Imagine you are walking in fresh snow where no one has walked before. Describe the path you are making and where it leads.
The weather was cold. Not blustery. But a definite chill in the air. Last night’s snowfall left the ground with a blanket covering any blemishes that may be hiding beneath.
Stepping out, the road seems long. Long and dark. And in this weather… long, dark and cold.
But the journey needed to be made, and the shortish distance to the main road shouldn’t take too long. Wrapped up warm. Three layers deep. That should keep the cold out until I build up a warmth from walking. My fitness tracker through my earbuds telling me that I am doing about 15 mins per kilometre.
Walking along and looking up towards the clear black sky, I could see the stars twinkling, but the lack of cloud cover meant that the temperature would be dropping again tonight, and that was a sure sign that the snow would have at least an icy crust by morning.
I kept asking myself, “Why had I left it so late to make the trek?”, but the days are so short, the time had just disappeared. That ‘Blink and it’s gone’ feeling.
Getting out into the snow, the going felt better than expected, and I was able to set a good pace. Not quite as quick as clear ground, but no too shabby.
Reaching the end of the road, I took the opportunity to look back along the route I had taken. The look of fresh footsteps in clean snow is always lovely, but I’m always surprised by the twists and turn that you naturally make when it feels like you are walking in a straight line!
Now at the main road, the going was smoother, with the path being clearer through both previous pedestrians and the passing traffic. At this point, my fitness tracker helpfully telling me I am up to 11 mins per km.
Not too long to go. Three more streets to cross and I’ll reach my destination. But what will I find when I get there? Hopefully, everything that I am expecting. Everything I need.
Heading down the main road, I pass a dog walker on the other side; wrapped up as much as me. We both giving a knowing nod as we pass, but no time, or inclination, to stop and chat.
Onwards, I travel. One step. Two step. You’ll get there, I keep telling myself. The roads and pavements so quiet.
Finally, just around the next bend, I see it. I see my destination. A wave of relief flows over me. I’M THERE.
That’s it. Tesco IS open on New Year’s Day. I can get the milk and teabags. Then I just have to get home!
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