Nature weekend

Had a lovely weekend involving woods and autumn colours.

Tree hugging was involved.

Then a trip to Cleeve Hill today which was a little more damp than the weather app said!

But that did not distract from the stunning scenery.

Local weekend

So this weekend was a busy one visiting a few different places 

First up was one of my favourites Tewkesbury.  We've had alot of rain recently and sadly was too muddy to walk across to the waterfall, but it was still special to see the river. 

Stopped and had a lovely homemade soup and did a spot of knitting in one of the many independent cafes. 

I have lost count of the amount of times I've walked past the flour mill built in 1880 and never seen the hand holding the wheat.  They don't ever do this level of detail on buildings now. 

Another thing Tewkesbury is great for are the bookshops, this one had so many of the ones I'm collecting!! 

Again I've seen this clock but never noticed the writing underneath. 

Sadly this shop was empty hut I just loved the signage. 

The detail on the windows are really inspiring for designing. 

The field the runs opposite the Abbey I thought would be flooded, but thankfully not and what a sky. 

Next after two people recommended visiting was a trip to the Jet Age Museum based next to Staverton Airport.  What a fascinating place run by the most enthusiastic volunteers. 

Finally for Saturday a quick walk around Nature in Art.  Again I have been a few times before but there is always something worth seeing. 

They have a resident artist for a week at a time most of the year and this week it was the sculptor Linda Heaton-Harris her work and the detail was equisit. 

They also had an art exhibition on.  Initially when I looked I thought these where photographs.  But when you look closely you see they are paintings.   It blew my mind the talent of Nicholas Jones. 

Finally there was this sculpture that was so tactile and realistic I just loved it. 

Then for day two I had the pleasure of going to Cirencester and having a walk not just around the town, but Cirencester Park.  

The park is huge and you could spend hours walking around it. 

This horses head sculpture was just stunning and I shall revisit when the sun is out to see all the colours it produces. 

To commemorate the King's Coronation an amazing statue was commissioned from a Cedar tree.   The detail and symbolic representation is just so good. 

Here's to more adventures. 

Slimbridge in November

If you've been following my blog for a long time you'll know about my love of visiting WWT Slimbridge, their are over 20 entries going back to 2010 I have shared images here.

I was amazed when I looked back that I started writing my blog in 2009 it has definately improved but it is still a lovely reminder to see all the things I have been up to.

Oh my goodness we have certainly made up for the lack of rain we had this summer here in the UK with alot of rain.  But thankfully Sunday it was dry, a little chilly but lovely for some fresh air.

The clouds (which I just love seeing) were amazing.  This house was Peter Scott's, the founder of Slimbridge.

The reserve has areas that have been deliberately left to flood so within the hides you can see a real mixture of habitats.

This was the view from the lookout tower, looking over to the Forest of Dean.

I just loved the colours of the berries on this bush.

I don't think in all the year's I have been to this hide I have ever had it to myself, albeit for less than five minutes!!

One of the beauties of Slimbridge is you can get close to birds that you never would be able to do normally. 

They have built a great enclosure where you can see the Avocets within a few feet of you.

Of course the obligatory Bewick Swan shot!

Mallards may be a well known bird, but I loved the ripples of the water and the colours of the birds.

Finally I found a quiet spot just for a little knitting and enjoy my home made coffee mocha.

Until my next adventure ....