06 September 2008

Rambling

Today we went rambling. Ron took our group out to Dorchester and we began our day in the beautiful Dorchester Abbey. The Abbey Church of St. Peter and St. Paul was begun in 12th century. It has a very simple interior and my eye was immediately drawn to the wonderful 14th century wall paintings. The church also houses a shrine to St. Birinus, who is mentioned by hte Venerable Bede.
14th century wall painting

We left the church and headed to the foot of the Wittenham Clumps. The walk was beautiful, though quite muddy. I was very thankful for my Gore-Tex shoes. Our journey took us through a hayfield and across the Thames, alongside a flock of geese and beside lumbering cows.
Looking across the field to Wittenham Clumps

Several of our people stopped to participate in a service project, working with the Northmoor Trust. The rest of us began our trek up to the top of the hill. I didn't realize quite how steep the hill was until we had already begun our climb. Unfortunately, my asthma decided to kick in. By the time we reached the crest of the clump, I could barely breathe. I felt like such a burden to my group as they all stayed up there for a good half-hour while I tried to compose myself.

I must admit, I was fairly scared and even sort of panicked at one point. I just got so dizzy, my entire body began tingling and at one point my vision completely blacked out. One girl mentioned that I looked like I was on laughing gas! All that being said, I cut my walk short and went home without completing our ramble. Ron brought me back to the houses and while we waited for our bus we had a lovely chat about medieval monasticism. I'm fine now, breathing a lot better, though my chest is tight and I am completely exhausted.
From the top of the hill

I did have a nice day rambling through the English countryside. The weather was lovely - it didn't rain until I was safe at home - and the scenery beautiful. I really would love to go again.
Beautiful ivy, displaying the colours of fall

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry, dear Rebekah. I'm glad you're feeling better and that you, at least, got to participate in some of the ramble.

T'auna said...

I sure hope you are feeling better now! I miss you!