In Dad's Footsteps



Dad in younger days on the meadows

 When Dad retired from work through ill-health he was told by the doctor that the best thing he could do to help his emphysema was to walk. Dad walked a little further each day till he could walk to Cambridge and back, a round trip of about five miles. He became a familiar sight walking through Grantchester Meadows carrying his backpack to bring home whatever bargains he could find in town. A week ago he would have had his 87th birthday and I found myself on Dad's route and, naturally enough, thinking about him.

Leaving Grantchester, Cambridge bound.

Dad always loved gardens and country life.

A favourite view.

He always stopped a while at this spot.

It's the place I think of him most.

The gate to the next meadow.

Another place to pause.

The weather wasn't perfect for photos but

that wouldn't have stopped my father;

he went to town whatever the weather.

A pocketful of walnuts could be found here,

to be carried home and saved for Christmas.

The butcher's at Newnham.

Newnham millpond.

And Silver Street Mill.

Whenever Dad came home from holiday there

were always lots of photos of boats.

Past the bike-shop.

And finally to the Market Square.

Take care.