Last Splutter of Summer

Various things have interrupted my blogging in recent weeks....bad weather has meant countryside walks are a little difficult, keeping up with gym sessions and a couple of redecoration projects (which I will cover in more detail at a later date).  The summer however did splutter back to life this last week and for one day only the shorts were unburied from the cupboard for a walk and some relaxation (for me not the shorts) at my favourite spot on the local downland.

As I've been to this particular spot several times and so took fewer photos than normal, but the thing I love about Kingley Vale is that you often find things you've never seen before and the view is always stunning...see here and here for further examples.

And here's the newest batch:

 

Found this chap on the path, called a slow-worm he was living up to his name since he was being so slow I thought it was a twig and nearly stepped on the little fella....Is it me or does the look on his face indicate that I have just ruined his day?

 

Even though I've done this walk dozens of times the steep climb to the top on the vale is still fairly puff-worthy...and I take the slightly longer but not as heart attack steep route.

 This 'hidden' pond is usually complete devoid of water by this time in the year

Loads of berrys about at this time of year...I wouldn't advise snacking on these ones but I did munch though one or two blackberries which were conveniently lining my route.

Found the following tucked off the main path overlooking a small glade with a man made pond, for bird and deer watching I would assume.

 

And obviously I just had to climb it to have a proper look...during which I was stung by a nettle, got a splinter stuck in my finger and put my hand in bird poo...all in the name of exploration

Snow Day!...Again

Most of the country is still snow bound, we really don't handle even a light dusting of the white stuff too well on these shores...Oh, how Canadians and Scadanavians must be chortling at our British uselessness.  Schools are still closed, many roads are still impassable, pavements are a lawsuit waiting to happen and services are limited (we've had no post since last Tuesday, all rubbish collections are off kilter), salt for the roads are in desperate short supply in some areas, shops have little but sprouts to offer (which may lead to further disruptions....Greenhouse gas, weird weather, Arctic winter in UK, nothing but sprouts in shops....Greenhouse Gas etc) and still those pesky Arctic conditions refuse to loosen their grip.

Today I managed to leave the house and venture to one of my most favourite places, and one which I have never seen in such conditions...mainly because in my 30 years I have NEVER seen such conditions...so, to Kingley Vale where I ooh-ed and ahh-ed at the scenery, engaged in some snow realted activites and completely pummled dear 'ol dad with snowballs:

In the summer it looks like this...

And today...

 

 

 

 

 

 Assortment of wintery scenes.....

 

 

 

 

Not my handywork, but this was a full size Igloo

 

My attempt at a snow Dalek....didn't really have the right utensils (ie a couple of plungers and a whisk)

 

 

Crikey...those drifts are deep....

 

Actually the snow was about 8-10 inches and my tomfoolary led to the following situation....

#You're Gonna Find Me......

Out in the country, la,la,la,la#......ahem

A summer person I definitely am....I love the heat, love the sunshine and love the fact that I can get out and about and explore. Since Sunday I have covered over 20 miles...yesterday I wandered to Pagham Harbour and lolled in a meadow reading Harry Potter from the beginning, being dived bombed by Swallows and hopefully sweating off a pound or two.

Spotted this canoodling pair just before I set off yesterday

Today, thanks to a high pressure, the temps shot up to mini-heatwave status...pushing 30, so I was dropped off....not at the beach as EVERYONE else seem to be doing, but to Kingley Vale once more. It is the most beautiful place and though some folk may think I'm utterly mad to take on the rather steep climb to the top....an amazing cool summer breeze meant it was perfect conditions....the 2 3/4 litres of water which I took along also came in useful. Most wildlife choose to stay well hidden in the shade of the woodland...smarter buggers than I...and so I periodically swapped between the continuing adventures in the wizarding world and my own muggle daydreams absorbing the scenery.

The view from the top.....I could see the Isle of Wight...though it was a tad hazy

A Rabbit, most probably hiding from.....

A Sparrowhawk...it's there honest

There was in fact three swooping and riding the thermals...very difficult to snap a decent pic though

This little Jiminy landed on my foot then decided to rest a while on my....ahem.... "free" American Airlines blanket

Let Them Eat Cake

At approx 3.15am on the morning of August 2nd 1979, at Chichester Hospital in West Sussex, little 'ol me was born....after a labour of only 2 hours and four days late, I obviously couldn't make up my mind whether I wanted to be born or not...though I'm still slow off the mark first thing in the morning.

So then, 30...what the heck is up with that? and more to the point where the heck did all the time go already?

I didn't have much in the way of plans...quite frankly I was happy to ignore the day completely in the hope that it would never happen, alas the world continued to turn, no black holes/time portals/ De Lorens were available, so I had to acknowledge this particular passing of time.

In a happy turn of events the crappy weather we've been have for the last few weeks decided to skip town and a gloriously sunny day spawned....We hadn't had a chance to plan much, apart from a Sunday roast so dad and I ventured to Kingley Vale for a walk....without any major mishaps either...yay me!.....very nice it was too....the proof is in the pix

Kingley Vale is a haven for wildlife, particularly butterflies:

Sliver Washed Fritillary

Red Admiral


Peacock (can't imagine why it's called that)


Painted Lady


Meadow Brown


Large White


Comma


And a couple of deer...fast buggers they are and the first time I've managed to get a picture

We got back just in time for lunch and then I had my very first go on a wii thanks to my sister and her better half....Mario Kart rocks! (though I have a tendency to crash into walls and fall off the edge of the track...this after I realised I was holding the steering wheel upside down and started going round the course backwards....oh very dear)

Then of course there was cake....a very colourful, sickly, luscious cake....and I'm pretty sure I've had my entire quota of e-numbers for this month in just one slice...but who cares...It's my Birthday!!