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Black Down
The approach to Black Down is deeply snowy, piled four feet deep in places. Dusk is already falling as we climb up the path into the woods, slipping
a little on the ice and piles of slimy leaves. The children run on ahead with the exuberance of puppies, delighted
to be released from the confines of the car into the frosty air.
The tall pine trees shelter us from a cold wind and the ground is squelchy underfoot.
Ponds are still covered in ice, which the children jump on, splashing freezing water into their wellies. Huge branches
litter the ground, casualties of the heavy snow. The sun is setting across the wintry valley, silhouetting trees and
bathing the children’s faces in a beautiful warm light which belies the air temperature.
It is easy to feel
depressed during English winters. It is dark when you wake up, often grey for much of the day, then dark again at about
4pm. Getting three children dressed for the cold and the rain is a tiresome chore. But a walk on a winter afternoon
is worth the effort.
The woods are magical as darkness is falling. Anything could happen…
By Victoria @ It's a Small World After All
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