Jack and Jill

I had some errands to run so while I was in the car, I headed up to the South Downs for a walk. I needed some fresh air to clear my head. Parked at Jack & Jill Windmill. Somewhere I used to visit a lot but haven’t been to for years.

Jack is the black one in the back and Jill is the white one. They’re both privately owned but cut quite the figure.

I’d forgotten how beautiful the views are from up there. You can see for miles towards London and right out to sea. I could even make out the hospital where my parents are in the distance.

I may have moved away in 2006. And made a home in Norfolk. But Sussex will always have a place in my heart.

Church Tower

Today I got to do something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I got to go inside a church I’ve ridden past for the past 12 years. And climb up to the top of the tower as well.

The latter was up two rather wobbly ladders. I had a wobble on the first one as it was making a very weird noise. But after a few deep breaths and a brain reset, I carried on. So glad I did. The views were stunning!!

I had no idea how pretty the church was inside too. I do love a church. They’re such soothing places.

Look around

Headed over to meet my ‘Happy Camper’ ladies this afternoon. It was great to catch up with them. They’re definitely part of my tribe. I came away feeling so loved, appreciated and very grateful.

I know I’ve said it before, but I am truly blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life.

I had to pop over to the feed store afterwards and saw these deer on the way back. I stopped to take a photo. I felt equally blessed that I spotted them. What a stunning view. I’ve been very much in my head the past few days, so it was good to look around and admire the beauty all around us.

Friday feeling

Well this is a view I haven’t had for a while. I’ve been so busy recently that it feels like ages since we went out for a hack round Strumpshaw. It was much needed indeed.

We even had a cheeky canter as the ground is perfect at the moment. That’s something we haven’t been able to do for ages either as the ground has been too hard. If the rain continues, it’ll be too slippery.

Honestly, people wonder why us Brits are obsessed with the weather. It’s cause its so changeable. At this time of year, it feels like four seasons in one day. It’s definitely four outfits too as I feel like I’m layering on and off.

Countryside code

I’ll never tire of this view. We’re so lucky to have access to such off road hacking. I’m definitely a country girl at heart. That’s why it upsets me when people have no respect for the countryside. Seeing the flytipping today made me very angry indeed.

We have the countryside code for a reason. I want to preserve the countryside for generations to come. Not just for riders. But for everyone to appreciate the beauty that’s around us.

One good thing about lockdown was that more people came out to the country. I know I explored what was on my doorstep more. If you are coming out, please respect it. You could be walking next to your next meal. You’re definitely walking near someone’s livelihood.

Best view

Oh I can’t tell you how good it felt to be back in the saddle today. It was such a warm day I couldn’t resist taking Buddy out.

After a rather unpleasant incident on our last hack, today we met the most pleasant people. Dog walkers stopped to let us go by, cars waited for us and even a tractor driver reversed up the road and onto a field so we could go past. Faith restored indeed.

Reboot

Oh how I’ve missed this view. The world really does look a better place through a horse’s ears. I think you could probably see my smile from space it was that big.

And what a day for it too. Felt like Spring was in the air for sure. I had to pinch myself that it’s still only February.

Maize monsters

Buddy was convinced there were monsters in the maize tonight. It’s shot up so is now over our heads! The wind probably didn’t help as it was rustling rather loudly.

His little ears were going like radar dishes. Thankfully no monsters. And he quite likes eating the leaves.

He much prefers walking past the sugar beet. Such a stunning view.

Lovely day

Today has been a lovely day indeed. A lovely long walk and picnic lunch with a lovely friend. This was our view at lunch as we headed to the RSPB bird reserve.

Then we headed up the road and she got to meet Buddy. Think she was quite enamoured with him. He was definitely enamoured with her polos. 😉

Finally I had my first massage of the year. Honestly, my tight bits had tight bits! Feeling floppy now.

Just lovely…

Enjoy the view

Day 146: enjoy the view. What a beautiful day it’s been. It’s been positively balmy. I got 3 loads of washing on the line. The first bloom on my camellia is starting to open. And I took Buddy out for a long hack.

It was rather windy, but it was one of those days where I just wanted to keep going.