With a good four inches of snow having fallen overnight, a silent wintry scene greeted me as I peered from my bedroom window. The time was 6.30 a.m. and already traffic was gingerly attempting a meagre 20mph crawl to work. It was still dark as I hovered over the radiator observing the wintry scene, huddled in my dressing gown. Travel decisions were made as I showered.
As I’m lucky enough to live close to my work, the car would stay in the garage and I’d walk to the office. I’m an outdoor enthusiast anyway, so the walk was really second nature to me. The snow was falling gently, and eagerly I found my old lambswool lined boots, waterproof, scarf and gloves, and a golf umbrella. Breakfast eaten, wild birds fed, and chores dealt with, I set off. The route was all downhill, and walking in full swing, I noticed that I was actually walking faster than cars were travelling. I noticed frustrated motorists glancing at me with envy! Sadly two cars hadn’t made it, and had been abandoned making it even more hazardous for the oncoming traffic.
I encountered several dog walkers, thoroughly enjoying the winter wonderland, children sledging in the woodland, and various people now walking to work. Unusually, people were passing the time of day and commenting on the conditions. As I usually drive the route I hadn’t noticed the beautifully landscaped wooded sidewalks in real detail, and a virtual Alpine scene unfolded. Besides the slowness of the traffic, the silence was absolutely superb. It was that totally unique silence that you only seem to get in heavy snowfalls. I was totally at peace, and didn’t want the walk to end.
Onwards I trekked, and noticing that my time allocation was running out I hastened my speed. A group of brightly clad children rushed towards me on sledges pulled by dogs, and all having a wonderful time. I laughed along with them, and recalled all my childhood sledging trips on the South Downs. I really wanted to join in. As I neared the office, a man overtook me on skis, and bid me good morning. I saw him ski into the next office block to mine. On entering my workplace I was one of first to arrive, and a colleague greeted me with similar travelling by ‘shanks’ pony’ stories. We both felt marvellous, vibrant and ready to take on the day. And back at home we made a snow-woman – complete with a bikini – well it’s good to change the sexes!
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