I love where I live, on the edge of the countryside. Within five minutes' walk, I am on a nature reserve and farmland. For the last couple of springs I've revelled in the fields, hills, woods and streams. Apart from the occasional dog-walker, I've had it to myself.
But these days I restrict myself to wandering around town. There are too many visitors to the countryside, and the paths are narrow. I sometimes wonder if I'm the only person in this area to be taking the COVID precautions seriously? So few people will move aside or allow adequate space when we pass. It's safer to stick to the pavements and step out into the road if people won't budge.
The other day I was longing for the countryside so thought I'd risk it but soon discovered the path was busy with small groups. I'd have needed specialist breathing apparatus to get safely past them all. So I turned aside and nipped down a very muddy field path. I was ankle deep in liquid mud. Just as I was thinking, 'This is deep,' my welly got stuck. In pulling it free, I fell over backwards with a loud squelch and a splash. Adi had to hose me down in the garden when I got back home.
This afternoon was so bright and sunny, I headed for the canal. It was pretty quiet human-traffic-wise and I was able to enjoy the swans and ducks. Being out in nature did me good emotionally and mentally.
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