Is This Really a Day Off?

I had the alarm (in my head) set early as I was cycling with my friend James so it meant leaving the house before 8am. Unfortunately, I had a rubbish night's sleep due to the heat. Also, I've felt ill since Wednesday and really struggled on my "run" last night. So....I texted James as soon as I woke up...saying that I wouldn't make it. I rolled over and went back to sleep!

Rosemary always says that a walk is good when you don't feel up to training, so around 11am I set off a wee walk! I had a stoats porridge bar, my camelbak, an orange and my waterproof.

I headed off through the catholic church yard just as mass was about to start. The priest said "good morning" and much as I wanted to say "top of the morning ta ya fadder" in an Irish accent, I resisted and said "morning" back.

Although the weather forecast said that it wouldn't start raining until mid-late afternoon, it started almost immediatly. It was quite sheltered in the woods though and there were flowers n insects everywhere so I was happy. I made it up to Woodseats Lane and into Charlesworth, up through Coombes Lane Works and to the top of Coombes Edge. I love it up there as it changes so much from the valley and there always seems to be lots of different creatures. I saw two birds of prey hunting for unsuspecting mice today!

Coming off Coombes and down towards Chunal, the clouds started to come in rapidly and there was a torrential shower as I headed down Plainsteads! Chunal Moor was shrouded in rain carrying cloud so, not only could I not see, I was wet too. As the rain cleared, there was translucent light that was illuminating the heather. Every fly, birdie and beastie on the moor came out to play.

I got philosophical.... I love the planet and all the beasties that inhabit it. I do what I can to limit my impact on it and them but sometimes get really upset about those who don't....the world is dooomed I say! But then, I thought....of course the world is not doomed. Look at all these creatures! Humans have only been on the earth for the bat of an eyelid, in relative terms. Humans are definitely fucked but the world will survive and adapt. Is that such a bad thing?

I was happy and just kept walking. I eventually turned and headed down towards Glossop. It had just been a 5.5hr hour walk!

All my photos are here.