Christmas is over, New Year is over. Whatever our customs and rituals, the days lengthen and we can look forward to spring. Though worst of winter is yet to come. My resolutions will be secret except for walking. Intend to continue as Countryside Access Warden and with Datrows (Dover and Thanet Rights of Way Society) Rage against the dying of the light.
Two short walks. Last October i visited East Blean woods, inspecting footpaths and seeking sloes. Walk was disrupted at Knaves Ash by notices “FOOTPATH CLOSED DUE TO SUBSIDENCE 18022021” This time, Jan 13th, a cold sunny day, i walked the path from the other end. Hugged a thin silver birch. Found a fallen tree: stepped over it. No sign of subsidence and no reason why path should be closed. Reported to Kent County Council to sort out. Rest of walk was very muddy.
DATROWS walk Sunday Jan 16th was from Wickhambreaux, seven km east of Canterbury. Blogged last year as three churches walk. This time clockwise. Were 27 of us, an encouraging increase. I parked as Joe Root was out in the Hobart Test. Cold but a lovely sunny day. Some mud but tolerable. Frozen mud may be easier to walk on if not rutted. Walked through Ickham to Littlebourne. Back on the other side of the Little Stour. First part into wind. A fair number of other walkers. Two ponies near Littlebourne. Two pillboxes. Near Wickhambreaux church a new information board with map of 8 local pillboxes, defences in world war two. Another war connection: grave of one of the Dambusters.
We talked of gardening: is it too early to sow seeds? Food banks, a shameful necessity. Why should people with jobs need charity to survive? “Digging for Britain” archaeology on tv, esp Roman mosaics. Attenborough’s “Green planet” and birdsong. Old ideas overturned.
Tempted to have a drink in the Rose but not yet ready for indoor socialising. Australia had won the test.
I pretend this blog isnt about ME, its about walking. Of course it is about me. In particular i intend to keep walking. in spite of age and decrepitude.
Happy New Year and happy walking.
Rambling Brummie 