Like ‘Red Rocks’, Bluebell Woods was a family favourite weekend destination when I was a child.
Nearly an hour by car it was further than other popular destinations and even once we got there the track to the river was rather long and rather steep. However, we were willing to embrace the journey because the reward was great.
At certain times of year, when the woods weren’t knee-deep in kick-worthy autumn leaves, they would be slathered in deliciously scented bluebells, daffodils and wild garlic, and the trek ended at a soft-sanded bay on the low banks of a quiet, lazy river.
Lazy days by a lazy river
I am so lucky to have so many wonderful memories of lazy days by this lazy river. Together with my siblings, my parents and the occasional visiting grandparent or student (my father worked for the local University), I would spend many hours being a kid, free to play without fear… or concern that I was wearing a rather weird ’padded’ swimming costume (see photo!).
My sister, brother and I grew up in these wonderful places. We poked sticks into fires. We caught minnows in buckets. We made sand castles and stone circles on the beach. We picked wildflowers (but not the bluebells of course – they were protected even then!) and made daisy chains and sang to one another and at one another. Of course, we also had the occasional argument or accident. There would, at times, be tears. These were often mine – I was a bit of a whiner! But on the whole, these days were full of fun, happiness and general well-being.
When I remember my childhood, I first think of these idyllic memories and am glad and grateful.
earthriderjudyberman
January 8, 2012 at 10:24 pm
It sounds lovely. A beautiful, serene place to frolic.
Sarah M. Lawton
January 10, 2012 at 6:10 pm
It was. It may still be… My sister went again a few years ago but I never found out from her how much it had changed. I really should ask. Or perhaps its better not to know and just to remember it as it was!
Mui Tsun
January 29, 2012 at 12:08 pm
I love bluebell woods. We have tried on many occasions to plant bluebells in our bit of woodland, but they never thrive. There’s just something magical about bluebells. I’m assuming your childhood weekend destination is in Scotland?
Sarah M. Lawton
January 29, 2012 at 6:06 pm
Yes. It is in Scotland. Daft of me not to have made that clear.
We do have a local wood close to where I live now in Olney Bucks that also becomes slathered in bluebells around May. Gorgeous. They are notoriously difficult to naturalise though. I have never succeeded getting seed to grow in my garden either – three years trying without success so far!
Mui Tsun
January 29, 2012 at 6:23 pm
In a strange way it’s good to hear that you haven’t had much success either. I can’t say I have particularly green fingers so just assumed it was me. Shame because we would really love to have our very own bluebell wood. As it is we are content with the lovely daffodils that we do have come up year after year without fail. Something to look forward to at this time of the year.
Sarah M. Lawton
January 29, 2012 at 9:07 pm
So true. I love daffodils as well – a real favourite.
Perhaps you might also try cowslips? My parents have had great success with them in their little garden.
Mui Tsun
January 29, 2012 at 10:14 pm
We have cowslips already, and they are lovely. Another plant we look forward to seeing in the spring.