you.

I dream of Agnes

Okay, so there is freezing rain today. Spring is still here, technically, and we can pretend that it is balmy outside. And once that balmy springtime sun starts shining, I start dreaming of camping – of roasted hotdogs and marshmallows, of wilderness walks and lazy beach naps.

This year, we have a baby in the mix, so there will likely be fewer spiderdogs and more baby-consoling-sessions, fewer lazy naps and more games of keep-the-baby-on-the-beach-blanket. Camping will likely be a bit more complicated this year.

Adding to the complication is determining what we need to bring camping and how to get it there. How will we fit all of our stuff, and D's stuff, in the car? Where will he sleep, since we can't stuff his Pack n' Play in our small tent? What if it's raining the whole time? What if he can't sleep?

I spent some time looking for tips online, and it was then that I stumbled upon the Big Agnes Flying Diamond on MEC's website. And my, she is lovely. We could fit several Pack n' Plays in there! We could spread out a few blankets for D to play on if it rains. And, God willing, should we have more children, we could easily fit them in there, too.

Ben says we should hold off and see how it goes this year, making use of what we do have. There is wisdom in that. But still, I dream of Agnes.

I'd love to hear from you. What are essentials for camping with a baby? Any tips, suggestions? We really do need Agnes, right!?  

A day out with the girls

This weekend, my Mom treated me and my sisters to a day out at the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory. While my Mom had been there before, it was a first-time visit for the rest of us.

It is quite a nice place to visit, especially during the colder fall and winter months.

Here are just a few shots from our day. (Photo credit: Eldest sister, Toni H.)

The Conservatory also boasts other wildlife, including birds, fish, turtles, and larger (more sinister!) creatures.

Afterwards, we went out for lunch in downtown Guelph and did some shopping at the local stores. How lovely!

If you are looking for a nice outing, consider heading to the Conservatory sometime. There were many kids out and about, as well as adults both younger and older.

I plan to visit again sometime for another day out with the girls.