Whilst the biggest boy was away at cub camp on Saturday, we visited our local country park, one of our favourite spots. There's a wonderful orchard with apples, plums and pears, perfect for tree climbing. If you look closely you will see two little people in amongst the branches.
The trees are quite old, and covered in moss and lichen - wonderful. And it was good to see plenty of fruit developing. I've got a few apples at home this year, and I'm hoping we do actually get a little crop this year - last year was a washout.
The park is a lovely place to go for a wander. There are lots of animals, including these fantastic cows. I should maybe mention that I was on the other side of the fence to all those enormous horns. There's a fishing lake with a floating duck house and wonderful views out over the River Severn. You can just about see the Severn Bridge (the old one) in the left of the photo.
On the way back up the hill we passed the donkey that the littlest boy refers to as "his" donkey. He'd found a big feather, and he spent some time tickling the donkey's nose. The sweet thing was very forbearing and didn't seem to mind at all. There are cute little ponies as well, and even some llamas.
Back at the top there is the most wonderful walled garden. It's partly grassed for playing, but there is still a big soft fruit area, espaliered fruit trees against the wall, a fantastic vegetable plot and a big run full of chickens. Basically, if you add in the orchard and the bee hives, it's my dream garden. And if you take into account the assault course, football goals, bouncy pillow and many pens of animals, it's the children's dream garden as well. So much beautiful space, and always so much to see. There really is something for everyone - I'm thinking of the deckchairs in front of the trampolines for OH...
Amazing how quiet and trouble-free the weekend was with one less boy about the place. He arrived back at tea-time on Sunday having had "no sleep at all", and he's still nowhere near caught up now. The rest of us are trying to be patient, but it's wearing a bit thin now. I'm hoping he is all sunshine soon.
Wonderful photos - sounds like a really great place! x
ReplyDeleteLove those guys with the horns.
ReplyDeleteA lovely post and terrific photos. That's a perfect way to spend the afternoon. Flighty xx
ReplyDeleteGorgeous pictures, those cattle have impressive horns ~ Sarah x
ReplyDeleteI remember the aftermath of cub and brownie camps, miserable kids for days afterwards. Hope he catches up on his sleep soon. Your local park is a lovely place to visit, so much to see and do. The walled garden sounds perfect.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are gorgeous! This seems like a beautiful, magical place. The picture of the bee in the flower is lovely and the one with the cattle under a tree looks like a postcard! xo
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely photos, and what stunning views! Gorgeous countryside. I am always amazed how much easier life is when there is one less child in the mix. Hope your boy has caught up on all his sleep now. x
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