Long shadows

On a sunny winter's day, the beautiful golden light cast low from the sky picks out features in the landscape, casting wonderful long shadows. As the winter storms move in, these days are to be treasured.

Last weekend was fairly monumental in that our Sunday walk features a free roast lunch! Long story but it was all a matter of timing for when the pub had reopened the kitchen after 6 months. Our walk from Upham to Owslebury in the South Downs National Park took us down ancient trackways and droves, carpeted with the fallen autumnal russet of beech and the yellow of field maple. Small coral-pink blobs ensured we looked up to see the spindle fruits above our heads. All of these together signify an ancient hedgerow (well, unless recently planted!), walking in the footsteps of our ancestors. If only the track could talk!

And then onto this weekend, which not only featured the customary post-lunch walk to Old Sarum with my parents, but a quick pre-lunch foray around the Woodford Valley, admiring the thatched properties and beautiful River Avon. We startled a little egret, it's bright white plumage almost shining among the bare, drab branches following the latest storm. No long shadows there!