Source to Sea Reflections

I could feel spring in the air for this walk. The sky was lighter when I set off for the meet-up point, and after the false start of Walk 2, I’d invested in a quick crash course on OS Maps navigation from my husband so I felt more confident I could at least get us to the start point this time!

We had another six trusting adventurers join us for Walk 3, and much like the spring air, I had a spring in my step and a growing excitement. I knew most of the people who were coming along - even if I hadn’t met them in person before, there was a sense of familiarity and less of the unknown as I travelled down to Lechlade to meet Jonathan and Ann, before heading to the start point to meet the rest of our walking comrades.

There was definitely a meeting of minds on this walk. Most of the group had a keen interest in expanding their coaching practice into nature, so there was plenty of eagerness - and geekiness! - around that topic, which is always fine by me.

The sun shone, we had our sunglasses on, and even shed our jackets for parts of the walk. Buds were visible on the trees, lapwings serenaded sections of our journey, and the river - though elusive again at times - was definitely building in size, volume and strength.

Once again, Jonathan and I had some great coaching conversations with willing participants as we walked, with the river co-facilitating and guiding us. We also took a moment to sit and reflect on camera - on how far we’ve come, how we felt at the start, how we feel now, and what we’re looking forward to. It was a rare and valuable chance for the two of us to check in with each other.

The coaching conversations continued to invite metaphors from nature, with the changing scenery and seasons playing their part. Jonathan shared a beautiful reflection of our journey with the river - how we’re “going with the flow” as we evolve alongside it.

We also encountered our first swans on this leg of the journey, and as we headed into Lechlade, we saw the first vessels on the river - a definite sign that we’re moving into more populated areas as the river grows.

As we head into April for our next walk, I wonder how the changing season and shifting landscape will continue to shape our experience.
And… will I be able to ditch the wellies at any point?