Referring to the posts since my last one here of 19/2,
Yes, JBee you are quite right, lack of use does indicate greater potential for good SN sites but as JOhn & Peter illustrate, the roads that give on to interesting and accessible potential locations are often just 2 car widths. To leave one's vehicle on such verges risks either obstructing the carriageway or getting dented by a passing lorry, tractor or whatnot. As JohnP says you have to devote some time to getting to a secluded spot, which means risking the vehicle sinking into the sludge over the time you are away. You may have parked in a place that looks reasonable but in fact the mud spreads/sinks under the weight of a car. I'm not saying this happens everywhere but it's happened to me twice - once a few years ago leading to me having to be towed out of the predicament by a handy caravanner with a winch and rope. Another, occasion I managed to escape from as I had my kids with me to push and only one side of the car was on soft ground. As I say it's a risk not a certainty but you don't want to have to call the AA out when you are naked! (AA in this case being the UK's Automobile Association vehicle rescue insurance service rather than the worldwide organisation that helps alcoholics!). Similarly to Pete's comment, I have found it not as easy to find likely spots as I thought! BUT there is a huge amount of countryside and I have invested in 25,000:1 OS map of our immediate area so I'll be heading for walks and woodlands when the weather is better. Problem with walks marked on the map is that other people use them, dammitt!
My month for SN has been INFURIATING!
We just had 3 or 4 days GLORIOUS weather - crisp, dry and sunny all day. I have been raring to get out and I had 2 of those days with no appointments and no distractions to getting out a little further afield for at least more reconnoitre work and at best a lovely frostbathe in some secluded spot. Judge of my UTTER frustration that I am almost unable to walk, using a stick and reduced to bed and armchair since last Sunday with a strained back. Heaven knows how I did it - I think it was 3 days in London the previous week carrying backpack and luggage fairly constantly. Anyway I haven't had it so bad for years- even the bout I had after moving house last autumn wasn't as bad. You will be glad to know I'm on the mend but won't be striding out over the sward for another week or two - whence spring will be almost upon us!
John
PS Anybody fancy cutting my lawn!
