TODAY SPRING ARRIVED . . .

[cadobhik39]

Today, April 18th, was the first warm day of spring. After the usual grey cool start to the day, the sky turned blue and temperature reached 22C (in my greenhouse it reached 47C - I had forgotten to open the door during the morning).

Comments

[cadobhik39]

In our politically correct safety obsessed country, before permission to drive in forest was given I had to produce a "lone working policy" and describe actions I would undertake to ensure safety (my own and general public).

"Lone working" basically means I tell my wife where I am going (which part of forest) but often she likes to come with me anyway. I send MSN to forestry office to let them know I am in forest (and when I have left).

I must drive at no more than 5mph (8km/h) with headlights and fog lights turned on and hazard warning indicators flashing. (The forest tracks are quite good, very few pot-holes, good hard surface. It is tempting to go rally driving but I'd probably wreck my car even if it did not go flying off the road on a corner).

One or twice members of the public have stopped me and said "you are not allowed to drive you care here" They seem unable to comprehend that I somehow got through the same locked gate as they had. I am always polite, smile, and tell them I am working for Forestry Commission (but it is tempting to tell them to put their dog onto lead, ask if they have permit to ride horse etc etc . . . or simply tell them to get a life).