Rococo Gardens and Snowdrops for the last day of February.

So today the weather forcast was for 10 degrees and sunshine, so I decided to head off to a beautiful garden only 20 minutes from home called Rococo Gardens in Painswick.

On my way, as I was early I stopped of at an amazing view point and took this picture overlooking May Hill and the town of Gloucester in the dip.  On a clear day you can see all the way to the Black Mountains in mid Wales.

This is the view of the kitchen garden along with a selection of beehives, I bet the honey tastes delicious!

This building is called Eagle House, they are unsure whether it was because you have an Eagle's view over the land, or because they actually housed an Eagle in there!

This building is appropriately named the "Red House"

I love this grand pegoda at the top of the garden which has a small pond at the base of it.

Dotted around the grounds were amazing sculptures so intricately carved.

Then we have this carving of a magical castle in the branch of a tree, isn't it just brilliant!

I love the reflection in the Swan Pond 

Then we have the main reason most people come here, especially at this time of year to see the spectacle which is the flowers.

I loved this tree, they had cut off what every it was that was growing up the trunk, but it just looks so gnarled and perfect for Jack and Beanstalk! 

Apparently the snowdrops were on their way out now, but to me they still gave an incredible show.

This was the view overlooking the Vale of Stroud just so tranquil.

Tewkesbury before Storm Eunice

So on Thursday I left work early and had a drive to a lovely local town to me, Tewkesbury. 

I have been coming here off and on for year's I love the Abbey and walking across "The Ham" (big field) to get to the other side and see the river seven in all it's glory. 

Friday was forecast winds of up to 70mph so I definitely picked the right day for a visit. 

These pictures where taken a place called Lower Lode. The building on the left in the top picture is owned by Cheltenham Ladies College and they keep rowing boots in it. 

In the summer sometimes I come and sit on the little jetty and you can dip your feet in the river, not today though as you can't see the jetty! 

Isn't the Abbey just the most beautiful building. It was originally built in 1102 so is over 900 years old!! 

The bridge across the river normal has a waterfall down but the water level was high enough that it could not be seen. 

I love the cottages here, I used them as inspiration for a second year degree project I designed for a jumper which I wrote about back in April 2018 Blog post

I have a "thing" for clouds and wow with the onset of a storm there definitely was clouds today!! 

I walked across the field as the other side has a perfect spot to just sit and enjoy nature. 

The house in the top picture always fascinates me as to "what's it like inside? does it ever get flooded? what stunning views they must have of the river everyday. 

Again here normally you get to enjoy the sound of a small waterfall but the river was high and flowing quickly. 

On my way back I spotted these amazing Fungi growing on a tree stump. 

I just loved the incredible soft texture of the buds coming out for spring.  There is one thing guaranteed with nature, the glorious new shots of new life in spring. 

Finally when almost back at the car I spotted this door, now isn't it just brilliant! 

Slimbridge and a new camera part 1

I have been very lucky in being able to buy myself a new DLSR camera.

Taking shots on a phone is ok but such a difference to a "proper" camera.

I have invested in a Nikon D5600  I bought it from Cotswold Camera's who provided a great price and customer service.  I have two lenses a 18-55 for portraits and landscape and then a 70-300 for wildlife.

For those who have followed my blog for a while will know my love of WWT Slimbridge. I am so lucky as it is only 30 minutes drive from home. It is a place you can immerse yourself in wildlife. 

Having a DSLR Camera meant I could capture details of the wildfowl that I just could not capture on my phone. 

I think pigeons are under rated, their colouring is just beautiful and I love how it is all puffed up to keep warm in the chilly weather. 

I love looking more closely at the details. 

This picture I love it is just the ripples on the choppy lake. 

Spent time just st watching the birds, drinking coffee and a few stitches on my current project. 

I hope you enjoy my image's I would love to have feedback. 

A day exploring North Devon

So yesterday was a drive, stop and visit kind of a day, which was great. Just pick a place then look on Google maps and see where else fancy stopping.

We started with a planned stop to Tarr Steps a place I knew from my childhood.

We did the circular walk which was lovely running also side the river then up into the woods.

We came across more coins in logs, I'd love to know why and when this was started.

Then we took the road that lead us up to to the moors and the joy of having a campervan is not only can you sleep in it bit you have all your food with you!!

What a view lunch was and time for a little knitting of my Road to Happiness Cardi.

On route to our next stop we were lucky enough to see a group of Exmoor Ponies. 

We then headed to South Molton and had a walk around.

We both looking around Churches when we visit places and we came across one that sadly looked like it was barely used now.

The graves were so elaborate in the 1800's.

After a short stop we found a lovely little stop off that sold lovely gifts.

We bought some goodies then we're heading back to the campsite, but I spotted Dulverton was on the return trip so we stopped and shared some dinner at The Bridge Inn pub right on the river bank.

I managed to get a row in too, what a place to sit, look and relax, although the concrete was a little uncomfortable after a while!

Then we had a little walk around the town and found another lovely Church where the light was amazing shining on it.

On the way back to Stan I saw a brilliant pub sign too.

Today will be the last adventure out for now and it will involve a National Trust Property so it is sure to be good.