A Winter Walk

Took off for a walk this morning along the Humber bank.  The weather started off misty and grey but as we all headed off past the reed beds and we watched the water that gushed off away from the fields and into the sea, the sky began to lighten up.

On one side of the bank, a fishing pond contained ducks and swans and on the other, I could see over to Hull.  Boyes marked out where the boats could navigate against the mud banks and a few migrating waders making the most of the tide being out.

It felt great being outside.  The estuary was still as a pond, the reflections of the buildings across the water were clearly mirrored in the water.  Ahead the Humber Bridge could be seen clearly, the icon of the area.  Mouse snuffled about the edges of the path while Minnie Moo set dead ahead – always forward, no time to stop.

I soon warmed up as we turned around and headed back home again, the sun in our faces.  Actual sun, with a warmth that brings joy to my steps as I walked along.    We met a few other people walking their pooches and said customary good mornings.  But on the whole, it was peaceful, a nice way to start Christmas Eve.

The Humber estuary stretches 38.5 miles and you can walk nearly the whole length of it, from it’s beginning at a little hamlet called Faxfleet in East Riding.  All the way to the North Sea.  There is much to explore along the way.  It’s also a feat of nature.  On both sides of the Humber industry, a big multitude of industry that’s made up of oil and wood, wind turbines and chemicals. All developed over the years but against all odds, nature has still decided that the Humber is bigger than all that.  It has managed to live side by side (mostly) well.  And this is why I love the area so much.  Amongst the boats, the bridges, the ports and docks nature lives on.  And in amongst all that the land is shared with the farmers which bring extra wildlife to the scene.  It’s a magical place.  One of wonder.  A place where you can see a deer one side and an avocet on the other.  Or a buzzard in the sky and wildflowers on the ground.  It’s a place of stark contrasts that is ever-surprising and enjoyable to watch.

I hope to journal more of my journeys along the Humber in the new Year.

Thank you for reading.