Current Covid regulations in Scotland state that my walks must begin and end not further than five miles beyond the Aberdeen city limits.
If you are suspecting that, on first learning about this rule, Gail took out her well used Ordnance Survey Sheet 38 map, identified the line denoting the city boundary and then drew on the map a pencil line defining the five mile limit, you would be entirely correct.
So I'm pleased to report that our trip this week to the grounds of Drum Castle was Covid-compliant and although the Castle itself, and other parts of the estate primarily of interest to humans, were closed, my favourite walk around the old oak woods was still open to visitors.
What's more, at this time of year, with the trees bare of leaves and the branches traced out by a delicate covering of snow, you can see the gnarly shapes of these ancient oaks to their best effect.
On the edge of the wood, we could look across to the snow covered hills of Aberdeenshire, but these are currently out of bounds. Sigh!
Happy Nature Friday friends! And thank you once again to the LLB Gang for hosting the blog hop.
we are surrouded by closed-signs too... maybe closed has a chance to become the faux-pas word of 2021?
ReplyDeleteThings can't be too bad if you can walk in such lovely surroundings, Bertie. We hope you'll be able to go again and show us some more photos when the trees are in leaf.
ReplyDeleteNot much change here, at the moment we can still get out and about. Yesterday we walked along by the sea. It was much colder than it has been, so we didn't linger. My human said that it was very eerie because there was a heavy mist, with just the top of the huge local rock (Peñon) peeking out, and the sea at the bottom. She said it would make a lovely photo - but wouldn't you know it - she'd left her phone in the car! Honestly, I sometimes think she leaves her brains at home!
Love,
Inca xx
Your gnarly trees are so pretty and so are your views, Bertie!
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteWell done for navigating the regulatory boundary, you two!!! In case those overseas are in any doubt, click here to see the rules! It's a bit random insofar as where I live in Argyll and Bute, the 'boundary' is the whole county, no city limits stuff here. So folk are indeed going out and about with minimal restriction beyond the foul weather. Not that that stopped a silly couple of walkers going up Ben Nevis - and getting fined for breaking the law! Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx
Gail says: you have no idea how irritating it is to see one's friends who live just across the boundary in Aberdeenshire posting videos of themselves cross-country skiing in the hills (all within the letter of the law, if not, perhaps, the spirit) in the best snow we've had in years, while those of us in Aberdeen are more or less stuck in the rainy city!!!
DeleteHari OM
DeleteOh I can quite imagine... a local here who's hotel is under wraps for the time being, decided to take a run up the Arrochars to sit and watch the snow... and all I could think is NOW is when I could do with have L'il Ren sitting waiting for me!!! Mind you, seeing the snow up there on the Cowals isn't so bad - and the dry, relative warmth of the Hutch to do it from &*> Yxx
After reading this post and eazy's comment I now know why the United States is leading in the virus! Because we have absolutely nothing closed here. And the Florida that I live in is rampant with the new variant us and California. where is your jumper? did it warm UP? so happy you can ramble and be compliant. hope you can ski soon Gail...
ReplyDeleteIt looks very nice, and you have some snow too for extra fun! We have never been restricted with an area to travel in, thankfully. Good thing there are places in your circle that you enjoy.
ReplyDeleteBertie first and foremost...you are without a doubt the best poser. I love the stance you have in photo #1. I'm beginning to think it is a signature WFT pose!! Well done my handsome friend.
ReplyDeleteOf course Gail took careful notes of where to go. Good news that looking at other cities from afar is not prohibited. That is fine view
Hugs cecilia
That was a great C-19 compliant walk. We think you must have many interesting walks within your boundary.
ReplyDeleteA nice hike beautiful knarly trees and all without leaving your "bubble"! Good job Bertie!
ReplyDeleteSo nice of Gail to follow the rules AND you still get a great walk in. Those trees are beautiful. And we couldn't help but notice the SNOW!!! We got a "trace" yesterday, maybe a dusting tomorrow, and very maybe a bigger storm next week (but it's very iffy).
ReplyDeleteWoos - Lighting, Misty, and Timber
We're glad you were able to get out to such a lovely place for a walk.
ReplyDeleteWe are glad that your work was within the area they allow you to walk. I don't want you to end up in the tower
ReplyDeleteWe are glad you were able to follow the rules and go on a great walk. We only have restrictions between 8pm and 5 am where we can't be out of the house. We are able to be walking dogs 1km from home during that time.
ReplyDelete5 miles is still pretty far, and we are glad you at least have a variety of places to walk!
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