Joe and I went for a walk down by the river and over the abandoned colliery site (don’t you just love Margaret Thatcher? I know I do). It was nice; the sun was shining, the birds were singing, and we got lost. I must have followed this same path dozens of times, but today, we got lost.

I don’t even know how it happened. One minute I was taking our usual route along the black hills, and the next I looked around to get my bearings and realised that I was close to River Calder, and had followed it a little further that I had intended. In my youth, I used to ride my old pony across the fields there. The colliery had been shut for years, and we never really contemplated the dangers of riding on hills constructed from the waste products of mining. Huge cracks had formed along the highest of the hills, that were so wide and deep at points Joe and I had to jump them to get across.

I found a pathway I believed I recognised and began walking the way I thought would lead back to the main road. Then I realised it was over ten years since I was there, and I was actually heading towards the river.  For a while, the going was easy. Nothing much grows on the top of these hills. The ground was soft in places and I took care to place my feet on what I hoped would be firm ground but in spite of my care, I still managed to step into black soil.

At the bottom of the hill Joe and I decided to leave the pathway and head further towards the river. But we could only go so far because the way was blocked by a tangle of vines and brush, we had to turn back and retrace our steps. I would have climbed that mountain of debris but my legs were already complaining, my resolve had lost its vitality. I could hear the river babbling on my left, so I made my way further down, and soon I was back on track. The damage was done however, Joe and I were exhausted, but I have to admit, a lot more relaxed.

I did say I was going to do a little more each day. I want to get fit again, and walking seems as good a way as any. I will start swimming again soon, but will continue to walk. After all I can’t see the local public swimming pool allowing Joe in for exercise.