March Nature Walk Challenge

I decided last minute to join the March Nature Walk Challenge - to walk in nature from 3 - 13 March to end Australia's extinction crisis. I chose to do the Numbat - 50 km distance, then planned to walk ~5 km every day for the next 10 days.

My reasons for participating in the challenge were multifold; to firstly raise awareness and fundraise for Australian wildlife facing extinctions, as well as increase my daily cardio exercise, 🚶🏼‍♀🌳 ️enjoy the fresh air by being outside every day and hopefully begin a morning habit of walks full of nature inspiration for the rest of my day. Also, it's my birthday this month, and donations make great gifts!

Most days I just walked for exercise and occasionally stopped to take nature photo snaps around me. By the estuary we spotted many birds including ospreys, black swans and pelicans, a kingfisher, even two red-capped parrots. If I wanted to I could then nature journal or paint them from memory, or using the photos, once I was home.

One morning when I was alone, I decided to go to Melros beach and took my 'lightweight' plein air kit. Training for my next Plein Airpril challenge?🤫

Along the way, I encountered some kangaroos by the side of the road having their breakfast. They didn't mind me sketching and painting them but were startled just when I wanted to take a photo!

Some days I walked more than 5 km, once or twice I skipped or only did 3 km. By the end of the challenge, I had achieved my 50 km goal in 10 days.

EDIT 4/4/23: Thank you for helping me reach my fundraising goal!

Let me know in the comments if you would do a similar nature walk challenge? Would you take a sketchbook with you?