No tea!

2nd March 2014

    Midweek, Máni's arms were outstretched for Venus. She would have none of it!

    I cleared a light frost from the windscreen, before setting off for Scotney Castle. A little rain started as I arrived. The clock at the coach house struck seven as I left the empty car park. Daffodils were in bloom, and Primroses decorated sheltered banks. Blackthorn flowered the hedgerows. Spotted Woodpeckers drummed and Green Woodpeckers laughed as I walked up through the parkland of Oaks and sheep. Then into Kilndown Woods, and up to the avenue of Beeches of childhood play where lovelorn carvings, cut deep, are tearful memories. All the way, light showers rained down, but the uphill climb warmed my hands. I took the path through the churchyard in the village and greeted old friends. The walk was now downhill, past Priors Heath to Bedgebury Cross and on to the Pinetum. It came to me that I hadn't packed teabags. Perhaps I could have a cuppa at the cafeteria there. But it wasn't open. I was too early and no one was about. I ate my soup and took a drink of water and made for the forest. On the way, I watched a pair of Goldcrests dancing and flitting among the conifers. Such tiny, pretty birds.

    Away from the Pinetum and into the forest, the wind abated. My way was blocked a few of times by up-turned trees. Buzzards cried, but I couldn't see them through the tree tops. Then I could see along a muddy ride the Buzzards on the path. I disturbed them as they were feeding and they flew off with a noisy protest. A pigeon was spread-eagled and its breast stripped bare and red raw, its guts exposed. Feathers were scattered about. The birds continued to cry as I went on. I apologised, but they could return to their meal. At Three Chimneys Farm, the stables were busy; the task of mucking out was in full swing. The Sun made a short appearance from time to time and sparkled the rain. It was very muddy on the climb to Goudhurst from Smugley Farm. A pick-up truck went bouncing through with crates full of hen Pheasants; next season's fodder (although, I do enjoy a roast Pheasant). It is hot work climbing to the village. Goudhurst sits on top of a 120 metre high hill, and from the south side, not to be done in a rush. I popped into Burgess Stores and bought a packet of camomile tea to drink by the pond on The Plain and watched the ducks.
    
    I left the village going west downhill (probably steeper than the south side) through pasture. I slipped, and pulled something in my hip, so hobbled the rest of the way back to Scotney, glad of my walking pole. I followed the River Tiese in the valley, still in full flow after yet more heavy rain in the week, then made the uphill struggle to the castle. I was thinking of going to the restaurant there for a hot drink, but the place was heaving with visitors and the car park was full. So I drove home for a cuppa and some pain killers!