Breakfast by the east Dart river

The wind had picked up in the night and was still quite brisk by morning. After my customary period of fussing with my gear, I pressed on with my walk, first to warm up and then to take advantage of a cooler part of the day.

In the still morning, every tree seemed to host an entire chorus of birds, tweeting, warbling and sometimes even crowing. My walking was mainly through thatch roofed hamlets, and on shaded footpaths. At Dartmeet I turned north following the east Dart river and the bird song was replaced by the babble and shwoosh of the river.

I forded my way out to a few mid river islands and generally enjoyed the lovely walk. About 09:00, I decided it was time for breakfast (a flask of coffee and overnight oats). I set up my chair on a sandy portion of river bank and relaxed in the cool mid morning shade.Read more