"Sole" seeking

 

There’s a tree on a lonely road at Knowesgate, near Kirkwhelpington in Northumberland that bears an unusual fruit.  Its branches are laden with shoes of all kinds.  No one really seems to know how the custom began but there are many theories. Some say it was a couple of local tradesmen who adopted the alleged American tradition whereby prospectors used to hang old boots from a tree near to their excavations as a good luck charm.  Others say they’re hung there to promote fertility or represent “walking” a life journey. Whatever its history, it’s quirky and an entertaining conversation piece

A windy hilltop

I knew I was back on an English hill top when I stood by the trig point looking across a sea of knee high heather in a howling gale.  The only thing that was missing was the chill factor as, the temperature was unseasonably warm meaning  the wind hadn’t frozen my extremities, as usually happens.

I love the wide open spaces of boggy, tussocky moorland that seem to be unique to this part of the world. To tramp across rough ground, face into the wind, is one of my greatest pleasures and something I appreciate every time I’m out there!

Reflections

As I walked into the Newcastle office this morning, my spirits were lifted by the reflections on the River Tyne.  The low tide had become a canvas of still, calm, water creating a beautiful, mirrored, industrial portrait of Dunstan Staithes.  When I remarked on this to my colleagues I was surprised at how few seemed to appreciate the shifting landscape outside their window. Perhaps it’s only visitors who can appreciate the restless, ever changing scenery of the tidal waters. Its magical properties seemed lost on those who, bowed down with workaday cares, pass by each day, unseeing of its beauty,

Exercise is good for you? Really?

I’ve recently begun running again and despite various aches and pains, have enjoyed the experience in a masochistic way. I enjoy being out of doors and on a work day, when the alternative is being closeted in front of my computer in a stuffy office, even when the weather is cool or windy, it’s always preferable.  Sadly, I don’t ever seem to get the post exercise high that many other people enjoy, so I’m probably not pushing myself enough but try telling that to my brain as my aged pelvis, hip and knee joints protest.  Now where are my trainers?

World Earth Cache Day

I was very pleased with the Earthcaching event that Andy and I hosted in Carlisle on Sunday in celebration of World Earthcaching day.  3 newish cachers and I added to the “enjoyment” of the event by undertaking a 3 mile Earthcache run, before meeting up with the other local cachers who were collectively tucking into home-made cake. Sadly, geo-dogs were in short supply apart from 3 Kinnear’s beautiful terrier, as the event was in the town centre outside the Cathedral but we were all entertained by a splendid yellow Labrador who gatecrashed the party, attempting to rob us of cake!

Loving London

London is such a vibrant city with a rich and enthralling history that I could never be bored.  Shopping doesn’t interest me, although the prices in a Marylebone bakery window caused me to stop and take a second look. I’m drawn to the eclectic mix of ancient and modern; the dominant presence of tangible relics of a bygone past clinging precariously to the fabric of modern life. Best of all are the secret places known only to locals (or geocachers!), the interesting street names, the hidden squares or the curious sculptures on buildings and walls. They completely enhance my visits!

A river of poppies

 

Being a resilient and fairly unemotional type of person, I surprised myself at how moved I felt during my recent visit to the Tower of London. The swathes of ceramic poppies filling the moat like a red river of flowers was a beautiful but  tangible reminder of the thousands of people who died an untimely death in defence of our country during WW1. Although I err towards peaceful solutions rather than combative approaches to issues, I remain hugely appreciative of the ultimate sacrifices that so many people have voluntarily made over the years to safeguard the freedoms we enjoy today