Regular readers will know that I had to take a mini blog break last week when I came down with the flu, which saw me spend the best part of five days in bed. As you can probably imagine, after this I was desperate for some fresh air, but knew I couldn’t over do it.
Monday was a holiday here in the US, Martin Luther King Day, for which I was very grateful. Especially as it was followed by an in service day at school, giving me an extra two days to get back on my feet before dealing with school runs and activities!
It being a holiday meant that my husband was home too, so when the day dawned bright and sunny we decided it was high time we got outside for a bit.
There is a woodland walk that we do quite regularly which is only a few minutes drive from us. It is a mile long loop around Virginia Wood, which is part of the Middlesex Fells Reservation. This seemed manageable in my feeble state, so off we went.
It also gave the 5yo and wee girl a chance to try out their new Christmas presents; walking poles… Slight over kill for this particular walk, but a lot of fun to watch all three using them (the 8yo already had a set) :)
We set off from the car park, raring to go…
The first thing we came across was a fallen tree. The boys thought it hilarious when their dad pretended to walk into it…
Next we came to the stream that runs through this section of the woods. The water had escaped the banks leaving a stretch of ice and leaves which needed thorough investigation…
Next came the walk along the stream which involves some balancing, before coming to the pond before the waterfall (there used to be a watermill here)…
The waterfall was frozen, although it must have been even more spectacular a few days before the milder weather we experienced over last weekend…
The rest of the walk allowed for some brother bonding as they strode off ahead…
And for some daddy-daughter chats…
We then completed our loop, ending up back in the car park where a lone pile of snow provided some entertainment…
It was perfect. We all got some fresh air and exercise, and I began to feel half way human again.
There is something magically good for the soul about sunlight streaming through trees and it is guaranteed to make me feel better. Watching the kids stride ahead, following the tree markers on the trail and taking such an interest in their surroundings makes me smile, and discovering a frozen waterfall was pretty special.
Just what the doctor ordered.
I’m linking up with the wonderful Country Kids at Coombe Mill, as always. Click on the badge to see what everyone else has been up to and be inspired to get outside!
It looks like a fabulous walk, I bet my kids would enjoy those walking poles. I hope you feel much better real soon. Mich x
Thank you Mich x
Gorgeous photos, looks like it was a beautiful sunny afternoon and everyone enjoyed their walk. That frozen waterfall is stunning. Glad to hear you are feeling better too x
Thank you Louise, it was a lovely day, some sunshine was just what we needed!
Love the photos here and how wonderful that must have felt after being stuck in doors feeling rotten for days. I’ve never thought to buy walking poles, what a great idea to encourage a walk. Looks like the perfect distance for you all too, the ice and snow reminds me how cold it must still be with you. Thank you for sharing on Country Kids.
It was just fabulous to be outside! The walking poles are great, they all love them :)
That’s a lovely looking walk. Must have been chilly for the whole waterfall to be frozen. Love their lekke poles – too cute! Glad you’re over the flu and able to get out to enjoy such gorgeous scenery.
It has certainly been cold! They all love their poles, it is very cute to see them all walking along with them :)
The walking poles are so cool – wish we had some last year in the snow! Sounds and looks like you discovered the perfect remedy after flu!
I’m glad to have found mine with the snow that we have forecast now!
Just beautiful and so nice to get out after illness. I love their walking poles! They looked like they were useful to to conquer the snow pile :) Glad you’re feeling better and lovely images of your area as always.
Oh yes, that snow pile needed conquering :)
Absolutely my kind of spot for some fresh air-we’d all love it there. So glad you’re feeling better. You’ve just reminded me that I have walking poles in the garage, must fish them out for the children :) x
You would love the woodlands around here Iona, they are beautiful x
Awww looks at that water that turned ice! What I am looking for for my son to ice skate! I am so glad you are well now and you had some time to get really well before school. You are so going to be ready for school run this Monday =) #countrykids
Thanks Merlinda, it was definitely nice to have an extra couple of days off!
So sorry to hear you’ve been poorly Sara. Looks like a lovely walk to get you back on your feet thou #countrykids
Thank you, it was just what we needed :)
What a fantastic place to explore! That frozen waterfall is just amazing!
I hope you are feeling much better now x
The waterfall did look amazing!
Perfect after a few days in bed. Hope you are feeling well & truly better now x
Thank you Karen, definitely feeling much better now x
Looks like you have some lovely forests. Do you find the walking sticks help. I remember having one and it just annoyed me
I quite like them, I tend to just use one, but I do find it helps when the ground is rocky and very uneven – or icy!
Sorry you’ve been ill. Looks like a fun time in the forest though!
It was a lovely walk x
Hope you are back to full strength now. Love those walking poles, what a good idea for kids. Nothing better than getting outdoors to clear the cobwebs away.
Absolutely Mary, it was just what I needed x
My Beans would LOVE those walking poles, they had to put up with good old sticks on our walk today :) #CountryKids
If they don’t have the poles, my kids can be guaranteed to find a big stick instead :)
Another great post Sara. The frozen waterfall must have been quite a find. I feel like I have to take my little one to our forest now. Thanks for the inspiration :-)
Thank you, a walk in the woods is one of our favourite things to do x
Such gorgeous light! Glad to hear you’re up and about again :) xx
Thank you Sophie x
So pleased to see that you’re feeling a bit better although five days in bed sounds like heaven ;-) Joking aside your family walk looks great and I love the walking poles – a bit like cross country skiing then without the skis! Although it has to be said if I gave my two year old those poles he would probably put someone’s eye out (probably his brother’s) within about 2 seconds flat! X
Thanks Sam! To be fair, the wee girl has had some sword fighting moments with hers… :)
What a lovely trip out. Ice is always so fascinating. I love the way sunlight streams through the trees, it is so refreshing. I hope you are feeling better. #CountryKids
Thank you, I love walking in the woods, definitely good for the soul x