Couple of times when I've checked my route beforehand on the google map and also on the Strava map (phone app), I've ended up in the middle of effing nowhere, with no road and no path, but determined to complete my circle route come hell or high water, I've landed myself in some sticky places; for example on a field with a huge bull, giving me dark looks, whilst jealously garding the heard of cows. I made a quick escape that time under the barbed wire before the bull got other ideas.
This is cattle-country and yes, the cows are everywhere. The Aubrac breed, the most beautiful cows I've seen, originate on the Plateau de l'Aubrac in the Massif Central in central southern France, from which it also takes its name. They are robust, hardy, and very curious. The bulls have a much darker colouring , so you can recognize them tout de suite. Very handy, as I have noticed!
This was not one of my walks but a shopping trip to the nearest little town. But it's just to illuminate how a 15 minute drive can sometimes turn into 30 minute one, when there's cows on the road. Or tractors. And one time even a bull that had escaped from the field. Luckily I was in a car and not walking, or things might have turned a bit nasty. Aah, country life, nothing like it!
This is one place that scared me to the bottom of my soul. I am all for arty decorations and installations, but I deeply dislike scarecrows, clowns and similar, for reasons even unkown to me. I don't know what the birds make of them but I just had to get away from there très vite.
Maybe you just have to make your own entertainment here. Maybe living in a remote place like this makes one go a bit gaga in the head. Maybe I will build these things in the middle of MY pumpkin patch in a couple of years time...
This was a much nicer walk; sunny, lots of trees and no man-made, hideous arty crap in sight. This bit is part of one of the many pilgrimage roads to Santiago de Compostela, Camino de Santiago.
I've always fancied doing this walk and now I could start practically from my own doorstep, if I wanted to. Eh, might have a wee think about that yet. One day though, so I will!
Little while ago I started doing 10-12 km walks twice a week to explore the neighbourhood and to build my stamina. Also I like to time myself on the Strava app and see later if I can get faster on the same route. But, not so fast! One day after a 10 km ramble, my back got so sore I could hardly bend down to undo my shoelaces. Well, not to worry, this happens sometimes. Just have to wait it to pass, I consoled myself. Yeah, right. Week later I went to see a doctor, got some painkillers and week later again I was feeling sort of ok. The relief was short-lived, when again less than a week later, my back was even more sore, only on the other side this time. And who said exercise is good for you?
I have been lucky enough to spot some wildlife on my walks. The other day I saw this deer and could observe it for a good while because she/he didn't hear me due to the extremely windy weather. I've seen them before but never longer than couple of seconds before they run away into the forest.
It's great to live in a place where it is so easy to observe the rich wildlife around us. Makes a change to the pidgeons and dog shit.
