Calm after the storm

[hilbean]

Long run today and thankfully Desmond is sleeping now after tossing and turning all night. When I set off there was a light drizzle which soon cleared and there was a quietness about the day that reflected the passing of the storm. Birds quiet, as if waiting to be sure that it would be safe to come out. Turning up into the lane the sodden leaves deadened my footfall and windblown twigs lay damply in the road. Once tempting footpath signs led to sodden muddy pools into fields slick with water where every hollow and dip had become a temporary lake and sheep stuck to the high ground. I'm all for a muddy run but I don't think there would have been much running involved on a route such as that so I kept to the roads.

A lone raven let out a call as it flew overhead heralding a flurry of birdsong as if to say 'All's well!' Slowly the countryside started to come alive again shell shocked and battered by the previous days' storm. Rooks pulling fat worms from the wet ground. There would be plenty of food for them today. On up the road and here a kestrel flitted over the hedge.

Turning into the lane past the village the views of the mountains were still obscured by a bank of cloud. Horses standing by the fence were streaked with rain and mud and I wished them well, hoping they would get a chance to dry out today. In contrast the sheep, though looking slightly forlorn, were well protected from the rain with their thick fleeces. At last I had some downhill stretches. Here I was often accompanied by a stream of water down one side of the road until it came to a dip where it would fan out filling the road, or where it joined water flowing from one field across the road and into the other. Splish splash sposh! Stones and mud strewn across the road where receding streams had left evidence of their midnight revels. I did not visit the standing stone today but smiled as I passed recalling the previous visit where I took shelter from Clodagh.

By the time I was on the homeward stretch the wind had dropped completely and after the noise of the storm it was starkly silent. Not even the slightest of whispers. Calm had finally descended.

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

That is so evocative and beautiful hilbean. 🙂

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Very atmospheric. Nature in all its contrasting moods.

[AncientMum Graduate]

Beautifully written, as ever, Hil. Felt I was out there running with you. Thank you for sharing x

[AvatheGardener Graduate]

That was lovely- thanks for sharing 😀

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Wonderful post...Nature at its finest and the calm after the storm. Thanks for sharing.

[Noaky12 Graduate]

Amazing post. Felt like I was right there with you. ☺

[givman]

that was very good..have you thought of writing for a living?!!

Gra

[carerof Graduate]

how beautifully you write.

[poppypug Graduate]

Absolutely beautiful as always, Hilly.

You have a true talent for writing , you describe everything so wonderfully. It is an absolute joy to read your posts .

Well done on your run xxx

[Irishprincess Graduate]

As usual, this is a beautiful post hilbean. Gorgeous use of words.

[ancientrunner Graduate]

That was lovely!!

[goonkeepgoing Graduate]

Thanks for sharing. The joy of your runs is spreading into mine! I keep thinking "How would Hilbean describe that beautiful tree or the sound of the leaves or that light peeping through the grey clouds?" Thank you ☺

[aliboo70]

Lovely descriptive post hilly! You write so well, always lovely to read! 😊

[hilbean Graduate]

Aw, thank you for all your kind words. xx

[mike1954]

Hi Hilbean

I am from Australia and I do not usually post on this site but I was moved to write to you. What a fantastic writer - so descriptive and so well expressed. seriously - I think you should take it up professionally. don't deny the world this talent. Mike