english setter knows

stiff and tired. cold wind. set off on mostly sheltered route to mostly sheltered bury hill. cairn terrier in position on little hill. seems to be on lead. bad luck. hmm not that sheltered, into wind up steep private road. couple hoovering leaves. would like to stop at gate at top but one likes to look effortless; every potential critic is a helper. fight the wind all the way to bury hill. the wood is a relief but decide to carry on towards downs, will ensure a decent length run. toss stone into lake, slush not ice. long-haired person seems to be stuck to wattle fence. try to look effortless and notice how steep the track is. good job looking down, go straight over new hole. dog rushing towards me through swamp. put hand out, charges past. say hi to owner who ignores me too. cheers, feel a div. clayey climb up to pilgrims'. pass dog walker up grassy half of sheer ascent, says something i don’t catch. not sure what to say with limited time and breath. beautiful dog appears. makes me think of african hunting dogs. tries to run through me. step on its foot. yelps. say sorry, i stepped on his foot. owner apologises for him getting in my way. run on. with dog. owner calls. slow down, with success. all slightly embarrassing but, beautiful dog. glad to be up, too many hills in legs. along past church then down through vineyard. ah, the long, not that muddy, avenue into a fierce wind. but it’s not the big hill, which looks big. back through park. getting dark. no windsurfing.