Tuesday 24 March 2020

A mountain walk inspires a haiku for our times



Upwards through soft pines,
To snow and a darkening chill.
So sudden a change.


PS A word from Gail: Bertie and I made a quick trip across to Torridon at the weekend for a long planned meeting with a builder to discuss upgrading the cottage (more on that in due course). Before returning home to Aberdeen we went for a hike round the Beinn Eighe Mountain Trail, a viciously steep but always exhilarating circuit, climbing from near sea level to 550 m. At the upper level we encountered more snow and ice than anticipated and the going was borderline 'adventurous'. We only saw two other people on the trail. You've no idea how much better I felt after this little expedition to the sub-arctic and back! Such a sense of freedom. I'll admit that, much as I understand their necessity, I am not at all looking forward to the movement restrictions which as of last night are being imposed in the UK.

17 comments:

  1. that looks as if you entered the top of the world... two friends on the way to an adventure, it gives so much courage back to feel the wind and the nature...

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  2. What a beautiful walk! Love your haiku.

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  3. Hari OM
    Oh that is a pawfect haiku Bertie lad!!!

    Gail - deep breaths, dear friend. I have to face the M8 tomorrow and have been having daymares about seeing blue lights behind me demanding to know why I am out and about!!! I have to get back because Anne is being more or less forced to work and we think it unwise that she come in to dad during this time. I may not see the Hutch for quite some time again... Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx

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  4. Thank you Bertie, for those lovely words, and photos.
    We are into our second week of lockdown and now have another two weeks added to the original restrictions, with a warning that there may be more to come.
    My human says that we will all have to gather our resources and try to weather the storm as best we can, and hopefully getting through this without succumbing to the virus.
    We feel sorry for YAM-aunty and hope all goes well for her and her dad.
    Love,
    Inca xx

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  5. Dearest Bertie and Gail!!!
    Bravo you found inspiration at a high altitude...quite interesting how it changed as you trekked in your beautiful area!

    I heard last night U.K. was going to a 2 person limit per gathering. Thank goodness you are a party of two. Healthy hugs
    Cecilia

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  6. We loved you haiku. You sure had a great time on your walk and we know how it can make you feel better to sniff the fresh mountain air. Stay safe and healthy friends.

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  7. What a beautiful Haiku, and adventure you and Gail had Bertie! Our mandatory "Shelter in place" really hasn't been too bad. We can still go on walks and Mama can get out to get foodables, in fact it seems there has been less hoarding in the past few days!
    xoxo,
    Rosy, Jakey & Arty

    From Mama: I don't know about EU, but here in Northern Cali law enforcement does not pull anyone over for being out and about, although I have heard of fines being imposed if you hold a gathering with more than 10 people.

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  8. The world climate--virus protections--make a walk like that even more glorious!!!

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  9. We would love to have joined you on that expedition to the snowy hills!!! The peeps here say this isolation stay-at-home is getting very old very fast:(

    Woos, Lightning and Timber

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  10. It looks more like our home with all the snow. Unfortunately we need the movement restrictions. Hope you aren't too effected by it!

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  11. Bertie, what a beautiful place to go for a hike. That is some good exercise there. Thanks for sharing the lovely photos. Have a fantastic day.
    World of Animals

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  12. Oh, what a FABulous adventure! I am so jealous of the snow! I hopes it's like here, and you can be out and about, as long as you stay 6ft away from one another.
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

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  13. I guess with Prince Charles now having the Covid-19 UK definitely needs a stay in place. We think you should have stayed in Torridan Hills and become hermits a hideaway from all this sickness. I counting your syllables in your haiku.
    Your friend
    Sweet William The Scot

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    1. Just want you to know that 'dark'ning' has two syllables in this part of the world, Sweet William!

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  14. I had no idea that there was that much snow anywhere in your country. It is absolutely gorgeous. I'm so glad that both of you had an adventure before the restrictions start. Stay healthy, my friends.

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  15. What a glorious walk with all that cold and snow! Stay safe and hopefully someday soon we can all go on wonderful walks again!

    Kiki and Rosie

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