What a difference a stick makes

…but not enough to stop me falling on my arse through a rotten tree bridge.

Despite the scratches it was a reallly fantastic trip to Provence thanks to the hospitality of Morten and Fernanda. Glorious weather, nice food and breath-taking scenery. And the walking stick was a major bonus – don’t know how I’ve managed so long without. Perhaps it ought to be a permanent fixture. I’m certainly thinking of adding a muffet-guard

I have posted a few pictures up tonight and will add some more when I have a few minutes.

I now know why the Normans were able to conquer England. Twerps like me were late for the Battle of Hastings. King William really took me surprise by landing two weeks early when I was in France so I’ve missed the whole invasion. And I was going to take my stick as well. Stupid boy!

Morten is back at Jet on Monday week so hopefully we can all get out for a social.

Now westlin winds…

…and slaught’ring guns bring autumn’s pleasant weather.

Roisin got me into that bit of Robbie Burns and it was going round my head as I tramped for miles and miles across the fields near Dorchester today, occasionally interrupted by someone blasting away at the pheasants.

I missed the Tour de Purbeck cycling because I was just so dog tired from work so I was desperate to get out in the fresh air.

I know the wildlife bores most of you rigid but for the more enlightened folk, today’s species list included: red kite, buzzard, troops of long-tailed tits, kestrel, sparrowhawk, one lone lapwing, great spotted woodpecker (and heard a green one), greenfinches, some bedraggled-looking dragonflies and a few remaining red admiral butterflies.

Most of the walk was lovely but I found myself getting irritated by the shotguns, chainsaws and incessant buzzing and droning of light aircraft and helicopters. Is there no peace anywhere? I spend a huge of amount of time on a runaway train called the rat race and I think all of us would benefit from the end of motorised transport. Is it really so important that we go charging about everywhere?

Take the chance to saunter down one of our green roads this autumn and you’ll see what I mean.