Today I took the dogs for a stroll around Darts Farm. It’s one of those ‘lifestyle’ type shops these days, but I remember it thirty years ago when it was simple farm shop, in a barn. It still grows and sells vegetables, and the shop sells local fish, meat, bakery and dairy products, for those who can afford to buy it.
They don’t mind you walking around their fields, I’m always surprised how few people actually do, except when the sunflowers are blooming and the maize maze is open to get lost in.Today I walked up this hill, unprepared for the amount of mud and wearing my best and only presentable boots, heyho.
The weather was cold but bright and many of my iPhone photos are shooting straight into the sun.
The field on the right above was full of greens, ugh! When I was a kid greens were cabbage, cauliflower and Brussel sprouts, when did they get so complicated?
I still won’t eat any of them, and I can spot the tiniest bit of cauliflower in the spiciest curry!
Strolling over the brow of the hill with the dogs disappearing in and out of the hedge chasing after real or fantasy rabbits, the hills to the east were in view.
The maize still stood in skeletal rows.
There were no squeals of delight from children running through, unable to see over the tops of the plants.
The ground levels out and the iconic Topsham water tower stands across the river Clyst.
The glow of yellow drew me off the path toward the wetlands.
Where I could hear but not see geese and ducks, and the soft voices of anglers carried towards me.
Umbelliferous plants still held onto their creamy-white flowers.
Sunflower remains.
But the birds have had a real feast for weeks.
We’ve nearly reached the main road now.
I turn left at the bottom of the sunflower field.
and look back at the way I’ve come, and at a field of leeks.
It’s really only a little stroll, but rather lovely today.
Jo won’t be taking her usual Monday Walk this week, but I think she’d like mine, especially as there are plenty of luscious cakes to be found in Darts cafe.
You can find some more Monday exercise over at Amy’s place, she’s taken us to a rather arty cultural area of Austin, Texas. The hotels are too pricey for me but I’d like a wander there.
Something mysterious going on, now let’s see.
A lovely green cherry picker!
this must be Santa’s helpers if they’re decorating the tree.
The remains of the meadow, left for wildlife to feast on.
Two small border terrorists decided to abandon me here!
So I stood around, admired the youngish oak tree, called them, stood around some more,
Daisy debates another diversion, but we heard an animal sound, possibly a fox, bigger than her and warning her off, so she came back as soon as I called!
Ludwell valley part of the Green Circle has several entrances and you can walk three or four miles some of which will be very steep or just take a half mile level stroll. Whichever you choose, the air is fresh and its very peaceful.
Then I started thinking about what connected really means to me, family and friends goes without saying, I’ve posted a few personal photos here on my blog, but that isn’t what Lucid Gypsy is about.
Wooden benches have been the theme for 
Lucid Gypsy 