Another week in lockdown - roaming through National Geographic, Photos, Treks. Keeping distracted

The weather has definitely changed back to its norm, after some glorious sun beaming down on us, burning my little monks bald patch and forcing me into shorts. I now return to winter thermals, long johns and thick vest, topped with umpteen layers. The rain came throughout the last couple of days and was definitely needed to water the plant and seedlings. But now the baked hard clay is like the trenches of the Somme.

In fact the blanket came out and the fire was little as we snuggled down to back to back episodes of Doctor Who. I cant say that l have been overly engaged in the new female Doctor in the past played by Jodie Whittaker, but this season has been excellent. Possibly due to the humorous sidekicks, especially he part played by Bradley Walsh.

Two new doctors in one

On Sunday we were treated to the long awaited briefing from Boris Johnson. His vision or perhaps more importantly the governments road map to releasing the lockdown. Another Winston Churchill style speech on how we are all going to get through this together.

He set out his three step plan to end lockdown and get everyone back to work.

Must say it was rather good on effect but exceedingly confusing with many gaps to fill in yourself.

Anyone who cannot work from home should now go to work under his plan to “restore the freedoms that we need”.

Pupils in primary school years one, six and reception, together with nurseries, will go back on June 1 if the virus remains in retreat, but secondary schools will remain closed until September.

There will also be a phased reopening of non-essential shops next month, while cafes and restaurants with open-air seating, as well as churches and cinemas could be allowed limited opening in July, subject to strict conditions.

Many people were saying it would be impossible for small children to go back to school as they wouldn't be able to self distance.

Elizabeth our Tia Chi teacher sent me a video of how China is managing to cope with it. Excellent video. https://youtu.be/t7funFk6ilc

It didn’t seem to get any better, although by Tuesday night there did seem to be more clarity.

Nevertheless, in Scotland the message stayed the same. Stay at home, keep safe. 

Which we intend to do, especially as we have the materials to keep working on the gardens.

Although you can see that there are many people flouting the rules, even in this part of the world.

Traffic on the road has increased dramatically, or so it seems, and as soon as the sun comes out people are off out in small groups walking along our road and up the hills.

The Glasgow Live reported that a anti lockdown parade has been organised this weekend by the UK Freedom Movement. The organisation of militants are campaigning against what they describe as Unlawful Lockdown. We are getting as bad as the USA. I wonder if they will be wearing masks. Not to stop the spread of corona virus, but to hide their identity. Fell sorry for the police who will have to deal with it. At least they wont be armed, unlike their counterparts in the states.

The weather is up in the air this week, totally changing its direction, bringing with it wind and rain. As you can see from our favourite weatherman.

 

This weekend we need to batten down the hatches and eat and drink more whilst reading a good book. Although we really cant complain the weather has been absolutely gorgeous for the most part. Allowing us to get on with lots of jobs in the garden. 

On a happier note, this lockdown enables you to do things that you wouldn’t normally have time to do. I enjoy photography, and the other day an American friend gave me a link to a site of a photographer. His photos were amazing. But then l jumped to another site, the National geographic. Chose a few photos that were in my view inspirational.
Hope you enjoy.

As per usual, one thing leads to another. After viewing these photos, l moved onto an article on the best treks. Something to aspire to once we are free to travel again.

The Best Hikes in the U.S.

9 PHOTOS

by TYLER MOSS

July 11, 2017

With 59 national parks and north of 10,000 state parks, the U.S. has no shortage of fruited plains or majestic mountains to explore via its 193,500 miles of trail (and that’s on federal land alone, according to a 2015 report by the American Hiking Society). No wonder, then, that approximately 13 percent of all Americans engaged in the ever-accessible hobby in 2016. In addition to the obvious benefits—exercise, Vitamin D, an opportunity to un-ironically don a tank-top—a number of different studies, including this one published in 2015, found that time spent walking through nature both reduces stress and increases memory performance. But with so many paths to choose from, where does one begin? From the most scenic to the best hidden gem, consider these nine routes the perfect place to start.

Best Scenic Hike: Angel’s Landing Trail, Hurricane, Utah

Utah’s Zion National Park could probably fill at least three spots on this list, but for the sake of diversity, let’s focus on its most illustrious trail: Angel’s Landing. Those fearsome enough to ascend this 4.4-mile journey—which includes a steep final half mile where chains have been installed along certain precarious stretches to help you maintain balance—will be greeted by bird's-eye views of the sandstone canyon below.

Alamy

Best Summertime Hike: Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte, Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Last November, a fire in Great Smoky Mountains National Park set ablaze more than 17,000 acres of land, leading to the closure of the much-cherished Chimney Tops Trail. Thankfully, the 10.3-mile route from Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte offers equal joy to hikers—especially during the summer. Find refuge under the shadows of shaded forest, and wade through refreshing streams past patches of wild rhododendron, with plenty of photo-ops along the way.

Alamy

Best Coastal Hike: Kalalau Trail, Hanalei, Hawaii

As you pass through the abundant vegetation along Kauai’s Na Pali Coast, the setting may seem familiar. (Hint: Think Jeff Goldblum and velociraptors.) That’s right, Jurassic Park documented the lush crags of Na Pali in 1993, and your hike will feel equally cinematic. Not for the faint of heart (or small children, for that matter), this 20-mile trek through beachfront jungle is challenging, but worth it for the spectacular views of the Pacific.

Getty

Best Family-Friendly Hike: Emerald Lake Trail, Estes Park, Colorado

Long summer days without school in session are ideal for taking the kids out into the wild, and Rocky Mountain National Park’s Emerald Lake Trail is the perfect place to unplug and immerse the whole family in nature. At a little more than three miles in length, the route is long enough to feel substantial without steep inclines or dangerous drop-offs, and offers a landscape of pristine lakes and soaring mountain tops that will impress kids and adults alike.

Alamy

Best Hidden Gem: Trail of 10 Falls, Silverton, Oregon

The Beaver State is ripe with photogenic trails showcasing the state’s diverse flora and fauna, but skip the rugged coast and commercialized Multnomah Falls for Silver Falls State Park—about an hour and a half south of Portland. There, you’ll find the Trail of 10 Falls, a lush, seven-mile loop with waterfallsmore than 150 feet high, some of which you can even pass behind.

Getty

Best Short Hike: The Beehive Loop Trail, Bar Harbor, Maine

Though only a mere 1.3 miles in length, this passage through Acadia National Park packs enough scenic magic to make it well worth the trek. The course is steep, and requires scaling ladders and iron bars to reach the summit, but hikers are rewarded with impressive views, including of Sand Beach and the nearby Gulf of Maine.

Getty

Best Backpacking Hike: Kesugi Ridge Trail, Talkeetna, Alaska

Though perhaps less accessible than trails in the Lower 48, an Alaskan expedition should be on your to-hike list. Located two hours north of Anchorage along the Susitna River, you’ll want to time your visit to Denali State Park so as to avoid grueling winter weather. But once there, this 29-mile odyssey makes for a gorgeous 3–4 day adventure into the virtually untouched wilderness.

Alamy

Best Desert Hike: Devil’s Bridge Trail, Sedona, Arizona

Scramble up wildflower-speckled hills of Coconino National Forest for the awesome outlooks of Sedona’s signature sandstone formations—including a natural bridge at the peak, perfect for panoramas. It’s a popular route at only 4.4 miles, so shirk the crowds—and the heat—by hitting the trail early, and you’ll have the added pleasure of catching the red rocks at sunrise.

Getty

Best Intense Hike: Half Dome Trail, Mariposa, California

No “best of” list would be complete without a trek through the natural grandeur of Yosemite National Park. Almost 16 miles long, Half Dome is a physical challenge for even the trail’s most fit wayfarers as they ascend more than 5,500 feet—delivering breathtaking views from literally breathtaking elevations.