A snowy path that’s lined with footsteps helps to reassure
It feels safer to go, out in the snow on a path that’s been trod before
But there’s nothing to match the feeling of stepping out bold and true
On an undisturbed field of pure white snow laid out just for you.
Whilst we missed out on a white Christmas here at Durlston, we seem to be getting a white spring as a consolation prize. Setting out amid a beautiful flurry of snow I made my way to the meadows, feeling like an Alaskan explorer from a Jack London novel. The paths were covered with snow, but the temperature hadn’t dropped low enough to freeze the ground solid so the snowdrifts concealed ice cold muddy puddles. I found out the hard way.
A single Chaffinch was calling from the hedgerow as I headed into Large Copse, the Black Pines creaking ominously around me. Opening the gate I felt like I’d stepped straight into Narnia and I pulled out my camera to take a photo, only to discover the batteries were flat. A pity. Stinking Irises poked up through the layer of snow on the ground, and beyond in South field the husks of Fleabane stood out above.
Heading to Eight Acres I passed our poor, long suffering Hereford Cattle huddling in the lee of a dry stone wall. Crows, Jackdaws and Magpies were the only other active animals that I spotted here until a single Goldfinch flitted by in front of me. Charming. The Downs were also sparsely populated, with black strands of Bramble and yellow Gorse flowers the most notable residents.
The Coast Path was not iced over this time, and I could traverse it without fearing my safety. Travelling into a blast of cold wind and snow I made my way towards the Tilly Whim Caves and marvelled as a Kestrel peeled away from the cliff face, so well camouflaged I hadn’t noticed it till it moved. On towards the Castle, the path was covered with small avians that I was unable to make out. Staring at them got me an eyeful of snow, my binoculars were useless and when I moved closer they fluttered away. After a long game of cat and bird I eventually ID’d them as Dunnocks. Job done I headed back to base. I’m going to light a fire in the Belvedere stove and make the Castle as welcoming as the Prancing Pony. My word, it’s been a very literary morning today.