A Sunny Ride Round the Island

Somehow cycling around the Isle of Wight in May wasn’t enough for this year, and on Saturday morning we found ourselves once again setting off on the chain ferry to register for the 110k route around the Island. This sunny September day was in sharp contrast to our previous wet ride, and a perfect celebration of Autumn. It wasn’t a ride for stopping and taking pictures. But, Tom did a great job at balancing camera and handlebars for some snaps from the saddle.

I love this ride in any weather, but it is all the more delicious in the sunshine.

Autumn to do list

Basket full of skeins of different coloured yarn, with more yarn in the background — All produced by the Isle of Wight Guild of Weavers, Spinners, and Dyers

There is change in the air: chilly mornings, wood fires, and woolly jumpers. And a change in my habits: what I eat, read and do. I know I’m not the only one who changes mood at this time of year, and starts looking forward to autumnal activities. Inspired by Michelle, I’ve put down a few of my own autumn ‘to dos’.

Read some classics – old stories of big rattling houses, mysterious attic residents, and strangers in a storm. Perfect fireside reading.
Bake something new – I have my baking favourites that I stick too, perhaps for lack of time, or inspiration. But, I am going to try out some of the recipes on those clean, unrumpled pages in my cookbooks.
Do muddy walks & pub lunches – the food is all the tastier, and the warmth all the cosier, having been out in the wet and wind.
Sew something to wear – I’ll happily sew stuff, but am daunted by proper seamstressing. So, this is my challenge to myself.
Take a city trip – stripped back trees showing more architecture, new exhibitions, and extra excuses for coffee stops.
Pick up sticks – I haven’t knitted anything since this project went a little awry. ‘nough said.
Take naps – my new job involves commuting daily by ferry. I have big plans to read lots while I travel, but I suspect that won’t happen..
Correspond – sitting down with pen and paper for some proper snail mail catch up is the perfect pace for this time of year.
Embrace the wind – strolling on the beach, getting buffeted about and watching the whipped up waves.
Wrap up in wool – plenty more excuses now to wear my favourite fibre.

What’s on your to do list?

Table for one

My mum and I met at our favourite restaurant the other day for a catch up. We sat at a table next to an old man dining alone on tagliatelle and white wine. My mum is great at striking up a conversation and we were soon hearing of his recent move to town and his favourite lunch stops. He seemed far more interested in talking than eating and told us how he dines alone every day, yet no one speaks to him. “I live alone and don’t really talk to anyone, but here you are!” he grinned.

I was so struck by how little contact this man had, and how hungry he was for a chat. We are social beings, and our connections with others are such a big part of who we are, it’s easy to feel isolated without this. I love time by myself, especially in a coffee shop, watching the world go by. So I usually assume that others on their own are happiest left that way. But maybe sometimes it worth leaning over and saying ‘hi’, if only to see someone grin.)

Mini Adventure to St Catherine’s Point

Friday afternoon, dashed home from work, and straight out the door to catch the last of the light at St Catherine’s Point.

We hopped over rocks, scrambled up cliffs, wandered across fields, and watched the setting sun, before walking up the lane for a pint at the pub. Just one hour exploring a new patch of ground and everyday hassles feel a world away. I am in love with mini adventures.

Last Days of Summer

We’ve had the most perfect bright September days – clear mornings, blue skies, and slanting sunlight. The country lanes have been full of my favourite colours: yellow ochre, moss green, and chestnut brown. Bonfire smoke has replaced the barbecues, and the beaches now have more dog walkers than deckchairs. It’s been a delicious change in season.

Today is the last official day of summer. I’ve eked out these last sunny days with early morning starts, bike rides to work, and going the long way home. Rain is due on Sunday and I can enjoy the excuse for some reading and baking, knowing I made the most of these last few days of summer.