Dawn, the first of the sun’s rays come raking across the fields and woods of the park transforming well known paths into a mosaic of light and shade. Droplets of dew shine crystal clear on the fresh green buds of the trees, as the sun continues to inch ever higher into the sky. What a way to start a new day, a cascade of sound, colour and warmth, in this haven which is Linn Park: what could equal this?
As simple as that –
spring has finally arrived
with a pale blue sky
Kobayashi Issa
Tr. Sam Hamill
Take a turn up the field towards the Top Wood and along the edge of the meadow. Look carefully and here and there, encouraged by the strengthening spring sunshine the hint of new growth amongst the debris of last summer’s growth. Standing there in the gentle warmth of the sun's early rays, you can often catch that indescribable, incredibly subtle, scent of spring but move for even a moment and, evanescent, it is gone. But pause a little while longer and it returns, blending with the songs of birds and the murmuring of trees. At the edge of the meadow on this spring morning, mind quiet and calm, your senses become filled with the sights, sounds and perfume of springtime in the Park.
The flowers
bloom and quickly fall
in quiet splendour
blessing us with
their brief presence
Otagaki Rengetsu
Tr. John Stevens
Now ambling along the banks of the river Cart everywhere a burgeoning forth of life, as the days of spring lengthen and the sun becomes warmer. A pair of dippers dart up stream along the beat of the River Cart’s resident kingfishers, and even at this time of the morning, mallard drakes are noisily chasing and squabbling over reluctant ducks. All around the park is coming alive after the dormant quietness, of the long winter months.
And some lovely photos of a walk by Fiona Linton on the 23rd April... Thanks
