“For [Jane Austen and the readers of Pride and Prejudice], as for Mr. Darcy, [Elizabeth Bennett’s] solitary walks express the independence that literally takes the heroine out of the social sphere of the houses and their inhabitants, into a larger, lonelier world where she is free to think: walking articulates both physical and mental freedom.”
~ Rebecca Solnit, Wanderlust: A History of Walking
I’m home. I celebrated that fact by taking myself for a walk through the paddocks yesterday afternoon. Of course the dogs came with me, and we ambled about in the late afternoon sunshine, enjoying the drop in temperature and all the busy-ness of springtime on the farm.
The jacaranda is starting to bloom and already there is a fine carpet of purple blossoms on the lawn.
We could do with a good shower or rain, but the rainforesty bits of our property are still lush and green and full of critters.
The calves are looking fat and are quite happy to come up and say hello. The dogs and I sat down in the soft grass and waited. Up came the curious calves to sniff and investigate. I was very impressed that Harry and Bert managed to remain sitting, even if they did make a few squeaks of frustration that we let the calves come so close with no chasing involved!
We had a quick dip in the river, which was FREEZING COLD. Bert and I were straight in and out, but Harry raced around in the water like a mad thing. I’m sure he’s part seal. I would have loved to have taken a photo of him but water, phones and mad dogs just don’t mix. 🙂 I left my phone back up in the fork of a tree at the top of the bank.
On the way home we pushed the cows into the front paddock so they could munch down the sweet spring grass. There is a noisy male koala high in the branches of a gum near the gate. We’ve got quite a colony here, and it’s lovely to see them looking so healthy.
When we came back from our wanderings I spent a relaxing hour watering the gardens around the house and filling up the bird baths so our feathered friends can have an easy swim too. It’s so good to be home! Thanks for coming on my walk with me.
Much love to you, Nicole xx
lovely, absolutely enchanting post. i also love the lady in the bath! delightful and sensuous!
Why, I do believe I’ve walked across that creek … xoxo
my imagination went ballistic as I walked with you, loved it
It seems so strange to see you about to step in to spring , whilst us here in England , are watching the trees turn to gold .
I enjoyed our walk with the calves , Harry and Burt .
Loved the lady in the bath …want one .
Cherry x
Thank you for a lovely amble around your home! Now as soon as it is light enough, I shall have to walk about our hills… 🙂
Lovely afternoon Thank you
what a gorgeous piece of land you have to walk on..reminds me of where i grew up 🙂 thank you for bringing us along 🙂
I wonder If you can swim in it. It spells peace and relaxation, a walk in the woods on a lazy afternoon, a moment of pause on a life saturated by the mundane. Love the picture.
Nicole, how big is your farm? Thanks for the walk along.