First of all, a belated HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all. I hope and trust that 2022 will bring you good health, peace and blessings.
For me, I am looking forward to 2022 positively. The last year has again been a strange one for all of us, with continuing Covid issues and uncertainties which I think have a generally unsettling effect even if we don’t fully realise it. In addition, I have had my share of health problems which somewhat curtailed my activities last year, meaning that my walking and cycling miles have been less than they usually are. But with a new year, comes the opportunity to start again, or at least, to have that ‘start again’ mindset 🙂 !
Traditionally, January and February are the dreary months but that can’t be said this year so far. As I look out of my window, I see dreary, grey skies today but we have had some wonderful winter days over the last three weeks, with cold, crisp, frosty mornings and bright sunshine – just how our winters used to be.
Last year ended with the usual weight gain from Christmas excesses and reduced activity so this year began with the usual determination to work the excesses off and to get back an improved level of fitness, and the weather has for the most part collaborated with me in this 🙂 ! When the sun shines, you just can’t help but get out in the hills, it is such an encouragement. So far this year, I have already covered over 150 miles on two feet or two wheels and I feel so much better for it.
We make our plans but sometimes life changes them, as it has for the last couple of years, and maybe this applies even more as you get older. But plan we must and should because it is good to have things to aim for and to encourage us to keep mind and body healthy. Exercise and being amongst nature does both those things. I always know that, even if I don’t feel like going out, as soon as I start putting one foot in front of the other out in the countryside, I will enjoy it and benefit from it. It amounts to free health care and I’d like to do it for as long as my arthritic ankles allow.
So in 2022, I am looking forward to lots more walking, lots more cycling, some backpacking, lots of nature rambles, some mini adventures, and much more. I am also looking to redesign my blog so that I can include some walking routes for those who visit Dorset. In fact, my plan is to try to make my blog page more of a website so watch this space. And of course, if you have any thoughts or suggestions, do let me know.
For now though, I have some new walking routes to find, and a couple of backpacking trips to plan 🙂 !
Stay safe, stay active, and thanks for stopping by.
Until next time,
Your friend
The Dorset Rambler
If you would like to contact me, my email address is terry.yarrow@gmail.com – comments and feedback are always welcomed.
All words and pictures in this blog are the copyright of The Dorset Rambler and may not be reproduced without permission.
The Dorset Rambler 
I’m glad you are getting out again, Terry. I always enjoy reading your posts with its interesting narrative and photographs. Posting your walking routes would be very interesting and save me the work of looking them up or trying to guess where you’ve been. I have visited Dorset only twice but greatly enjoyed it and appreciate your window into that remarkable area.
Thanks Paul so much for your kind and encouraging comment, and for your interest in my blog.
Happy New Year to you Terry and your family.
Let’s hope it’s a better one than the last two! I feel sure it will be.
We met at Clavel Tower a number of years back when we were staying there. We’ve always enjoyed your pictures and reading where you have been. They are very interesting. I so love a sunny, cold and frosty morning. Makes one pleased to be out walking.
We are walking the hills of Shropshire and can get up on to Offa’s Dyke from our house. What views we have up there.
We wish you well and look forward to seeing your pictures and hearing all about your walking, back packing and cycle rides.
Best wishes, ELizabeth and John 😊🌞❄️🥾🥾🌳🌷🌷
Thanks Elizabeth and John. Good to hear from you again and I am glad you are still getting out and about 🙂 Shropshire is a lovely county with some great walks. Offa’s Dyke is one of my possible backpacks for this year – I was going to do it a couple of years ago but Covid had other ideas of course. Stay safe and well both. With my best wishes, Terry
Welcome back. I too have arthritis in my feet. you have my sympathy.
Thanks John. Arthritis is a bind isn’t it as it hampers you when you are a walker. I refuse to give in to it though 🙂 Stay well John!
You too.