Brief Encounter

A very cold but bright morning saw Harris and I on a walk we call 'Up the Top'. I think it may be a disused railway line. It runs parallel to our village, but higher up so you can look down upon it across farm and woodland.

It's one of our favourites as we rarely see anybody else. I enjoy the peace and quiet and Harris can do his own thing without being bothered by other dogs (he's become a bit grumpy and anti-social as he's got older!).

Half way into our walk, I spotted this gentleman and his springer spaniel coming towards us. His dog was frisky (as is usual for springers), so I stopped and watched out for Harris as they sniffed a greeting.

I turned towards the owner with a smile, ready to pass compliment on his dog and share other pleasantries (as you do!). And was surprised when he strode on past without slowing his pace! As he went by he said 'Bracing isn't it? But us Brits are a tough lot'.

Then he was gone and our brief encounter was over.

Harris and I continued our walk and I found myself musing:

- Are we Brits a tough lot? And what does that really mean?

- Is it our history that has given us that reputation?

- How did he know I was a Brit? Our country is diverse in its population now!


Brief encounters. Some stay with you forever, some flutter away. I wonder if I will remember this one. I think I might as I found it strange and slightly unsettling.