August 4, 2025 
“Nancy & Ken’s Crossroads”…
Hi Fitblitzers.
I hope you had a lovely weekend, and Bruce THE Boxer didn’t blitz you too much! It was really quiet this morning out on the trail, which was great as I didn’t walk to the usual pond to take the photo you’re used to..I went behind it to take some photos of the larger pond that isn’t on my lap. But mainly I went out to find the best spot for the “Nancy & Ken’s Crossroads” audio beacon.
At the furthest point on my lap I found the crossroads (see photo above), and I thought it was the perfect spot to name it “Nancy & Ken’s Crossroads”. It was Nancy who first inspired me to get out walking this trail 9 years ago, so I thought I’d name the first FitBlitzer audio beacon after her and her Husband Ken…I hope you like it Nancy?๐
I’m out tomorrow to name the 2nd Fitblitzer audio beacon after you Dayle! ๐ช๐ผย
The Larger Top pond photos..
There are 2 stew ponds on this nature reserve called the large stew pond and the small stew pond…Makes sense, lol! ๐คฃ My usual lap flies past the small pond but I ventured out to take some photos of the larger pond for you. I usually only go to the larger pond with Sarah at the weekends…But as it’s ‘Motivational Monday’ I risked getting mangled so I could show you some photos! ๐ช๐ผ
Motivational Quote…
“There are plenty of difficult obstacles in your path. Donโt allow yourself to become one of them”. โ Ralph Marston
Oh yeah, my motivational t-shirt…
On Saturday I recieved a fantastic Orange t-shirt as the MS Society sent me it after setting up my JustGiving page for my latest crazy challenge. I put it straight on and headed out on the trail…If my plan works, it’ll be too big in a couple of months as I drop a shirt size!! ๐ช๐ผ As I can’t take selfies, I just set the zoom to 0.5% (widest it’ll go) and take a couple of shots. Then when I get home I asked my lovely Wife Sarah which one I should post,..Hopefully I’m actually in the photo and my face doesn’t look too weird, lol!
Let’s ‘FitBlitz’ 2025 Together! ๐ช๐ผ
iChristian 
Hey Steve – I am beyond honored that Ken and I have an audio beacon. Now I have even more reason to visit you and Sarah. ๐
Keep walking my friend!
Nancy
Awww Nancy what a lovely thing to say! Of course you’re always welcome here, and especially to see your new audio beacon. I hear it called out now every time I’m out, and I always think of you guys as I walk through it! And as it’s about 400 feet away from the last one, it gives me time to reflect and pray for you guys too! ๐ ๐
Thank you brother Steve! We all can all use prayers.
Sending blessings to you and Sarah across the miles.
Nancy
I love learning, so thank you for this incredible insight into stew ponds. It makes sense, now that I think about it, that it would be for fish to be easily harvested. But the whole wildlife thing is a bonus. Do they really have alligators in England? Just curious?
Hey Dayle! I hope they don’t have Aligators, lol. Well not wild ones, I think there are lots in zoo’s and oceanariums etc. I love learning too and even though I walk past the stew ponds every day, I never knew what they actually are…I know they are popular for fishing e.g Roach, Bream and smaller fish etc.
You’re too kind, dear friend. What is a stew pond anyway? It sounds like something a little concerning, maybe disastrous, like a natural cauldron of sorts? Anyway, your photos are glorious. I especially love the cloud formations that give the whole scene a hint of drama. Know that I’m praying for you today, you and Sarah!
Awww thanks Dayle, your prayers are always welcome! ๐ ๐
There are some uneven steps from the small stew pond up to the larger one, which I find difficult to find and navigate them on my own, which is why Sarah always likes to come with me on weekends…She’s the best! โค๏ธ
I also just searched online about stew ponds after your question and this is what it told me:
A stew pond is a man-made pond historically used for keeping live fish, usually for food. The term “stew” comes from the Old English stฤw, meaning a tank or enclosure for keeping fish. These ponds were often found near monasteries, manor houses, or estates, where fishโespecially carpโcould be kept fresh and easily harvested.
At Epsom Common Nature Reserve, the stew ponds are old, historic features. They were originally created and used for fish farming, possibly by monks or estate owners. Over time, as fishing needs declined, the ponds became important wetland habitats. Now, they support a variety of wildlife, including:
The stew ponds at Epsom Common are now part of the conservation efforts to protect biodiversity. They’re especially valuable for amphibians and insects that thrive in calm, shallow water.
I always think they’re full of Alligators and surrounded by snakes, so that keeps me well away from the edges of them, lol! ๐คฃ