So it’s still winter?

We’re in lockdown again. Just finished the fifth week. (I think it’s the fifth week – time is both elongating and slipping away.)

We can’t go more than 10km from home which means the paths through the bush around our suburb and the footpaths along the streets of our suburb are like Pitt Street (Sydney’s main shopping drag).

I’m a little bored with the tracks. I would like to venture further afield. But of course, we can’t.

A friend has given me motivation. She invited me to a group where her brother will track our mileage from his home to a small town in the country. He had planned on doing a long distance walk – but, you know, lockdown. It’s not just the competition – will I hold my own? – it’s the joy of seeing my walks virtually mapped.

We also share snaps from our walk. Here’s my walk today:

We left for our walk after the 11am briefing on the current COVID numbers. (The briefing marks our day on the weekend – from long, leisurely breakfast to “time to do something”.)

“First of the month,” said Mr S. “Feel the warmth. You should have worn a short-sleeved t shirt.”

And I was instantly too hot.

“Yeah, but isn’t it still winter?” (I always forget what months are which seasons – only remembering summer is December, January, February so I have to work the season out every time.)

It is, dear readers. It is still winter. But it’s 25°! And the sun has bite. The cool as we descended to cross the little creek in the photo above was delicious.

I hate heat. Walking at midday in 25° knocks me about. I know. I’m meant to be an Aussie and used to the heat. But I don’t like it. And I don’t cope very well. Much prefer walking in the rain.

Yeah, that’s my winter gear. Bare ankles! Not really that cold. But oh how I like it.

From now on, we will have to start walking early in the morning, unless there’s a welcone cold snap.

Please can we have a cold snap!