WELL, what a wet start to the year. I woke thinking how could I
not go for a walk on New Year’s Day? . . . and then looked out of the
window! Thankfully, where I live, we’re not as badly affected as in some parts,
but it was still not exactly an inspiring prospect, with buffeting winds,
determined rain and sky a heavy, unvarying grey! A stark contrast to the
kaleidoscopic excitement setting the heavens alight in celebration only the evening before.
We'd welcomed in the New Year with Jules Holland's traditional music bash on the telly, and watched the spectacular fireworks (click here for the London display, here for Sydney and here for a quick round-up from around the world). Hey, peach-flavoured snow and edible banana confetti in London as part of the multi-sensory experience, eh? What a sign of the times! Rather different to a lump of coal - and tastier!
Even with the unfriendly weather, I decided to brave the elements. I thought it would give me the chance to try out a shorter route that I could add to my 'menu.' I drove to our nearby park (I normally walk) and took one or two photos. In the back of my mind, I'd thought about possibly tackling a longer route while there. There were a few walkers - some with dogs - and hardy joggers, but I was pretty cold and wet even after just a few minutes, so gave up on that idea.
I returned home and instead tried the shorter route 'around the block.' It took just under nine minutes and burnt off two carrots' worth of energy. A wee bit short, really, but still a walk. Perhaps I should have measured the energy level in edible confetti - might have sounded a bit more impressive.
Mind you, I think I'll have my walking endeavours cut out this year. Among the gifts I've received are the Wild Guide to Devon, Cornwall and the South West (from a friend) and the AA's 30 Walks in Warwickshire and the West Midlands (from one of our children). Is someone dropping a hint?
We'd welcomed in the New Year with Jules Holland's traditional music bash on the telly, and watched the spectacular fireworks (click here for the London display, here for Sydney and here for a quick round-up from around the world). Hey, peach-flavoured snow and edible banana confetti in London as part of the multi-sensory experience, eh? What a sign of the times! Rather different to a lump of coal - and tastier!
Even with the unfriendly weather, I decided to brave the elements. I thought it would give me the chance to try out a shorter route that I could add to my 'menu.' I drove to our nearby park (I normally walk) and took one or two photos. In the back of my mind, I'd thought about possibly tackling a longer route while there. There were a few walkers - some with dogs - and hardy joggers, but I was pretty cold and wet even after just a few minutes, so gave up on that idea.
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| Wet welcome to the park. |
I returned home and instead tried the shorter route 'around the block.' It took just under nine minutes and burnt off two carrots' worth of energy. A wee bit short, really, but still a walk. Perhaps I should have measured the energy level in edible confetti - might have sounded a bit more impressive.
Mind you, I think I'll have my walking endeavours cut out this year. Among the gifts I've received are the Wild Guide to Devon, Cornwall and the South West (from a friend) and the AA's 30 Walks in Warwickshire and the West Midlands (from one of our children). Is someone dropping a hint?
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| One or two walks to tackle in 2014! |
Hope you've all had a delightful Christmas and have made a cheerful - though hopefully not too wet - start to the New Year. Best Wishes for 2014!
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| All that water makes it look as if this willow really is having a good weep! |
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| Watch the puddles! Some brave souls (below) defy the elements to take a walk in the park. |
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