On Monday we took Rick back to the Nordic forest trails at Prats du
Perigord; this time we managed to follow the correct signs and had a pleasant circular
6 km walk. As we walked back towards the
car we passed an elderly gentleman working in his potager. The conversation went something like this...
“Good morning, have you had a good
walk?”
“Hello there, yes we’ve had a very
nice walk.”
“What type of boat (bateau) is
that?”
Boat? He can’t mean boat. Perhaps he’s talking about the dog.
“He’s a Labrit.”
“Yes, he’s a fine dog but what is
that (baton) stick your wife is carrying?
You are not using the Nordic poles then?
“Oh, the stick. Yes, it’s very old. Over thirty years.”
We continued to the car shaking our
heads in frustration at failing to understand the French language better.
The stick I use is just a random piece of wood that Paul found in the garage
decades ago. He varnished it and I like
it because it’s just the right height for me and the top is shaped so my hand
can easily grip it. I shall never part
with it.
 |
| New Forest 1983 |
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| Mill Gill Force, Askrigg 1984 with big Afro hair. |
It has gone a long way with you Sue.
ReplyDeleteGreetings Maria x
Yes, it's walked quite a few miles.
DeleteSounds as though it was a pleasant walk with your stick.
ReplyDeleteIt was very pretty but the flies were a nightmare in the woods.
DeleteIt's difficult to use Nordic Walking sticks and control a lively dog on a lead ! Glad you had a good walk - I do envy you the verdant countryside. At this time of year it's dry and barren here, with few good dog walking trails.
ReplyDeleteI can't see how you could use the two poles and hold a dog lead at the same time.
DeleteMy brother has a similar stick he is now using as a "walking stick". It has been with him for over 40 years when he cut it from a hedgerow and he immediately turned to it when needing a stick following his stroke. He says he gets on with it a lot better than the one from the medical supply shop.
ReplyDeleteI think you get used to your own stick.
DeleteDid you come across any "prats" when you were in the woods of Perigord? ...How awful it would be if you ever lost that stick. Inanimate and yet still an old friend.
ReplyDeleteI think the only prats were Paul and me!
DeleteI have a similar one we brought back from England one year. Mac polished it up for me.
ReplyDeleteL'm amazed mine has lasted so long.
DeleteI have walkers going past Haddock's occasionally. They often stop and chat, and say nice things. It makes my day!
ReplyDeleteGardeners always have time to chat!
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