The Greening of the Wood

There has been a distinct change in the woods. There is a green haze to the edges, the leaves curled in tubes, are just emerging like butterflies. The light has been poor; hazy, dull but not dramatic. And the tourists are out on the single track road. Cycling. Brave things.

I turned a corner to find three of them, 100 yards apart, toiling up a hill. I hadn't the heart to squeeze past, putting them off their rhythm half way up a hill. So I pulled into the passing space, pulled out a banana, that was both breakfast and lunch, and settled in to enjoy watching the exercise I should be taking. Poor things couldn't even raise much of a thanks as the crept past, peddling fast in top gear. I suppose they enjoyed it. It didn't look like they could.

But I found myself opposite this sight. Quick blip and on my way. Free-wheeling down the hill with just the hint of smugness.