Late December snows have looked very pretty and seasonal (viewed from a warm room, glass in hand). However it has meant that venturing abroad on two wheels was very inadvisable. But a day came when the roads were at last clear and ice free. Even the sun shone in a cloudless blue sky. Having become slightly "stir-crazy" I jumped at the chance to release the Dawes bicycle from its stable and toddled off for a morning's run over Romney Marsh and to get a sight of the sea. Within two miles a heavy fog rolled in with visibility down to about 50 metres!
Having started I intended to finish, so continued on to my destination, via a couple of miles along the sea wall, to the little town of Dymchurch where I knew a cafe would be open. Some chance of a sea view - the tide was well out over the sand flats and was lost in the fog.
However the cafe was warm and welcoming. There followed a large cup of tea and two slices of toast upon which rested two fried eggs. The "engine" thus refuelled for the return 12 miles, I pushed for home.
The Marsh has its own particular beauty under clear skies
But even I could not describe it as other than austere in the fog.
12 comments:
Loved this. Now I wouldn't have wanted to be out peddling in that damp but the photo is really terrific. Sometimes I find that a distinguishing aspect of true adventure is that it's not any fun while it's actually happening. :)
I suspect you didn't see 'The Scarcrow' and his band of smugglers either? ;)
Kate:
Thanks for visiting and the incisive comment. Looking back, I enjoyed the run. But I do have specs of a rosey tint!
HHnB:
Oddly enough I passed a field with an (inaminate)scarecrow in it and thought about Dr.Syn. It looked very ghostly through the mist.
You should have taken the tandem with a Japanese artist as stoker. Marvellous what they can do with gradations of mist; despite your deprivations the second photo is the better of the two.
I think we've discussed this before but I've forgotten your expert answer. With two-wheelers (and especially the motorised sort) my fingers were always thermally vulnerable. What's your latest prescription re. gloves? Immediately I'd typed that I seem to remember you use electrical heating when there's power below. But not I assume when you're pedalling.
BB:
Like you I suffer from poor circulation in my hands.
I only have electrically heated grips on the Honda Scooter (that's the only powered two wheeler I ride during the winter).
Riding bicycles I have found ski mitts excellent for depth of winter. They are clumsier than gloves, but much warmer. Once it becomes a little more clement I revert to a pair of cheap(£4.50) "Thinsulate" gloves from my local Tesco.
Oh, you are much braver than I! I have two bikes -- a commuting, folding bike and a lovely light weight touring one. The commuting bike has had an outing in the last month -- to ride a couple of miles into town and back to my parked car -- but the touring one has had an unrepaired flat tyre for months. I fear I am a fair weather cyclist!
As one gets older it seems important to prove that one can still have adventures, large or small. Just having done that must have brought a good deal of satisfaction. And the eggs on toast were a fine reward to give yourself for your bravery.
I just happened on your blog, and really enjoy it... looking forward to reading more... :)
At least it wasn't snowing. I feel I've done snow now. No more please.
Nora:
You are most welcome - glad you called by and hope to see you again.
I have stolen enough time from today just to check up on you--I see this post was done in January and it's March now, so I hope you'll escape again soon. I've been thinking about posts. Maybe tonight. Himself is also urging me on. My word verification is "geserfi". It makes me laugh.
Oh, everything I thought to say was said by Kate and Barrett (austere photo best) and 20th Century. I am picturing that scarecrow in my head.
Vita:
A belated welcome back. Glad to have you around again.
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