A couple of weekends ago we were faced with a little window of time to spare, to use of our own choosing. Knowing we had to be back at a certain time there wasn't the freedom to roam too far so along we went to a bit of forestry, hoping to avoid the mud and floods.
Fair enough, the sandy ground was fine but it turned out the world and his car full of dogs had the same plan too. To say it was busy is an understatement!
In future I will have to be much more careful about when we go out wandering as there is no peace to be found when the place is full of loud chatters, dogs running riot, horses trotting by and children fighting each other with sticks.

A few views.

Thankful for the sunshine.





Foxgloves priming themselves for the spring flowering.

Forest bathing it was not!

Take care,
Sophie

With the forecast looking decidedly dramatic for Saturday evening onwards we ensured our habitual wander somewhere was factored into Saturday's plans. It certainly didn't feel like there was anything untoward on the horizon; the calm blue skies and almost non-existent breeze gave no clue as to what was on the approach. I enjoyed a walk which wasn't a trudge through boggy mud for a change- some areas have benefited from drying out over the last couple of weeks but the impact of gloopy ground will hang around for a good while yet. The forest tracks cut up by machinery ploughing through the soft ground.

The bright, bold sunlight was warm, giving the false impression of spring awakening the landscape. It felt wonderfully regenerative to walk in.


Even for a keen observer like me the landscape didn't have much new to show for itself.


Foxgloves do well around the forest periphery and I must make a note to visit in late spring to see them all in bloom. Far too often I miss things as our visits to certain areas are seasonal.

Two buzzards made use of the thermals; circling overhead in those beautiful clear skies.


I just wanted to finish off by saying a really big thank you for coming back to my blog and having a read through. It's always lovely to hear your comments and those of you that pop back now and again are ever so welcome, I'm glad you find a bit of interest here.
Sometimes it can get a little morose over winter here but this year I've felt more propelled both by making more of an effort to keep up posting and generally by feeling better in finding things of interest to share. Of course, this year I'd love to achieve a 'full house' of posting each working weekday but realistically it's a bit too much of an ask, but so far, so good and it's kept me feeling buoyant with content and contentment.

Take care,
Sophie

Take care,
Sophie

Yesterday we took a spontaneous ride out to the coast. Previously arranged plans had fallen through and we found ourselves with a day to spent however we pleased. Due to the sheer volume of rainfall recently almost everywhere is either partially underwater or saturated through so it did pose a bit of a dilemma knowing where to go. It was C that suggested the coast.
I changed into some suitable trousers, camera, hat, scarf and gloves then declared myself ready to roll.
Being a miserable day, with rain in the air and grey clouds hanging overhead the crowds were non-existent which is worth noting because if Boxing Day or New Years Day also dawns that miserable the place would be packed regardless.
Even on a mild day you can usually count on a cold breeze to nippy things up a fair bit, which was true yesterday. My hat with long ear flaps and tassels worked it's magic in keeping my ears warm enough which is all I ask.

 Sea buckthorne berries everywhere. I guess the coastal birdies don't favour these.



 Due to our shelter from the dunes soon expiring we took a left and headed into the woods. It was eerily empty, light and spacious. Usually woodland is brimming with undergrowth and is shaded by the canopy but not here. Quite an odd atmosphere. I lost my bearings after a very short space of time so it was fortunate that C had kept a good grasp of our direction.

C pointed out these berries and with what little we had to go on I will plump for privet, but I may be a long way out.

The feather caught in the bark drew my attention. These pine trees had such textured trunks.

 Mind your step.
 Bright spindle.
 Curious mosses.

Droplets hanging everywhere. Rain never too far away.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas! I hope to post up the habitual favourite pictures of the year in the coming days then start the New Year off with some resolutions.

Take care,
Sophie