Along the Footpaths

Hello Lovelies,

thank you so much for all your kind comments on my previous, nostalgic post....you are such a thoughtful lot. I feel blessed to have this sharing space to record these times in my life.

And now, surprise, surprise I'm back to walking....I am sorry about the lack of craft around here at the moment.....I'm sure my crafty mojo will return soon. You can't force these things can you.

Yesterday was glorious, so sunny and warn, it was a joy to be outdoors. In the afternoon the family were all busy with various commitments, so I headed out for a walk alone. 

  

Just along much walked and much loved local footpaths..........

where the sun felt really warn in the still afternoon air............

Over the first stile of the day, with it's bridge that crosses the tiny stream..........

and through the sunlit woodland....that now has a carpet of the freshest green...........

And, Oh look at the weeping willow.........isn't it the most beautiful colour..........

The stream, that flows under the metal bridge here, was sparkling in the sunshine.............

and I was happy to stand quietly for a moment and watch the birds hopping around in the bare branches............

Then it's across the road and over another stile..........

into the field where a new crop is growing well. I love the view back towards the road here, with the cottages nestled in the dip............

then the path heads down these steps, where the Hawthorn hedge is turning green............

The most perfect FRESH green..............

 Hurray

Along the roadside there are delicate little Celandines under the trees..........

and lambs in the fields.............

Their ears glowing pink as they take an afternoon rest in the warm sunshine..............

Here the cheery Daffodils are at their best..............

And there's a spring in my step ( no pun intended) as I head off along the next footpath....climbing another stile, I glance back towards the village...........

It was such a happy sight, with the warm terracotta coloured  roofs looking extra pretty against the blue sky.............



Then it's through the tunnel in the railway embankment, and out into open fields once more.........

 I'm walking uphill now, back towards home. The hedgerow and the trees are brown here....but the grass is gloriously green............

Did I mention it was warm?   :0)

I cross another footbridge and follow the path along the shady side of the coppice.............

Then its a brisk, climb up the hill. I can feel my heart pounding and I'm listening to the sound of my deep breaths.
 Climbing hills makes me happy. The effort makes the reward of the far reaching views extra sweet..............
 

Looking to the left I can see the village I've just walked from....the red roofs still clearly visible, though it's maybe not so clear on my photo...............

Let me zoom in......There's the Church and the houses and the railway tunnel I walked through....can you see it?

 I do love this landscape and I adore having easy access to the countryside.

Nearly back on the pavements now. The final part of the footpath is along this jitty, between garden fences and the security fencing.

There's a nest in the tree and I can hear birdsong............

I stop and spot a Robin on the fence...............

But it's the sweet song of the Dunnock I can hear....I'm hearing it a lot at the moment...........

Maybe there are more of these birds that usual....but I'm fairly certain they are around every year.....it's just I'm finally listening.

They are such drab birds, in one way your typical "Little Brown Job"  , but I find them charming..............

Back home I consult my Observer book again.....where they are called hedge sparrows......that's a nicer name than Dunnock I think..................

I love this beautiful illustration in the book..........

and the observation that their song is sweet, high and clear..........

I wonder if the Dunnock I saw is sitting on " 4 or 5 bright turquoise-blue" eggs yet?

The last half a mile of my walk was filled with smiling people. Lots of folk were out gardening, and walking. Some I knew and some I didn't, but almost all had a cheery hello.

I'm really looking forward looking forward to more warm days now the daylight is longer than the night, but with cold weather forecast to return soon, I'm just happy that I got chance to get out and enjoy this  brief warm treat.

Jacquie x