Molly Martin takes us for a bad weather walk and shares the highlights of being outside when most people are inside.
I’d like to start off by making one thing very clear, I don’t think there is such a thing as “bad” weather. I’m a strong believer in appreciating the outside world in all its wonder- even if sometimes that does mean getting a bit soggy. There’s a famous quote by Alfred Wainwright “'There's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.”, and the moment you invest in a sturdy pair of boots and a woolly hat, the world of rainy rambles and stormy stomps will blow… (your mind).
First of all the, there’s the process of getting ready to go outside when it’s a bit damp or slightly colder. The routine of bundling up, layering sock after sock “should I take a hat?” “do you think I’ll need my scarf?” “has anyone seen my other glove?”. Then there’s the moment of wedging your pass-the-parcel wrapped foot into your wellies. Anything is possible when you’ve got wellies on, they’re like a rubber-coated, foot-filled superpower.
Is everyone properly padded and starting to overheat? Good! It’s time to head out the door…
And immediately notice how much quieter it is! The hustle and bustle of the fair-weather folk is no more. This the brave new world of a “bad weather walk”, and for now, it just belongs to us. As we trudge towards our destination, be it park, woodland, beach, we’re greeted only by the other few adventurers who have discovered the delights of rain! Revel in the freedom of not sharing paths, of taking your time, and having a proper good one-on-one with nature.
And what a time it is! Sights, smells and sounds of a soggy stroll are unlike any other. Is anything more refreshing than a branch strung with raindrops? The shine of wet leaves, bark and stone? Breathe in the heady, earthy scent of quenched ground. Feel how fresh it all is once again. Moss is a squishy phenomenon, a cushion of green and just HOW can it hold so much water! All around are music notes, falling as drops and resonating off each and every surface. The squelch and splosh of a good puddle is hard to refuse, no matter how old we get.
Trees sway in the wind, each gust sending a shower of rain onto the unsuspecting hugger below. So what we have to shout to hear each other, pulling our many clothes tighter round our bodies.
Fungi, slugs and snails all make a special appearance for our foray into their world. They are rejoicing in the wet and the sludge, not minding the cold nibbling their edges and neither are we. The rain has darkened the shades of nature making bold colours all the more pleasing.
Fingers and nosetips numb, we make it home. Cobwebs, what cobwebs? It’s time for cosy clothes and a steamy cup of something warming. “Alexa, what’s the weather like tomorrow” It doesn’t matter- we’ll be out whatever the weather