On the last day of April Mr C was out for the day leaving me to my own devices.

I visited mum before lunch, she wasn’t quite herself. Her bag was packed, she was dressed to go out and she arguing with ‘The Voices’. I left earlier than I had intended picking up something for lunch and dinner on my way home.

Seven miles later I was back home and turning the key in my lock.

A walk to Dothill Nature Reserve and back through Apley Woods taking the long way round.

No Mow May is an annual campaign calling garden owners and green space managers not to mow during May allowing pollinators such as bees and butterflys to work their magic.

I wasn’t able to fit in one of the scheduled T50 trail walks that all converged in Telford Town Centre. Instead I had a solo (5 Mile)  afternoon walk along parts of the T50 trail to get to my favourite local nature reserve. I was rewarded with lush green lined pathways and fluffy delights.

I lingered a little too long enjoying the fluffy delights leaving me to walk at a pace to get home in time for our planned family visit at around 4pm.

This afternoon I went on one of my longer walking routes to visit Dothill Nature Reserve in search of the recently born cygnets. When I first arrived at the nature reserve the swans and newly born cygnets were on the opposite side of the lake. I waited patiently, and as I had hoped the swan family started swimming around the perimeter of the lake.

I walked along the pathway to get nearer to the family as they swam by. I was able to follow their progress around the lake and at one point they swam up close to where I was standing. It was a special moment and I felt privileged to be so close to the cygnets. After the swan family said ‘Hello’ and then ‘Goodbye’ I followed their journey around the lake until they swam out of view.

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Today I walked 5 ½ miles for my Race the Distance challenge in support of Ukraine. I will be making a donation to support the emergency support charities and when my medal arrives I will dedicate another walk in support of Ukraine.

My walk took me to Woodhenge, Leegomery Pools, The Silkin Way, Apley Woods, Dothill Nature Reserve and the paths that linked them all together. The sunshine and the antics of the birds on Tee Lake uplifted my spirit

The sun put its hat on so I ventured out on a longer local walk. The walk didn’t turn out as I had planned, I missed a pathway that I was looking for. The greenery has grown much more than usual this year changing the appearance of familiar pathways. In some places the grass was taller than me!

My walk destination was Dothill Nature Reserve with the intention to explore new pathways. I skirted through Apley Woods as I made my way there.

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