walking a loop

Bright sunshine and quickly warming air provided good walking conditions, and Valley Forge National Historical Park provided a good place to wander.

color pops

A pop of color stands out among the evergreens.

wind effect

Yesterday was a very windy day. When I looked outside this morning I found many trees wearing bare branches. The yellow leaves have pretty much dropped but there are still some reds and browns hanging on.

I headed to Harold Parker State Forest this afternoon to see a bit of color still sandwiched between the evergreens.

review :: Samsung Gear Fit2

I really liked my Microsoft Band 2 but its battery life didn't like my level of activity. I went through 4 of the trackers over the past year as the battery misbehaved. Microsoft provided replacement bands at no charge, allowing me to continue to use the device. There were rumors that a new version of the band would be announced in October; instead it appears that they have stopped development. Hmm...

I've become accustomed to wearing a fitness tracker, to knowing the distance my feet have covered when I'm walking for exercise, when I'm hiking, or just when I'm out and about. I thought about just carrying my phone and using the MapMyWalk application created by Under Armour, but I prefer to wear a tracker. Sometimes my phone walks with me, sometimes not.

I started looking for a replacement, focusing on trackers that include GPS and that were similar in form factor to the band I had been wearing.

My choice? I am now the owner of a Samsung Gear Fit2.

The length and width of the case pretty much matches my old device. It is a tiny bit thicker but that can pretty much be ignored since the Band 2 had a thick clasp (containing the battery) and the Gear Fit2 does not. It has a soft band which is noticeably more comfortable.

The case crystal is Corning's Gorilla Glass 3. I wanted a scratch-resistant face; Gorilla Glass meets that requirement. The device has an IP68 rating which means it’s water-resistant in up to 5 feet of water for up to 30 minutes. I don't think I'll test that, but it's good to know it won't be a problem if I'm caught walking in a downpour.

The device pairs with the Samsung Gear and S Health apps on an Android phone.

I'm using the Gear Fit2 to track exercise, overall steps walked, sleep, and heart rate.

I've been using it for two weeks now, and I'm happy!

Gear Fit2 on charger

past prime

I'm still seeing occasional flowers even though the calendar is well into November. Last weekend's walk along the New Hampshire coast took me to a patch of wild roses that were still in bloom.

exquisite

I love the painted look of this lady's slipper orchid.

Orchids are simply exquisite, aren't they?

a November gift

There was frost on the grass this morning but the temperature quickly warmed to the low 50s. My plan to attend an exercise class this morning was quickly discarded in favor of outdoor exercise. I decided on a longer walk today, targeting a distance 6 miles, walking almost 8.

Later in the day the beautiful weather tempted me with thoughts of a walk by the ocean. I headed to the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, arriving as the tide was rolling in. The ocean was playing music. A muted roar in the background was accompanied by the crashing sound of waves. It was wonderful.

late day light

I was heading home from the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge just as the sun was dropping to the horizon. Looking to the east I saw a splash of muted autumn color highlighted by the late day light.

seed pods, open

As the days continue to grow short, seed pods open.

mid-tide walk

There were clouds in the sky and a chill in the air. It was a good day for a walk along the coast in Odiorne Point State Park.