By: Blonde Two
Since we said goodbye to Harry-the-Jack, I have missed having something to take for a walk. Mr Blonde Two will make a ‘humphing’ noise when he reads the above, because the reality most evenings was that he and Harry went for a walk, while I sat and wrote about walking.
Six-Foot-Blonde misses Harry too, and has started taking dogs from his local animal rescue shelter out for walks instead. I half expect him to turn up a Christmas with one of them. Mr B2 and I have tried walking round the block without Harry a couple of times; but it just wasn’t quite the thing. People in China are obviously having the same problem, because they have started taking cabbages for a walk. I can’t begin to explain this phenomenon so you will have to search for it yourselves; but trust me, they are doing it.
In the meantime, you could help me to think of other options for walk-taking. Blonde One would be the obvious candidate, but she is quite capable of taking herself. I don’t like the idea of a cabbage on Dartmoor because it is bound to shed leaves everywhere, and I would feel that I should pick them all up. A potato might be a bit more hardy, but probably small enough for me not to notice if it fell off the end of the lead. Maybe a water melon, but that would be very messy if damaged, and I have no idea which knot would work on such a round item.
I had a look in the vegetable basket and I think I have found the perfect thing! I have named it Buttercup, now everybody will know me if they see me on Dartmoor.
Try Geocaching. There will be loads within a sort radius of your abode I am sure.
There are quite a few around here. Maybe I should give it a go.
They take llamas (of the 4-legged, long-necked kind that spit) for walks on the cliffs. I tried frog-marching 3 peacocks out of my garden this morning.
Probably easier than peacock marching three frogs! We have walking Llamas on Dartmoor too, they look lovely and will carry your picnic for you.
Ah-ha! Sounds like stimulation withdrawal. I had it once. Terrible business. Of my own making in part, so you can only laugh. Or not. I’m quite good at chuckling. You’ve had a familiar good thing (walk) improved by a new good thing added to it (Harry-the-Jack). That’s stimulation, which is good. Now it’s gone. Dang. You know emotion is cumulative, right? Lots of good little bits = big good. Lots of bad little bits = big bad. Sometimes it’s hard to work out how good good is or how bad bad is until it’s gone. Clear? That’s why little bits can have a greater effect than seems sensible. Distraction therapy (small T) can help. Rather than go where you’re reminded something is missing, go somewhere completely different. New stimulations can then overwhelm the dull grey matter with shiny endorphins or whatever they’re called – puts the cumulations back in your favour. Sounds OK, but you’re wondering where? Simple. Hartland – Bude (not other way around) on the SWCP (15 miles). Take plenty of jelly-babies and allow a long day. Loooong. It ain’t easy but it is stimulating. No tors, no bogs, still exposed and plenty of up-down-up-down bits and a whole lot else. Award yourself a hearty pub meal upon completion – you’ll need it. Have chips – sod the diet for once – look upon it as a Grand Friday Rebellion. Can’t promise it’ll work 100&, but even if it doesn’t you’ll be too tired to care, sleep well, and wake up feeling different. You’re welcome 😎