Tuesday 22/07/2024

 Looking back at that last post, hadn`t realised that was probably the best it was going to get. Maybe that`s an exaggeration but there does seem to have been an overwhelming amount of damp, dreich and seriously wet weather over the last few weeks.

And yet, and yet, it seems to depend where you are on this green and pleasant land (at least the rain keeps it green).

Back last month the Cotswolds offered up a few days of warmth and good walking weather, footpaths wandering through yet-to-ripen wheat and barley fields, at their most photogenic in some ways.On to Glastonbury with its usual mix of thronging crowds and peaceful oases, big names on the Pyramid stage, blasts from the past at smaller venues (Lulu and Judy Collins both smashing it at their respective sessions) and simply wandering about and stumbling on unexpected gems, bearing in mind lessons learnt about not trying to walk too far in what was in fact several days of hot dry weather.

 And lo and behold,  that heat and sun had done its work back on those same fields which were now, mostly, golden.

More  walks through the picturesque countryside,

quintessentially one kind of England, before heading north, to a smaller festival, set in beautiful grounds overlooking the Firth of Clyde; 

then `touching base` with the youngest member of the clan before arriving back to wilder landscapes......and quite a lot more of that rain.

Beautiful in its own way, this time of year it`s the blues and yellows that stand out 

and the big full skies which demand you straighten the shoulders and take deep breaths.

 

Since returning there`s been monsoons but also perfect days to walk with a fresh breeze stirring the trees, the grasses, the yet-to-ripen grains. The woods have been full of small brown butterflies, bees and birds....and rather more mushrooms than might be expected at this time of year, a reminder of autumn not really that far away though perhaps more indicative of the prevailing damp conditions.

Anyway, yesterday it was the beach that called, empty despite it being the holidays, the tide well in and so mild, a dip would have been in order if I`d remembered the swimsuit. 🙄