end of summer walks

It's probably all psychological - but September definitely makes it feel like the weather is cooler and crisper. Throughout the summer I made good use of the local nature reserve and airfields, I'm always wandering about up there - it's a place I visit year round, and I really love to look at these photos I took in the snow last year to see the comparison. In the summer, there are ponies that graze there, lots of heather, blackberries, apples and everywhere is so, so green. Re-reading that post now is weird - back then, I was stuck in the midst of a hellish third year at university and I went there to get some peace - it is one of those places that always makes me feel a lot happier and calmer. 

secret get-away

Well, a secret get-away of sorts. The weekend before last (or the weekend before that.. I forget now) it was baking hot and I had a Saturday all to myself. I had no plans, nowhere to be, no distractions.. I almost didn't know what to do with myself.

So I packed a little lunch, picked up my current read and my journal and took myself off to the local woods where I made a little home for myself in a clearing there. With orange juice and houmous and a big pot of strawberries and cherries, everything felt perfect. I ate my lunch and had a little nap and everything felt so good with the sun on me and with absolute silence around me. I highly recommend this if you're in need of a rewind!

snowy daze

I know everyone must be sick of snow-photos.. but this my blog and I loved them. Went for a little walk in the woods near my house, it was so quiet and peaceful (except for the occasional dog) and it started snowing whilst I was out.. I went and sheltered under a big tree where no-one was near and it was so calming. I have been writing my dissertation about the power of wandering, journeying and pilgrimages, amongst other things, and in writing it, I kind of forgot WHY I found it so interesting in the first place. So after finishing my first draft on Saturday (9971/10000!) I slammed my laptop lid shut, shoved on  my new boots and went for a tramp around in the snow. It was everything I needed, at the time, though my heels are a little sore from the new boots, haha..

Below the jump are a load of other photos, which I pray you look at, cause some I am quite proud of!