Perfect day

Bruised but satisfied: I must be in Snowdonia.

After a satisfying day of walking, conference calls and writing, I needed something comforting for supper. Easy and not too taxing were my objectives. I didn't want to mess with too many pots or dishes afterwards. It was already 10 pm and I was both mentally and physically tired from the day's activity.  

The solution: noodles in a green curry sauce with vegetables that were almost raw, plus a bit of coconut milk, crushed peanut and cashews, a handful of Thai spice and herbs. The end result: a creamy, sweet but moderately hot soup. I slurped it up from a big bowl: it was remarkably filling. I felt 'healthier' for having taken the time to make it. 

Last night I slept almost 6.5 hours according to my sleep tracker. I even dreamt - or remember dreaming. Best night in over a week. Not sure why I slept so soundly.  It could be that David had left earlier, and I had my little bolt hole back to myself; or, it might have been the  effect of a long yet industrious work day, divided in half by scrabbling around the foothills. More than likely the latter.  Never underestimate the impact of two mountain walks, even if only 6 or so miles combined. 

Mid morning I enjoyed a longer walk with David and dogs, taken as a break after an intense work session. David had a long drive to Hampshire. A fast paced jaunt was necessary to say goodbye and prepare mentally for an imminent departure. Later in the evening, Soren and I had a second, more leisurely walk, managing to return just before a foggy mist started to descend. A pretty stroll under a canopy of colourful clouds - pink, peach, charcoal, deep blue, providing us with a good body and brain stretch. I still had several more hours of writing ahead of me.

On the first walk I did manage to fall down twice. As usual, my left ankle spontaneously folded over leaving me unexpectedly sprawled on the ground. The first time I broke my fall by thrusting the left hand squarely into a spiky plant full of thorns. The second time I fell on the stony track coming down the hill. On that occasion my right knee took the brunt of the fall - with a slight graze. Alas, I managed to pull most of the thorns out, but my knee is still a bit bruised and swollen.

Despite the embarrassing stumbles, all these things combined made me feel healthy. 

Such is August in Snowdonia.