'Walking by the River Severn' by Jan Lloyd

I enjoy walking along the tow path of the River Severn which stretches from my back garden around the historic town of Shrewsbury. The well trodden route has become familiar to me over the many years I have walked here but my favourite time is when spring arrives. It's wonderful breathing in the fresh, new air after the long, winter months have had their toll on my psyche. What an uplifting experience to witness the bursting forth of new life with the promise of warmer weather to come. Seeing the drakes on the water becoming excited, fluttering and flaunting their amorous advances toward their chosen, but indifferent mate, is always amusing to watch whilst I feed them yesterday's bread. I can't get enough of the fragrance which arrives at this time, particularly from the sap of the balsam poplar trees as it rises to greet the sun. The smell reminds me of a particular brand of sun tan lotion which my mother would daub on me as a child. The moment I breathe in the delicious scent I wonder whether the lotion contained this aromatic ingredient which makes me long for those idyllic, far off days of my childhood.
The trees line the edge of what was the football ground but sadly they have now dwindled due to root damage from the new developments taking place. I hope that the few remaining will continue to thrive and kick start my senses for many more spring times to come. Not only do they provide me with pleasure but they are used as landing posts for the cormorants visiting the town. I have counted up to six sitting in the branches whilst they quietly survey their surroundings. They perch patiently, waiting to swoop down and land a tasty fish for dinner.
The sounds from the river change with the seasons and the spring brings the rowers out. Boys from Shrewsbury School start their training in earnest, and whilst they exert their physical strength, the exuberant trainers shout out instructions from the bank. As they build up momentum the rowers appear to skim effortlessly whilst the rowing boats glide smoothly down stream.
I never fail to enjoy my outings along the river and despite the endless years I have ventured along the path there is always something new to take in. I usually complete my walk with a visit to a local cafe for my guilty pleasure, a creamy cappuccino and a Danish. I then return home feeling refreshed and contented.