in praise of waterproof trousers*

A book came out last year called "Rewild Yourself" by Simon Barnes and I remember that his top tip was to get a pair of waterproof trousers. He is so right, especially in Scotland, where if you wait until the sun comes out to go on a walk, you could be waiting for a long time.

Waterproof trousers are like having a superpower. (It helps to have a waterproof coat and hat as well). Like a kind of armour, they protect you from the cold and wet. You can sit down anywhere to have a picnic, or walk through long wet grass with impunity. They can take you to places you might otherwise never visit. Also you will meet hardly anyone else because they are all indoors waiting for the sun to come out.

Here in rainy Scotland, lockdown rules mean that we cannot travel more than 5 miles from home for our leisure pursuits until 3rd July. So I have spent a lot more time exploring our (very) local area. Today I returned to the core path which I had trouble locating on Thursday morning. The weather could not have been more different from that day! I found the path, and my legs stayed dry :-) I also found the most amazing old oak tree - here I am standing in front of its enormous trunk. I didn't meet a single other person in the 2 hours I was out.

*my waterproof trousers cost £8, they are light and they fold up into a small space when not needed. I have had to repair these with duct tape at the back where puppy Jess chased and nipped at my legs, but they still work. I recently splashed out on a new pair which I shall keep for best :-)