Brief journeys - there and back to see how far it is...

a green and pleasant land

{click to embiggen if you'd like a closer look}

After my Sunday afternoon nap the sun was shining still, and so I decided to take a wander out along the canals towards the university campus and back. It reminded me of the title for this post, which is what my mum always used to answer to the question "why?" for a walk or drive taken for walking or driving's sake and not because there was a set destination at the outset. I often set out to go there and back to see how far it is... walking just as far as I feel inclined - usually to a bridge - and then looping round in a circle or, if I'm on the canals, turning back.

Sunday's path is familiar, and one of my favourite routes for a stroll. Despite the trains that woosh by every now & again, it's hard to believe I'm in the centre of one of the most industrial cities in the country and I love that. It's leafy and green and the sound of birdsong, children playing and the soft pock-pock of a tennis match waft on the air, along with the smell of rich wet soil, the deep waterways and honeysuckle hedges. Lovely.

There weren't too many people out on bicycles, actually not too many people out at all, so it was peaceful and relaxing. I chatted to a couple passing on their narrowboat, who slowed down and swerved to miss the ducklings, and are visiting from Worcestershire via 58 locks; a woman on her way to the botanical gardens, who's doing a post grad thesis on gardens in the East End of London (1840-1940), asked directions and then walked with me for about ten minutes before leaving the towpath; a fisherman with a bowl of wriggling pink worms who'd caught fourteen fish in his two hours on the bank, and a guy out jogging who said "nice skirt" on his way out and then slowed down to catch his breath and pass the time of day for a while on his way back. Nice guy. And he didn't ask me what I do. Loved that. He apparently runs twelve miles, three times a week and also loves that route because of how pretty it is. He liked that I was photographing the little plants growing against the railway fence and invited me to join him on his run should I ever feel inclined... He made me smile. Amazing how openly friendly people become (even the most reserved of Brits) when the sun is shining.

So, all in all, a lovely little journey. And just in case you're wondering: It's about three miles (just under five kilometers) each way to the bridge numbered 83 and back... Perfect for a gentle afternoon wander. And no, although I could probably do with the exercise, I'm not planning to start running it any time soon. Walking is definitely more my style.