A rather wet walk

 I am determined to get back to walking each day again - only heavy rain will deter me.  Yesterday it was of course, raining again - it has most days in the lead up to Christmas, and indeed since too.  Because of the weather I didn't go far - just 3/4 mile or so to the postbox and back again, but that was quite a good workout because it is up hill and down dale each way.  Several people out dog-walking or cycling.  There's a holiday complex (Caer Beris) on the edge of town and I think some are staying there over Christmas/New Year.

Common Earthballs growing on a stump on yesterday's (wet!) walk.

The blackberries were setting fruit well into October but the weather caught up with them.  In autumn Tam and I did the short walk along the length of the old railway lineout of town towards Llandod, and that would seem to be a good place for picking blackberries next summer.  Oh, and around the reservoirs at Rhayader too.

Oak moss is very common in these parts and grows on almost every tree and bush.  Here is overarches the stream at the side of the lane.

It's been a mild autumn and winter so far, and Dandelions are starting to flower.  I'm starting to look out for Celendines and Snowdrops now.

What you can't see in this photo is the sheets of rain gusting across the fields. When I got home, my coat, hat, gloves had to go on radiators, trainers underneath a radiator and wet socks in the wash!  I was wearing summer trainers which have a mesh front - no good for splashes from wet road walking.  When I got home I did some research and ordered a pair of waterproof walking shoes, which will arrive later today.

The light was very poor, but you can see the beautiful outline of this tree.  A Beech I think, from memory.

    Well, New Year's Eve is with us already.  I will get the rest of Christmas put away today - and the tree stripped and outside tomorrow. At least it doesn't have to travel far- just through the French windows!  Back at our old home, if it was dropping a lot, it got unceremoniously shoved through the bay window!