Connecting up the medias - Podcast alert !!

If you are interested in listening to two reasonably well informed, 

but still, deeply curious women discussing food, farming, and climate change.

Then you can hop onto our "Licking the Whisk" Podcast here..

https://soundcloud.com/lickingthewhisk/ep3-dreaming-small

More blogging will be coming soon - but its "Access all Platforms" these days.

We are also on instagram @lickingthe whisk if you dig "The 'Gram" too..

Top tip..

If you happen to be the kind of chlorophyll crazed loon; who thinks it a perfectly reasonable undertaking to plant out 1600 cabbages by hand...

To avoid unsightly injuries; to a farm maidens hand...

A wodge of wadding; inside the glove...Before; the blister starts to form...

Also stainless steel tools; insert into; and thereafter; shed; the earth; most efficiently...
Thus lightening the load infinitesimally with each move...

But....The smallest amount x 1600 adds up to quite a lot...

And you too; can have the same advice for free as I gave to a chap going by the name  Huge Furry Whatsischops; or some such, when he inquired, whilst perusing at a market, as to how I got my sprout buttons so perfect..

"They like it deep and firm Hugh...

Deep and firm..."

The plant stems will send out secondary feeding; and stabilising roots; if they are planted deeply enough.
And the soil needs pressing down with some conviction.

Not patting it round; as if you're putting a kitten in its basket..

Probs too late to be sending him an invoice for 'consultancy'... 

But perhaps next year I'll run a course here entitled... 'Getting your brassicae done right'

I won't charge much for the expert tuition and could even throw in some free camping....

Lovely views...

Book now, to avoid dissapointing, me...

Low tech but effective tools for the job; string to get them in straight (that really helps with accurate hoeing later) ; stainless steel bladed planting trowel; and padding for inside your glove...

More fun...

If all the 'jolly japes' pictures are to be believed; it would appear that the fun pretty much; never stops round here. 

 Of course its not all skipping about; giggling girlishly whilst wearing a bunnet; a basket 'pon ones arm. But; even seemingly mundane tasks; such as hoeing beetroot in this sunny afternoons' skittish breeze can be pleasurable if you are in the zone...

Undertaken with a presence of mind; on the job; with that almost medititive flow; that you can experience whilst undertaking any purposeful activity once you've got the knack..

 With the proviso that you're reasonably comfortable with whatever else is going on inside your noggin. 

Sunshine helps; birdsong; fluffy clouds; green trees; all that stuff that we are told we should get more of; to relieve the anxiety brought on by 'modern life'..... Whatever that is?...Rather depends on whom you ask.

Hmmnn; all well and good; if what you're mainly suffering from is being bunged up in an office nine to five. Then yes; undoubtedly 'outdoors' in all its forms can be restorative.

But where does that leave those of us who spend most of our working lives outside; if we are still troubled? 

Are we by definition abject failures? If still; despite all the bucolic bliss; we are unable to shift the stress?

I think it comes down as much to a change of perspective; or even environment. I met a friend for a drink yesterday afternoon; for one of those rambling chats that could have given time; gone on for three days; or longer....

 But all in good time... She too spends most of her days outside; so despite the weather being clement; and there being tables free by the canal; we gave ourselves the treat of sitting indoors... Could also be argued that the beer contributed to the cheer... Very pleasant; for the peasants... Mutual unburdening... Thereby lightening some of the load.

Dont fall in.... Or at least warn me first.....So I can get the best angle..

So then after a few duties this Sunday morn it was time to be off again; quick spin on the bike down to the coast; leafy lanes; shingle beach; and back in time for elevenses... On the way home; crossing the River Otter I came across this chap; and his mate..

Middle aged men especially; I have noticed seem to have a particular talent for quite guiltlessly enjoying their leisure. And good for them I say; its just the rest of us; that need to catch up.

River fishing; or indeed any kind of fishing doesn't really appeal to me. I tried casting off the beach one time; and the greatest profit from the whole enterprise; in terms of enjoyment; was experienced by 'Man Friday' who was tutoring... 

He said it gave him uncommon pleasure to witness me; not being totally competent at something*... Some folks might have been offended at this judgement; but I know it was meant in totally good heart; and humour... 

I guess having spent all my life doing 'practical' things; one way or another I could come across as irritatingly able; in several fields... 

I reserve the write however to still be a bit rubbish at computers... There has to be some reason for having kids; after all...

(* And anyway my lifetimes catch rate didn't suffer; I have in fact caught tens of thousands of slippery ones in my fish farming time; only by the vastly more efficient method of dragging a Seine Net; then pumping out the rest of the lakes water so the poor blighters can't get away)

So I thought with an audience; this fisherman would have no chance of bagging his catch; but within five minutes of my arresting on the bridge 4lbs 2 oz of grey flapping mullet was in the landing net...

Now; if prior to leaving home this chap had announced to his housemate...

"I'm going down to play by the river with Pete."

Or if the solitary fisherman staring intently at the ripples further upstream; had told his interlocutor

"I'm off to meditate by the riverbank"

Then either of these 'manly' men might have feared coming across a tad childish; or fey...

But what else were they reely doing? 

Playing; contemplating; immersing themselves innocently; in an activity that had no function whatsoever (the fishy was tossed back; not eaten )

 Quite naturally they had lots of important equipment to fuss over; and fiddle with; that's also part of the fun...

I don't mean to mock at all; not one jot... 

I have a deep admiration; nay envy; for the skilful infusing of import; with which  some folks manage to flavour their enjoyable outdoor pursuits. 

A talent which I would not seek to denigrate in the slightest; rather; if anything I believe more of us should strive to emulate this laudable talent...

What I find a sad shame though; is if we can't take some of that sense of total absorption; and pleasure into our everyday; required activities.

I wonder if some of the 'not liking work' problem; doesn't come from being expected to be a serious, suffering, productive unit. 

Not wanting to be seen to be having any fun at all whilst we go about our labours. When in fact meaningful tasks; done with a modicum of pride can be pretty satisfying. I guess the devil is in that 'meaningful' bit...

Of course there are some things we'd prefer to do over others...

So then we might have to integrate the principal of "Eat the Frog First"

i.e. Complete as priority; the task we're least looking forward to; then reward ourselves with the funner stuff later.

But make sure you're not going searching for extra frogs as some kind of 'self' punishment; as in truth; I suspect few of us have reely been that naughty..... :)

So a few bits of 'serious' paperwork loom (soggily?) in my pond now... Might have to quit with the 'mucking about' for a few days... We'll see....

But in the spirit of 'Just because I like this stuff'....... A rather fine compact and characterful  specimen collected; on behalf of the Wiggly Tin Appreciation Society

Wholesome fun....

Absolutely no shortage of bunnage on offer this weekend. And it never fails to amaze; just how much cake arrives; and is subsequently consumed by the assembled. As you can see from the photo; 'Open Day' is an inter-generational epicurean effort. No one needs a second invitation to help themselves.

Great to see so many folks enjoying the victuals on offer; and casting an appreciatory glance about the veg field too.

 Long socks; a frock; and a bunnet were deemed as a 'sensible' garb for a meet and greet day... 

Not that this 'disguise' was used as a tactic of evasion... Well, hardly at all..

The whole event was most like a traditional afternoon tea party; only; in a field.

 However despite my feeble efforts to avoid the subject; there was much heated discussion around the 'European situation'.

There seemed to be general agreement; as to how precarious things have been left, after the 'shock' outcome... But time will tell; and fretting about it won't get anything achieved here... I can always take out my angst on the weeds.... There are just a few left, for the bugs naturally. And a good few tonnes of compost need spreading in the coming days.

Perhaps opportunities for change; will arise from the perceived mess that has been left, by 'our' leaving. Certainly 'the game' has changed; for good or ill.

 Maybe there will come a greater awareness of how things actually are; for so many people; and how improvements could be made with some considered action.

The age old curse " May you live in interesting times" has indeed come to pass.

But that is both the beauty; and the beast; of the future. You seldom know for sure; what is around the next corner; or over the next hill.

Help yourself.... Oh! Fantastic; you already did....
Plus helped a few others too... With the addition of a postal contribution; we raised over £160 for http://practicalaction.org/ 

So it was lovely to have visitors; and to bask replete; in the uncommon sunshine at days end. 

But solo working; or sharing tasks; with a companionable silence; has much to recommend it too.

Monday morning; found me back weeding the kale seedling bed in the company of Girl Monday... Satisfying to look back and see where you've been. But must make more diligent efforts to gather mugs; as I go along.. 

Kale: varieties Moss Green Curled. Cavello Nero, Hungry Gap. Red Russian, and Jagalleo Nero; for winter cutting
Here awaiting transplanting to their final home in the next couple of weeks.

And then further delights in paper form arrive with the post . This is one publication; whose arrival will always find me scuttling away to some quiet corner for a peruse. Even if there are more pressing tasks to hand.

For many a year now; 'The Land' has been a supportive, informative, and entertaining read, for those engaged in what could loosely be termed 'ecological land based occupations'. Or for those interested in such matters.
This is its twentieth issue...

Most of its contributors are; or at least have been; associated with landworking in some way.
It is the 'go to journal' if you want to keep abreast of whats going on on the more outlying fringes of agriculture, horticulture, and forestry, especially where those subjects overlap with ecology, organic production, land rights,  both national and international. and social justice in the widest sense...

But who knows what; of the activities considered 'a bit weird' now; will be seen as 'mainstream' in ten or so years?
 Very difficult to forecast...

This magazine also has some beautiful illustrations; many of them original wood engravings; a further reason for it being the one periodical that gets hoarded here..... Not in a precious way; there's plenty of dog ears; and mug rings. But they will always bear a reread.

In depth journalism; with all facts; properly referenced. No pandering to the rather patronising; supposed; goldfish like attention span; of your usual magazine reader...

Moreover there is plenty of dissection; nuanced argument; and counter argument.

 So this is no preaching to the converted 'we're all on the same page' anti- establishment for its own sake; collection of writings. As many questions are raised; as are answered.

One of the topics this issue is the various cultural; and even legal aspects and approaches to the age old peasant tradition of 'foraging' for wild food.

Not the usual "Gosh! Did you know you could eat this?" Kind of gush; that is so often presented by 'greenish' tinged publications.

The retort to that; often being; a rather dry....

'Yes I know you can; but to be honest I've tried it once; and that was enough'

I'm not suggesting that gathering properly identified leafage from by the wayside doesn't have it's place (particularly if you're on foot; and chlorophyll is in short supply  :)

But it on the whole; for most people gathering wild food is a harmless hobby rather than a  source of great sustenance. More than likely you'd use as many calories gathering your pot herbs as you're going to get from eating them.
Maybe that's no bad thing; and perhaps there are vital micronutrients available in some edible wild plants scarce found elsewhere?

After all, most herbivores will; given the chance; graze the hedges; in addition to any lush sward; made available to them

However if you're not averse to the odd rabbit or pigeon for your repast, you are, perhaps in a lazier (and bloodier), but more efficient way; making the most of that animal having done the foraging for you. There's certainly no shortage of those tender morsels in these parts... If anyone fancies doing a bit of pest control..


Whatever the subjects covered; and this issue also offers amongst many other topics: The Church of Englands' pattern of land ownership and management; alternative pig foods; Local planning authorities varying attitude to travellers; the proposed privatisation of the land registry; and the growing movement of veg producers within the London Boroughs.

 Definitely worth a look if you have a thoughtful interest in land; and how it is used; and oft abused. Or are concerned about decent food, clean water, and air, a respected; but not sanitised; rural landscape. And whether the people; and other creatures; living and working in that landscape; are being given a fair deal.

So with any luck; that pretty much includes any half sensible human being.

Certainly; one would hope; that there are no insensible people who read this blog

"The Land is written by and for people who believe that the roots of justice, freedom, social security and democracy lie not so much in access to money, or to the ballot box, as in access to land and its resources..."

http://www.thelandmagazine.org.uk/

More things of beauty

Living and working in the countryside; it's a fantasy aspiration for so many people residing in more built up areas. The perception of endless peace and tranquility; an easier pace of life; abundant nature; clean air; and pretty scenery...

Now I'm not about to start complaining about my lot. 

Most of us; if we're lucky enough; get to make some choices about our lifestyles; and then we have to live with the consequences; be they fair; or even if not always so.

Running a small mixed farm can be hard work; frustrating when the weather doesn't play nicely; and can feel a touch relentless from time to time. But the work is varied; and the body is designed to do things. So get enough rest; and try to use the corporeal primary tool wisely enough; and physically; barring disasters one can keep going. 

The weather is beyond our control; and it would seem; even more unpredictable now. Not a massive surprise in truth; given that we are starting to see the effects of our releasing into the atmosphere; over a few lifetimes; vast stores of carbon laid down over millions of years.

It truly would be a 'miracle of nature' if there were no consequences to our doing that...

So we have to work with the materials we're given. 

And be thankful; as growers we get many of our inputs for free: sunshine; rain; and nitrogen in the air that can be captured by soil life; and reprocessed by those micro organisms; to feed plants; if that soil life is properly cared for. 

And perhaps; because the views from this particular farm are quite agreeable; there are often willing workers on hand; to be grateful for too. 

Preparing for Open Day this week... It's not so much a case of getting everything looking perfect. This is a commercial growing operation; not a show garden; no handy trust funds; or grants here.

 But who among us; if they take some pride in their work; doesn't want to show it off to its best advantage?

 Weed control; after maintaining soil health; via lots of love and compost; and not over cultivating; is the primary concern of anyone trying to produce crops for profit; without resort to herbicides...

So with a bit of extra, very welcome help; this small farm; is looking reasonably in shape for todays cake hungry influx..

Amina; cheerfully supervising the brassica weeding; and taking a few soil samples.... Looks like she's consumed a reasonable portion of healthy bacteria; to boost her intestinal flora... All the better for her digestion today..

And a few more items; pleasing to the eye; and palate; from about the place.....

Pea tendrils ...  Looking good; and tasty too..

Onion flowers...can be broken up, and used as a flavoursome salad garnish

Young red onions; on a bed of Agretti. A crunchily textured green vegetable originating from Italy. Its closest comparison texture and flavourwise; might be samphire.

First pickings of shiny courgettes; yellow patty pan; plus more conventional green variety. 

Lucky enough too to receive a gift yesterday. To be honest I'm not always such a fan of 'country writings'... They can often verge towards the twee; waxing lyrical on the pleasures of floriferous meadows; larks ascending; and other general bucolic blisssfulnesses; whilst turning a blind eye towards some of the harsher realities.

But I think the sender knows this..... :)

So despite exterior impressions that might be implied by the 'lovely' cover; the interior isn't quite so much 'unruffled country charm'..

There is something about getting a parcel in the post.... Thrills..

Even the first line of the preface reassures, against any rustic complacency..... "Now that I look back, I see that I have written with some anger"

This by a farmer; who is trying to build up the soil; and wild life of a depleted arable field over a couple of seasons; whilst producing a viable crop. 

That period of time; being not nearly long enough; of course. The saying being

"Live as if you are going to die tomorrow; farm as if you are going to live forever".....

 (Hmm...Sounds exhausting, to be honest.)

But an interesting undertaking all the same.

The first chapter mentions the regulations governing the atmospherically regulated cabs of tractors; involved in 'conventional' crop spraying. 

Protecting the operator from ingesting any of the toxic chemicals he or she is applying... EU directive etc etc...

Only now; if 'our' decision to leave the European Union comes to pass; then there won't be so many of those pesky rules; interfering with peoples right to apply whatever they like to their crops; on their land; however they choose... 

Although of course; those farmers are just trying to make a living, in a market driven world where "Business is business; and business must grow..... Regardless of crummies in tummies you know*"...

At all costs? Regardless of consequences? Yes; it would appear so... 

Sadly; I don't feel we really are; such 'clever monkeys' as we'd like to believe... 

Or maybe some are clever; but wisdom; at least for the longer view; certainly seems in fairly short supply.

Still; there will be cake; and anyway; glumness never solved much. 

So I will get the 'bunting monkey' to do his acrobatics; it visually cheers; in addition to distracting from any overlooked 'untidiness'.

And as ever; I'll put the kettle on for tea...

* Dr Zeuss ;)

Out of control...

Broad view from ...
An appetite can be worked up; by walking up; to enjoy this from the freshly mowed hilltop... Sunshine not guaranteed.

And another round of feverish activity commences...
Of course; it never really stopped in truth....

Preparing to receive visitors at the annual Farm "Show and Tell"
Although the main event, for most people, comprises eating cake; and plenty of it..

However; people are coming round; and some will feel obliged to show an interest in the veg growing operation, and come with me on the farm walk.
So things had better be smartened up somewhat...

This scenario will be familiar to most; unless one is already ruthlessly tidy by nature.....Not something that comes easily to me...

So if I give even half a fig; for what other people think; I'd better get a wiggle on...

We can often be admonished for worrying about other people's opinions of us...

"Just be yourself" they say...

And then again; almost as frequently..

"You can't do, or say that; what will people think?"

There really is no winning sometimes...

So a comfortable line somewhere between the two?

And of course when it comes to tidy.
One persons chaos; is anothers 'comfortably lived in'.

Most of us have visited houses, where the sofa cushions, for instance, have had to be readjusted as soon as ones posterior has been raised from the banquette....

Doesn't make one feel so welcome..

But at the same time it's nice if there is a buttocks width of upholstery available; upon which to perch...

Balance in all things...

And so it is; in farming; at least if you're trying to farm in a way that could claim to be agroecological...

Leaving enough wiggle room for nature; in part just because; it has an entitlement to space to do its thing.

But there's also a degree of self interest..
For example; pollinating hoverflies; who also predate on some crop pests such as aphids are attracted by flowering weeds and gone to seed vegetables and herbs...

But too many weeds and they start to compete. Fighting for space; light; and nutrients; with the crops. Which are necessary to pay the mortgage; and the wages; and the running costs of the farm.

I'm also trying (and mostly failing; miserably) to keep an open optimistic outlook about last Fridays referendum.

All for due democratic process; and acceptance of a result of a properly thought through debate. But I can't help feeling that a decision was made, by a populace not necessarily in possession of enough of the actual facts, to chose wisely.

There was a lot of unedifying fear of the 'other' spread about. encouraging of xenophobia; even racism; for political gain... 

Already there are regretful folks; who thought they were voting 'out' merely as; a kind of protest about what they didn't like about the EU and the way it is run. 

Some who voted to leave, are now wishing the result hadn't gone the way it did... 

We will have to live with this decision; and its consequences for many years to come; we don't; as in a general election; get a chance for a rethink in five years time.

One thing that saddens me in particular; is that it was the older generations in the main; who voted out; the youth; who will be feeling the fall out for far longer; wanted to stay in.....

Ho; and indeed hum; is as impolite as I'm prepared to be in expressing my feelings of sadness and frustration on their behalf; on this 'open to all' blog.

But next Sundays event will also be open to all too; everyone will be made welcome; and doubtless well fed too. No matter their political views.

I will try to keep off the subject; and just focus on what goes on here; unless someone directly enquires as to my feelings. 

However; I am almost disinclined too, to swag the bunting in the usual 'English Fete (worse than death) style' Although I suppose I could slightly subversively insert the occasional European flag into the line.....?

 "No man is an Island"

Or any farm, or community, or country ( even if this one is an island geographically speaking)

Maintaining boundaries; personally; and geographically are important for sure. 

But maintaining connections; and acknowledging interdependencies; is just as crucial.

To quote a brave; young woman who's life was horribly cut short whilst peacefully campaigning for greater inclusivity; and for our staying within the EU .... 

"We have far more in common with each other than things that divide us."

Proceeds from next Sundays cake and veg sale will be going; as usual; to this organisation....

http://practicalaction.org/?gclid=CJDv6ZWGxs0CFYZuGwoduEkILQ

 Which does useful work globally; to find; and fund practical; sustainable; solutions to enable people to lift themselves out of poverty...

If you can't come and join in the gluttony in person.Then I'm sure a few pounds, or dollars, or Euros, or whatever coinage has currency in the country in which you; my dear reader reside; wouldn't go amiss.

Italian egg custards... With blueberries; just some of the delectables on offer last year.... hungry now...

I have to say I am impressed with the international diversity of folks who seem to be interested in the goings on; of a fluffy little farm in Devon, UK...

So waves cheerily \0/ to the Portugese; Belarussians; Malaysians; French; New Zealanders; Peruvians; Nepalese; Malawians; Spaniards; Japanese; Brazilians; Canadians; Americans; and, and all of you.....I've had to look some places up - most educational ... 

Of course you may all be enthusiastic 'bots'.... But then; perhaps; you have feelings too?

A girl can dream...

Prototype 'woman cave'....Would need to be wider to fit the 'couch of cogitation'  and a tad taller to accomodate handstands.....

But a wiggly tin roof; plus a kettle; would be absolute essentials....

And wheels of course; to enable a choice of broad views from around the farm...

"Aint nobody here; but us chickens"

But of course; what with it being a longish weekend; earmarked for Beltane celebrations; there are quite a few folk sprinkled about the 'stead; in tents and other accommodations.

Enjoying the verdant May views; and a good blaze after dark...

Whilst comfort testing the many and various laps proffered; Trailer Trash Kitty almost got her whiskers singed. 

Fresh ground for the ladies; to go a clearing....
 Actual proper 'free range'. This is the sort of image often pictured on the outside of a box; that may contain eggs from larger more commercial flocks. Those birds are technically allowed outside; but the convoluted passageways through which they have to make their way; to acheive egress often results in their never quite gaining their freedom.
But better for sure; than being completely caged with no hope of escape..

 There is talk of horticultural help being proffered by the temporary residents too.. Many hands should make light of the work of uprooting the old brassicas to make way for sowings of the maincrop carrots.

Broad view from the nearby heath; the sea is just visible middle horizon. There is something about this very particular vantage point; perhaps due to the land steeply rising so close to the coast; that can give the impression of the briney being higher than the observer....Interesting perspective.

The oaks are a tad late showing their fresh-gold leaves this spring..A very thin wind is holding a lot of herbage back.

It's still frosty in the mornings, a freshly laid egg makes for an eggcellent hand warmer; post the filling, and carrying, of cold metal water containers. Tea flask that should never run dry; to the rear...

At this time of year the hedgerows are starting to fill with joyous; abundant; luxuriant growth... Untamed; as yet; by the hand of man...

One of the problems of writing about gardening, yoga, the countryside, excursions, and what have you; is that one can feel as if one is almost wading thigh high in metaphor and allegory; nay on occasion; at risk of becoming smothered by it....

To the point where any observation; or parallel drawn; almost becomes painfully trite; or skin crawlingly obvious.

What am I saying that hasn't already been said; with greater lyricism by others?

 Perhaps; and most likely nothing at all.

Given that there really is 'nothing new under the sun' just various rearrangements of energy and 'stuff' constantly changing; totally unfixed. 

Change; or transformation is the only constant.

. But each individual arrived here at this moment and place having had their own unique individual series of experiences; and influences.

 Each of us should have our own voice; and be allowed to use it.

 For some of us however; gathering the courage to use that voice; but at the same time respecting the opinions of others; is where the hard work is.

 Campfires are always good for drawing out stories. Sat round in the semidarkness all gazing at the same fire but from a slightly different perspective... How did we get here. what's your story? That is the thing of intrigue.

From where did your point of view emanate?... That is one of the fascinations of all sorts of people... To me; at least.

And there's no point pretending; that most of our conflicts; both large and small don't come about as a result of strongly held; yet differing points of view.

 And our sometimes; almost overwhelming; desire to convince someone else of the total veracity of our own.

So perhaps some help from Nietzsche; for a friend who is struggling to be allowed to walk her own path....

  No one can build you the bridge; on which you; and only you must cross the river of life.

  There may be countless trails; and bridges; and demigods who would gladly carry you across; but only at the price of pawning and foregoing yourself. 

  There is one path in the world that none can walk but you. Where does it lead?

  Don't ask; walk!

I fear however; that he may not have been able to help; with a new threat stalking the Shires... According to 'The Grower' Magazine we are now to have our slumbers disrupted by fretting over 'Carrot Motley Dwarf Syndrome'........Eeeek! And yet at the same time; chortle.

You couldn't; and I didn't ; make it up...

Like most of these incipient dread diseases about-which-we-are-supposed-to- worry. I'm hoping that healthy roots will result from lots of love; and compost combined with a liberal sprinkling of hope; and 'It'll probably be OK'.

First warming job for the day; flaming the newly sown leeks.... Then a quick spin bikewards over the hills to do a few deliveries. And most likely compusory / compulsive viewing of the bluebells in the beechwoods....It's not too much of a chore to be making your own fun in the country; in Devonshireland; in May...

So wishing warmest Beltane cavortings;  to y'all too....  ;

'Fat Bike'......

I've been wondering about the performance of these wide tyred steeds for a few months now.

Little did I know however that an acquaintance of mine already had one; in his rather well stocked stable of velocipides..

So a sunny test ride was undertaken.

Great fun; comfy travelling; and surprisingly little drag from the chunky tyres.

It practically floats through deep water and mud...Irons out pot holes, and rocks...And has a niftily tight turning circle..

Downside?

I now have a new 'thing' to covet....
Botheration..... ;-)

Out and about...

The sarcastic response to 'International Women's Day" on the 8th March; might be :

"Really a whole day; just for us?

 Well thank you; if you're sure you can spare it"

But I know that's not how it's meant; it's supposed to highlight the issues particularly affecting women and girls around the globe.. And really; looking about the world it's hard not to wonder if we haven't slipped back a Century or two.

There are so many things still not right; or even getting worse that it's hard to know where to start...

So I might stick to the subject that perhaps I can claim to have some expertise in...How it feels to be a woman right now, right here, particularly in respect of excursing by oneself...

I have cycled, walked, camped and generally traveled about solo, by bus, train and hitching too, enough, to see that as a gender we are very under represented..."Out there"

Clifton, Bristol, dusk...

Why is this?

Quite recently whilst on a short 3 day cycle tour of Exmoor and it's environs I fell into conversation with a couple of scout masters (yes I know ;) at a hostel to which I had retreated in the face of inclement camping weather.

They reported having seen far more solo female cycle tourists on the continent; than ever they had espied here...

I am often the subject of friendly curiosity in this regard; I don't mind, a bicycle seems to be a good 'ice breaker' and the resulting conversation is rarely dull.


It's just that a woman out by herself; is still seen as unusual enough to be remarked upon.

Perhaps it's a case of people thinking of what they usually see around them as 'normal'. Anything else; is somehow questionable.

And judging by the often envious remarks I get from other females, whilst I'm going about the place; I don't think it's a case of women not wanting to go out by themselves.
 It is perhaps more to do with giving themselves permission; or learning a few skills to make it a possibilty; or perhaps just seeing other women do it so they know it's no big deal...

It really isn't so hard to learn to navigate... And getting lost; if that should occur; can be fun and lead to fresh discoveries... One talent that women do seem to have less trouble exercising is 'asking for directions when lost'.
You never know what extra, handy nugget of, local advice you may garner in addition to directions......

I did genuinely get a "I wouldn't start from here" from an Irish builder chap, when enquiring 'pon the quickest route to a destination.....Larks aplenty!

And a succint life story; and 'state of the upland sheep industry update' from a Dales shepherd when establishing which of the two possible routes would be a less hilly conclusion to a long day in the saddle..

Most camping kit can be found in lightweight form; if you don't happen to have  the 'agricultural heft' built up through thirty years of farm work...Like some of us do.

And putting up a tent isn't nearly so complicated as some folk would have you believe....

The science of shelter erection: 'Tautology' is a gender free, sexless, undertaking...

 Maybe on account of having spent most of my career, in what is traditionally seen as a male job; I'm less susceptible to pressure to behave in what might be considered a 'lady like' fashion....Ha!

And that is perhaps another issue.

Expectations, and the concious, or unconcious, use of unhelpful language, and how confidence sapping it might be to those unsure of themselves.

 "It's just words; get over it." Some will say; funnily enough that is rarely opined by those for whom those perjorative words may have some sting...

There is a plentiful supply of ready to use negative terms out there; for females getting ideas 'above their station.'

But even with ostensibly, well meant advice... Implications can be made.

There was an article I read recently about 'Getting more women out into the wilds'

Or something along those lines..

 They were encouraging first steps...

And on the face of it advice such as..

Be sensible about your use of social media....i.e. Don't give away where you are...
Seems perfectly reasonable, until you analyse it...

Because girls; if you do give away your location; and 'something happens'

That is; for instance if a completely out of order person finds you; and molests you in some way; well you didn't take sensible precautions.... Silly girl.

It may seem like a trivial distinction to some; but the implication underlying is that 'You were asking for it....'

How often do we still hear this; in all sorts of situations?

 To be honest; I personally have an almost awestruck admiration for the women who can survive a night out in a camisole top, very short skirt, and little else....What I want to know is how they don't die of exposure in those temperatures; without even a cardi??

 Impressively tough I'd call it...Manufacturers of insulated jackets are not going to be funding research into this 'extreme temperature resistance' phenomena any time soon..

Here 'The bright lights of Whitby' after a full day of cycling in the soft welcoming rains of Yorkshire; last October.
 Despite being a daughter of that fine county; I've gone a bit 'Southern Softie' since and definitely had my warmest clothes on here...

Candlelit dinner for one... A nightlight can be very cheering, and doesn't add significantly to the luggage.... I'll nip off, and weigh it later...

Earlier in the same trip I'd had an enquiry from a chap who asked:

"Aren't you scared out there; all by yourself ; on your own in a tent?"

"Scared of what? exactly..."

There was a short pause...Then

"Oh ; I don't know...The Boogie Man?"

Which of course made me fall about laughing...

Well yes; I can see there could be a bit of a problem if some bloke turns up wanting a disco in this tent; there really isn't the room.....

And it would play havoc with the seams....

 Shudders....

I guess what he meant was that scarey; vast dark primeval unknown; just outside the tent flap.....

Where anyone; or anything; but most likely; in this country at least; sheep; could be lurking...

But really I'm pretty sure that at 'Axe Murders School' first principles would be "Go where the people are"...

Don't hang about; in a random; out of the way spot; in the hope that a hapless lady cyclist should happen by and bung her tent up; just as the sun goes down.....

Tea light carried front left pannier; I believe.....The ancient; now in need of repair; forward luggage; appropriately branded 'Freedom'   That company sadly now defunct...

Next week I'm going to a women's night at a localish cycling shop. the same shop from which I purchased my steed some years back.

I'm not usually a big fan of single sex events, but it will be interesting to see what goes on. And I hope to find out what might be done to encourage more women to get out and about doing their own thang, following their own noses, under their own steam, and mixing their own metaphors to their hearts content...

For me I s'pose it started as a girl; wandering unimpeded; even about the edgelands of Bristol.

Then luckiest of lucky; having access to a hoss when a bit older; to go charging about on; dissappearing off who knows where?

In the days before mobile phones. Getting a bit lost on occasion; then finding oneself again.
A few minor tumbles but no permanent damage..

And of course the equine is still; the mode of getting out and about; most favoured by the female youth in the countryside, but access to such privilege, is by its nature very limited.....And the proliferation of such beasts; in some areas could even be said to be leading to the 'ossification' of the countryside.

It should be a normal unremarkable thing for girls and women to go it alone by whatever means of transport, but sadly, still now, in the early 21st Century we are often seen as objects of curiosity... Tis a shame; cos there's lots out there...

And ones own company; when not engaging with the natives; can be most congenial...


http://www.bikesheduk.com/exeter-womens-night

Paperwork...

This is the kind of 'filing' I like..
It has a persuasive air of finality about it.
A satisfying rainy day barn clear out, and a successful run to the tip with 'Man Friday' It's a particular (perculiar?) treat for him.

And it's not as if he 'doesn't get out much'.

By the way MF, I don't remember receiving the 'leave of absence form'... But apparently it's India for four weeks now....Hopefully incorporating some intensive yoga practice?
Hmmmmmmm?

Still as this wise sage would point out..."Once you've got a fire going it isn't really work any more :) "

Good start girls...

Showing one full size for scale.

Soon; as all these young pullets come in to production, there'll be double yolkers, and various sorts of eggceptionally interesting contributions, some even looking like deflated party balloons....

Lovingly laid all the same...

"Do grow up"

"I see she's sown the first spring carrots then?"

A Return to form

Glory be...

Absolutely no arguing with this one: Luscious, eggy, and liberally topped with blueberries and nutmeg. 

The custard creator turned out a real crowd (four women) pleaser this week.

If one were to offer criticism (smacks of churlishness, I know) the only slight, and I have to state very slight disappointment; is the lack of 'jiggle'.

I have it on good authority (can't quite remember if it was Mrs Beeton or Nigella from whom this nutmeggy, nugget of wisdom emanated) that the centre of an egg custard "Should wobble; not unlike the inner thigh of a pre Raphelite maiden"... I may be paraphrasing here, but pretty sure it was something like that.

Sorry there's absolutely none left; even if you're quick..

But there is still some curly kale, upon which this dish nestles...

Which is not; I repeat not a 'Super Food'. 

Kale is just a fine and versatile, all year round, but particularly welcome in the winter, vegetable,

 Low in Saturated Fat, and very low in Cholesterol. It is also a good source of Dietary Fiber, Protein, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Folate, Iron, Magnesiumand Phosphorus, and a very good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, Calcium, Potassium, Copper and Manganese.

All that definitely, and if cooked properly... 

(Just how hard is it to steam something for 20 mins and then chuck loads of butter and pepper on it?)

Very tasty too....

But not a nonsense, made up, marketing speak, 'Super * Food'.....GRrrrrr!

(I'm told, that was the noise I made when approaching this confection...Like a dog guarding its bone?)

*That kind of accolade should be reserved for the sublime contents of this dish....Just Imagine....