I paused by one of the lakes, watching the water reflect the sky and the surrounding trees. Even in this engineered landscape, nature finds ways to assert itself – birds nest in the trees, insects buzz among the flowers in planted borders, and the water teems with life.

Reaching 40% feels significant. I'm now more than a third of the way through my challenge, with 3,170 miles logged over 731 days. That's exactly two years of consistent walking, each day adding its contribution to the total. The commitment required becomes clearer at this stage – this isn't a sprint but a marathon of marathons, requiring sustained effort and dedication.

Walking in places like Bluewater reminds me that outdoor activity doesn't always mean wilderness adventures. Sometimes the most important thing is to keep moving, to maintain the habit of walking regardless of the setting. The Earth's Diameter Challenge is about accumulating steps, miles, and days of activity – and any safe, comfortable path can serve that purpose.