After the stress of the last 10 days it was time to keep to the plan and get back out enjoying the wild places. I've had a head cold which has been more unpleasant than usual as I couldn't go to bed because the bedroom roof is missing. The cold was clearing however, so I drove up through Elmscleugh (where the road has deteriorated to a track) to get to the west side of Monynut. The cloud base was low with the tops of the hills covered. Some ice on the road and a cold drizzle of rain. I decided to take the lower routes through the woods because it was just too grim out on the hills.
I followed the fire roads out for a couple of miles then cut up across the hill and down towards the burn. Despite the cold grey weather there was plenty of birdlife, the usual finches and I thought I saw a Siskin but not sure. The descents through the woods to the clearings are always a favourite. The increase in temperature is noticeable amongst the spruce trees.
Once I was following the burn and the old track I took advantage of the shelter of the trees to brew up. Making a cuppa in a wild place is something that I take great pleasure in. A very simple process but it gives me time to stop and clear my mind.
First find a sheltered spot free from bugs, beasts and other humans. Then fill the kettle and get a brew on.
A little bit of peace.
Further on the trail deteriorated but there's still lots to see if you look.
Found a dead shrew. No sign of damage. Its teeth were quite twisted although it didn't look emaciated.
Picked up the trail again and spent the next half mile crossing the burn a dozen times to get back to the car.
A cold damp day with grey sky, not a long walk, but great to be getting back out for wee adventures.
5 miles, cloudy, 1 degree, no wind.
Great wee post Ped!
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