Early morning peace

We wandered round Yarrow Valley Country Park a couple of days ago at 9.30a.m. and it was so peaceful. Here is a glimpse of the lake through the trees. There were the usual mallards, swans,and coots, but it must have been too early for the raucous seagulls! Also the quiet presence of a few fishermen didn't take away from the sense of stillness.

Are we nearly there yet? Yes we are!

After five years and two months our car has finally reached the 10,000 mile target, and here is the picture to prove it. Fortunately, I was parked at a Garden Centre and not whizzing along the motorway at the crucial moment.  Now, with the rising price of petrol, how long for the next 10,000?

Tree-mendously sad

We've had some pleasant walks along our little stretch of the canal now the weather is picking up.

Sadly, some of the trees are disappearing.

The top picture is understandable....

preventing the bank from crumbling.

But what about this poor willow tree, well away from the edge and nothing noticeably wrong with it?

It was a beautiful specimen, as far as we could tell.

Now reduced to an ugly stump!!!

Out of hibernation.

Today was like the first day of Spring,( not to last, unfortunately) so we weren't the only folk to enjoy the canal. We are looking forward to checking out the rest of the canal when Spring really arrives.

Young lads walking their dogs during half-term.

A lone fisherman. 

Any signs of dinner yet?

The heron appears to be deliberating over his options. Small-fry coming over the waterfall or a huge sea trout negotiating the fish pass? Friends have seen him catch a sea trout. Today was not a lucky day (at least, not while we were there). He hung around on the top step for a while, then off he flew. Perhaps the still waters of the lodge are more of a fast-food restaurant.

Mini-Niagara

We enjoy walking up to the Yarrow waterfall,which always seems to us like a mini Niagara Falls. Before the fish pass was built, there was a narrow fall of water in that spot which reminded us of the American Falls. 

After a few days of heavy rain, a great view and wonderful sound greet us as we walk round this bend.  

Local can be brilliant!

Not much escaping at this time of year....too cold or wet; dark too early; winter fireside syndrome.
A five-minute drive to Yarrow Valley Country Park provides all the walking and fresh air that we need.

A feeding frenzy going on here amongst the swans, the mallards and the black-headed gulls!





The local swans had five cygnets this year, and they could be leaving soon now they are fully grown. The sixth cygnet must be an interloper!