Trail Of Misunderstanding

Dear diary...it was Monday 15^th November 2021. My partner had mentioned a woodland trail at a place in Wootton Bassett called Jubilee Lake, we'd never been there before, so decided this was as good a day as any for venturing out in the car. With sun hiding behind clouds, which for me was just fine, so we took to the roads.

It was only about five miles away, not that far at all. The sun did decided to peep out from behind clouds every now and again. I don't mind that big ball of light this time of the year, as even though it's strong on the eyes, at least it's not baking hot.

Arriving at our destination, the car park was almost empty apart from three other cars, so we looked forward to a quiet meander. The trail started off with tall trees, along with bird song which we could hear clearly, but couldn't see them because they were too high up.

There were plaques along the trail describing the wildlife found, not only in this location, but also other English wooded areas...a real treasure trove of information. I was amazed to discover a yellow ladybird with black spots crawling across one of the plaques, thinking most insects would be hibernating this time of the year, plus it was very chilly too.

We left behind the busy world of human industry, finding pleasure nestled in wood, taking our time watching the little brook gliding by, oblivious to clock watching. As we ventured further along the trail, we came to this beautiful lake. Some ducks were busy going about their business, for their ambitions were not to be idle like we two, but to preen feathers and search continuously for food. We also took in reflection of trees in lake's water where ripples of rings appeared as fish surfaced searching for a bite.

It was pleasant just standing still listening to language of wood's spirit, like in a painting of true beauty, which was very expressive and pleasing on the eyes too. We eventually came across the other side of the lake and climbed a sloping path which took us back to the car park. But now I wanted to go round again, it had only been about forty five minutes, and daylight was still with us.

My partner agreed that would be fine as it was still only 2pm, so off we set following the same route. By now I had built up some energy, where as my partner was happy pacing himself. As we neared the lake again, it was time for me to walk faster and try to get my heart rate up.

All I remember was hurriedly rushing off at a speed walk. As I rounded the lake, I heard a helicopter above, it sounded so loud and close though it was completely hidden by clouds, but I felt sure I should have seen something the noise it was making.

On this note I decided to go back and ask my partner what kind of helicopter it was, so retracing my steps, I was surprised to find no sign of him. I looked all around...fear eclipsed my rational sense and judgement filling me with confusion. I couldn't believe the thoughts that were running through my mind; like had he been abducted? I know it sounds really ridiculous dear diary, but as you know I do have an active imagination that gets carried away at times, it was like my partner had disappeared into thin air.

The only person I saw was a young mother with a child in its pushchair and her dog on a lead. “Excuse me!” I called out, trying to keep as calm as possible.

She turned to gaze at me and smiled. “Have you seen a man with a grey beard and black woolly hat?” I called out, still a distance between us.

Approaching the woman, I could see she didn't seem to have any idea what I was talking about. “Sorry, I've been busy keeping an eye on my daughter and not really paying attention.”

All I could think was! I've got no idea how to get home, I can't remember my partner's mobile number, there's nobody at home, I haven't got any money on me, also my partner has the car keys, including front door key and phone, so I'm completely lost and alone.

Real panic was setting in, as in those few short minutes I had visions of being stuck out in the woods all night, and was terrified of loosing my partner, feeling disorientated.

This is stupid! I thought. Pulling myself together, I began walking back towards the path that led up to the car park, when low and behold there he was slowly ambling towards me completely oblivious to my fears.

“Where have you been?” I voiced anxiously.

“Oh! Just hanging around waiting for you,” was his reply. He could see my expression of distress “Why what's wrong?”

“I thought you were walking behind me, but when I came back you'd completely vanished. I was so scared and on the verge of tears.”

His look of amusement said it all. “If you hadn't gone off at such a speed, you'd have heard me say I was going to wait for you to walk around the lake and meet up.”

It was then I realized impatience had been my downfall, and from now on I was going to hang onto his arm for dear life.

Now for the first time ever, I've gone out and got myself a mobile phone in case of emergency, realizing how important they are...even though I swore I'd never use one. “How on earth did we manage back in the day?” I declared to my partner.

We went back to the car, and my partner told me the helicopter was a Chinook and it was very high up above the clouds, but sounded closer because they're so loud.

Well that's my bit of adventure for a while. I felt so relieved and happy to be going home sweet home with my soul mate. And the morale of this story is more haste, less speed dear diary.