Oak Bay resident Ron Carter sees a lot of interesting things on his evening walks.
First, there is the wildlife, such as a family of deer either feeding or passing by, and there are the owls, looking for their next meal to swoop down upon.
Depending on the night, the glowing moon provides some natural light on the dark streets, or reflects off the ocean if you’re by the water.
There is also another glow Carter and his fellow nighttime walkers often see, but this one has a blueish hue and emanates through windows from most of the homes they walk past. It is that glow coming from either a television or computer screen that prompted him to start Embrace the Night, a monthly nighttime walk during the full moon in Oak Bay.
“We are fortunate that Oak Bay is so walkable,” Carter said. “You can’t find a safer community to stroll in at night.
“After dinner, instead of flopping down in front of the TV or computer screen, it’s good to get out.”
Carter regularly goes for a walk after dinner, either with his wife or friends as he finds it a healthy way to help digest. It also allows for a little bit of light exercise before bedtime.
“Why sit and talk and have all those distractions around the house when you can get out and be talking” Carter said. “It’s such a pleasant alternative to sitting around and we think we are getting some good benefits out of it.”
The first Embrace the Night walk was held last month on Valentine’s Day, which happened to be a full moon. About 13 people met at the Oak Bay Recreation Centre and went for a one-hour walk around the neighbourhood and the beach.
The walk ended with hot chocolate and heart-shaped cupcakes provided by the recreation centre.
This month’s walk is this Sunday, March 16 at 7 p.m. Walkers of all ages and abilities are invited to meet at the recreation centre lobby.
To make it festive, wearing green is encouraged as the next day is St. Patrick’s Day. Times for the future walks may change as summer approaches and nightfall comes later.
More information on the walks can be found at oakbaycommunityassociation.org.