Sunday 24 January
Despite the cloudy, dull grey skies and the cold and damp weather, the weekend has been wonderful. A much needed time to rest my head and my soul.
I promised myself that I would refocus on the things that make me happy. Walking and spending time with the family – check; two lovely long walks. Back with the birds – check; feeding them and watching them.
The walk today took us on a frosty route that circled Langham. The sluice gates at Stratfor St Mary were opened up more than usual allowing water to escape from the flooded fields further up stream. The force of the water powering through was scary, especially as we had to cross it using a precariously slippery concrete bridge. The steel railings were cold to the touch but were the only thing keeping us from falling in.
The fields crunched as we walked along and the well-trodden, muddy pathways across fields or around kissing gates were solid under foot. The edges of the Stour were frozen, as were most puddles and pools we passed. Childlike, we couldn’t resist the temptation of toeing the frozen sheet of ice on top each one with our wellies.
As we looped around and headed back, much of the frost was thawing and the legs were getting tired. We went home, after collecting Stan from his walk with his girlfriend, to some lunch and to wash Mabel’s legs.
These past two days, I have a sense of satisfaction, of a job well done. I wanted to reset where my head was at. Mission accomplished.
The Bald Birder 