Happy NEW Year

I have had a lovely time reading blogs which are celebrating and looking back over the year. There is only one way I could think of to see out 2008, and that was with the distraction of a very long walk!
So today, my family and I walked. We walked miles and miles.
Along the old 'Crab and Winkle' railway line which, until 1962, took the people of the Norfolk Brecks on their trips to the seaside. And which, during the war carried countless young men to the RAF station at Watton.
It is the most fascinating area of Special Scientific Interest; The Great Eastern Pingo Trail
It has been a misty and overcast day today, we saw Herons, Deer and Wrens. The wildlife areas either side of the disused railway are out of bounds or simply too dangerous to venture into.
Deep drains cross the area but their failure to keep the water under control means that the whole area is as close to a swamp as you could hope to get in England!
On a day like today it was quite atmospheric in places, particularly as we walked through Cranberry Rough, walking over soil which is rich with 10,000 years of history to tell of a lake bed overgrown with reeds, Alder, Birch, Hazel and Oaks.
We thought of how it would have felt to take the train this way as a young man going to war. It might well have been a bleak and oppressive route to take.
Of course we got lost. The waymarkers are lost or non-existant where the path intersects with the Peddars Way, a path which follows an old Roman road.
But we had good company to replenish our spirits and keep us going!
And eventually, after nearly 9 miles of walking, we got back to our car safe and sound just before dusk.
But along the way we had passed this little memorial. In the middle of a remote area, close to the Stanford battle area which holds such sad memories for older people in the villages around, a quiet reminder of recent history. Of lives lived in much harder times than ours.
We returned home tired, thoughtful, and looking forward to a New Year and new plans, our blessings truly counted.
For now, I'm to bed. But first I have one very good memory to share of 2008. I discovered the world of blog and all the lovely friendly people who so often drop by to say hello. You have been a lifeline. I am so grateful to have found you all. Tomorrow is a new day and a New Year. I am looking forward to it with hope and a positive heart. t.xx

Comments

MelMel said…
Happy new yr!!!!!XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
fern said…
These photos are fantastic. All the very best for great things in 2009!
Beki said…
Happy new year
Hugs
Beki xxx
Anonymous said…
A Happy New Year to you Teena, and thank you for your beautiful blog. My daughter loved your blue owl cushion which she opened on Christmas day. JackieMx
A time to dance said…
Happy new year sweetie...it's been lovely meeting you and sharing in your journey...I still feel envious of your lovely home..but not a 9 mile walk!! love and hugs H
Happy New Year, Teena!

Hannah x
Anonymous said…
Pingos always fascinated me as a child but I had no idea that there was actually a PIngo walk, this will be one for my husband and I to drag the kids (kicking and screaming) on!
Happy New Year to you and yours.
Niki Fretwell said…
Happy New Year T!

Thanks for the lovely walk! Hope BB didn't have the 'halfway grumps' this time...but then, if you got lost, who's to say where halfway was!...

So glad that you joined Blogland in 2008.
All the best for a happy and healthy 2009,
Niki xx
LinenandRoses said…
A very happy New Year to you. Lovely pictures. The walk looks lovely. Nice to share as we have had to stay in the house in the warm as colds are here again. All the best to you for 2009.
Just dropping in to wish you & yours a wonderful 2009!

And don't worry - A Retro Reindeer Protection Society has been set up to protect reindeer from mean daughters!

Jayne
Hen said…
Happy New Year, to you and all your family.
Hen x
Anonymous said…
I'm glad you had such a lovely walk, and appreciated so much!

I agree about Blogland!

Happy New Year to you and your family.

Lucy x
Ragged Roses said…
Wishing you and your family a wonderfully happy New Year! Thanks for taking me along on the walk, I figure that this is how I'm going to up my exercise this year, virtual walking accompanying bloggers (no need for balaclavas, just plenty of chocolate!).
Kimx
Happy new year! Here's to more blogging, lovely photos and pink chairs in 09! Cat xx
Catherine said…
Happy New Year to you all. I will look forward to more bright, inspiring ideas for 2009!
Shannon said…
I snooped you off of cjane... I hope you don't mind, but the name of your blog caught my attention. I was not disappointed - what beautiful, happy pictures you feature! Have a wonderful new year, and keep posting, please, because I look forward to visiting again.
Michelle said…
What a lovely post

Happy new year to you too

Michelle
Treasuresofjoy said…
Happy New Year and Happy Hiking!

Renee
happy new year KP and family :-) the walk looked just what I need - too much time spent cooped up eating chocolate ! (cant beleive im saying that like its a bad thing.........)
Lesley x
Libby said…
Happy New Year to you and your family. What an eerie place to walk, I don't like woods very much so would not have enjoyed it that much in real life, but I enjoyed joining you :-)
I look forward to following your blog through 2009 as you are an inspiration!
RR said…
i do love a nice nature walk,what a good idea to take provisions!thats my kind of thinking!
im already looking for a new ring...just leaving little hints as subtle as a brick to make sure he picks up on them haha

happy new year
Anonymous said…
Looks like a wonderful walk - it's great to get out into the woods at any time of year (as long as you're kitted out with some good boots/wellies).

All the best for the New Year to all of you :0)
Shsjndkdns said…
Happy new year, looks like you had a nice walk. I am looking forward to reading your blog in 2009 XX
Anonymous said…
I think you should win a prize for managing to get the words winkle and pingo in to one post. I am impressed!!!

Ha ha ......

Love Emma xxxxx
A Thrifty Mrs said…
Looks like a lovely place to visit. I must put it down on my 'must do' list.
Have a very happy 2009!
Happy New Year!!!! Love your blog!!Donna
Emily said…
There's nothing better than a nice long walk in the country. Have a great new year!
Happy New Year Teena. So glad that you did join us here in blogland as yours is one of my favourite reads and always a feast for the eyes :-)

Our Christmas shoot for 25BH was shot last year in December so we didn't have to pretend it was Christmas thank goodness. I think it would have been very confusing for the little ones!
Teena Vallerine said…
Thank-you everyone! You're all just wonderful!! t.xx
Anonymous said…
You all walked nine miles? Oh my...you were lost! Sounds like 2009 will be a stellar year for you. May it be healthy and happy.