Chatsworth
18th May 2017
After three days of monsoon weather the day dawned bright and sunny and we had a plan! Sadly Lynn, Alison and Jo were unable to join us but undaunted two intrepid Helens and Betty arrived at Chatsworth farm shop for coffee in the sun shine and a good chat whilst waiting for Pam to arrive.
Quite a view to go with our coffee
After a minor delay Pam joined us for coffee and we did a quick rethink of the original plan as Maggie had forgotten quite how long invigorating can take! After a good catch up and fortifying Pam with coconut flapjack and with our new plan and timetable in place we headed to the car park at Calton Lees to meet up with Maggie.
Raring to go - well Betty is - where's your waterproof Pam?
Having spotted a nuthatch before we even left the car park we knew it would be a good walk! We set of on our new route following the track up from Calton Lees with lovely views, lots of lambs and some very desirable properties and gardens to lust after. Lots of travel stories from everyone to catch up on and at last Maggie has seen the benefits of being able to travel when the ferries aren't heaving with people!
Nice place but shame about the garden!
Not quite as tasty as a muddy puddle
What's that coming over the hill - is it a monster?
I've heard that human people pay a lot of money for these treatments
When we got to the top of the hill we were almost defeated by a massive gate and an even massiver stile but a very nice man and his dog came to our rescue. More lovely views and sheep to drive Betty mad - she can't understand why she isn't allowed to play with them especially as the lambs are just about the right size.
Down through the beautiful parkland heading towards Endsor and refreshments
Little and large
A spot of retail therapy?
Cheers!
We were able to sit outside the café in Endsor in the sunshine for oatcakes and a seemingly bottomless teapot and more chat on many wide ranging subjects; holiday plans, Mrs May and Mr Corbyn, weddings, mayoral inaugurations and the joys of retirement to name but a few.
Weird - and not very ecological! We shell not be going
Preparations are well under way for the RHS Garden Show
Oh deer......
What a smart pair
The highlight of the day - not very photogenic but we had a wonderful sandmartin show, the white blob is a sandmartin
Bird list for the day
Blackbird
blue tit
canada goose
crow
grey wagtail (the one with
yellow!)
great tit
house martin*
house sparrow
jackdaw
magpie
mallard
mandarin*(fly snapping)
nuthatch* (HM special spot)
pheasant (in flight)
pied wagtail
robin
sand martin** (nesting in the
bank)
swallow
thrush (not sure which one as we
got distracted by the grey wag and possible blackcap!)
wood pigeon
Another lovely day was had by all - hopefully we can all make the next gathering but I fear that holidays may get in the way!
And happy birthday to Helen J, Lynn, Jo and Alison
