Rain
I felt quite excited as I went into the garage to unearth my waterproof boots, buried under picnic blankets and beach towels. The boots were still crusted with mud from their last outing, in the dim and distant past when it used to rain. Boots strapped on, waterproof jacket zipped up, I headed to the dried up stream bed, wondering if it would be flowing after a few hours of torrential rain.
Standing on a huge block of gritstone that bridges a narrow gully, I watched the narrow fast stream flying below. Beyond here, the path becomes a stream-bed, so I rest one foot in the water to rinse off the dried mud. Watching the dirty water draining down to hit the main stream at a sharp angle, travelling against the flow I wonder, if I put my hand in, would I be able to feel an edge between two forces where the streams meet?
Gravity means that the streams will reach an agreement about their route eventually, but first they have to use the momentum they have gathered in a big crashing fight. The surface of the water folds back on itself in a line of white froth. A thick arched curl of dense bubbles repeatedly forms and races back against the flow of the incoming stream, before being smashed apart.
I look for the precise boundary between two edges, two bodies of water crashing into each other, even though I know it is impossible to see. The edge is an invisble, rippling line, a border being constantly negotiated and renogotiated. Eventually the two streams dissolve their differences and merge in agreement.
Unwanted thoughts slide into my mind, of war and fighting, forces pushing and barging, trying to force others to follow their line, shift their borders. I take a breath and bring my attention back to the swirling foaming water and see it afresh, more dancing than fighting, throwing itself into the melee, then sliding off downhill to see what else it can find.
These cards provide quirky and unusual ways to bring magic and adventure to your walk, helping you connect more deeply with nature and improve your wellbeing. They are completely unique, hand designed by artist and nature connection guide Rachel Massey, using proven techniques with a creative twist. Each card includes an invitation to connect with nature in fun, surprising and enjoyable ways. They are suitable for a short stroll or a big hike, alone or with others.
Other Ways to Walk in Woodlands is inspired by trees, so you can use them anywhere you can see a tree. You might also like Other Ways to Walk in Formal Parks, which take inspiration from all the things you might spot in your local park (including trees of course!)
The pack includes 15 individual cards with hand drawn images on one side and written prompts on the other, plus one cover card with suggests for how to use the cards. The cards are presented in a durable protective recycled plastic slip case - perfect to slip in your jacket pocket or display on your coffee table.