The sun is shining, but we can’t go anywhere!

The sun is shining, but we can’t go anywhere!

In these worrying times, I thought I’d share some photos from the walk I took last Sunday. My intention was to wander around the village churchyard and cemetery, and then go back home. I ended up doing that and then walking down the lane to see the lambs. Then I thought I’d walk to see my favourite tree (don’t ask!) and before I knew it my round trip had taken me over 3 miles.

The village church
The village church
Gravestones in the rear of the churchyard.
Gravestones in the rear of the churchyard.
A gravestone.
The gravestone reads: “Sacred / To the Memory of Thomas Jones / the Son of Pryce Jones and Jane / his Wife, of this Parish who departed / this life the 10th day of March 1810 / Aged 22 Tears. / You that are young, behold and see / How quickly death has conquer’d me, / His fatal stroke it was so strong / It took me off when I was young. / But GOD himself he knew for why / That in my youth I was to die.”

It was great to be able to get out of the house (making sure to be as unsociable as possible, crossing the road away from others etc, it feels so rude!) and it was wonderful to be able to enjoy the sunshine as we haven’t seen much of that so far this year.

The church has been at the centre of the village for many centuries and I’m sure it will be there for many more. I always enjoy a walk around the graves… It might sound morbid, but it comes from being a family historian! Of course, the inside of the church is just as interesting.

The church door.

Inside the church
Inside the church
Part of the old church clock mechanism.
Part of the old church clock mechanism.
The church organ.
The church organ.
One of the many kneeling cushions.
One of the many kneeling cushions.
The stained glass window.
The stained glass window.
A decorative floor tile.
A decorative floor tile.
A decorative floor tile.
A decorative floor tile.

Spring is now in full swing, with crocus, daffodils and blossom flowering, then there are the lambs.

Crocus
Crocus
Daffodils
Daffodils
Blossom
Blossom

It’s now lambing season here in Wales and it’s always a joy to see lambs in the fields. They’re actually quite noisy for little things. Some are leaping around, whilst many nap in the warm sunshine.

Looking down the valley from the cemetery.
Looking down the valley from the cemetery.
A little lamb.
A little lamb.
Another lamb.
Another lamb.

The route I’ve taken is a lovely walk, passing through a couple of hamlets near the village, and some hills to navigate. As a child/teenager, my friends and I could often be found cycling around here (sometimes with a pack of sandwiches and a drink). I don’t think I’ve got the energy these days to cycle up the hills though!

Walking down the lane.
Walking down the lane.
Looking up-hill.
Looking up-hill.

A house.

I’ve photographed this tree many times over the years and throughout the different seasons. I don’t know what it is about it… Maybe it’s the way it leans to one side.

The tree.
The tree.

More lambs and beautiful scenery. I think I’m very lucky to live where I do.

A black lamb.
A black lamb.

Countryside.

A view of the village through the trees. Not far from home now!

Looking through the trees...
Looking through the trees…

By the time I’d got back home, I’d clocked up nearly 4 miles (8,347 steps), according to my Garmin VivoMove HR watch. I was certainly ready for a nice cool drink and a sit-down!

29 comments

  1. Ann Coleman says:

    I like to look at old cemeteries too…they are peaceful and interesting. Thanks for sharing the lovely photos of your walk. Are you not allowed to do that anymore? Here in the States, we are still allowed as long as we keep a “social distance” of six feet. I can’t imagine how hard it would be not to be able to leave your house at all!

    • Nikki says:

      We’re only allowed to leave home to shop for essentials, medical needs and exercise one a day (and we mustn’t travel to exercise). We can go to work, if absolutely necessary. We also have to social distance.

  2. Kelly says:

    What wonderful photos, all around… and some of my favorite things! I love old cemeteries, churches & stained glass, baby animals, flowers. I’m definitely smiling.

    I like seeing the kneeler, too. I have a friend who made several for the Episcopal cathedral for the Diocese of Arkansas. Such beautiful handiwork!

    We have storms headed our way again. *sigh*

  3. We can manage 10km around back lanes without straying too far from home, so I feel lucky too. You are surrounded by beautiful countryside. But it’s all so unsettling, isn’t it? Stay safe! 🙂 🙂

  4. kate says:

    I also love wandering around cemeteries … the tree, it’s not just the lean but it’s position of command on that hill! Looks like it secretly rules the valley 😉

    Great shots and super sunny to make up for your morbid winter

  5. Eunice says:

    A lovely walk and great photos. I know what you mean about the tree, it definitely has something about it. I love the church organ and the scenery in the next to last photo, it looks gorgeous 🙂

  6. Kris P says:

    I don’t think there are many of us living in the more urban areas of the US that can even fathom the connection to a place like the one you have. Our histories are short and churches and civic building are considered “old” if they’ve been in place 20 years. I love the lambs – they’re not something you see here either!

  7. It has been so frustrating not being able to get out and about any distance from home at the moment when we’ve had some fine Spring days this week. But at least you are lucky to have some fine countryside on your doorstep.
    It’s good to be able to vicariously follow in your footsteps:-)

  8. Nikki, great to hear from you – I’m afraid I managed to miss your earlier March post. It is lovely that you were able to get out to enjoy the countryside and sunshine during this time of social distancing. Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos and your village looks idyllic!

  9. This route looks absolutely gorgeous! It’s been a struggle for us too, we’re trying to find some new routes near us to mix up the daily dog walks and make the most of the time we’re allowed outside. My poor dog doesn’t understand why we can’t stop to say hello to his little friends now. It’s a little weird just nodding/ waving to people as they walk along the opposite side of the path x

    Sophie

  10. Diana Studer says:

    Doing laps around the garden – as we are only allowed out for food or medicine. May break my rule and have it delivered. So we can – Stay At Home.
    Love church kneelers – so often with a story / dedication. Ours are very varied, including many which are unique.

  11. jeanie says:

    Oh, Nikki, thank you for this. I’ve been feeling rather glum, canceling my trip to the UK for now. To see your green fields, gentle lambs, lovely blooms and that fabulous church with all its wonderful details fills my heart with something very good this morning.

    I hope you are well and stay that way. What a celebration of our world in these photos!

  12. Marty says:

    Thanks for the opportunity to go on your walk along with you. I don’t know if I’ll ever make it to Wales, so I’m glad to get a looksee through your eyes. That gravestone verbiage was fascinating.

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