Yellowcraig, 1 June + 3 June

It’s been a strange few weeks here. Raf had a small surgery on Wednesday 9th July (nothing to worry about - it was planned and pre-emptive, to remove the heightened cancer risk from a retained testicle) and our last ‘proper’ walk was the previous evening, when we headed to Yellowcraig for a low tide walk below a moody sky. Following surgery, we’ve had short, on-lead only walks, avoiding grit or dirt or sand, and that’s been a challenge with a reactive lad as we always choose those sandy and gritty coastal routes to avoid people and dogs and triggers. We’ve had days of local pavement walks, with multiple triggers, and that’s been a challenge for Raf, and also for me.

It’s incredible the difference in my head space now, after just thirteen days away from our grounding places. Away from our settling walks below big skies, listening to the waves on the rocks or watching the shift over the water. Walks away from people. My body feels tense and tight from the lack of exercise. Sure, I’ve practiced yoga. I’ve spent several hours on the crosstrainer, striding up imaginary inclines. But nothing beats walking. Nothing beats being outside, physically, but also mentally. I’ve felt my brain unravelling in recent days, losing focus. I thought I’d spend these days writing (specifically the book that I’ve started working on - a story for another post!) but I haven’t been able to. There’s been a whole lot of telly and far too much time scrolling Instagram as Raf snuggles beside me on the sofa, half-contented and half-bored as he’s also missing exercise and those all-important sniffs.

So I thought I’d spend a few hours today catching up here, starting with two walks that take us back to early June and some very dramatic skies at Yellowcraig. Everyday, anyway walks, but with the magic of shifting light as the sun was setting, and with low clouds holding the promise of rain somewhere out over the water in the first walk below - the one that marked the start of the month.

We’re on day thirteen post-surgery and these grounding moments are just round the corner again. I can’t wait.