More Autumn misty walks....Bliss!

Following on last week's theme of Autumn Mists, this week has seen beautiful misty mornings most days.

Woodland Walks in the mist

Many walkers have this week stated how invigorating this time of year is.  The temperature is cool and you really feel your body warming up as you walk along.

Then, as the sun burns off the mist, the autumn sunshine lights up the landscape and deer.

Misty sunrise in Richmond Park

Of course, there are downsides to the mist.  Sometimes leading groups can be challenging....

Have we lost anyone?

But the advantages far outweigh the minor issues.  The air is still, and seems to cover the walkers like a blanket.  Sound doesn't seem to travel as far, so dampening the noise of air and road traffic.

Fallow stags

I hope you can enjoy some Autumn Nordic Walking.  Instructors in the UK can be found from this site -
http://www.nordicwalking.co.uk/  -  where you will also find details of walks, gear, and the benefits of Nordic Walking.

If you want to join my walks in Bushy Park and other venues, please get in touch.

Peter
07703-404-931

Season of mist and mellow fruitfulness....

"Season of mist and mellow fruitfulness,

Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;

Conspiring with him how to load and bless

With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run."

"To Autumn", John Keats

Some Nordic Walking "Strollers" enjoying the autumn sunshine in Bushy Park

These 2 photos, taken in Lime Walk in Bushy Park, show how quickly Autumn can turn.  The above photo was taken October 30th. The one below on November 9th.  

Within 2 weeks, every leaf had fallen from the lime trees.  Around the park, the mushrooms had disappeared, the chestnuts have been gathered and the deer rut had finished......

Nordic Walkers heading towards Diana Fountain, Bushy Park

As the rut finishes, so things settle down in the deer world, or so the deer would hope......

Fallow deer grazing in November sunshine, Bushy Park

The stags who were not successful in the rut face an uncertain future.  Without predators, there is the risk of over-population in a confined space.  Food might become scarce, or older animals might be injured and endure prolonged pain.  Either way, it's a man-made situation brought about by enclosing the park, centuries ago.  

The solution to these problems is also man-made - a cull.   During November, marksmen will select deer that are to be removed from the herd.  This will help ensure only healthy animals breed in the future, and that there is not too much pressure on grazing within the park confines. 

Well-camouflaged stag in the bracken, Bushy Park

My own solution to the problem of over-population would be to introduce a small pack of wolves, but I'm not sure this would go down well with my fellow Nordic Walkers, never mind Royal Parks management!

However, it has been mooted that wild wolves be reintroduced to parts of Scotland.  It's doubtful whether these beautiful animals will ever be seen again running across the heather, but what a sight that would be....

http://www.wolvesandhumans.org/wolves/wolf_reintroduction_to_scotland.htm

If you wish to enjoy local parks and countryside AND gain the benefits of Nordic Walking, please contact me.  I organise sociable groups of walkers several times a week.  Please call for details,

Peter
07703-404-931