Far from the Madding Crowd In Dorset

Ambling in the picturesque valleys in Thomas Hardy’s county in Dorset, May bank holiday was a fresh breather and an escapade 'far from the madding crowd’ in London and the swarming neighbourhood tourist spots. Highly recommended by a colleague, a native to Dorset and the recently borrowed Hardy’s book from the library had put this quintessentialEnglish countryside on my wishlist for some time now and with the nearing bank holiday it was another tick off the list. Starting off with a impromptu visit at my frequented favourite - Jane Austen’s Chawton and nibbling away at the Cassandra’s Cup, we strolled along the Jane Austen’s trail for some time before hitting the road. This was followed by a small trek at Melbury Down Estates in Dorset where the essence of Hardy still survives with landscapes right out of his novels; the green vales , the flail and flattened gorse-heaths , bees buzzing and grasshoppers around - it’s a sheer delight for ramblers and those who love a sense of seclusion. 

Fontmell And Melbury Downs

With an enthusiasm for aviators and their classy planes our next stop was Compton Abbas Airfield. It indeed was a spectacular view from this hilltop spot to witness the flying vintage aircrafts dextrously controlled. alas! before my husband hushed me into the car for our next stop. Whilst a quick seaside stroll to Durdle Door concluded the day, we were off to Brimpts Farm, Devon for the haul and looked forward to our next two-day excursion in the woods, the lovely comforting woods.

What was he painting - was it Hardy's Egdon Heath? I'm just guessing...

In the morning with the homemade farm oporridge and fresh farm honey for breakfast in the farm cottage, we were braced up for the moorland romps and the mountainous treks. With the maps on and the walking boots , we were on our way tiptoeing across a beautifully picturesque stream,wandering into the coombes, smelling the wild garlic hangs, daffodils and other spring flowers, walking alongside the grazing sheep and wild ponies strutting around, listening to the chirping of the birds, the babbling brooks, and crossing the fields to reach the village pubs for refuelling.. aah! the sun felt so warm amidst all this - the whole place shouting life ! They say walking is one of the life’s greatest pleasures, it truly is. Thanks to hubsy who does all the orienteering and is supremely great at it when the GPS ain’t working. 

Fingle Woods

One of the best walks is the Teign Valley Classic Circuit from the Fingle Woods all the way to Dorgo Castle ( the hill had kicked in by then with the previous small treks ). It’s a long arduous walk but you’ll thank me later, we cannot recommend it highly enough. 

With our muddy boots, cold aching feet and warm contented hearts the holiday ended on a good note. How I wish it never did ! 

Dorset offers a plethora of things to see, do and explore. Next time we come , we plan to explore the coastline.

Happy Father's Day, Dad!

Date- June 21st 2015

Happy Father's day , Dad ! Miss you dearly. Not only you made a wonderful father but you were a person with a heart of gold and a humane disposition of peace and conciliatory. Today, I wish I could hear you say that you have missed the flattering notes that I wrote you on this occasion. How you just laughed it off and kissed my forehead saying you were proud of me. You are missed every single day since the last I saw you six years ago, Dad. I cannot thank you enough for making me independent, choosing my life and living on my own terms defying the family norms. And thanks for imbibing me earlier on - there's more to life than being domesticated - married and having kids.

Yes,life moves on as it does with everyone : by seeking solace in the old adage -'God takes the best angels first' But, today when I look back at the wounds that scarred us with your untimely death, I just can't help but think of the drudgery we treaded through. Not only your death saddened us, but bought me to a broad daylight and practicalities of life which changed the circumstances forever. It would have never been an easy one without Mumma's willpower and fortitude in those tough times when you weren't there. For the times she has managed through thick and thin fighting against the odds with a heart of lioness and courage. Just like you always wanted me to be an equal to brother, Mumma left no stone unturned and lived by your word from giving me the independence of choosing my own life - living alone , choosing my partner and even supporting brother's independent decisions.

I’m taking this opportunity to bow down to Mumma on this day, Dad who stepped in when you couldn't be there on the most important days of our lives. I see you in her and continue to seek inspiration. And today on father’s day , I owe it to Mumma for being there and being more than a father figure. Love you both to bits.