The Cool Bloggers Walking Club: October 2025

Happy Halloween! As you may know, every April and October, Elisabeth invites us to join her in walking at least 10 minutes every day of the month. She also kindly compiles and summarizes everyone's walks each week! Here are her recaps if you have not seen them. She does a really great job keeping up with it all! Go Time, Week One, Week Two, Week Three and...Week Four and Final Recap coming soon!

In October, I love looking at the fall colors that everyone is posting around the world. Last year, if you recall, I was actually in Canada with Elisabeth for a while and then in Washington after that, and in both places, the colors were great! I can't believe that it has already been a year since then. 

This year, I was inspired to do some hiking in a place I have been considering for quite a while and that was...Scotland. You may recall me talking about the midges? And not wanting to hike in August in the Highlands because of them? Well, I decided to wait until they were gone. However, you never know what weather you are going to get when you are in Scotland, especially in October! I did experience Hurricane Amy, where the winds were anywhere from 40-90 mph depending on where you were, and actually I was out hiking and was going to camp but I got the cutest little glamping pod instead (not that it would save me if a tree came down, but I felt more secure!) and I am happy to report that I survived the night. 

YES that is MPH not Km! 
(if you can't see it, it says...one sec...)

81 MPH! (I don't think it got that bad where I was)

                                    

Drying out in my pod!

So, without further ado, here are the stats and photos from a month of hiking in Scotland (and a little bit of the Lakes District at the very end). 

1. Linlithgow
2. Great Glen Way
3. A Wee Frog
4. Drumnadrochit cows
5. Huge Shroom
6. Affric Kintail Way

1. Loch Beag
2. Trotternish Ridge, Isle of Skye
3. Cape Wrath Trail
4. The bogs and the fog (near Lochan a'Mhain)
5. Post Box near Shiel Bridge
6. Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye

Various Views along the West Highland Way

1. Dollar Castle
2. St. Giles Cathedral
3. Lake District
4. Glasgow
5. John Muir Way
6. My 2024 Mantra (Glasgow)

Walk at least 10 minutes per day: ✔

Daily steps average: 29,000

Daily miles average: 11

Trails walked: Great Glen Way (partial), Affric Kintail (full), Skye (partial), Cape Wrath (partial), West Highland Way (full)

Have you ever been to Scotland? Have you ever done a walking holiday? Where was the most interesting place that you walked in October? 

Twenty Questions (E9): A Book For Everyone

TBR?

Where would we be without books? I remember sitting on the couch with my Dad as a child, as he read to me from Treasure Island. My parents had a wall of books, including the Funk and Wagner Dictionary, Agatha Christie, Louis Lamour, Enders Game, Clan of the Cave Bear, and much, much more. From books I learned about Greek Mythology and romance; I learned about history and war; I learned about religion and food. Because of books, when a British person says that they are knackered, I know what they mean. I learned about travel and dreamed about going to the worlds shown in the pages of the Encyclopedia Britannica that my aunt had at her house. When I went abroad for the first time, I nearly had an entire suitcase full of paper books. I mean, do people in France have books in English? I did not know and did not want to take the risk that they wouldn't! 

I guess what I am saying is that I love books. Over the years there have been some good ones and today I have twenty that if you haven't read, you may want to. Below I will give you the "what you can learn about if" you read the following books (FYI: not all are non-fiction!). I also have a Bookshelf Page if you are looking for more recommendations! 

Let me know which ones you have read, what you thought and of course, what few books over your life have been your favorites! 

1. Early Onset Dementia: Still Alice by Lisa Genova. This book will make you want to hug your loved ones and start working on your list of dreams. 

2. Becoming Financially Independent and/or Retiring Early: Quit Like a Millionaire by Kristy Shen. If you want to find out an easy way to save, invest and travel, read this. 

3. Apartheid / Mixed Race Household: Born a Crime by Trevor Noah. A first hand story of growing up in Africa with a Black mother and white father during apartheid. 

4. The War on Opiates: Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty by Patrick Radden Keefe. An interesting insight into big pharma and how the US war on opiates began. 

5. Eating Local/Surviving off the Land: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. A family decides to try to live off the land and eat local for one year. 

6. Introverts: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain. Introverts are not lacking personality; they just recharge differently. 

7. The Donner Party (+ Cannibalism): The Indifferent Stars Above by Daniel James Brown. An attempt to get to California in a covered wagon before winter sets in goes horribly wrong. 

8. Immortality: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab. Would you like to be immortal? This book may help you decide. 

9. Plagiarism: The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz. An author passes off someone else's work as his own. Will he get away with it? 

10. The Tudors & Henry VIII: The Other Boleyn Girl by Phillipa Gregory. Henry the Eighth had a lot of wives, but not many of them survived! Learn more here! 

11. Native American Oppression in the US: This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger. Native American children are ripped from their parents and sent to boarding schools to learn to behave. Will it work? 

12. Orthodox Jewish Women: Unorthodox by Deborah Feldman. A woman struggling with the Orthodox community tries to decide whether it's worth staying or not, because if she leaves she may be ostracized. 

13: Cancer (From a Neurosurgeon Perspective): When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. A neurosurgeon gets lung cancer and tells his personal story from a doctor's perspective. 

14: Vietnam: The Mountains Sing by Phan Quế Mai Nguyễn. A story about multiple generations of a Vietnamese family and their struggles before, during and after the Vietnam war. 

15: The Far North of Canada: The River by Peter Heller. Two men go on a canoeing trip in the far north of Canada and a fire breaks out. Will they survive? 

And because I particularly love learning about WWII, I have five for this category. 

16. Resistance Women in France: The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah

17. Women Spies: The Alice Network by Kate Quinn (or any book by Kate Quinn!)

18. Japanese Living in the US: Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford

19. Greece: Corelli's Mandolin by Louis de Bernieres

20. England: The Guernsey Literary Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

Have you read any of the above and if so, what did you think? What is the most interesting thing you have learned from a book? What are a few of the best books you have read over the years? 

Twenty Questions (E8): Better Than, When Walking/Hiking

I thought I'd stay on the walking and hiking theme in honor of the Cool Bloggers Walking Club! Speaking of, in October, I've been out hiking this month and have been out of service for most of the time, so I've been a bit absent in the old blogosphere! I promise to come back in November and tell you all about it. 

Actually, speaking of November, as I've been away, I haven't kept up with the NoBloPoMo current events, but will say for sure that I will not be taking part in it this year! However, I will be checking on y'all's blogs at least once a week during the event! However, this November I'll be doing some visiting, more hiking and other travel and I just can't commit to being present and engaged for it this year. 

You can see other posts in the Twenty Questions series here. Also, if you want to be featured in a future list, don't forget to fill out --> THE QUESTIONNAIRE!

Without further ado, here are 20 things about hiking and walking that I think are better than their alternative. Chime in at the bottom: which do you prefer and why?? 

                     Photo: Sawtooth Mountains, ID

1. Walking/hiking uphill > Walking/hiking downhill

2. Dry feet > wet feet

3. Dirt path > paved path

4. Forest > desert

5. A bit too cold > a bit too hot

6. Trail runners > hiking boots

7. Wool socks > cotton socks

8. Starting early in the morning > finishing late at night

9. Snow > rain

10. Cold feet > cold hands

11. Flies (non biting) > ticks > mosquitoes

12. Camping under a tree > camping in a meadow

13. Swimming in a freezing Alpine lake > no shower/bath

14. No underwear > wet underwear 

15. Battery died in camera > battery died in phone 

16. Falling going uphill > falling going downhill

17. Lost toenail > multiple blisters

18. Wearing sunscreen hoodie > putting on sunscreen 

19. Warm meal in morning > warm meal at night

20. Trail mix (GORP) > most other hiking snacks

Which do you prefer and why?? Or what are some that I've missed where you think that one thing is better than another!? 

Twenty Questions (E7): Best Places to Walk or Hike

Since it is October, it is Cool Bloggers Walking Club month! So, without further ado, I thought I would make this list about some of our favorite walking and running places! If you are looking for inspiration for your next walking holiday, here are some ideas! As always, crowd participation is welcomed so don't forget to let us know where your favorite walk or run is! 

You can see other posts in the Twenty Questions series here. Also, if you want to be featured in a future list, don't forget to fill out --> THE QUESTIONNAIRE!

1. Lisa (MN) said: I love to run around Lake Harriet! [I've done this!]

2. Ernie (IL) said: Hmm- I usually walk in my neighborhood and the neighboring subdivisions. But coach and I took the little girls to Starved Rock and that was really cool. That’s about an hour away. [Wow, those rock formations are crazy!]
 

3. Melissa (AU) said: Ferny Creek [this looks nice!]

4.  Diane (VA) said: Sligo Creek Trail because it is close, a 1/4 mile from my house.  For views, Great Falls National Park.  Or the Tidal Basin during Cherry Blossom season.  Though only on weekdays because it gets really crowded at night.  [I have been to the Tidal Basin, but not the other two!]

5. Nance (OH) said: I love to walk my neighbourhood and see the small changes each day and each season. And give biscuits to the dogs. [I love this!]

6. Tobia (Germany) said: Tough... not sure I have a favorite since I don't do nearly enough to have it. However I always liked this one where we went a few time as a child. A couple years ago I wanted to share it with my friend and her kids but they rebelled because of the mosquitos. [I also am not a fan of mosquitoes, but that park looks nice!]

7. San (CA) said: American River Parkway [I used to run there!]

8. Stephany said: Walsingham Park [Looks fun, and there is canoeing!]

9. Kat (VA) said: The Custis Trail in Arlington, VA… I’ve since moved further away but I used to live down the street and I walked/ran probably 10,000 miles on it between 2020-2024… “I see you out here more than I see myself!” someone said to me as I passed by once lol. It’s an urban/commuter trail so not the most beautiful/serene, but it was such a comfort to me during the pandemic that I’ll always feel sentimental about it. [I know that feeling! I did one of those "run every street" projects in 2020 and I covered a lot of ground!]

10. Suzanne said: I love walking in the park near my old house! It's a beautiful little oasis of greenery in the middle of a bustling suburb and I find it endlessly fascinating to watch it change across seasons and years. [Do you still go back now that you have moved?]

11. Nicole said: Every day Rex and I walk the Mission Creek Greenway, but in not-summer we like to go up Knox Mountain. [I love the greenway! And there is cycling! And Knox Mountain has pickleball!]

Thanks ladies!!...and now, here is a random list of some places I like to walk and hike! Excuse the formatting for the photos; I'm doing this from my phone and I sometimes get huge and/or random justification...so, sorry in advance! 

12. The Marin headlands, North of San Francisco. Not only can you get here in less than a half and hour from the city, but you will be treated to views of the ocean, redwoods, and the rolling golden hills. People from San Francisco used to have "summer homes" in Marin county, and it wasn't until after the 1906 earthquake that some of them were made into more permanent residences. However, the Golden Gate bridge was not built until roughly 30 years later. (Seen below: Stinson Beach)

13. The Via Transilvanica, Romania. This is a 1,400 km / 870 mile trail from east to west through the small villages of Romania. Like the more well known Camino, you can easily hike it without needing a tent, and you can easily walk a section of one or two or three days, using public transit to get from one end to another and seeing lots of cool tiny towns along the way. (Seen below: Biertan, Romania)

14. Forest Park, Portland, Oregon. I've talked about this one before but it's a great park right near downtown and you feel like you're all alone I'm within about two minutes of starting the trail! 

15. Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC. This is similar to Forest Park, where although you're still in the city, it doesn't feel like it! Plus there's a good bike and running late around the perimeter/seawall and I do love a good run along the sea! 

16. The Quiraing, Isle of Skye, Scotland. Big rocks! I love them! The formations here are wild and you can get to them within a mile or so from the car park! (Seen below: The Prison)

17. Bansko, Bulgaria. This is such a fun mountain town. Whether you just want to explore town, or get out into the trails, or tackle several summits, you will have your chance here! There is also mountain biking and skiing, so no matter the season, you will not be bored! (seen below: downtown Bansko)

18. The San Juan mountains, Colorado. The colors are stunning and it's basically head on a swivel the entire time. I especially love this area in September when the fall colors are popping! 

19. Emigrant Wilderness, California. Yosemite's lesser know little cousin, this stretch of wilderness sits just north of it's popular big cousin, and has rocks and lakes and beautiful views galore. Also, only a self submitted permit is needed rather than the more difficult lottery process for some of the more popular trails. (Seen below: Bugsy near Big Lake)

20. The PCT, aka there's no place like home. You may have heard of it!? It's roughly 2,600 miles long, but you don't have to do it all! There are some great day hikes along the length of it, and it crosses some highways so you can access it easily. Unfortunately much of the surrounding areas were burned but I still love going home and doing my regular out and back! (Seen below: home sweet home)

Your turn! Have you walked or hiked any of the places we mentioned? Where is your favorite walking or hiking place? Or tell me, where are you walking this month!? 

What I Learned, Looking Forward, Looking Back: September 2025

September was a great month. In fact, September may be close to May in being one of my favorites. I love the not so hot weather, lack of big crowds and bugs, cooler nights and quiet days. I was happy to spend most of the month in a mountain town and I really got to recharge my batteries after a couple of months of more planning and being on the go. 

Please copy and paste the questions at the end and add your answers to the mix! 

Where was I? Bulgaria

1. What is the name of your last month's chapter or the theme of your last month if you prefer that? 

January: Baguettes and Many Steps

February: In Like Minnesota; Out Like Hawaii

March: Wet and Wild

April: My Life is in Ruins, and Beaches Too

May: Al Fresco 

June: Tales as Old as Time: The Christianity and Wine Versions

July: Quick and Dirty: the Baltics and the Balkans Adventure

August: The Dark Tourist

September: Recharging The Batteries

2. What did you learn last month? 

I learned how to mail myself something in Bulgaria, which may sound easy, but it is not what I expected. You do not get things mailed to your address (and the addresses are not always what they say they are either); instead you have it mailed to a central company, which is not the post office, but is instead privately owned. I guess it is similar to living in a rural place, as in the area I grew up in, the UPS driver may not know where to leave a package if you put in your address; instead, most people get things mailed to a PO Box, which is kind of a pain when you need to get something send via UPS or Fed Ex, as they do not mail to PO Boxes. However, in Bulgaria, I still am not sure how the private mail company makes money, as I went to pick up my stuff and I didn't have to pay any sort of service fee. Maybe the sender pays them? This I have not yet learned. 

3. What was the weather like where you are? 

It was GREAT! The highest high was around 70 and the lowest low was maybe around 40 and the days were clear and the sky was blue and I skipped and pranced all around, whistling a happy tune all month. 

4. What event last month was your favorite?

Skipping and prancing and whistling a happy tune, of course! No really though, I met up with some people for a hike, some different people for dinner, went bike riding with a friend, met a running buddy, and went to the big city to sleep on a friend's couch and visit. It was a good month socially, outdoors-wise, weather-wise, and everything. Plus I got some future travel plans booked! It was a productive month. 

5. What was the best thing you read, listened to or watched last month?  

Book: It was a rough reading month. I only read eight books and DNFed two books in September. None of them were FABULOUS!, but the best one I read was Vera Wong's Guide to Snooping on a Dead Man. You can't help but get annoyed by, and love Vera, all at the same time. 

Movie/Show: I finally watched The Pianist! Having been to Warsaw recently, it really helped cement some of the details of the uprising in my mind. 

Podcast: I started listening to a new one called Backpacker Radio, as I wanted some inspiration, but I am not really sure how I feel about it yet. 

6. Tell us one funny recent story. 

I can't really think of one! Your turn! 

7. What are you looking forward to this month?

The Cool Bloggers Walking Club, obviously! :) 

Your turn! To copy/paste, highlight the text below and click CTRL-C, then put the cursor in the comment box and click CTRL-V.

SEPTEMBER:

1. What is the name of your last month's chapter or the theme of your last month if you prefer that? 

2. What did you learn last month? 

3. What was the weather like where you are? 

4. What event last month was your favorite?

5. What was the best thing you read, listened to or watched last month?  

6. Tell us one funny recent story. 

OCTOBER: 

7. What are you looking forward to this month?

Bonus question! Can you get packages delivered to your front door? If not, where do you went them?