Thursday 1 May 2008

May Day Magic

Although I am a self-proclaimed city girl, even I do succumb to the beauties of nature around this time of year.


We have had a miserably wet week so far, but today the clouds parted long enough to let my Walking Partner and I get in a 10 miler. You can see our route if you wish -- from Marlston to Bucklebury to Stanford Dingley to Yattendon to Frilsham and then back to Marlston -- but you will just have to imagine the hills, the forest, the dappled light, the looming dark clouds, and the narrow country roads. There was mud, yes, but at least it was confined to the road and not dripping down our necks!


The cherry and apple trees must be gorging on all of the cold spring rain, because the trees look full to bursting with pink and white blossoms. Blossom time is so ephemeral -- for some trees, only 10 days or so -- and I want to soak up the sight! If only it would last . . .


My WP is highly attuned to the natural world, and as we walk she points out cowslips, a swooping red kite, tiny violets, the petals of a wild strawberry plant, and all of the animal babies -- calves, lambs, and piglets -- who have just staggered into the world. Much of our route is heavily forested, and the bluebells seem to be in every shaded spot. They are enchanting -- just as the snowdrops were before them. If you want to really see some of the glories of an English spring, visit "A Walk in the Bluebells."


I have been fretting a lot about the environment, and trying to compose a post about issues which frighten and confuse me, but today I just want to acknowledge that pagan urge to celebrate fecundity . . . and beauty of the earth renewing itself.

7 comments:

JaneyV said...

Oh your walk sounds gorgeous. I take the dog out with me so I tend to stay to public footpaths so I can let her off the lead (otherwise she pulls my shoulder out of its socket). It's been a long dark winter and I'm loving the warmer days. That said I was so chilly last night I slept in my thermal jammies, dressing gown and socks. Very attractive!

I'm beaming that you linked to me (link's got a syntax error tho!)! I feel like I just got an A in class! SO proud!

Bee said...

You got an A star!

(I fixed the link! Thanks!)

Brave Sir Robin said...

Bee

10 miles!! Wow, how wonderful! And such beautiful scenery!! If my neighborhood looked that beautiful, I'd find a way to walk 10 everyday.

Alas, my scenery is, Ahem somewhat less aesthetic than that.

Alyson | New England Living said...

I just went on my first beautiful, spring walk today too! Great minds, etc... Though snow and cold is sometimes difficult to deal with, I wouldn't want to live without it. It makes me appreciate and anticipate these days even more.

There's nothing like seeing the wild bluebells in England! Lucky girl!

TBM said...

I thought those were blue bells out there! I so enjoyed my outing this morning. The air was so fresh, plus I saw another fox and a bunch of bunnies!

Anonymous said...

Janey's pictures are wonderful. I can see where the flower fairy illustrators get their inspiration. I got out for a very short walk at lunchtime on the 1st. I intend to get out more and more now. It was an encouraging start to the month. I love May! --Jenine

Bee said...

Bluebells really DO look like the dress (or cap) on a flower fairy!