Endeavouring to try somewhere different to walk, we returned to a forestry patch we have visited twice before. It's not great for paths, nothing signed but at least it's accessible and wide. I'd forgotten the boggy patch underfoot from weeks ago which had turned into a massive stretch of flood, frozen water and bog surrounded by your regular forestry debris of fallen branches, brambles and all those ferns I've forgotten the name of. Oh, bracken that's it. When it transpired that our tiptoeing round the edge of multiple large floods was just the start and it went on as far as the eye could see we had to admit defeat and take the high path out of the mess. Not quite such a long walk but at least we saw a new route. 

The high path out!
Seed head still standing.
The area had been extremely quiet, we saw nobody else at all for the best part of an hour. A buzzard was disturbed by our appearance and flew off. 


Still a lot of snow on branches, resting on every notch as well as the bracken.




A reasonable slope, probably the best sledging path for miles. I don't think anyone would have wanted to drag a sledge this far though. Just as well. 


All the snow made for pretty scenery.

Be sure to pop out somewhere pretty if you possibly can this weekend.
Take care,
Sophie

Do you remember when the realisation hit you that there were no more summer holidays to enjoy? How sad. Six weeks of freedom are over and done with for pretty much ever more, pending 'retirement'.
I remember once that I was told 'my' doctor was on sabbatical and I'd have to see another. Firstly, the notion of having just the one doctor you see is long gone, just getting to see anyone is something to be grateful for and frankly at the infrequency I aim to attend the practice 'my' doctor wouldn't know me from Adam, except anatomically.
Secondly, a sabbatical sounded like something everyone should have. A total break and escape from the relentless cycle of working weeks. A holiday these days is a double edged sword; having to frantically get things up square before leaving and the stress of trying to get things to a stage where they can be handed over to someone in your absence without complete collapse, then being pooped for the start of holiday. To holiday and then return to a backlog of work that needs immediate attention.
Fun.
The most worrying thing is when I come across emails or notes on doors saying - I'm on holiday but leave a message and I'll get back to you when I can.
WHAT? There's surely no proper break to be had if you are tending to work whilst on the escape.
I operate a policy of no contact except the express instructions to inform me if anything is up with the dog.
Social media has got to have wrecked those days away, it used to be radio silence from people on holiday. Now it seems like an hour by hour sharing of snaps in the sunshine.
Not for me thanks, I'll pop my phone on flight mode and enjoy the absence of 2019 for a while.
This foxglove is a lot like summer of 2019. Uphill, leaned, downhill then an attempt to perk up at the end.











Take care,
Sophie