Yesterday they let me out again. I had been cooped up since last Friday when I was on my last shopping tour. It was a long Whit week-end with Monday as an additional day. The weather was not particularly super over the week-end, plenty of rain, storm and wind, but yesterday it was clear air and pleasant temperatures. I am not the fittest, but I still manage a comfortable walk with my trusty cane and camera, so let’s do it.

I now take my walks in the evening after the evening meal: there are less people on the way and it works better for me. I set off towards the river and was pleasantly suprised to see that it was not as muddy as I expected. The river had risen due to the rain, but it was no danger. It rarely floods where we live.

As I turned a corner in the path, what did I see.

The swans have returned. For a while they had disappeared and I suspect they were busy sitting on eggs waiting for the next generation. They have returned, quite a few, but on the opposite  bank of the river. All the more was I please to see this swan sitting on the bank on my side of the river, thinking about taking a swim. Take a photo was my first thought, as I did not know how long she would stay. She seems to be thinking whether to get her feet wet or not.

She made her decision and went for a paddle in the river. I made the most of it, as usually I never get them so close to the camera. However, as I walked along the river bank, she was accompanying me on the water at the side. This was a perfect walk with a camera and I was feeling good. Actually I had not felt so good on a walk for a long while. I have my aches and pains, but on this walk they had decided to give me a break.

I got to the point where I usually turn back, but this time I decided to do the round trip. I continued along the path which takes a right turn in front of the appartment building on the photo. This is usually out of limits for me, but I decided to use the walking feet while they were able. I was now walking towards the main road, where I knew there was a local railway shelter where I could take a five minute rest. On the way I passed a house where I knew the owners. The lady was outside in her garden and we had a pleasant chat. Of course I was collecting food for the camera. When I reached home I had more than 50 photos to upload, the rewards of my walk.

When I eventually reached the railway seat I called Mr. Swiss. I always have my mobile phone with me as he tends to get worried if I am away for more than half an hour.

I now went to the homewards stretch, absolutely no problem. I had not felt so fit for a long while. I now had a distant view of the local Castle Waldegg which was on the other side of the main road. This is also a target of one of my various walks. Seeing it from a distance gives a better idea of how it is situated in the top half of our village with the Jura mountains as a back drop.

I eventually reached home. After a five minute relxation on the porch I got myself comfortable on the computer and organised the photos.

Even stinging nettles have their beauty when you are out enjoying nature.