Tuesday………

I woke to find a beautiful sky staring back at me through the window, as if it had never gone to bed…..

After a while I heard Catherine asking Alexa to play the morning radio so knew breakfast time wasn’t far away…I always opt for the early sitting of breakfast, not sure why, just seems to make the most of the day…Catherine must have some real stories to tell about her guests. I’m always fascinated to see and meet my fellow travellers. Sometimes you click and start talking and other times breakfast time is my own and today was the latter. People chatting to each other and in their own worlds but I can’t help wondering where their worlds are…..

I wasn’t expecting such fine weather as my app a few days ago said it would be cloudy and rainy, so this threw me a little bonus…..today it said possible rain in the afternoon, so I decided to make the most of the morning and trundle round the lake….

You may remember that last year, or was it the year before 🤔….one of my fundraisers was walking round Derwentwater as it felt a real challenge that I didn’t know if I could complete. However, I’ve since realised that Covid lockdown has thrown me a lifeline. Because I’ve been walking between 5 and 10 miles every day, I’ve become much fitter 🤩, meaning the once challenge has become routine when I’m here. I’m not saying its easy as the last mile and a half is a killer, but I’m always of the mindset that I CAN do it instead of thinking it’s too far.

So, all fuelled up after one of Catherines yummy breakfasts and I was out of the door as the second sitting was sitting down to theirs. This way I thought I’d start out in relatively quiet paths as the crowds would begin later.

I also decided to record my thoughts as I trundled along on my phone to see if that worked. So let’s see…..

As I walked passed the lake the boats were being untied from their nightly shackles ready for the tourists to hire

The water was like a millpond, so still so silent, beautiful and calm. As I reached Friars Cragg I smiled as I realised I had this small beauty all to myself. The bench laying empty and waiting for me.

I couldn’t resist sitting for a while, the only company, a few geese swimming by heading for who knows where

Soon I was joined by a couple with their dog. We chatted about how beautiful the morning was. Then the woman said:

“It’s suppose to break by the weekend, torrential storms on the way”

My response…?

“All the more reason why we should make the most of today”……and I left that with that thought as they settled down on the bench. I wonder why people always focus on the future, what’s to come, especially when today is such a glorious day?

I even had the bay round the corner to myself, not even any morning dog walkers allowing their canine friend to splash in the water…

A few joggers were all that I saw…..apart from 2 geese squawking to each other as they flew over my head towards Cat Bells

Following the path round in silence I came to the secluded bay I always visit. Not a soul around 

Even Milenium bench was laying empty as I rounded its corner. I must be so much earlier than usual 

Geese about to land in the distance

I was just thinking how there seems to be more seagulls, more rooks and crows than in previous years; how there used to be an abundance of Robins. When all of a sudden a Robin landed on the ground in front of me 😳, as if to prove a point that they were still here

I stayed and snapped until it disappeared out of sight…..

The lake seems quite low, or maybe it’s just the time of year. Even the part where you have to cross on stepping stones was totally free of water. The once useful stones laying idle on the parched gravel.

It was at this point I discovered that recording my thoughts is very helpful, but only if I remember to record as suddenly, only a third of the way around the lake, the recording stops 😂 🙈…..so now it will have to be my photos that help me write.

As I went round another corner, more evidence how low the lake was, the lake bed, on view

Passed the Lodore and on towards the bridge that takes you over the water.

The water beneath providing a mirror image of the surroundings in its crystal clear water…

More people now in evidence. I can’t help overhearing conversations when I’m right behind people. A family of 3 were chatting and obviously had come up from London. The man was ambling along and the woman and girl were making fun of him being so slow, as they bumbled along at a speed. It was lovely to hear the dad say:

“We’re not in London now, there’s no need to hurry. You’ll miss things if you don’t slow down and look”

How wonderful. The lovely thing was, they did all stop and the girl suddenly decided she wanted to take photographs 😍

On the final side of the lake now and with the summit of Cat Bells in view. I couldn’t tell if anyone was at the top…..until I zoomed in….and saw the crowds of people either lazing on the grass after their climb or continuing to walk…

This side is taken up by trundling in and out of the shade and cool of woods

Each corner revealing another beautiful bay

For some unknown reason I missed the turning for Hawes End where I was going to pay a visit to Sylvia and  say hello. Instead I had to take the jetty path, but perhaps that was meant to be. 

As I was stood trying to work out where I went wrong, a flicker caught my eye.

Only a foot from me, a Robin settled down, so close I could have picked it up…

Even as I moved my camera, it didn’t stir, no fear to make it take flight. It just stared at me. As people walked by, I just stayed and smiled. I held out my hand but then realised I’d forgotten to bring any food in my pocket 🙈. I’m sure if there’d been food there it would have hopped onto my hand. Was it Sylvia I asked it? And it cocked its head as if tempting me to believe.

In fact it was easier to find Sylvias resting place from the way round. The tree clearly visible as the landmark and the stones beyond

I chatted with her for a while before looking up and seeing Friars Cragg. A seed of an idea began to grow…..

“What do you think Sylvia, could I climb that once more?” 

I didn’t have to hear her response, I know what she’d say…..

I said my farewells and was half hoping the launch would appear, my legs now starting to get weary, my camera suddenly a lead weight around my neck ….but no such luck today.

As I’m walking through the woods….., 

…….still 1-2 miles left.. and I get that unwanted message on my camera:

“Battery exhausted”

Whenever that message appears, there’s usually powere for 2 or 3 more if I leave gaps in between. So I decided to leave it for the Alpacas. There they were at the top of the hill

This time the battery was as exhausted as me. No more piccies so havn’t a clue if anything special happened even though I know the route I took.

What I do know, as I’m typing this, is I headed back to my room and had a much needed cuppa……

A rare evening trundle in paradise……

Once I’ve had my supper I usually snuggle down and watch a bit of telly, but on my first night, the sun in the sky was shouting at me to go and see Keswick at a time I rarely see. I imagine I hadn’t eaten all day so went to get fish and chips for my tea, imagining I’d be staying in afterwards. But when I’d finished I had all the rubbish to throw in a bin. I’d only eaten half the chips as it seemed a ginormous portion, so they were left over too.

So I headed out into the evening light with my camera, rubbish soon disposed of, and headed towards Friars Crag via the lake. The light, of course was totally different and magically lit up an Acer in Hope park

It’s usually the morning light I love best, but this light was also very special. The boats all tied together until morning bathed in the evening sun

The sun getting lower as I trundled along the path

I could sense the business of day time had faded and people seemed more relaxed, quieter, no day time crowd at the Cragg, just people enjoying the evening peace

The silence was suddenly disturbed by a buzzing drone soaring into the sky

Luckily they didn’t stay long. The sound of buzzing bees is fine, the continuous monotone noise of a drone, breaks the peace and feels out of place 🙄, fun as it is for some…

The bench became vacant and I sat for a while watching someone silently paddle boarding by….

….and three random sheep in the distance on the banks of the lake, Surely the rest of the flock must be somewhere 🤔

As I started to think of heading back, I became aware of a smile on my face. 

A smile of contentment……and I headed back to my room wondering what I might do tomorrow……🤔

Another trip to paradise….

Before I start todays blog, I did have a blog yesterday but it didn’t or wouldn’t email out 🙄….it was the video of the take off and first couple of minutes of my paraglide. So if anyone wants to see it, I also shared it on my Facebook page and on Twitter. I just hope todays goes out properly 🙄…..but back to yesterday…..

I know I’m lucky, fortunate enough to go to paradise every month. But it’s the only place I’m going at the mo. To think, it must be nearly 2 years since I was trundling every day on a train all across the country. Not sure I could do that now, or maybe it’s a case of not sure I want to 🤔……although never say never.

So yesterday morning the sun was shining as I stood at my window waiting for the taxi. I’d had to check the day before that I’d booked it, even though it was on my calendar, and sure enough, I had; must have done it earlier in the week 🙄

I arrived at the station in plenty of time and spotted that they’d planted wild flowers instead of bedding plants this year and rows of sunflowers. How lovely and cheerful it looked 😍

I’d been feeling anxious since waking as I heard of read talk of strike action and cancellations🙈 not what I wanted to hear. That’s probably why I immediately started taking photos….

But my first train was on time to Hull, as was the second train to Manchester – so far so good. 

I was hoping the sun would be making the Humber glisten but sadly it was having a tea break as we chundled passed, but luckily it was out a little further down at Wressle

As we got to Leeds, lots of people got off but a bucketful also got on and it became standing room only…😳…..as we chundled over the Pennines we started to stop at places not on my list 🙈…..Slaithewaite which seemed to be pronounced Slarwit and Greenfield, both of which I’d never heard of 😳…..I looked nervously around, the train chocca and becoming more so at each station. I heard other people talking about Manchester Piccadilly, my destination, so I decided to close my eyes and ignore the unknown stops 🙄…..

We DID arrive at Manchester and the connecting time was quite tight, but I’d looked on my app for which platform I needed to head for and it had to be the one the furthest away 🙄…..crowds stood on the concourse as I weaved in and out and with a couple of minutes to spare I was on my train to the next stop, Lancaster. 

I had quite a wait here, but it was a pleasant day so I sat outside with a cuppa tea just watching the world go by…..

Another packed train arrived, but I found a seat….I’d been waiting for something to go wrong on this journey, but amazingly it didn’t 😳….don’t know what I’d done to deserve that 🤣……..

We arrived in Penrith on time and I stood on the platform looking at their wonderful welcome for weary travellers like me

It’s such a friendly station, bit like the rest of Cumbria.

My bus arrived to take me to paradise and I sat on the top deck at the front and suddenly felt my body relax.

The sun was shining, and all was right in the world as we trundled along from village to village….before finally arriving in Pardise 😍…after a short walk from the bus station, Catherine there to meet me as I entered Appletrees I was in my room. After hugs and a chat, I put the kettle on, settled in my chair and simply sat …..in my favourite place, in my favourite room, with my favourite view looking stunning…..

AND relax…..

Maybe my paraglide video…..

I really don’t know whether this will work as I’ve never known how to include a video before 🙄 but here goes at a try. Because as you read this I’ll be on a train somewhere hopefully calmly heading for my paradise of Keswick once more.

I know I’m sooo lucky to be able to go every month but it does so much good for my spirit and, as you know, I adore it.

Anyway, fingers crossed this works for you all – it did when I previewed it. You may have to log into Onedrive to view it, but it’s free.

The little video I’ve included is showing the start of my paraglide with Josh and the take off. Soooooo, just click on the words below after it says – Read on ……..🤞

GH010211.MP4 – OneDrive
— Read on onedrive.live.com/

7 years ago today, my life changed……

I usually automatically remember this anniversary but this year it was going to pass me by unnoticed until I got a txt from my daughter…..

It’s also my other best friends birthday – happy birthday Julie! And thankfully I didn’t forget that thanks to reminders.

You see, today July 31st 7 years ago I received that devastating diagnosis of dementia. If I’d have believed the medics, my life was over. But unbeknown to me then, that devastating diagnosis opened up a new world, obviously not one I would have chosen, but still a wonderful world with lots of new wonderful friends I call my playmates; with people like Innovations in Dementia who enable and encourage us. To all of them I say, thank you 🙏

But what fun I’ve had in 7years…..yes, every day is a struggle, every day dementia reminds me of its presence, yes it’s a bummer of a diagnosis BUT if all you see are the negatives what a waste of the life there is still waiting to be lived!

Here’s just some of my highlights I found as I flicked through my photographs this morning….the detail has long vanished from my mind, but the emotions the images stir are still there…

Meeting Hollywood star Julianne Moore at the premier of Still Alice in 2015

In 2016 I moved to my wonderful village with all its beauty, all its characters and all its love – I couldn’t believe the date when I saw that as I thought I’d only been here a couple of years 😂

In 2017 I went up in a glider – a birthday present from my lovely daughters and Stuart

AND later that year walked on fire for charity

2018 was another special year as that was the year my book was published in hardback, meaning I’d already had a year of the lovely friendship of my partner in writing, Anna Wharton….

2019 the paperback version of my book was released

AND I became Dr Dr thanks to Hull and Bradford Universities

AND I did my tandem parachute jump for charity..

2020 will become known as the year we all hibernated due to Covid, BUT that enforced hibernation allowed me to write my second book with Anna and is due out next January….more on that in the autumn…..

Which bring us to this year, 2021…..when my latest adventure was my tandem paraglide

So you see, good can come out of bad, but it won’t happen automatically, you have to go out and search for adventures, search for life. There are so many things I can’t do now that I can no longer list them, but I never dwell on them. I have no control over what I can’t do. Instead I focus on having adventures today and if today is a bad day…..tomorrow may be better….

Moral of the tale – never give up on yourself, no matter what people say to you, let them do that if they so wish. Believe in yourself and you can do anything you want……..

A Mystery Tour with Pip and Scooby…..

Yesterday Pip messaged me asking if I fancied going somewhere different with her and Scooby…….a nano second elapsed before my response was YES!

We planned to meet around 1pm and after the severe storms of the day before I thought the air might feel fresh and renewed for an early morning walk first.

I hadn’t bargained on an unseasonably strong breeze blowing as I batted my way to the pond 😂….I’d meant to take them some food but have got out of the routine so completely forgot and walked passed the green bag of seed I’d placed by the door 🙄…..

It was still early and the ducks were still snoozing

Even the Moorhen chicks and parents were still huddled together 

So they weren’t fussed about the lack of food in my hand as I trundled along the footbridge, snapping as I went

It was only to be an hours walk as I had to be back for an early morning zoom, so I went through the houses and along the back lane

My pace quickened through the gallops and down the lane passed Halfpenny cottage as the air was getting darker as more storm clouds appeared to be approaching

Hopefully the weather would be fine for my afternoon mystery tour, as I headed home for my morning cuppa.

My doorbell went and threw me in a fluster as I’d lost track of time 😳…it was 1pm already and Pip and her smiley face were waiting for me….luckily I didn’t have to grab anything more than my camera and off we went, Scooby snuggled on the floor next to me

I didn’t have a clue where we were going but we ended up on a single track road travelling through a glorious valley, every now and then spotting a Kite in the sky above. We finally arrived, 30 minutes later at our mystery destination, Millington Wood.

We parked up, but instead of venturing into the wood itself, we decided to head out and up through the valley climbing high

So many meadow flowers lined our route as we climbed higher and higher

Then we saw a whole host of partridge feeding stations at the side of a field planted with sweet corn. I’ve never seen so many partridges all in one place

Trekking through long grass, every now and then stopping to take piccies

Or me taking piccies of Pip taking piccies 😂 We longed to see the kites we’d seen on our way in, but they remained elusive

More partridges came into view

Then we reached a point where we had to decide how to get down. We could have carried along the path into the distance but we knew we had to get down on to the road below somehow and the path would take too long 🤪

So we decided to snake our way down the side of the steep hill, or maybe I convinced Pip that we should give it a go 🤣 A beautiful black and white butterfly caught our attention

Then shuffling our way sideways down the hillside, giggling as one of us took a stumble, we suddenly saw what we’d come for and both stood still, our cameras at the ready. None of my shots were clear as it hovered and swooped, hovered and changed direction

But it put on a show for ages, so long in fact that Pip sat on the side of the hill, but I knew if I sat I’d end up rolling down the hill when I tried to stand 😂….

We just found its presence such a joy

Both of us attempting to get a good shot, both of us mesmerised by it simply being there

We thought many times it had flown out of sight only for it to reappear

Must have been with us for a good 20 minutes before heading off into the distance, but what a joy to watch it, made the climb and the descent soo worth while

As we trundled through the valley, Pip picked up a weed and handed it to me

She told me to squeeze then smell it – it was pineapple! A pineapple weed that can be made into tea….😍

Scooby all the while, the leader of his pack, we headed by to where we’d parked the car

Another footpath on the left came into view, so we wandered down it to come across a small lake

Back at the car, we then ventured into Millington wood, Pip and Scooby leading the way

It looked a magical place but after our long walk, I was starting to feel tired. It would be worth coming back to the wood again to do the whole walk around justice. 

Such beautiful places on our doorstep, hidden away down little known lanes. 

Scooby settled himself down next to me again as we headed home, thankful for the sighting of the kite, which made it all worth while on a cloudy and very blustery day. But the weather didn’t matter, the company was wonderful as were the sights. 

We were almost home when Pip saw something else in the sky, and pulled over…..and I thought the day couldn’t get any better – a Kestrel hovering above us…..

Sometimes it’s just the simple things in nature that can give you a wonderful day, lift your spirits and make you smile and today was one such day……

A selfie, courtesy of Pip 😍

A meet up with round the country walker, Karen Penny……

Karen Penny is doing something I can only dream of now – walking the entire coastline of Britain and Ireland. Karen is aiming to raise £100,000 for Alzheimer’s Research Uk (ARUK). When I last looked she’d reached the staggering amount of £90,117 !! 😳😳 Her Facebook page says:

“I am now ready to embark upon the adventure of a lifetime; a continuous walk circumnavigating the 20,000 Kms of the British and Irish Coastline, and it’s islands. A feat never achieved by a woman, least of all by one on the wrong side of 50!”

She set off on January 19^th 2019..and she thought her journey lwould take about 3.5 years, taking in as many of the islands around our coast as possible. However she now believes she just has 2 months left before completing this mammoth adventure.

Covid meant her walk came to a halt until rules allowed, but she’s now steaming on and on Monday she reached my neck of the coast. Sarah had kept in touch with her and we arranged to meet at Flamborough North Landing last Monday….

To say I was excited was an understatement. Karen is doing something I would love to do – she is living my dream! Sarah picked me up at lunchtime and we drove for just over an hour before reaching this glorious place.

The weather app 2 days before, had said we’d be meeting in torrential rain, but thankfully it had changed and the sun was shining and it was the perfect temperature. People were down in the cove enjoying the peace and beautiful surrounding

Sarah txt Karen to say we were there and we’d meet her on the coastal path. We started heading up, just stopping to take a piccie

When Sarah announced, “She’s there!”

And we could see the familiar hat and flag coming towards us waving. We’d been following her journey all this time so it felt like I knew her and we easily fell into comfortable conversation as we headed for a cuppa. I had so many questions that instantly vanished🙄

We sat on a bench in the shade and heard the most wonderful stories of her adventure. It will make a brilliant book when she has time to actually think about it. Sadly they’ve all vanished now, but at the time I remember being amazed at the stories and people she’d met along the way.

As you can see on her rucksack, she’s so far done a staggering 9,500 miles and has 1500 left AND has is on her 10th pair of boots! Not only does she walk but she carries all her camping gear on her back too! Sometimes kindness comes her way and people offer her hospitality and a bed for the night but for the rest she camps.

She had to cut short her walk around the Shetlands so still has 30 miles to do there and that will be where she finishes towards the end of September. I so wish I could be there to see her take her final step 🥰

She spoke kindly about how meeting people spurred her on and gave her that incentive again, as it must get very lonely and tiring sometimes. She has also met two other playmates along the way, Peter Berry and his wife in Suffolk and Sue Strachan in her neck of the woods. 

After an hour or so, much chatter and laughter, and putting the world to rights about charities, it was time for her to complete her final miles of the day and we had to say our goodbyes. Her easy relaxed manner and wonderful smile oozes calmness.

I couldn’t stop clicking my camera

We walked with her just a little way before waving her off and watching her go heading further around the coastline. She was heading towards Bempton Cliffs and hoped to see the elusive Albatross on her way.

We sat and watched until she was almost out of sight…and then she turned and waved one last time…

….before disappearing round the headland. We sat with beams on our face. In the car I suddenly felt totally exhausted from the exhilaration of the meeting. I knew dementia would make me pay for such an exciting day in the morning, but it was happy exhaustion; happy from having met this woman who was living my dream……

If you’d like to see more and follow her journey , her Facebook page is called Karen Penny – The Penny rolls on Walking Britain and Ireland. Even more important, if you’d like to contribute however small amount to her fundraising, you can do it here:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thepennyrollson

Thankful for a cooler day……

After the recent heat wave, I was sooo glad to wake up to a cloudy cool day….never happy are we? 😂 the evening before I’d captured the full moon in all its glory

I’d already walked into town and caught the bus back first thing……

….. but after lunch my legs were itching for another trundle and since it was cooler I decided to venture further to Folly Lake and back. People often ask me, why don’t you use walk for a change and not have the heavy camera round your neck? My reply is always the same:

“But I never know what I might see”

So first stop would be the pond, but nearby is a lovely little garden and this year they planted something with the tiniest of flowers. When in bud, they were the size of a ball bearing but now some have opened and I always have to take a piccie as I pass……

The ducks also looked happier in the cooler weather and were out in the open as opposed to sheltering in the undergrowth

Through the houses and down the back lane, a sunflower, perfectly wrapped and waiting to reveal the petals inside 

Nature is so clever, but people are often too busy to notice…..a little sunshine and the parcel will reveal it’s yellow splender.

Through the gallops towards Halfpenny cottage, where I’ll turn left and follow the long lane for a while …..

….before taking a left through the fields. A yellow hammer singing loudly on the telegraph wire

Following the track, potato fields followed by barley, then a field full of Christmas sprouts

I’d never noticed how beautiful a sprout plant is before…..with daisys growing at the side of their field – it looks like one enormous green flower….

Eventually I reach the lake

I thought the lack of sunshine might have kept people at home, but many had the same idea as me and were enjoying the cooler day. Fisherman lined the lake, sheltering in their tents; their rods set up and silent…

Many simply sat, waiting and watching for the twitch of the line. One suddenly saw his reward and hauled it in, proud as punch, before announcing to anyone who might be listening…

“ a three pounder, 3 pound of bream….”

The smile on his face told of his joy as he gently unhooked it and allowed it its freedom back into the lake…..

Back up the track to the road and a flock of gulls in a field catch my eye

Then another, bigger bird comes into view – a heron

Not often you see a heron in the middle of the field. Maybe he was heading for the lake to show the fishermen how its done…..as it takes off in that direction

The field of sheep are next. They were newborn lambs the last time I was here. 

Along the winding road before going through the gate back to the village

The odd poppy at the edge of the crops brighten the fields of green..

The farm comes into view

Not far to go now…and a beautiful Linnet rests on the high wire – I’d never seen a Linnet before last week and since then I’ve seen them every day!

I was going to go through the churchyard but could hear music and children’s voices coming from the playing field. It was Year 6 having their last day at little school party. Lots of fun and laughter. The annual ‘shirt signing’ still seems to be the order of the day. 

The end of an era for these young people and September would see them start the secondary school and the start of a new adventure for them

I ended where I started, back at the pond….the ducks looking content just as I felt….

You see, you never know what you might see on a trundle, if only you take the time to look…

A chaotic trip to the seaside…

Last week, the day after yesterdays blog trundle, the weather was predicted to be scorchio inland again, but cooler on the coast. So I set to thinking I’d go to the seaside town of Scarborough for a few hours. It wouldn’t be mega busy as the school holidays havn’t started yet….or so I thought 🙈

Anyway the day dawned hot as promised and after the school rush, I trundled into town to catch the train. The ducks were content as they’d just been fed

….out of the village, eventually reaching the black mill, no cows in sight, which was unusual

….but then I realised why….loads suddenly came into view, some sauntering across the dry grass

But they were grazing in the shade under any tree they could find near their watering trough

I’d given myself plenty of time as I didn’t want to be rushing in the heat. Just a few travellers were waiting on the station platform as I entered the station – so far so good…

The train pulled up dead on time and I never thought to look through the windows, so it wasn’t until the doors opened that I saw the train was chocca 😳. Luckily one single seat, on its own was empty and waiting for me as others behind stood leaning wherever they could find a post 🙈…

For some reason I just hadn’t expected families to be on the train, but pushchairs jostled for space and fractious youngsters began to protest. I closed my eyes

It felt like nearly all the train got off at Bridlington so a quiet Scarborough might still be in the offing 🤪 until lots more families and adults got on and the train was crowded and nosiy once more. 🥵

As we pulled into Scarborough my mind was still convinced it wouldn’t be mega busy, but as I made my way out of the station the people and noise hit me. Luckily it was cooler so at least the heat didn’t hit me as well 🙄

As I made my way down to the sea front, it got busier and busier. I slipped down a quiet very steep cobbled road but luckily I was going down it. I came out at a big wheel – don’t remember a big wheel here before

I could see the beach was heaving, the sea full of bodies cooling down, a speed boat zipping through the waves scattering the floating seagulls in its wake…

In the distance the lighthouse, where I usually walk….

…but not today. I began to feel the panic rise. As I tried to cross the road to the prom, it felt like the crowds of people were jostling me, but it was me trying to avoid contact with waving ice creams, sticks of rock and containers of fish and chips. The traffic was at a standstill, bumper to bumper, red faced drivers opening their windows for air. I found a space to stand and look at my phone for the time of the next train home. I’d already saved a photo of the times as a ‘just in case’ plan and I was so glad I had. 

I had nearly an hour before the next train home. So to ease the panic I started to walk and take photos. Taking photos always calms me as I’m distracted away from the chaos and see calm instead. The lobster pots, empty and waiting for the next trip out to see

The boats in the harbour, idle and moored

I end up at the sea wall and look out at the calmness of the sea

My photos empty of the chaos around me and I feel able to walk back through the crowds knowing my destination will take me home….still snapping as I go…

I used to love donkey rides on Blackpool beach as a child…

And finally, before I leave the sight of the sea, I zoom in and see two fishermen out at sea in their boat

Must have felt very calm and quiet out there…

I was hoping this venture would persuade me to visit my childhood favourite of Blackpool again, but if Scarborough was this busy before the schools finish, Blackpool would be doubly busy….so sadly it won’t happen …..just yet….even the guard on the train home asked if I was ok, so I must have still looked frazzled. 🙄

In need of a different trundle…

The weathermen had promised a fresher start to the day after all the intense heat of the weekend, so when I woke and drew my curtains, I opened my window to check if their promise had come to fruition…..and it had….

As I sat drinking my cuppa tea, I began thinking where I could walk for a change, but no images would come to mind apart from the one I’d been doing every day for a while now..🙄 I showered and still no new thoughts so I decided to go where my feet took me.

Out of the door they turned right instead of left, good start…but instead of doing my normal walk in reverse, the cow field attracted my attention. I could see the cows in the distant, nowhere near the path and looking settled…

A rabbit sat in the morning dew came into view

Down the track towards the pond

I could hear all the ducks quacking so knew either Peter or Simon were out feeding them; turned out to be Peter the duck man so my piccie shows the pond looking empty

…but that’s because they were all crowded round Peter 😂

As he left them to feed the noise subsided and a few ducks slipped back into the water

Up through the houses but instead of turning right along the back lane I turned left

Hay bales lay in the field, fodder for the horses later in the year

Through the gap in the hedge, I make my way up the road and realise I’m heading towards, what I call bluebell wood. Others call it garlic wood but such is my dislike of the smelly bulb, it’s Bluebell wood to me 🤣

I can soon turn left and trundle along a farmers track with so many butterflies fluttering around

Eventually the track leads to the cool shady wood

The temperature drops, the ground still with patches of wet mud from the rain weeks ago. The canopy of trees not allowing the suns heat to infiltrate to the ground.

Soon at the end I reach the small wooden bridge leading to the farmers field.

Field after field of Rye, I think 🤔

The long windy path directs me and makes me feel safe. So clear, so welcoming.

At the end another cooler shady copse leading me back to the village road

So peaceful. I havn’t seen a soul for the whole 2 hours it’s taken me. Just the sound of nature and the occasional click of my camera to keep me company…

Back out into the noise of the road, I head back into the village, spotting a rabbit pondering on a driveway

The pond comes into view; I’ve gone full circle. The ducks and Terence the terrapin sharing the log in the pond

As I head back home for my cuppa…..a nice change of a trundle thanks to my feet for taking me there…