It may feel that after weeks of 'lockdown', that summer, and in turn the joy of adventure, is a distant dream. But as restrictions start to slowly lift, I find myself thinking of my next adventure and where I may head.
However, I'm in no rush to head off around the country; not quite yet... in fact I'm anxious as to how the new world will be and the lessons that we have all learnt from these past months. We are very lucky to live in a country with so much freedom, and I hope that will once again be feasible in the not too distant future, but I'm also anxious that people won't have learnt from this experience and will return to their need for material items, return to a life of working and not living, a place where they don't have time to be with their loved ones, as opposed to not being able to be with them, the desire for long haul trips abroad just to lie on a beach and an overwhelming lack of respect for the world in which we reside.
It feels as if the world is calmer, people friendlier, the sky clearer, the grass greener and the wildlife happier; this makes my heart sore with joy...yet in the past few days since restrictions have been eased, I see reports of scores of people blocking the roads clamoring to get to the seaside, queues of people waiting to buy a tin of paint, large groups heading to popular beauty spots, rubbish left behind after a day of fun in the sunshine, accidents happening where people haven't headed warnings of there being no lifeguards or enough staff etc.
I'm so happy that people are embracing this time to enjoy our spectacular countryside and get healthier, but I wish we would all just stop for a minute before hopping in our vehicles and heading off on an adventure, and consider the impact of a grande day out.
We are blessed with amazing open spaces on this little island we call home; spread your wings and explore the glorious vistas, wildlife, hidden gems in our own communities; there's no need to venture further... take this time to get to know where you live; find your own little slice of heaven just down the road. And please just show it some respect.
Although, it feels strange not hopping in Buttercup and heading off to explore the nooks and crannies our island offers us at every opportunity; I'm finding areas on my doorstep I've never even heard of and revelling in the sheer pleasure of uncovering those little gems off the beaten track, away from the crowds; just me, the dogs and a map.
Adventure is still out there; it's just closer than you may think.
Stay safe everyone :-)
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