For my birthday this year I asked my offspring to get me a new pair of walking boots. The ones I had dated back some 30 years and have certainly seen better days. So, on Friday, equipped with my new shiny boots, I set out with some friends to walk in the Northumberland wilds.
It was a grey day with the sun well-hidden behind low clouds, but we set out, the intrepid four, hoping for a brightening of the weather. We even gave it a real fighting chance by stopping off in Wooler for a nice cup of coffee. Sadly it didn't oblige.
On the way there, we passed a field of sheep with their new-born lambs. They were all wearing little plastic macs, some pink ... for the girls we assumed ... and some blue. They looked very cute.
We set out up into the hills, Viv providing excellent mapreading. We were heading for a rocky outcrop which we thought might provide dryer conditions for lunch eating activities. Good job we had a map, you certainly couldn't see anything much. We did find the crags though and stopped for lunch and to admire the view!
We had a few moments, wondering if we were going the right way and many moments where we had to tread very carefully to avoid the many puddles and boggy areas. I must say that my boots performed excellently. I had dry feet, despite treading in quite a lot of water and the Smart wool socks kept my feet toasty warm. At the highest point of our walk, I received a phonecall to discuss the sale of my house with the solicitor in Oldham. It was slightly surreal standing in the fog talking about house sale completion and money transfers, more so because up to this point we had had no mobile coverage at all.
However we returned to the valley and crossed a bridge to complete our walk by walking beside the river back to the car. I should like to return to the valley in better weather, because I am sure it is a very beautiful place were one actually able to see it. This picture taken as we set out might give you a taste.
So, thank you Kay, Viv and Jenny. I really enjoyed my day, finished as all such days should be, with an excellent meal .... thank you Dennis.
Now all that remains is to clean my boots ready for the next time!
Ahh do you think if we went into production and made designer raincoats like Shawn the Sheep Macs, they would do well. We could export them to Wales (its joke, I know its not abroad) or Cumbria (same joke ha ha) and finally, really internationally to New Zealand.
Posted by: Rebecca | April 24, 2008 at 22:17
looks like a perfect day even tho the fog appeared. xx
Posted by: fave sis michelle | April 25, 2008 at 18:07