LEG 1 of our adventures. It will be scenery and bear heavy as the birds did not really come out to play. I'll be adding to the thread as we venture out.
We've been glamping in the Forest of Dean - I haven't been here for over 40 years and never got to properly explore - what a wonderful area - sadly no Goshawks or Crossbills - I met with local birders who were hoping to see them - I think they probably appeared 10 minutes after I moved on.
On the Friday we went to Tintern Abbey - there wasn't much about - a young swan and Jackdaws
The serious stuff - We were in the Forest to take part in draughting tests and for me to judge as well. So proud of my boy - he passed his Level 4 test - which is the highest level and was foot perfect the whole test
After the serious stuff of the weekend it was time to explore
First stop was up to the area of West Dean and a walk with a local
It's hard to explain how wonderful it is to be able to walk for 2+ hours and not be on roads and dealing with traffic. Tired, happy dog
Cin J
From your first post; "Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun" comes to mind, present company excepted though. Not totally sure how or why I missed this, but it was good to catch up and now looking forward to reading the follow up adventures
Loving the scenery, and so pleased your dog passed his level 4.
I don't know the Forest of Dean, but I do know and fully understand the joy of walking for hours and not seeing a road, or even a soul. There's not many places left in the UK where you can do that, without go ing round in ever decreasing circles, but I still know a few that I've had the pleasure of spending hours, even a couple of days in, and they're quietly stored in my mind.
Mike
Flickr: Peak Rambler
A lovely update CJ & good to see the boys. Enjoy your travels & thanks for this update.
_________________________________________________________________________
Regards, Hazel
The boys and I are adventuring again
First stop was Portsmouth for a couple of days, we went and explored around Langstone, Staunton Country Park, Rowlands Castle and Stanstead Park
We were then off to the Forest of Dean but not photos as I was busy judging and Gosh was taking part in his first draughting tests
and then up to Shropshire to my first experience of heavy flooding! even the boys thought it was a bit much but they did enjoy the dog pond being so full
we went exploring to NT Croft Castle yesterday - started a bit gloomy and then cleared to glorious autumn sunshine. Very interesting place with heritage apples and some of the best looking bundles of mistletoe growing on the apple trees. There were a few Common Darter about over a small sump but the boys were not helping me get photos
Crimson Glory Vine
what interesting adventures and lovely to see the boys again; doesn't seem that long ago since Gosh was a puppy !! hope his draughting test went well. Great update, keep them coming :)
My the pup has grown, nearly as big as his brother now! Glad you had a nice trip away, thanks for sharing.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Wonderful photos Cin. Always love to see the boys - Gosh has certainly grown! I like the board showing those intersting varieties of apples. Did you have any luck standing under the mistletoe ...