Several months ago I started my walking program. I thought it would be a nice way to ease myself back into a healthy lifestyle, which it was. The more I walk, the more I've come to realize that it's more than that. It's a time to listen to some educational audio books, get to know the neighborhood, the neighbors, enjoy the beauty around you that you would otherwise not see, or just clear you mind. If you're not walking alone, this creates some excellent, uninterrupted, quality time with the person you are walking with.
I'm not even close to being a great photographer but I do enjoy taking photos for my own personal use to reflect on, or create some fun scrap pages. If I'm alone, I'm usually listening to some audio books on my cellphone which has a great camera, if I'm walking with someone, I'll grab my camera.
I'm getting close to adding some new exercises and activities to my routine but I'm not going to give up my walks because I've come to look so forward to them for so many reasons.
Whether I'm walking alone, or with someone, I never respond to the phone, emails, or text messages because this is my time. If I do bring my phone, it's only for listening to audio books.