A canopy of stars

Now that the clocks have changed, cycling has taken on a new dimension with new challenges. The biggest problem is how do I cycle down the pitch black lanes without a serious accident. The answer is a very expensive pair of lights that illuminate everything. These lights arrived a couple of weeks ago but so far I have been only able to use them once. It was a lovely clear evening. The lights worked a treat and I felt very safe and confident.

The night cycling was an all together new experience. The stars were out. All around it was dark, but in the heavens the universe opened up above me. What a humbling experience. I saw a fox, and heard something large making its way through the hedgerows. My sensitivity to sound was heightened by as much as my sight was diminished. I felted positively alone with an acute sense of isolation and freedom.

unfortunately the weather has intervened to prevent me repeating this experience. Last week it was severe gales and today it was ice - both hazards of the winter. Hopefully I'll be back on my night road soon!

A golden shower

How beautiful the last week has been as every thing has slowly turn golden brown. There is an intensity in the colour that only nature can produce. What a wonderful cycle ride it has been to and from work this last week as I pass the hedgerows and small woods that shower golden leaves on me as I pass.

Speed of light

Never mind the slow lane... It's been a month of working in the evening, working at the weekends, 12 hour days, sleepless nights, not enough family time, stress and an overwhelming sense of having taken on too much. What has been the cause of this you might ask. In short, taking on a lucrative piece of extra work on top of my already demanding work schedule.

Was it worth it?

It didn't feel like it mid-last week. But I did enjoy the work and it will feel nice (at least for a while) when the £££ comes in.

Would I do again?

I have missed the slow lane. I am tired. I want to spend time with my loved-ones. So if you asked me now, no I wouldn't. But, unlike an elephant, I do forget!!!

On ya bike...

It's been a while. A bout of flu that did the rounds in the family has knocked us for six and normal life is only just returning!

The poor bike was locked away in the shed for two week - until yesterday when it served me on a glorious Autumn commute to work. How the colours are changing. As I passed Killerton Estate there was a wonderful patchwork of reds, yellows, browns and greens that crowns the hill. I love this time of year (apart from the nasty bugs that is!).

In the shed...

Alas, the sun shines, the birds sing and my bike is locked away in the shed. The bug still lingers and I am forced to catch the bus to work :-(

It could be worse, at least I can read on the bus!

Contrasts

Yesterday was a day of contrasts. I woke up, the sky was grey and rain laden. The wind was doing its best to start the Autumn fall. I left the house feeling very sorry for myself which was exacerbated by the time I had got out of the village as my shorts were already soaked through. However, as my journey progressed I started to to enjoy the the ride. As I cycled along I watched small streams washing away the red soil deposited by the tractors on their recent harvesting runs. I heard the patter of rain drops on my helmet and on the tress. I heard the birds singing as they made the most of nature's gift. I was in the middle of the beautiful countryside. Then I reached the edge of Exeter and the main roads. Cars speed past noisily as they progressed along the wet roads. Instead of red mud, the puddles and spray contained black gunk that coated my bike. How I wished I were elsewhere.

The journey back by contrast was still and sunny with little wind. The shadows were long, creating patches of twilight that were frequently pierced by the bright light of the low sun. It was glorious. I though was deflated, lethargic. I was struggling and this was puzzling me. Last night the puzzle was solved, I've been hit by the first winter season cold virus!

Picture this...

8.15 AM - 20 Sept 2010 (between Hele and Silverton Mill)

5.45pm, 20th September 2010. Nr. Silverton Mill