Either I am mad (or, she is!) For the past few weeks, I have taken Ozzy to the woods at 5am. Reasoning is simple: a) I don't meet unpleasant folk (had one unpleasant encounter which sat with me all that day. Don't need it) b) He can run 'free' and not scare the living daylights out of anyone by charging up behind them (as he did with one elderly gentleman) c) I actually *like* being in the woods at that time and having it to myself d) I can fall out of bed, straight into my slob clothes, walk the dog and be back before anyone notices and plenty of time to have a shower and make myself "presentable". Well, this morning, as I was leaving, with Oz on his lead, I met a woman with 4 Jack Russell terriers who went demented at the sight of Oz! She called out to let Oz off his lead so he could decide how to deal with it. Well, we got talking, (as you do) and got walking (as you do). What a wonderful encounter! She lives in one of the two cottages on the perimeter of the woods and her and her friend had noticed me and Oz and had speculated as to whether we were "friendly" or not. This morning she decided to 'test the water' She showed me areas I simply didn't know existed and my usual one hour walk ended up as a three hour walk. Turns out we share the same alma mater, are of a similar age/experience and a thoroughly good time was had. Now, I had explained I go at 5am and the reasoning why. Result? "Oh, I'll meet you at tomorrow at 5am and I'll show you some more places to explore". Blast! That kicks c) and d) out of the window now. *Sets alarm for 4am so I have time to make myself "presentable" * Who would have thought someone would be willing to arrange to meet another at such an hour!? (she is a sweetie though)
Well she obviously accepted you for you in your (slob clothes ) If you enjoyed it then go with the flow.
Great little story Mum. How did Oz react when you let him off the lead to meet the 4 Terriers? Very brave of you and the other lady if you did it? So, did you? Jenny
What a nice story! It's funny how you can make friends in the most unlikely of places and when you least expect it. I'm just impressed you can maintain any sort of conversation at 5am
Jenny namaste, hers were already off lead and Oz, being the big ferocious boy that he is, ran behind my legs looking Then they did the obligatory 'sniffing' ran on ahead together LindsayH - oh conversation was easy .... she likes to chat and I only had to put in the occasional: "Oh wow!", "Really?", "Lovely" mowgley Good point! Thank you Mum The Slob wins the day Tempus fugit ... off for my rendezvous
Sounds like a new friendship made there. How lovely! Do let us know how it goes. My dogs woke me up at some ungodly hour this morning to tell me that the squirrels were getting too cheeky in my garden. YAWN!
I can totally relate to that Mum... I walk around 6-6.30 with a friend every morning & it is superb walking time I think.. Beautifully quiet & as you say you have the place to yourself... I used to walk at 5.30 for years when I worked & was always surprised to meet people then..!! Happy dog walking & it does the dogs good to socialise to..!!
I used to go for a walk with the dog early in the morning, then started hearing gossip (only stranage people go out walking early) stopped walking the dog( only because she died) but me and Miss Jiff still go out walking early , I think they were only jealous of us , walking early is the best way low noise, just you and the birds and other stranage folk
It was an adventure this morning Fern Met, as arranged and she showed me another route (her and another walker have given the areas their own names) so: 'Bypass' followed by 'Lower Radfall', on through 'Dingly Dell', over 'Little Muddy', through 'Cathedral Walk' and onwards into fields. This is where we met her friend (who has 12, yes 12, dogs ), who we passed briefly yesterday, but who has suggested just brief meetings at first so the dogs can acclimatise to Ozzy This time though, Ms Jack Russell had to turn back and Ms 12-Dogs invited us to continue along with her: very pleasant lady, the dogs all behaved, gorgeous views and then .... my bladder dictated it really was time to leave. Ms 12-Dogs was continuing her walk, pointed me in the general direction of 'Little Muddy and the car park(way!) beyond and off I went with Ozzy leading the way (we'd been walking for 3hrs by then anyway). It's a no-brainer that I got lost I remembered 'Little Muddy', 'Cathedral Walk', 'Dingly Dell' but that's when it all went a bit wrong I just followed a track thinking 'all roads lead to Rome' and hoped for the best. Eventually heard the road, put Oz on his lead and a few meters away found ourselves on an 'S' bend of a road way up from the car park. People drive like loonies along that road and I knew doubling back through the woods could take me hours to find the right path back Then I thought: "This is a job for International Rescue" .... called Mr Mum and asked him to come and get us He did ask he was told asked When I got back to my car, there was a note tucked into my window: "Meet again tomorrow, at 5:30? " with her phone number Now, as for the gardening: I'm guessing she does because she has 3/4 acre of land behind her cottage plus (and this is another bonus point) she keeps .... chickens!!! When I was visiting my dearest friend the other day (who is aghast I walk the woods alone ) she came out with a saying I'd never heard before: "Coincidence is just God being anonymous". Since meeting Ms Jack Russell, I sort of get that I've seen views I never knew existed and are totally breath taking! Life is good
