October Walk & Snap Challenge
In case I haven’t already mentioned it, I love this time of year. I love the cooler temperatures, the changing colors, and that fall scent in the air. Walks are just cozier this time of year. But they’re also scenic. Whether you’re walking down a leaf-lined trail through colorful trees or through a neighborhood with pumpkins and ghosts and other playful fall decorations on display, there’s just so much to notice on your daily walks.
Though my phone generally stays in my pocket during walks—because texting and walking is not relaxing—I make an exception for snapping a quick picture of something I notice along the way. It could be the way the sun comes through the leaves. It could be my view on the trail. It could be a colorful leaf or a patch of wildflowers or a family of deer crossing my path. Or it could even be something man made—like a clever yard sign or an especially festive display.
Taking pictures is just a regular part of my walking experience. I try to be mindful of the things around me on my walk—to notice the beauty or the humor or even sometimes the totally mundane. And that helps me disconnect from the chaos of the day and reset.
So for this month’s challenge, we’re going on our daily walks and snapping some fun fall pictures along the way. I hope it’ll help you stay consistent, feel refreshed, and have some fall fun in the process!
How to Join in the Fun:
It’s EZPZ!
1) Just save the challenge image provided here (or, if you prefer, create your own checklist).
2) When you head out for your daily walk, you can look for something specific from the list or just wing it and see what pops up along the way. You don’t have to cross them off in order!
3) When you find something from the list, grab your phone and snap a picture!
4) If you feel like sharing your picture, even better! Be sure to tag us and use the hashtags #WillWalkForCoffeeChallenge and #WalkAndSnap
5) Cross today’s item off your list—and set out in search of another item on the list tomorrow!
Feel free to share your image throughout the month, too—to show your progress!
Things to Look For:
A Colorful Leaf
This one won’t be hard for those of us who live in places where the leaves change color throughout the season. They’re everywhere: in the trees, along the trail, stuck to our car…everywhere. For the rest of you…you might need to get creative.
A Pumpkin
It doesn’t matter where you live: fall is pumpkin season. You’ll see them in front of homes, decorating fall wreaths, and growing in patches. They don’t even need to be real—any pumpkin will do.
A Sunflower
Sunflowers don’t typically grow along my usual trail, but there are plenty of them in the area—whether they’re growing in someone’s garden or used to decorate someone’s front yard. When you see one, snap a pic!
A Squirrel
I love watching the squirrels scurry around the trail. There are red ones and gray ones and, if I’m lucky, I might just spot the white one who shows up from time to time.
A Spider Web
This is a shot that I’ve been trying to get for a while now. There are some really cool webs on the trail—and at the right time of the morning, the light hits them just right. But I haven’t managed to get the perfect shot yet. Or, if you’re like me and can’t seem to get the right spider web shot, a fake web in someone’s Halloween display will do, too.
A Scarecrow
Maybe you find yourself walking near a field guarded by a scarecrow. Maybe you find yourself walking past a family’s whimsical display. Either one counts!
Fall Flowers
One of the homes on my regular path has a beautiful patch of flowers planted along the road. I look forward to seeing them again every fall. But this can also include the mums on someone’s front porch.
A Bird
Another shot that’s eluded me lately: some of the cute little birds that flit along the trail. Someday I’ll get one…
An Acorn
These remind me of growing up in a home on a lot that was surrounded by oak trees. There were so many acorns. Where I live now, there are more walnuts—which will make it a little more of a fall challenge.
A Hay Bale
Here’s another one that could be a part of a working farm, a feature at a pumpkin patch, or just a decoration in someone’s yard. You never know where you’ll find this one on your daily walk!
A Halloween Decoration
Again…this one should be easy. Even if your neighborhood isn’t known for its Halloween decorations, there’s a pretty good chance that you’ll be able to find something on your walk. The more creative, the better!
A School Bus
Depending on when and where you walk, you could see a lot of school buses. There aren’t any on the trail, but neighborhood walks or even parks that host field trips are great places to find them.
Crunchy Leaves on the Ground
Lately, we’ve been getting quite a few storms—so there’s never a shortage of soggy leaves on the trail. As we get deeper into fall, they’ll get crunchier!
A Cozy Coffee Spot
Whether you’re walking past a cozy cafe, you’re sitting inside your favorite cafe to enjoy an after-walk coffee, or you’re enjoying that post-walk coffee in your favorite corner at home, you’ve got lots of options here!
A Beautiful Sunset
The joke in the Midwest is that sunsets over grocery stores are often the prettiest—but I’ve seen some striking sunsets on evening walks, too!
A Bridge
If you’re lucky enough to walk on a trail surrounded by flowing water (like I am!), you’ll be able to snap some pretty fall pictures of your favorite bridge.
A Lake or Pond
Walking near water may be a trick for keeping cool in the summer, but those lakes and ponds take on a whole different feel in the fall.
A Trail Sign
Where are you walking? Show us the signs from the trail!
A Unique Tree
I love studying the trees during the fall. Some have vibrant leaves, and others change color in patches. Find a fascinating tree and share a pic!
Something Orange
Orange is one of my favorite colors—and it’s everywhere this time of year! So have some fun with this one!
A Red Barn
A walk in the country may take you past a barn or two. Be sure to snap a picture as you pass!
Apples!
Whether you’re walking past a small market or doing some picking while exploring an orchard, be sure to share a pick of some bright, crisp apples!
A Rain Puddle
I’ve already seen a lot of puddles on the trail this fall (some that make it difficult to pass without getting soggy feet)—and this challenge makes them more of a treat than a trial.
A Pair of Boots
They could be rain boots…or hiking boots…or even boots ready for the season to come (but let’s not think about that quite yet).
Something That Makes You Smile
These are my favorite things to share—because if it makes me smile, it might make someone else smile, too!
Fall is such a fun time to head out for a walk! I hope that this month’s challenge will not just inspire you to stay consistent in your walking routine but will also help you share a little fall spirit as you share pics from your daily walks!
Happy fall, walkers!
