sumer is icumen in etc etc

[forthwritten]

For long and involved reasons my bike and I are both in Winchester. More specifically, a village just outside Winchester. I was meant to be meeting a friend for lunch in town today, so rather than taking the bus I thought I'd cycle in. Happily, today has been sunny and warm - warm enough to be cycling in a tshirt. I cycled along the road then St Swithun's Way on my way in, then along St. Swithun's Way and Nun's Walk on my way back - they're old routes used by pilgrims on their way from Winchester to Canterbury, and mainly following the River Itchen.

But yes, sun! trees! crystal clear chalk river! swan sleeping with its head tucked under its wing and gently drifting in said river! mallards involved in a very dubious mating ritual! mud! Good times indeed.

Only about a 6 mile round trip, but I could have cycled for longer. Am thinking about following the Itchen to its source in the summer.

Comments

[darkemeralds]

Oh, that sounds so lovely and idyllic! And so historical--something I don't have access to where I live (west coast of US), since the oldest stuff here is maybe 120 years old.

Did you take any photos? I for one would love to see what it looks like in your part of England.

[forthwritten]

Idyllic is a good way to describe it :) I didn't take photos as I didn't have my camera, but I'll try to remember next time.