Chasing the Sunrise

 Hello Lovelies, how are you doing? I hope you are coping ok with this strange, socially distant world we are presently enduring.

I'm thankful every day that here in the U.K we are still able to get out for some (unlimited even) daily exercise at the moment.

Since my retirement this summer I can make the most of almost any window of good weather. How lucky is that!

Today we were FINALLY forecast a seriously chilly night and a frosty start. I woke before my 7am alarm, and after dropping eldest off at work, I headed out into the first light.

I love that faint pink horizon.

And the tracery of the bare branches.

A more distant horizon appeared at the top of the hill.

The sky was definitely lightening.

It was bright enough to notice the fine, frosty details.

But still great for silhouettes.

I was on a busier road by the half way mark. Despite this deserted picture I was regularly dodging the early morning traffic. So many people still heading off to work despite our lockdown, like hubby and son do.

We may be still in Autumn but this scene was pure wintery beauty to me.

Ahh, here comes the sunrise.

Getting higher, just look at the clouds ....so pretty.

Morning horses. 

I'm sure you are glad of your warm coat. And the sheep are glad of theirs too :0)

Presently I arrived at this small, neighbouring village. I thought I had spotted an impressive bird on the shed roof here.

But it was a sculpture...I do love a bit of whimsy, don't you?

Oh great, time to leave the traffic behind.

And be treated to a perfectly Autumnal scene.

Oak leaves, acorn and fungi. Simply wonderful.

Here's a zoomed in picture, which I took whilst pretty much blinded by the bright sunlight. I turned out so nicely, it's really making me smile.

Time to cross the bridge now. I need to get back in time to ensure my 6th former is up in time for his 10am start.

Always time to stop and appreciate some of the first frost crystals you have seen in months though.

It was also time for a quick selfie...sorry!

 Gosh I'm not a fan of turning the lens around these days, but I like to record milestones here....and I am very happy to have officially (well as officially as this challenge gets for me)  completed this year's Walk 1000 mile challenge. 

This year a few of the miles were done on a treadmill, during our tighter spring lockdown, so they are not exclusively "boots on" but almost....and I'm going to allow myself this change in my own rules during a pandemic!

This is the 6th consecutive year I have managed to walk 1000 miles, and the earliest finish so far. Beating my only other early finish (2016) by a few days. I've just been reading that finish post HERE. Such a similar day...and "certificate" 😄 

Looking back at where I've just walked.

I do love the big pond next to the path here.

And it's attractive ducks.

Here change is happening...and paddocks are being planted with grape vines. It could be worse, much worse.

I'm happy as long as there's room for the wildlife.

Yay, the final frosty stile...soon be home for my porridge. I was certainly looking forward to it by this point.

What next for my walking?  I'll keep going and hope to reach 1100 miles by the end of the year "all being well"....my saying for 2020 and beyond!

 I've so enjoyed writing this post, it's really lovely to be back here and I will aim to post regularly again...possibly weekly....all being well 🤞😀.

I'll also reply to any comments you leave...so do check back if you want a "chat".

Jacquie x

Edited to Add....I'm so sorry if I appear to have  ignored any comments you have left me in the past few months. I've just found a load awaiting moderation which I didn't know about...I used to get an e. mail about them, but not now apparently.

Apologies again xxx