May

An early morning walk, the need to be quick and grey looming clouds meant that I left my camera at home for today’s walk.  Fortunately I had my phone with me and so could try and take a snapshot of the little bunny rabbit that appeared in a meadow near the show jumping ring.  Yes, Wimbledon Common has a show jumping ring.  It’s hidden and beautifully basic and reminds me of my pre-teen horse riding days when everything seemed so much more basic than it does today.  Still, there was the bunny, keeping very still so that Ziggy, my dog, wouldn’t see her.  Ziggy has chased many a bunny before but only when they cross her path.  A hunter she is not.

IMG_7543

Ziggy did try and disturb these two collecting their breakfast.  It is true that an early bird catches the worm!

IMG_7545

I couldn’t resist trying to capture these two ducks on my phone as they went for an early morning swim.  Their colours are so enlightening on a dull day.  I love ducks.

IMG_7546

And lastly, this poppy was not on Wimbledon Common (shock horror!), but in a lovely wildflower bed outside a neighbour’s house.  It stared up at me and begged for it’s picture to be taken.  So vibrant and cheerful on a dull day.  I love the wildflowers the neighbour has planted, it really makes the most of what is, practically, dead space.  That little bit of grass between the path and the road usually turns to weed through neglect.  How inspiring that someone thought to plant some wild flowers to attract bees, ladybirds and butterflies to the area instead!  As you walk along the road it’s: weed bed, weed bed, wild flower bed, weed bed.  I’m inspired to do the same.  Also, I do have a soft spot for poppies since one of my brood is a Poppy.  Stunning.

IMG_7547

May

It bucketed down with rain last week and the common was awash with colour, scent and a deep, vibrant light.  I didn’t know I would love the rain so much as when I was standing in the middle of a deserted track watching beams of light shimmer on the verdant woodland.  Silence, like that of a thick blanket of snow, had descended and the woods had a magical atmosphere.  I often think that when I walk through the woods on the common.  There is something a bit Hobbiton Wood about them.  It is such a peaceful place, yet historic and mysterious like something unexpected could happen at any time.

IMG_8687

IMG_8703

Most unexpected things come in the form of other dog walkers, runners, cyclists or horse riders, but I did see a badger once and I’m sure he, or she, had a story to tell.

IMG_8696

Today’s walk was uneventful and so was the weather.  Occasional appearances of sun between clouds gathering for overnight rain.  Not the most pleasant of weather, but there is alway plenty to see on Wimbledon Common if you are are looking.

IMG_8661

IMG_8646

IMG_8690

IMG_8672

IMG_8702

IMG_8708