Pic of the week 24/4/22
On Wednesday Becky & I went for a walk. We drove out to, and then climbed, Burrow Mump before walking along the River Parrott. It was a warm day, and wonderful walk. Until we turned back north to cut across some fields and circle our way back to the car park.
All was well as we passed a small group of cows by the river edge – as we calmly and confidently strode by they kept their distance. Turning into the next field, there were more cows. Again, initially they gave us a wide berth but as we walked along the field edge they became a bit more confident and began to follow us, initially leaving a long distance between us and them, but as we walked further through the field, they began to close up – more than once I turned and eyeballed them, letting them know who was boss, and they stopped, but as we walked on they continued to creep ever closer.
Reaching the gate was a relief, and Becky was swift to mount the five bar and put a barrier between her and our bovine followers.
But relief did not last for long.
Waiting for us in the next field was a bigger herd – twenty or thirty head of cattle looking at us inquisitively from 10 yards.
There was nothing for it, but to stride purposefully onwards, towards them, and they did swiftly scatter. But that was not the end of it. They were skittish and excitable, running alongside us, often veering towards us, necessitating a roar from me to send the pounding away. It was getting tense, and when the cows began to circle us it was as if we were in an old fashioned western movie – we were the settlers being surrounded by angry Indians, and we know those scenes only ever ended one way.
We kept a veneer of calm as our pace perceptively quickened along with our rising heartbeats. There was only one way – onwards. For five minutes we strode across the field until at last a fence and gate offered us salvation. A quick scurry over the gate saw us land safely on the other side, able to continue our walk without further incident.
Friday was a much more leisurely affair as Sam led us on a walk through the woods leading up to Pen Hill mast. The woodland floor was carpeted with bluebells – a magnificent site on a wonderful two hour stroll.
On Saturday I planted up some sunflower seeds – 30 Giant Singles and 30 Korg (which should be a tall multi- headed variety) Here’s hoping they all germinate successfully.
Took Sophie back to Reading on Monday, and Sam back to Cardiff today, so it is back to the two of us for the next five weeks. Back to school for me tomorrow.
