Being watched

It's been another dry, sunny day. One of my lawns is showing signs of strain due to lack of water. There is no rain forecast for another week.

I went off as early as I could to do the recce for next week's Wednesday walk. I'm doing a 7.5 miler from Simonburn up on to the moor tops and across to Great Lonborough Farm and Goatstones Farm. We will visit the Goat Stones, an ancient stone "circle" made of four stones. It is the furthest south you can find a square stone circle in England. There are more in Scotland.

I had no difficulties with the route, although the first mile is all uphill. After that, you walk on the moor before descending to Simonburn by another route.

There were two significant herds of cows. Nearly all had calved in this herd. They were curious. I walked on the moor and not the track to avoid them, but they turned around and came to see me! They were very quiet.

I dozed in the chair over a cup of tea, but then had to jump up and have a shower before the Hexham Photography Group tonight. The speaker Joanne Coates was very interesting. She looks too young to have had all the commissions and exhibitions she told us about.  Joanne Coates

She has worked a lot with women who identify themselves as working class, especially in rural communities. I'm hoping to put her in touch with Jo (from my family) who runs My Sisters Kitchen in Sunderland.