August 4, 2026 
The Pond Photo on lap 1…
Hi Friends…
This morning’s walk felt like a much bigger achievement than the distance might suggest. Two laps around the trail, just under 6 miles, may not sound like a huge challenge compared with some of the distances I have completed before, but after the knee problems I have faced over the last few months, this was a genuine rehab milestone.
For weeks, every walk has been a test of patience, listening to my body, and trusting that my knee was gradually getting stronger. Today, I stepped onto the trail wondering how it would respond, and I am delighted to say that it made it all the way around. No major flare-ups, no worrying pain, just the satisfaction of completing two steady laps and proving that progress is happening.
The conditions certainly added another challenge. It was already 25°C when I started this morning, following yesterday’s scorching 34°C heat, so this was not exactly a cool summer stroll! The warmth made the walk more demanding, but the early start, plenty of water, and keeping a sensible pace helped me enjoy being back out on the trail.
This walk was not just about miles covered; it was about rebuilding confidence. After the disappointment of having to step back from my usual distances, being able to complete six miles comfortably feels like another important step forward.
The Pond Panorama…
One of the highlights of today’s walk was attempting another panorama of The Pond. This time, I put into practice some expert advice from Sarah, the undisputed Queen of Panoramas! She showed me that the key is to take things slowly, keep the camera steady, and make a smooth controlled turn rather than rushing the movement. So, I focused on making a really slow and steady torso rotation, carefully keeping everything as level and consistent as possible while capturing each section of the scene.
It turns out that my years of target shooting from the age of four may have helped more than I realised. The discipline of maintaining posture, balance, controlled breathing, and steady movement seems to have found a new purpose in photography. Who would have thought that skills learned while aiming at targets all those years ago would one day help me capture the beauty of The Pond in a panorama? With Sarah’s expert guidance and a little help from my old shooting discipline, I think this attempt might just be my best one yet!
Now focus…
Getting in tune also means being honest with myself. Since completing my 50km walk on March 1st, I’ve gained nearly 2 stone. The celebration was deserved, but while my knee recovered, I carried on eating like I was still burning those miles without actually walking them!
Now it’s time to get back in tune: back to a healthy calorie deficit, consistent walking, and working towards a healthier version of myself. With around 9 months until my birthday trip to Florida (God willing), I’ve got a great goal to keep me focused, one step at a time. 😀
EADGBE…🎸
- E – Endurance: Tortoise NOT Hare…This is for LIFE!
- A – Activity Rings: Close my daily apple fitness watch rings.
- D – Deficit: Make sure i’m in a healthy calorie deficit each day until healthy weight.
- G – Goals: Focus (and celebrate) small, medium and BIG goals.
- B – Body & BP: Check blood pressure & listen to my body and look after it (it’s not young anymore).
- E – Edification: Feeding my mind and soul fuels me to serve, encourage, and inspire others.
Scripture snack…
Isaiah 40:31.
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint. (ESV)
Motivational Quote:..💪🏼
“Sometimes the journey knocks us out of rhythm. A guitar string can loosen, a knee can slow us down, and our habits can drift. But being out of tune doesn’t mean the song is over. We stop, we listen, we adjust, and we begin again. Today I’m tuning my body through movement, my mind through discipline, and my heart through faith. Every step, every choice, and every day is another chance to become the person God created me to be.”
Let’s ‘FitBlitz’ 2026 Together! 💪🏼
iChristian 
So true, my friend. Being out of tune doesn’t mean the song is over. But it does make us aware that something–a string, an attitude, an action–needs to be adjusted to make our path forward more doable. Your photographs are gorgeous, as always. But I deeply appreciate your honesty with yourself–and us–and what it’s meant to you to not being able to walk when it was such a part of your life. Adjusting. We’re always adjusting.
Hi Dayle,
Thank you, I think that’s one of the things I love about looking back through the old posts. You encouraged me back in 2022 when I was just trying to get through another challenge, and here we are four years later, still encouraging each other and sharing the ups and downs of the journey.
I love what you said about us always adjusting. That’s so true. Sometimes the adjustment is physical, sometimes it’s our attitude, and sometimes I think God is quietly adjusting our direction when we haven’t even realised we need it.
And who knows, if God is willing, one of these days all this encouragement and friendship that’s happened through screens and blog comments will actually happen face to face in Florida! That would be pretty special after all these years.
Thank you again for always being there. Your friendship, prayers and encouragement mean a lot to both Sarah and me. God has certainly used people like you to keep us moving forward when the road hasn’t quite gone according to plan.
Blessings to you and John, 🙏
Good morning, Steve. Well done on the pond panorama. Those are good tips. I haven’t mastered the Panorama function yet. From my perspective a 6 mile walk is a great accomplishment. These days we are fortunate to get in a 3 mile walk on a trail. How wonderful that your knee is doing a lot better. I like that idea of a healthy calorie deficit. Thanks for the scripture and the motivation!
Hi Ellen,
Thank you so much for your lovely encouragement and kind words. 😊
I’m really pleased with how the pond panorama turned out. Sarah’s advice made such a difference, and it reminded me that sometimes slowing down and being patient is exactly what is needed, whether it’s photography, walking, or life in general.
A 6-mile walk after the knee issues feels like a big victory for me, but I love your perspective too. Every step counts, and it’s wonderful that you’re still getting out on the trails. Three miles is still three miles of enjoying God’s creation and keeping active. 😀
The healthy calorie deficit is definitely my next challenge. After the 50km walk I think my body thought every day was still an endurance event, even when my walking reduced! 😂 Now it’s about getting back into balance, being consistent, and remembering that this is a lifelong journey rather than a quick fix.
Thank you again for your encouragement, and I’m praying you continue to enjoy your walks and the beautiful trails around you.
Beatific Blessings,
Steve 🙏 😀
Hi Ellen,
Thank you again! It really does mean a lot to have such encouraging people around me as I work my way back. And you’re right, sometimes we just have to slow down, make the adjustments, and keep putting one foot in front of the other.
I’m especially grateful that the knee is continuing to behave itself. I’m definitely learning that progress doesn’t always have to mean going further or faster. Sometimes simply being able to get out there and enjoy the trail is the victory.
And I’m glad you enjoyed the panorama too! Sarah will be pleased to know her expert panorama lessons are spreading! 😂
Blessings to you, and thank you again for always taking the time to encourage me. It really is appreciated. 🙏 😀