January 2008

[Sweder]

Nothing more than a gentle lollop across the downs today. Sunshine battled with occasional cloud to rule the skies, the violent maelstrom of recent days a soothing zephyr by comparison.

The ugly horizontal rain that's beaten this part of the world like a red-headed stepchild has left a trail of sodden mud pools in its wake. The hounds splashed merrily through the sticky downland epidermis, Gypsy, the largest, splattering me with clods of wet earth as she scampered past. I spent much of my time slipping and sliding, seeking a foothold where there was none, imagining hundreds of micro-tears wreaking miniature havoc in my leg muscles.

For all that a pleasant outing, seeing me home dry (apart from the usual self-made coolant) and far less weather-beaten than usual. Track du jour would have to be Highway Star by Deep Purple, excellent for rugged hill work.