Not to be outdone, the animal kingdom added its contribution in the form of new calves and lambs and numerous sightings of very large Brown Hares. Above the fields Peewits demonstrated the art of flying, their harsh pee-wit, pee-wit, cutting the skies. Just the day before on a seven-mile walk down the Rosewell and on to the old Forfar railway line, we were enchanted by the number of Small Tortoiseshell and Peacock butterflies there were on the wing.
With only a week to go before we leave to walk the Wales Coast Path (starting at Gowerton, where we left off last year), there is a tangible sense of excitement in the house with the clothing and camping equipment being laid out on the two spare double beds. Last minute purchases, final checks on the route and the bookings for umpteen campsites, dubbin on the boots, tent re-proofed, new boots, insoles, rucksack, arrangements finalised with my brother in Australia who is joining me for part of the walk, all add to the palpable sense of joy at returning to the upward and the downward slope for another walking season.
Leaving on the 3 May to start walking on the 4th, I hope to walk through until the beginning of July, or beyond if my energy levels hold up. Network connections functioning, I hope to blog on this Vagabond website, which will then share them on other forums. If you cannot be with me in body, join me in spirit by liking the Vagabond Facebook page, which will then alert you when a Vagabond posting is made. And please, please feel free to comment on FC. When you are walking on your own for long periods of time, a wee hello sometimes just makes the day. Here's to the miles ahead!