September Saunter

September 15th 2015

Chatsworth

 

 

The day started rather grey and damp – a bit like some of us! But Helen J had ordered good weather so we knew it would clear up later. We met at Caldwell’s Mill at precisely 11.03

Pam sent a text to tell us that she wouldn’t be able to make it as her car wouldn’t start (hope it isn’t her big end!) and Jo was working and not able to escape on this occasion,  but the gap was filled by Alison who was hoping that she might be given full membership if her performance for the day met with our exacting standards!

Quick rest between café visits!

 

In keeping with tradition the day started with coffee and a good catch up with everyone’s summer activities and then a wander around the workshops and shop – super socks! But we managed to resist any more expensive purchases – where would I have put that lamp!

Back to the café for lunch of super soup and a bit more gossip – Alison passing the test with flying colours and several points earned  for her Michael Flatly story.

 By this time the sun was shining exactly as ordered so it was on to Chatsworth for a walk along the river side.

Not sure what the smell is but I hope it was the dog!

 

Jolly kind of the aristocracy to let us mere mortals enjoy their wonderful surroundings! The house looked particularly splendid with its gold embellishments glinting in the sunshine.

Spot the deer

 

Four old dears

 

There they are!

 

After a bit of confusion over the route we made it to Ensor just in time for tea and cake.

 

tea shop this way!

Not a car in sight

If you look at it from this position it is perfectly in proportion

I told you it was this way!

We took advantage of the lovely sunshine and sat outside and the wasps took advantage of us and or cake but Lynn did an admirable job of fighting them off.  

 

 

Alison did let herself down a bit at this point by refusing both tea and cake but she did provide drama of the day by getting stung by a bee, thankfully she was able to administer first aid to herself.

 

 Yes Lynn - those are leaves in your teapot

 

No sign of exploding toes at the moment

 

Still in glorious sunshine we made our way back to the car park, admiring the views and hints of autumn.

 

Bird wise, we didn't have anything new to add to our list but did see: blue tit, coot, crow, jackdaw mallard, pied wagtail, pheasant, robin and a domestic white duck which doesn't count. Plus squirrel, fallow deer (getting a bit frisky) and a lot of sheep.

 

Another lovely day with excellent, weather, good company and beautiful surroundings with the addition of a little bit of retail therapy thrown in for good measure!