Autumn Cycling.

Sorry, it’s been awhile since my last blog post! I’ve been busy planning and rehearsing for my recent cycling talk…. ‘Lapland to Helsinki, One Woman’s Journey Through Finland’.

It took place last Saturday evening in a bulging room, at the Ambleside Alpkit Shop here in Cumbria.

It was very well received. My hope is, that at least one person felt encouraged and excited enough to go on their own solo adventure!

In the meantime I’ve been cycling to and from work. The weather has been fantastic, with haunting mists and exceptionally vibrant autumnal colours. Riding a bike puts one in a great position to easily gather some of natures treasures. Conkers and acorns are absolutely perfect for making autumnal crafts with young children.

Foraging feels like a natural pastime at this time of the year. Lots of busy birds and four-legged creatures are scurrying around, gathering or gorging on berries, nuts and seeds, ready for hibernation or migration. It’s a good feeling to be part of this seasonal cycle.

Not many horse-chestnut trees fruited in Cumbria this year, but I was lucky enough to have two of these trees along my commuting route. There is something so magical about gathering the seeds of the horse chestnut tree. It’s an extra special treat, to find a damp mahogany conker peeping out of its spiky green shell. To myself the exquisite shiny conker represents the essence of autumn. Bringing back strong memories of childhood games.

Along with a lovely reminder of delving into piles of wet leaves, in the never-ending hunt for the biggest and best, elusive champion conker!

Somehow though autumn never seems to last long enough. As the days pass too quickly, my eyes hungrily drink in the myriad shades of colour, moody mists, pale sunshine, long evocative shadows and dark skies. A small sad feeling creeps in, as I know that these beautiful leaves are certain to fall and the branches will look bereft for a while, until I adjust to their new stark beauty.

Make the most of the autumn season, wherever you are located. It’s a very special and lovely time of year!