My first thoughts on entering The Shire cannot really be summed up in words. I arrived through a tiny cluster of houses called "Little Delving." The Sun was just beginning to rise, a soft hue of gentle pinks and oranges tinting the golden sky. I could tell it was going to be a crystal clear day with just a few white fluffy clouds in sight, otherwise a deep blue endless sky stretching evermore.
I spoke to a couple of hobbits for directions to the main town in the shire "Michel Delving". The Postmaster asked me to take a satchel of mail to town for him which I gladly agreed to do. Such pleasant folk, very welcoming to a newcomer.
As I ambled down the quaint cobbled path I took in the landscape around me. Rolling green hills dotted with farmhouses, windmills and quaint hobbit hole houses, chickens and cows going about their lazy days munching the lush emerald green grass. Great trees of a size I have never seen before seemed to be whispering to each other in the gentle breeze, their leaves rustling as I passed by them.
I was so caught up in my surroundings it took me a moment to realise I was entering the outskirts of Michel Delving. What a glorious place! I found the Postmaster and had a chat with him, said hello to the mayor who recommended The Bird and Baby Inn for some pies, ale, and accommodation for the night. As I walked along friendly hobbits waving at me I thought to myself how this might be an adventure after all...
