I have often wondered about our school run. It's just over two miles from home to the school gates and it crossed my mind that possibly, one day, we could walk it.
Then I read Keris's post on
Ready for Ten about
her family's 1.3 mile walk to school and got inspired to actually do it rather than just think about it.
I consulted H9 and R7. They were up for it too, so today, being cold but sunny, was decreed a Good Day for a trial run. I must bring flapjacks for energy, they said, and drinks too.
Of course I had to walk there first, so I took the dog as an alibi and to keep me company. There are few houses on that stretch of road and I only saw one vehicle until I got to the village. The dog was enthusiastic and we reached the village in 35 minutes, taking into consideration the number of times he had to stop to do his business.
I worried much of the way that a) I would be late; b) the girls would have changed their minds; c) it would rain; d) I would have to carry the dog or one of the children or both and e) I was going to arrive at the school gates looking hot, sweaty and slightly mad.
I needn't have worried (except about e but that's quite normal). H and R were delighted and changed happily into their trainers.
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| Leaving the village. |
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| Foel Cwmcerwyn in the distance. |
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| Wonderful house, wonderful name. |
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| We normally whiz past this without noticing it. |
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| The first snowdrops. |
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| No cars to be seen. |
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| Round the last of the hair pin bends. |
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| The second footbridge. |
It took us nearly 50 minutes on the way back. Just after this footbridge the road has a last laugh, ascending at 25% or 1:4 for a good half mile. Then there's a slight dip and the final, equally steep driveway up to the farm.
Afterwards we were tired, cold, smug and the girls both say want to do it again. The dog accepted his payment - one Bonio per mile - and is now avoiding me lest I drag him off on such a crazy expedition again today.
