I recently had a mini break in the Ty’n Y Cornel Hotel  which is situated next to Lake Tal Y Lllyn. Whilst there I completed my ‘Thank You Rainbow 5k walk challenge.

The medal symbolizes the spirit of the recent lock down.

Just before my mini adventure I reached 600 miles in my #Walk100Miles challenge. The night before we set off on our travels I ordered ‘Britain’s Pilgrim Places’ as my reward. When I arrived home I was surprised to find it tucked under my doormat waiting for me.

The book inspires me to explore new places.

My medals have arrived for two walking challenges that I undertook before the lockdown restrictions were eased.

Due to the recommended hour for a walk once a day I was limited to the 5k (3.1 miles) option.

VE Day Challenge – 3.31 miles completed on 11 May 2020 taking 60 minutes. This event commemorated 75 years since VE day, to raise awareness and to raise money for SSAFA.

NHS Challenge – 4.01 miles completed on 12 May 2020 taking 70 minutes. This event raised money for ‘NHS Charities Together’ during the COVID-19 crisis.

Today I needed to get a loaf of bread and to post a couple of letters. The weather was glorious so rather than drive I decided to combine my trip with a local walk. I took the quieter routes that gave me opportunities for social distancing if I met someone coming in the other direction.

I was reminded on two occasions of why I am reluctant to venture out. Some people really don’t get the social distancing thing.

The first such instance was when I encountered someone coming towards my on a mobility scooter. I stepped onto the grass next to the pathway and as he sailed past he said to me ‘I don’t bite you know’.

The second instance was a little bit more tricky. A jogger was running towards me huffing and puffing and I needed to cross the road (or at least be in the middle of the road) to provide a suitable distance. Just at that moment the road which had been quiet until then was suddenly busy. The jogger couldn’t care less and carried on at pace huffing and puffing.

During my walk I was able to visit my local pools. I had to walk in the opposite direction than I usually do to avoid people who were sitting on the benches sunning themselves! I liked the change of perspective, seeing the pools from a different angle.

Due to taking a different pathway I found some secret bluebells which was a pleasant surprise. I had become resigned to not seeing any this year.

On my way back home I walked past the lovely tribute that Balfour Beatty, in conjunction with our local council have paid to our NHS workers. Painted on the entrances and exits to our local hospital are the words ‘Thank You NHS’.