Reconnecting & Restoring

After a few weeks of almost full self-isolation, I’ve had a brilliant outdoorsy active weekend reconnecting with nature, as well as with myself and with friends. Getting outdoors is so restorative!

Each activity is probably worthy of having its own post - they were all simple local activities, easily accessible to enjoy. However, given I am making the most of Hazel's nap time, a brief summary will have to do for now!

Steventon Walk

Saturday morning started with a walk with a lovely close friend and our two toddlers in Steventon, following a footpath next to a cool little waterfall.

We saw trains, sheep, an elephant, monkey and rhino, walked through long swishy grass and squelchy mud, found a tree decorated with ponies (!) and much more besides.

Bike ride to Wantage

Then, in the afternoon, I went for my first long child-free bike ride in ages, with an awesomely energetic and inspiring friend and neighbour, and I delightedly found some cycling mojo I hadn’t fully realised I’d lost. Three hours of pedalling, chatting, getting excited about ideas, discovering new routes, seeing the changes in light on the scenery, feeling like my world was opening up again.

The new route we discovered was the 'Icknield Greenway' which has just been (almost) completed and is superb although a little bumpy in places.

Lake swim

OK so this might not appeal so much to everyone, but Sunday started with a 5.5 degree swim sans wetsuit at Queenford Lake, one of my favourite places on earth. There is no way I'd be skin swimming in these temperatures if it wasn't for another awesome friend and neighbour who suggested we both try it, and now we are hooked whilst at the same time conceding we are slightly mad. Lovely coffee to try and warm up after from Wandering Kitchen.

Then a wander into town to see and hear and actual real life performance by my choir, which Hazel and I both loved equally.

Style Acre Virtual Santa Dash

The afternoon concluded with Hazel and I donning our matching Christmas leggings, and me running a 3km virtual Santa Dash whilst she slept in her buggy being wheeled round by her Dad (official photographer).

All in all, a weekend of living well, exploring outdoors and doing good (for charity, and for myself!).