Walking In The Wind

~ beetleypete

Not for the first time on this blog, I am writing about dog-walking in high winds. According to the weather reports, we have had wind speeds of 50-60 mph here today. Listening to that wind battering the house, I would have thought those numbers might be higher. But at least as the speed increased, the rain-clouds were blown away.

Leaves missed in last year’s clear-up have discovered new life. They are blowing around like small tornadoes, filling any corner or gap they can find, and rustling like a natural musical instrument as they circle. Tree branches small and large are clattering onto the flat roofs and paved areas, and even the tight hedges are creaking and bending in the gusts.The high chimney that serves the wood-burner is making ominous ‘clicking’ sounds, as it resists, and all TV channels are constantly interrupted when the outside aerial gets the full force.

But Ollie still has to go out. So, on with my biggest coat, fake-fur collar turned up against the blow. At least there is no need to struggle with an umbrella today, and probably no point in trying anyway. Closing the side gate as we leave, it feels as if some giant hand is trying to stop me puling it shut. As I watch wheelie-bins rolling around opposite the house, I am not excited by the prospect of two hours or more outside. But birthday or not, it must be done. And Ollie is oblivious to weather, whatever the conditions.

Over at Beetley Meadows, the wind hit my chest like a well-placed punch from an experienced boxer. As I struggled with my gloves after taking off Ollie’s lead, he scampered off as if it was just a mild Spring day. I could hear twigs falling through the branches, and some ominous creaking of the thinner trees, as their roots struggled to combat the force of the gales. But like anything, you get used to it. After forty minutes, I headed off over to the wilder expanses of Hoe Rough, where Ollie is always extra keen to go exploring. On the main path, the strength of the gusts was enough to make breathing difficult, so I diverted to the sides, closer to the river.

After two hours, I considered my duty done, and I decided to head for home. As I walked back with Ollie, I had time to reflect on the timeless power of nature.

And how insignificant we are, in the face of that.

75 thoughts on “Walking In The Wind”

  3. The wind where we live has been intense too. Walking to work from the station last week was an ordeal and taking Little O out was a nightmare. He is not a fan of his buggy’s protective shield and there was a lot of wrestling and complaining. I am glad the weather has calmed down.

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  9. Indeed Pete. I’m not sure why climate change became such a political issue in the US (well, i kind of do, but don’t want to get too enraged by thinking about it) The fact is, storms are bigger, last longer and are more unpredictable here in the US than in the past – and even a noticeable wind storm is a time to consider the overwhelming power of nature….

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  10. Beautifully written. Unfortunately our little dog doesn’t like the wind at all. He also doesn’t like the waterproof coat hubby sometimes puts on him to go out. I think you are very good to stay out for two hours -one is enough for me!

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    1. I have never put a coat on Ollie, I think his fur is good enough protection. But some small dogs do get cold and shivery. I like to stay out for a long time, as it is the only walk he gets. In better weather, I am usually out for 3-4 hours, sometimes more. 🙂
      Best wishes, Pete.

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  12. It seems WP is trying to keep us apart, this didn’t come up in my reader or notifications!! Found it on twitter 🙄 are you still not getting mine? I am off down the coast today so may yet be blown down to Norfolk! Wind still as bonkers here but sunny day 🙂

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  15. Thank Gareth for this poetic round up! A lovey read snuggled up with a cup of tea this morning. On Friday we went to the sneak preview of Horsey Windpump. It was not the photographic experience I hoped for, struggling to keep to the path.

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  16. . You set the scene well Pete, rather you than me. I just opened the door and let the dogs out 🙂 Mind you I was fighting with the loss of power a few days ago when the wind took out the electricity for us and a few close by villages. Hope you enjoyed the mea last night 🙂

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  17. You captured the effects of wind perfectly. I can’t say I like wind, so I admire your staying out in it for two hours with Ollie. Dogs don’t seem to mind wind. At least not bigger ones, anyway. Our dog (a Newfoundland) doesn’t need daily walks, and she has a section of sad-looking lawn and the driveway for bathroom purposes. So we can stay in when the weather is bad, as it was through much of February. And a belated happy birthday to you, Pete!

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  20. Whe I read this, I keep thinking of how lucky we were that all the doggies we had didn’t have to be walked: we could just let them out onto the property for their business.

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  23. A ver nice story, Pete! Sounds like citated from a Highlander movie. Lol Indeed looks like a very unique area in Norfolk. And you with Ollie are the “oaks in the wind”. 😉
    I am sorry, since yesterday noon i lost my admin pw for wp. Tried to recover it the descripted way, but once too much. Now i am locked out – hopefully only for 24 hours. I cant reblog, but make a re-mail.
    Best wishes for a beautiful weekend! Michael

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  24. Pearly Greyhound and her friends love the wind – I think they see it as another dog to race with! I’m not so keen, myself. The recent gales blew one of my trees onto next door’s electricity cable and it had to be taken down (the tree, not the cable). I’m always sad to witness the murder of a tree.

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  25. It’s just beginning to calm down here, now, Pete. The rain has even stopped. Fortunately, our cat doesn’t require walking – in fact, right now, she’s snuggled down with her nose about half an inch from the radiator.

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  28. Wow Pete. Such a great description of it all. But I wouldn’t have liked to be out there. Ollie, like most canines, seems to have been totally unconcerned by ut! Trust a dog lol.

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