On the road again….but just for foraging

Travel restrictions are still in place and like most people, my itchy feet are itching like crazy – the end of lockdown is so close I can almost taste it.

I’d hoped to do some traveling around the UK this summer but it’s looking unlikely as I think everywhere will be so busy. Those of you who know me, know that I like to seek out the quiet places. But, we’ll see – fingers crossed I’ll be able to explore somewhere new.

Jesamine wasn’t taken off the road for the winter, but I didn’t actually use her. So a couple of weeks ago I set about ensuring she’s road-worthy, checking tyre pressures, oil, etc. I wasn’t surprised that the battery was flat but I’ve got a magic charger thingy so I’m a dab hand at firing her up! Last week Jesamine, Molly, and me hit the road to the supermarket and had a little walk along the canal. I am the Queen of Multitasking!

So, today we did the same. I needed a break from editing my novel and the fresh air usually clears some of the cobwebs away. In fact, my smiling starts as soon as I unlock Jesamine. Molly hops in, full of anticipation and settles on the back seat. And as soon as we’re on the road and my old 70s music is playing, my heart soars.

I’m very lucky in that Tesco sits next to a canal (The Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation). So I can pop into the supermarket for a quick forage, and then take Molly for a walk. Molly is fine in the van, she just lays on the seat and has a doze. A retired greyhound’s life is a very tiring one.

As luck would have it, we came across a couple of swans on the bank. I’d spent the morning editing a scene where a swan gets caught and my leading lady rescues it. The swan, of course, hisses and fights her – it doesn’t know what’s going on. And wouldn’t you know it, the two swans I came across this afternoon hissed and postured and flapped their wings at poor Molly (who actually would have liked to eat them, I’m sure) which was rather wonderful. I’d forgotten how vicious they can be and to see them so close has really helped me with the scene.

We walked along to Beeleigh Falls (not quite as dramatic as Niagara but it’s close!) and reminisced about a walk along here with Lovely Hubby. That had been at the height of summer and the place was mobbed. Today, I passed a couple of fishermen and a few dog walkers. The sun was shining and people were smiling. Moorhens and ducks glided along the water. I looked for tadpoles (far too early, I know, but I always do) and fought the urge to paddle.

Soon we’ll be able to spread our wings and travel. But I think how lucky I am to have this right on my doorstep.