It’s been a particularly wet October, and with the great outdoors being the only place many of us are able to socialise right now, due to Covid restrictions, you’ll likely fare better if you can appreciate the downpours along with the sunshine.
So if instead of diving for cover when the wind whips up and heavy rain saturates your trainers, you look up to grey skies, love the cold prickle of rain on your face and all your worries wash away in your soaking wet hair, here are a few outdoor pleasures you might just relate to…
Playing in puddles reminds you of your childhood. Putting on your wellies and jumping around in a pool of water frees your mind and makes you smile like a little kid.
The wind puts a spring in your step. There’s nothing more invigorating than walking in high winds, especially when a little push from behind quickens your pace.
You can wear all your rainy day outfits. Whether it’s hiking, trekking, a ramble in the countryside or walk in the park, you have a waterproof for every outdoor adventure.
You can go in search of rainbows. We can’t promise a pot of gold, but the sight of a beautiful rainbow puts you in a happy place.
Wildlife doesn’t mind bad weather. You can still see squirrels, swans, ducks, flocks of starlings, explore nature reserves and hear birdsong in winter. Indeed, the squawk of a crow does wonders for lifting your spirits.
The cold, windy weather makes your eyes and nose run. You could moan, but actually it’s a great excuse to bring out your favourite cotton hanky, so ultra soft it’ll comfort any sniffle.
You can have the pavement and the park all to yourself. Let others snuggle up indoors – you’ll happily make the most of the open space. In fact, you can stretch out your arms and sing in the rain without missing a beat.
Everything tastes better when you’re sitting on a park bench. Whether it’s a BLT or sausage roll, for some inexplicable reason snacks are so much more satisfying in the fresh air. Even if you have to shelter under a tree.
You feel incredibly smug when you do get home, soaked to the bone and feeling alive.
The beguiling smell of wet earth and leaves makes you think of the earthy, truffly notes in an Italian red wine. And a glass of Chianti waiting for you when you get home.
