Off grid

Well, almost. I've been trying to get a few walks in recently - alone. Walking without glancing at my phone or talking to anyone. Just letting my mind wander and taking in the sights, sounds, smells. The light and colour.

I've written about walking alone before, and my first submission for Folklings was about the joys of solitude. It doesn't take a life-changing event to realise the importance of time spent alone to just be.

Yesterday, as the daylight was fading, I went for a wander around the village. The air smelt of woodsmoke. I peeped in a few windows whilst passing and saw farmhouse walls with plates hanging on them, and cosy rooms with bookcases and lamps lit.

Today was beautiful: bright, a bit chilly and just begging me to come and join it. So I did. Jay took Joe out to meet up with his mum and I went out for a ramble. Just a phone (silent mode), a doorkey, a few tissues and some lip balm for company.

And, of course, my camera.

There's someone I follow on Pinterest and she has a board called 'Emotional Landscapes'. Well, this particular walk is an emotional landscape to me. It holds a lot of memories and evokes a lot of good feelings.

There were lots of details to savour: flame-coloured leaves, jewel-like berries, sulphur-hued fungi...

Structural seedheads...

And general October prettiness.

I was also lucky to spot a kingfisher darting along just above the river: a flash of brilliant turquoise. No, I didn't get a photo. It was too fast.

Then I saw a bird hopping from rock to rock, bobbing up and down and singing. On my return home I looked it up: a Dipper, apparently. My first ever one.

There was the odd little robin flitting about. And a curious (and thin) pony. Looks like he needs a bit of something.

Once I found myself back in civilisation I noticed a few more things: scarlet leaves and, in the park, the ground lookIng like a retro fabric design.

I brought home a few little treasures too. A beautifully-coloured hydrangea head...

And, for Joe, another feather for the collection. Ditto conkers.

Not pictured: a bag of treacle toffee procured from the newsagent.

Then home to an empty house for a cup of tea and some short-lived, but still much appreciated, peace and quiet.

Have a wonderful weekend.

P.S. Apologies if there are any typos - we have an unexpected visitor so proof-reading's a bit difficult!