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.
I know what a walk like that can be like. Great read. Thank you.
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Thanks, Brian. I am pleased that you enjoyed it.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I truly enjoy reading your beautiful piece of writing! I also adore nature in every sense!
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Many thanks, Mia. I am so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Best wishes, Pete.
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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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We had a mix of sun and hailstones today, Abbi. Very ‘English’ weather. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Nature can be as gentle as a new flower or a fierce as winds that destroy. Thank goodness Ollie doesn’t seem to mind.
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He is completely oblivious, Jennie. It has to be seen to be believed, how little he is concerned in extreme weather. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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You would be amazed at how many children are exactly the same way. Really! Best to you, Pete.
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What’s this about a birthday?
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It was the 16th, you must have missed it. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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I just want you to know Pete that you have become a good friend to me. I have not visited the UK but the way you write and blog, I am there with you and Ollie. It’s priceless!
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Thank you so much for those kind words, Lara. I too consider you to be a true friend, despite the separation of an ocean.
Best wishes, Pete.
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love your story!!!
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Many thanks, Kelley. I am very pleased that you liked it. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Very sweet!!
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Sounds like my experiences in Scotland. That wind was wicked!
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True, Cindy. It was up to 80 mph in parts of Scotland yesterday. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete. x
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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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I feel quite resigned to the power of nature, John. I like how it doesn’t have regard for anything around it. Maybe one day it will teach us all a lesson.
Best wishes, Pete.
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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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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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It’s crazy how dogs are excited and down for walks regardless of the weather! I hope the weather cooperates for you asap!💝💝💝
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Thanks, Dani. Ollie doesn’t seem to bother about any conditions. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete. xx
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You’re welcome, my friend!💝 My dog Coco isn’t effected by the weather either. She is just super excited to be outside on a walk.🐶💯💝😍
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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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Nothing from you at all. I didn’t have a chance to check the reader yesterday, but will catch up. I think many people are having WP glitches at the moment. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Dog walking in high winds would be a new experience…..the mells Ollie must encounter….chuq
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I think that’s why he doesn’t mind the wind, chuq. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Stay safe and dry Pete. Ollie surely loves the outdoors.
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He does indeed, Arlene. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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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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Who is Gareth? 🙂 🙂
Glad you enjoyed the post, Dina.
Love from Beetley, Pete and Ollie. X
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Storm Gareth. 🙂 Even worse, Hannah is following …
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Ah, I didn’t know it’s name. 🙂 x
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. 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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It was a nice meal, Eddy. I can’t just let Ollie out, because of the roads. Besides, he might disappear in search of deer. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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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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Many thanks, Audrey. I am pleased you enjoyed reading this one. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Welcome, Pete.
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On the Las Vegas Strip today, the wind was gusty, and the women were busty.
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No change there then, David. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Oh my goodness Pete. I swear I could feel the wind whipping at me as I read this! Two hours out in that? You are a great dad!
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Thanks, Kim. I am pleased you could feel it. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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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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Thanks, Pit. You are lucky to have such extensive ‘grounds’. I am envious! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Indeed we are. 🙂
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The early part of your post read as if I was listening to a recording of a storm from a cottage.
Warmest regards, Theo
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Thanks, Theo. I am glad that it sounded ‘real’. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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It did not sound real, reading in produced real sound in my mind! Kudos for your writing,
Warmest regards, Theo
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Nicely done!
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Many thanks, Felicity.
Best wishes, Pete. x
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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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Yes, some WP issues are around. I found this in Spam.
Best wishes, Pete.
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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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I think when the wind takes a tree, Annabelle, it feels ‘natural’ to me. Some trees just have their time to fall, whilst other endure through centuries.
Best wishes, Pete.
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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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That’s a sensible cat. I see some parts of Scotland had snow today, Mary. So I am not really complaining. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Fortunately, we missed the snow 🙂
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Ouf, I felt that wind. Great descriptive post, Pete – glad I wasn’t out there
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Thanks, Sue. I didn’t mind it too much, but I agree it wouldn’t have been a good idea for you to be out in it at all. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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😊
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I could just picture you out in that mess today, Pete. At least you sound as though you maintained your sense of humor!!
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I didn’t mind it that much, GP. I like to be out in the full force of nature at times, especially when it isn’t raining! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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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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I’m glad you enjoyed the description, Lorraine. It was actually quite impressive to be out in it today. I have to appreciate and respect those forces of nature. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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We certainly do have to appreciate the forces of nature
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Sure hope you didn’t stand near any trees in that wind. Did any of the little branches hit you as they blew?
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Nothing hit me, though I did sit under a tree for a while, just to show Ollie how brave I was. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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No lightning then I hope.
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No, it wasn’t an electric storm. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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You describe the scene beautifully and I can see it all! I’ll take the rain over wind any day! Amazing how Ollie enjoys his walk no matter what – thanks to his faithful friend! 🙂
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Thanks, Susanne. I am glad you could picture it. I still take anything over rain. Though maybe not snow! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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The sea actually seemed to be blowing sideways under Bournemouth Pier, there were two surfers out and lots of families.
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The British never usually let the weather stop them enjoying the seaside, Janet.
But I confess I chickened out today. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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