I have to begin my post with a sunrise just to prove I managed a pre-7am run today. I had become lazy over the last couple of weeks; just 15 more minutes on the alarm became thirty. So, after giving myself a berating, I crept out of bed, brushed my teeth, ate a banana, drank a glass of water, sorted out my music and battled my way through the encroaching plant tendrils. Those things really are becoming worryingly ominous as their reach across the path, looking for a gate, wall or object to grab, and start that subtle infiltration into human space that we call "nature taking over".
Just as I relish the silence of #stayathome, the absence of rumbling traffic, and other man-made noise outside my window, early morning also provides moments of respite from the noise of parents shouting at their children to "pick up your bike", or "we've come this far, so you can walk," and the hubbub of the picnickers in the "dell" area below the jungle. Another noticeable benefit of less traffic is less pollution. I'm convinced the clearer air has stopped my breathless wheezing when I run. But then again, that might just be my wishful thinking.
This morning was a camp morning for my NSman son, counting rations. Maybe it was leaving later (he had a later start), but I could not help but remark the number of cars on the road, and people, not to mention the sweat-dripping MAMILS. If 90% of the working population are staying at home, whey are there so may cars, trucks and coaches on the road? And again, when I drove back up to collect my son; there were too many cars and coaches. Where was everyone going? Upon our return, I realised everyone was exiting the Piccadilly Circus that once more, had formed at the crossroads and along the drainage canal area.
The madness goes further as main roads are now running tracks instead of the empty pavements. I suppose another example of nature reclaiming space.
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