I took a window of sunshine during a showery day to walk into my local town. I was curious to see the new trees and shrubs that were being introduced to the town square. I arrived to find that it was a work in progress and was impressed with what I saw. Unfortunately there were too many large vehicles (involved in installing the plants) obscuring the view so I wasn’t able to take a photograph.

I shortened my planned circular route home to avoid a rain cloud that was heading in my direction. My timing was perfect, I stepped inside just as the heavens opened.

As I set off for my afternoon walk I wasn’t undecided on which way I would walk. Would my destination be Apley Woods, Leegomery Pools, Dothill Nature Reserve or maybe a route around Wellington. I opted for Leegomery Pools, my choice led to me to find a new pathway linking my previous walks together.

The Pools where surprisingly quiet (as were all the pathways I walked). The lack of fisherman around the pools led to me  enjoying an opportunity to explore new viewpoints of the pools. At one point I was privileged by the presence of a Robin sitting on a branch close to me. He observed me for a while before flying down close to my feet. What a joy that was

The destination of my Friday walk was the Bowring Park in Wellington. I chose not to walk  shortest route so that I could enjoy some other features on my way. My walk took me past Wellington Cemetery.

After my walk around Bowring Park I found a pathway that lead me into the cemetery. The park was busy and noisy but as I stepped into the cemetery grounds I found peace and tranquility. The contrast was quite striking.

On this occasion I enjoyed the peace and tranquility and I know I will be back to walk in that place again soon. I chose the shortest route back home which chimed with the peacefulness of my experience in the cemetery.

I set off in the afternoon sunshine for short walk. It turned out to my least enjoyable walk of 2021.

I chose what is normally a quiet route and found it to be busier than usual. I was OK with that until I came to a narrow part of the pathway where a young man plowed on rather than waiting to one side so that we didn’t pass by each other on the narrow part of the pathway.

He was half wearing a face mask, I turned my head away so as not to breath on him as he passed by. As he reached me he coughed in my face and I was surrounded by what looked like smoke from a cigarette. That would be disgusting at the best of times, but especially now.

If it was just unfortunate timing, there was no apology.

I didn’t really enjoy the rest of my circular walk back home.

The sun put its hat on for my final walk of 2020.

Mr C accompanied me so I chose the route carefully to avoid possible patches of black ice or flooding.

Happy New Year to you all. I hope 2021 treats us all kindly

Stepping out from my doorstep this afternoon I had a lovely five mile walk (sorry no photos). It was a little chilly but that didn’t stop me from ’sitting and resting a while’ on one of my favourite benches watching the ducks and geese up to their antics.

I wasn’t entirely alone. Nearby was a fisherman waiting patiently by the side of the pool, fishing rod in hand. In the short time that I was there he hooked two fish. This is the first time I have seen a fisherman land a catch there. I wonder if this was because the pool was quiet and he was patient and gentle.

After my walk we put up the first of our Christmas decorations, a decorated tree in the front of our house. Usually we wait until a week before Christmas but this year I think everyone needs a little sparkle and shine to cheer them up.