That's exactly how I see that advice.... part of a good, better, best practice.
In North America cold water washing is seldom a concern, but you never know when it may happen.
Master Lin says that washing with cold water is like pouring water on a hot pan. The energy is rapidly pulled out of the pan. So it's best to allow yourself some time to make good use of all that qi you've collected, instead of draining it away with cold water or toilet activities.
As for the walking meditation, I've made a post or two on my experiences (can't find them with the search). One time (summer or spring) I was walking and visualizing my energy expanding outwards and joining with the universe, when a jogger came by and I felt the energy just snap back into me. I've always had good experiences with doing the visualization of breathing the universe. It's not as intense, partly because you have open eyes, and you're breathing much more rapidly, but I still consider it a "better" practice.
You are perfection,
Iam2 
