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May Ramble - A Run through the Gossamer

© Allyso

Hello again, my friend! I see you're wearing your running shoes today, so you must have known were were going for a run!

It's all right, you won't get too tired. I like to take my runs slowly, so I have time to admire the scenery. Yes, I know the sun has set already, but that doesn't matter. We can still see well enough to run.

First, we'd better do a few stretches. Whether you're a practised exerciser or an occasional jogger like me, you need to warm up those muscles. Of course there are gyms and athletics clubs in Tasmania, but sometimes it's pleasant to exercise in more casual surroundings.

Warm enough now? Right, we'll start with a brisk walk through the paddock we call 'The Race Paddock'. No doubt you think that's a strange name, but the paddock is part of the old farm and it's named for the mill race that used to run through here to turn the waterwheel. The mill race is nothing but a tiny creek now, but it used to froth and foam with the best of them. Or so I'm told. The inlet from the river was closed off in 1971, after a disastrous flood that half-drowned this part of Tasmania.

We have to climb down a steep path through the race, but don't worry, this autumn is a dry one so you won't get your shoes wet. Can't see the path? Just follow Bik, the little black and white terrier. She always comes when I go for a run.

Right, now we climb to the top of the levee bank. That's another legacy of the '70 floods. It frames the river on this side to make it stay in its bed instead of taking over the town.

The levee is narrow on top, but it has a well-trodded path established by the cattle. OK, let's run!

The last stain of sunset is glowing through the branches of the willow trees. The leaves they have left are mostly yellow and gold. The air is sharp enough to be fresh, but it won't sting your lungs or eyes. Not yet, not in mellow May. And there goes Bik! Tearing along the levee and diving off into the bushes along the river. We won't see her again for a while!

Look down at the grass and you'll see long ropes of gossamer. I love to run through them. They're so light you never feel them at all, and don't worry about the spinners, they'll soon make more. That pale gleam to your right is a mushroom, but there won't be many now. April is mushroom month in Tasmania.

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