Walking Into Night

Yesterday I was asked why I went to an ice rink, to stand around while people skated. The reason is that I wanted to go for my daily walk while the sun, or at least daylight, was still around. If I had set off later, then I would have been caught by the night, and I would have missed walking in daylight.

At this time of year, if you don’t go for a walk before 17:00 you’re likely to walk in the dark. In a city walking in the dark is fine, because there are usually quite a few lights, and because in a city night is lively, whereas in a village or town things are quieter.

As I drove home after lunch I saw the sun was out, and thought that I should go for a bike ride, but paradoxically I do not feel like riding at the moment. It’s cold, so that’s one reason. The second is that I don’t want to deal with cars.

Less Cycling

On Friday I spoke about cycling, and it’s common for people not to want to cycle, because of how people drive. I understand them. It’s because I was in the safety of a group that I cycled so much this year. If I had been solo I would cycle as little as I have done in recent days.

Consistent Walks

I considered skating yesterday, but I am not as comfortable on skates as I was when I was younger. I already walk six kilometres, without adding the skating, so I get exercise.

Solitude Affective Disorder

For me the S in SAD is for solitude. At this time solitude is easy to have too much of. That’s why I went out on Friday night, to see people in bars. That’s why I was tired the next day and missed the bike ride, which is why I think I played a mobile phone game. Yesterday I had plans, but because they changed, I just went out, as the sun was setting. This used to be unusual. At this time of year going out as the sun sets is easy.

Sunday Rain

For the last two weeks rain has been announced. That’s why I don’t organise easy bike rides, or hikes. If it’s raining, you can organise something but no one will come. Rain encourages people to stay indoors.

And Finally I’m Ready For a Change of Scenery

I feel ready for a change of scenery. I feel ready to drive for twelve hours to spend a few weeks in Spain. I could cycle. I could run. I could even take up cold water swimming, although that thought does not tempt me.

If not for a commitment on the ninth of December I think I would already have set off for Spain. I like to end the year there, especially since this is the Season of Solitude anyway. Driving to Spain is my tradition, and has been for years. I like to go in the low season, when there is less traffic and smaller crowds.

If the drive was shorter, I’d make the trip more often. I enjoy the drive itself but it’s an endurance challenge.