The snow remnants lingered on; frosted in to the landscape as a crisp crust. It was parky, still and fantastically atmospheric. As is the new norm, places fill up with people who previously wouldn't have frequented such locations. It wasn't until the latter stages of our wander that it became trickier to navigate around fellow pedestrians. I feel like so many newcomers are completely missing the point of a walk in the countryside. Firstly, the quiet is essential so there's no use making a racket or bringing kids who run around shrieking and whacking everything with a stick. You just spoil it for everyone. Oh and I'm not a fan of loose dogs being allowed to run up to me, either with intent to jump up, sniff me or just barking away. If you haven't mastered recall then don't let it off. I don't find your four legged mate charming in the slightest. I've left my dog at home because there's a fair chance you wouldn't appreciate a 22kg bullet of muscle charging his way in your direction either. And clear up after your dog. If you've let it run riot then it's your problem to track down it's poop and clear it up.
I'm really not a people person. Or a peoples' pets person.
For the moments of silence and emptiness, it was beautiful.
Taka care,
Sophie