Another route check

Mum is still poorly and had another bad night. Coughing that prevents sleep is no fun at all.

This afternoon I ventured out for a couple of hours to keep Arth on his toes (literally)! I just walked 4 miles to check another bit of a walk I'm leading in the festival. It was very windy and the wind was again from the east, which is most unusual.

There were a good number of cows and calves out. The grass has had a good start this year, so some cows are out early. This one is on poor land north of Sewingshields Farm. You can see she has chosen a good patch amongst the soft rush. The rush takes over given half a chance.

In the distance you can see one of the remote farms in this area.

Soft rush can be peeled to reveal the pith. If you do this with care the resulting "wick" can be soaked in fat and then burned as a candle. I always thought the expression "burning the candle at both ends" came from the use of soft rush wicks, but it seems the expression originated in the 17th century and indicated someone who is careless with money.

I'll probably peel a rush or two as a party trick on the walk.......