Walking and Singing in the Rain

Even on rainy days the boys need a good walk. 

So gearing up to go out into the down pour I look like a bag of spuds. Scarf on, hat on, gloves on, thick warm waterproof trousers on, cushy jumper on, massive waterproof rain coat on and those good old waterproof walking boots on.




Being out in the sticks there are ample places to go walking, big expanses of fields, woodland, river walks, hill walks but on a day like to day a field walk will do just fine. Only problem is finding one without sheep or cows in it.





So we try one of our favourite fields at the end of Mill Lane in Leintwardine. This can be a circular walk if you like as the fields conjoin and lead you to Jay Lane that joins you back on to High Street.

Approximate map of route.

Leo is a long hair blue merle Border Collie (or Sheepdog) and Loki is a short hair blue merle Border Collie x Kelpie. I need to do more research into the Kelpie breed as Loki's habits and mannerisms minimally resemble Leo's.

A collie will circle you as you walk, almost as if they are herding you. Even if Leo is at the other end of the field he will still circle my movements. Loki on the other hand likes to dart about to and fro, running to me and then back to Leo as likes to be very close to you; where as Leo keeps his distance. Also when we play fetch, Leo will crawl low to the ground waiting for the signal from you to go but Loki is always standing focused on the object being thrown. So I'm assuming he is more Kelpie in manner then Collie. But I'll get back to that later after I've spent the time looking into Kelpie behaviour.

This big expanse of field is great for my two dogs.
We walk zig zagged across the field in order to encourage them to exert more energy and think about where I am in comparison to them. Both always keep an eye on me so if I change direction they always make sure they are in my line of sight and never behind. But this field does prove challenging, there are mini 'streams' and puddles everywhere, due to the rain, some you can jump over others are to wide to even try.

But they love it though. Splashing and paddling through them and having a cheeky little drink. 

Getting them to pose on this log was a task as all they want to do is run around some more. This log we used for some of Loki's training. To teach him Over. He did it but I'm not sure if he got it, as he was just copying and chasing Leo around. It's easier with two people for training two dogs, the other person can control the one dog and get them to stay but on your own it's a bit more difficult as they both think I'm talking to them and follow the commands regardless. Either way it was funny and they loved doing it, clever boys.

These rainy day walks initially create a sense of dread, not wanting to go and walk out in the down pour of rain. Yet once you get out there with two happy dogs, loving every second of it, frolicking freely; it brings a sense of joy and satisfaction. Giving you time to enjoy their company and the beauty of the outside come rain or shine. Back home and time to dry them off. Loki is not amused.

Word Search: I had to look up what the word was for a small gathering/area of trees using google. I thought it was coppice but that means:

noun

1. 1.

   an area of woodland in which the trees or shrubs are periodically cut back to ground level to stimulate growth and provide firewood or timber.

   "coppices of oak were cultivated"

verb

1. 1.

   cut back (a tree or shrub) to ground level periodically to stimulate growth.

   "coppiced timber"

The word I was looking for was a copse:

noun

1. a small group of trees.

or a spinney:

noun

BRITISH

1. a small area of trees and bushes.

In the middle of this field is a copse or spinney which we like to walk through. A mini forest walk to suffice until the next big forest walk.

For more Leintwardine Info and walks: https://leintwardine.wordpress.com/walks-around-leintwardine/