Thorganby Lincolnshire ~ A Day Trip
The Goldeneye Velocipede has been in action once again.
A glorious sunny day left your host with 2 choices: Do some book and computer nonsense or get on your bike and ride
Feeling the need to make the most of a rare delightful day ambition took over from prudence and I planned an ambitious route taking in some of the most vicious hills in Lincolnshire !
I surprised myself somewhat in dealing with them efficiently though 2 really did leave my chest absolutely pounding when the apex came blessedly into view.
I was looking for Thorganby Hall, an ancient mansion and the seat of the Willoughby family.
My now legendary navigational skills were once again found wanting and somehow I missed the place !
I did find this delightful church tucked away though.
All Saint’s Church
The Anglican parish register dates it 1561 and once again it felt steeped in history. I seem to find myself drawn to these old churches nowadays. Could it be my age, could it be some spiritual calling ?
Well … they are just the most historic and interesting buildings.
The grounds were beautifully kept with some huge ancient trees and watching a squirrel collecting nuts and scampering up a huge old tree was nothing short of a delight.
Cars and people seemed in short supply so it was just your host, leg power and a wandering mind that travelled through the country lanes of Lincolnshire.
It provides one with an opportunity to pontificate on things often pushed to the back of the mind by the every day realities of modern life.
Strangely, there is no feeling of being alone, possibly being with your own thoughts is enough on such a trip.
It gives you such a lift and sense of well being, getting some serious exercise whilst enjoying the beauty of the countryside in a way car travel makes impossible.
Narrow country lanes shielded by hedgerows and trees seem to be ageless, only tarmac invades scenes which have not changed in 100s of years.
I would say to those who are lucky enough to have countryside within easy access - make the most of it - see what is around you and, if you can manage it, try cycling you’ll not regret it (unless you get run over by a 4×4 of course)
Once again I have had several hours of pure joy, fresh air and exercise all at no expense at all
How can you do better
Regards to all who read this
Rod
Little Brother said,
October 8, 2008 @ 9:29 pm
Rod,
A lovely post, mate. I envy you, I’ve spent two days stuck in front of a laptop in a hotel room with a beautiful view of the Lake District landscape. The sun shone all day and the river flowed fastly by. I would have loved to have been able to make the most of it.
LB
Rod said,
October 9, 2008 @ 8:21 am
LB
at least it wasn’t 7 days stuck in front of a stove !
Rod
Little Brother said,
October 9, 2008 @ 6:32 pm
Rod,
That’s next week!!
LB
Lucy said,
October 10, 2008 @ 3:56 am
Aw I know exactly what you mean about exercising in isolated countryside and related feelings of joy and peacefulness, and on one occasion, surprise. In July I attended a conference in Oxford (non-topically entitled ‘global catastrophic risks’
) The house I was staying at was about 40 mins from the city centre, so in the countryside basically. One day I decided to go out for a run along the lanes leading to fields with tall grass. So there I was minding my own recreational-jogging business and suddenly a young deer leaps out from the grass (which was almost as tall as me) I was more startled than it was; in fact I think it was actively trying to freak me out, as I continued running I kept seeing it’s head pop over the grass every now n then. Bit surreal for a city person like me.
And yeah, I love old churches aswell, not being religious or anything, I just love the nostalgic feelings yer get from them.
Rod said,
October 10, 2008 @ 8:41 am
Lucy
there really is something in seeing animals and birds that we don’t normally see.
I know they are there all the time and not rare but it’s as though you’re seeing something you shouldn’t, a private world, voyeuristic even.
I attended a conference in Oxford (non-topically entitled ‘global catastrophic risks’
I hope you managed to save the world at the conference - we’re all counting on you - it sounds very dramatic !
You’ll not be surprised to know I too have seen a deer at close quarters
Cheers
Rod