I think most of us know that life during lock down really isn’t that exciting…or is it? With a little imagination this past rather mundane month becomes a bit more interesting.
For two weeks our newly acquired dirigible had bobbed silently without passengers in it’s hovering spot in the Below Aether Air Park. The dirigible was small, just large enough for a couple of empty nesters and their three cats to live in while exploring the vast country. Being an older model the interior, while functional, was dated; it needed freshening up in the worst way. We spent the first few weeks of ownership working on the decor and systems checking but alas, we had not made it far in the former department. Roaming the skies seeking new adventures was the ideal, sadly the current plague had severely limited travel, leaving us an abundant amount of time to continue the remodel even if that was not what we really wished to be doing.
Our stay at the quaint inn we had been enjoying between selling our house and living in the dirigible was over and it was time to move into our new home. The cats were not quite as happy about this last move as we were. Once free range beasts who had enjoyed the large house they ruled as well as causing no small amount of terror in the neighborhood, the inn had begun their transition to strictly indoor animals with minimal pains, however, this final new residence was smaller still than the rooms we had rented leaving them less space in which to avoid each other. There were complaints accompanied by misbehavior during the initial days but eventually an understanding was reached restoring the peace…as much as peace can be reached with multiple cats under one roof.
Settling into such a small space has not been without its challenges. While we both love living in the dirigible, unpacking and storing items has been… let’s call it interesting. The delivery service for the company Amazonia has visited our spot quite often as we have discovered a home which sways, bobs and in general moves around requires many items we did not previously possess…or want to…such as acrylic wine and water glasses. Real glass and crystal are preferred but we agreed the shortest prep time for time take off and after landing was the most desirable feature so compromises had to be made.
Moving in day, it seems like we have so much stuff
The air park is closer to Dave’s workshop on aetheric communication devices allowing him more time at home which I find to be a blessing. I enjoy my husband’s company. I work as secretary to Sir William, not a particularly glamorous job it keeps me occupied and out of trouble for the most part. It does means less time to work around the airship though, nevertheless bills must be paid and I like pretty things so therefore I work. Despite the hours spent at our jobs, since relocating to the township area we’ve had a great deal more time together and that means more time for adventures! Or least for exploring the local walking trails.
Our first escape from the cats came in the form of a steam powered horseless carriage ride with two friends. The carriages are of the small, two seater variety, similar to bicycles but much faster and with less work on our part. The countryside proved to be an excellent choice as there was almost no one else on the roads. The men thought it would be fun to ride through the rain clouds they saw looming on the horizon, because, why not?
Into the rain
Fortunately it turned out to be less rainstorm and more rain sprinkles causing only mildly inconvenience with dampness instead of drenching. A few hours later, after enjoying dinner at a sparsely populated diner, we bid goodbye to our friends heading home to our surely starving cats (at least that’s what they keep trying to convince us of).
For the most part we have been spending our evenings on the walking trails near the air park. Outings of this variety have been deemed acceptable during this time of quarantine and avoidance since they improve mental and physical well being without encouraging socialization. There is a rather long circuit of walking / hiking trails surrounding the township my husband is determined to walk. As the entire loop is 17 miles (a bit excessive for those of us not in the best of shape to attempt all at once) we’re taking it on in sections. We’ve discovered the popular trails are on the other side of the township from where we’re staying. This has made the ones we started with safer and more enjoyable except they are quite popular with the devilish bicyclists who insist upon zooming along as if they were the only ones there!
I must admit to having developed a fascination with what appears to be urban decay in the midst of nature as those sites are quite often seen alongside the pathways where we’ve been. At the very least many of the constructions come across as rusting and rather time worn. I would love to investigate these structures closer but Dave insists upon reminding me that would be trespassing no matter how tempting I find the idea.
Me, looking for adventure
Still a part of the city, many of the routes take us under bridges (another new fascination for me) and near roadways while trying to hide the sights and sounds of the city’s bustle behind trees and small wooded sections.
Hmmm….no trolls under this bridge
Lovely afternoon stroll
A bit too muddy to be refreshing
The township is well hidden from here
A place to watch for enemies? Or wildlife?
Our walks are mostly taken in the late afternoons, never at night although I often wonder what kind of mischief these places take on after the sun has set and darkness encompasses them. Do they come to life with forest creatures or with those animals of the human kind looking to escape the watchful eyes of their neighbors and society? Perhaps a full moon hike to sate my curiosity, as long as there are no werewolves around.
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