Dave Hilditch Photography
The Worm Turns
This is my wife, Jenny, nearing the top of what had been a long, steep and exhausting climb from the forest below to a high ridge running along the coast of Somerset. The views along the ridge made all the effort well worthwhile.
Seeing this shot reminded me of our first few walking holidays when our kids were small (about 5 and 7).
They hated it with a passion.
The first ever walk we did, it rained all day. I recall us crammed into a small church porch eating very soggy sandwiches. The kids were not happy bunnies.
Bribery and lies were the name of the game.
“You can have one square of chocolate when we reach that stile”
“Not much further now, soon be back”
“No, we’re not lost. It’s just the map that’s wrong”
These worked for a while. But the chocolate would run out and the “not much further comment” would be treated with derision after the tenth utterance.
My son in particular could be a stubborn little so and so. (A trait he inherits from his Mother).
On one occasion he just flopped down and wailed “I just can’t go on, Dad”. After promises of huge amounts ice cream he finally agreed to move and dragged along well behind us being overtaken by snails and tortoises.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 30 years pass ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
But it did them no lasting harm. Now they both love the outdoors and hill walking in particular.
They are also obviously much stronger and fitter now too.
Much stronger and fitter than me!
Now it is me that lags behind ……………………………. Well behind.
Sometimes out of sight behind.
And they have developed a cruel sadistic side (another one of their Mothers’ traits.)
Like waiting ages for me to catch up.
And when I do arrive, sweating, swearing, gasping and crimson faced, with pain etched on my face, they jump to their feet and rush on with comments like ……..
“………………. Only another 8 miles to the pub, Dad.”
“………………. Last one there buys the beer.”
“………………. Didn’t know anyone could walk that slow.”
“………………. Have you stopped for a sleep?”
“………………. If you can’t make it, we’ll just have to leave you here.”
Children can be so cruel.
The Worm Turns
This is my wife, Jenny, nearing the top of what had been a long, steep and exhausting climb from the forest below to a high ridge running along the coast of Somerset. The views along the ridge made all the effort well worthwhile.
Seeing this shot reminded me of our first few walking holidays when our kids were small (about 5 and 7).
They hated it with a passion.
The first ever walk we did, it rained all day. I recall us crammed into a small church porch eating very soggy sandwiches. The kids were not happy bunnies.
Bribery and lies were the name of the game.
“You can have one square of chocolate when we reach that stile”
“Not much further now, soon be back”
“No, we’re not lost. It’s just the map that’s wrong”
These worked for a while. But the chocolate would run out and the “not much further comment” would be treated with derision after the tenth utterance.
My son in particular could be a stubborn little so and so. (A trait he inherits from his Mother).
On one occasion he just flopped down and wailed “I just can’t go on, Dad”. After promises of huge amounts ice cream he finally agreed to move and dragged along well behind us being overtaken by snails and tortoises.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 30 years pass ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
But it did them no lasting harm. Now they both love the outdoors and hill walking in particular.
They are also obviously much stronger and fitter now too.
Much stronger and fitter than me!
Now it is me that lags behind ……………………………. Well behind.
Sometimes out of sight behind.
And they have developed a cruel sadistic side (another one of their Mothers’ traits.)
Like waiting ages for me to catch up.
And when I do arrive, sweating, swearing, gasping and crimson faced, with pain etched on my face, they jump to their feet and rush on with comments like ……..
“………………. Only another 8 miles to the pub, Dad.”
“………………. Last one there buys the beer.”
“………………. Didn’t know anyone could walk that slow.”
“………………. Have you stopped for a sleep?”
“………………. If you can’t make it, we’ll just have to leave you here.”
Children can be so cruel.