Pathways

It is interesting how pathways are formed over time not by being purposely created but by people embarking on a route and continuing along it so the grass covering is exposed.

The trees in the background do appear at first glance to have formed a structure but it is an optical illusion.
 

There was thank goodness little damage here from  this weekends storm.

Looking out

 

While the weather certainly could of been better while away last week it did allow for some exploring and appreciation of views such as early evening view across Morecombe Bay such as this with the famous sands in full view.

Here the impact of modern Windfarms generating electricity can be see with the pylons of the National Grid and commercial development of this stretch of coast in the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

Getting about

 Monday it had to be said was a overcast shower-laden kind of a day here although I did get out, getting a little damp where ones padded waterproof jacket cut off exposing the bottom of my shorts and legs to the elements.

That somewhat damp month we had as you can see in the picture above has helped a lot of things to come out such as the dandelions ready to disperse their seeds and nettles which obviously one has to be mindful of having caught myself a few years ago out hiking by one next to a stile.

This lush vegetation was near the canal where a variety of insects were seeing hovering about as I keeping my eye out for gnats and tics both of which are bad news if they get on me being prone to strong reactions.

Whatever things may come to make getting out difficult, whatever extra steps you may need to take just doing so I feel is well worth the effort.

Things are beginning to change

We may be still in Winter but things are after the snowy period starting to really warm up as we slowly make our way towards Spring.

We had the mass gathering of birds as they migrate here so what we are seeing more of is the grey pigeons nesting and flying to and fro the trees, in this instance, in our local park that I got out to a few days ago.

Wild berries are starting to emerge to in the warmer parts looking most attractive such as these growing in a hedgerow.

Exploring inwards

Exploring is undeniably a big motivator for many of us however it is advisable to know what it is you are getting into sometimes literally as in looking into caverns as streams, lose material and  very tight corners can be hazardous if not treated with respect.

A well known feature will have had others explore and share their findings or be marked on a O.S. Map or the group leader has own prior knowledge of and good first aid training should anything happen.

Properly taken care of a challenge like that can be an enjoyable thing you'll talk about for ages and become a legend within the packs history.

Another alternative would be to go on an organized tour such as those that operate in the Peak District of England.

The Majesty of Gardens

A different kind of exploration here compared with others is to take in the sights, smells and sounds of a garden in springtime and this, Bodnant Gardens in North Wales, U.K. is a good example of it with the blooms all out as you stroll around.

Identifying species of plant, insect and features fits around the broad heading of scouting even if it isn't stereotypical hiking armed with map and compass apart from being good for your mental well-being.

Nature even in a cultivated form is a marvel to enjoy and experience.

Photo from 2005 taken on film and carefully restored

Tranquility at the water's edge

This Monday we return to our canal side exploration.

Moored up while their owners are either resting or making their way on foot to the local stores to stock up on provisions before continuing on this is a lovely grouping of barges aka "Narrow Boats" along this stretch of the canal.

Old and new transportation intermingle here from delivery vans parked on a Public House car park to the barges of yesteryear both along the site of much industry until the mid 1930's today most peaceful.

The canal towpath can be seen on the far left.

Explorations of the past

Going out exploring is something I love to do when I'm away and this was taken in Suffolk, England two years ago when it was extremely hot  with temperatures over 31 degrees c which is why some of vegetation is clearly suffering.

The trees provided much needed shade while going on this three mile round trip which like most of that County is relatively flat  although I was well coated with suncream cover where my t shirt and grey shorts left exposed skin.

There was much insect life such as butterflies but there was a problem with other more dangerous insects such as tics one of which gave me Lyme Disease and almost took my life.

Our Expedition

Source: gakya Colour cast corrected by me.
A Summer expedition for this group of cubs with the duffle bags we all had back then with their drawstrings  to keep our provisions in photographed while taking a well earned break.

There are a number of interesting things in here like the lad  second to the right who has matched the colour  strips on his turn down socks to his neckerchief which is an ochreish red while the others have blue striped socks which is what I wear.

Also some are wearing the Khaki/tan shorts more common in the past with Boy Scouts which are more of a summer thing rather than school grey ones.

Personally I'd of loved to had been with them at that time as looks so much fun! 

Exploring anew

Out exploring with route and possibly a description of what they well see along the way the young scouts go exploring, enjoying the adventure.

They joy of such a adventure was something I felt yesterday when went along an area I hadn't explored for a few years which had changed a little chatting to people and admiring the spring views.

Physicality

I've always tended to believe being close to nature both mentally as well as physically is really healthy for men and especially boys where we live in age where so much can be done from the single mouse click or tap.

That's why outdoor things be they sports, hiking or camping are increasingly important because they offer so much more say e-sports and in any event we do need a break from screens.

Sensation matters too. In play we feel our own bodies, the bodies of others and the surfaces we are in  contact with such grass, the ball we may be playing with and so on and it it's the combination of all that helps us feel that much more alive.

That is why we and I know I need rougher, harder lives than the tv and computer can provide

Pack outing 70's style

The early 1970's were a turbulent time in the United Kingdom with terrorism from and in  Northern Ireland and the Miner's Strikes and associated three day weeks with power cuts living through it at the same age as these children.

To them therefore to be away from that on a Cub Scout outing with Akela and all your friends was special beyond say seeing the countryside which some city boys would never have seen before.

The boy second left in the brown jacket is a deadringer for me in looks and demeanour with that era being the start point of this unique blog cos it starts from the boy who wanted to be a Cub Scout.