NETHYBRIDGE FOREST

The September walk was one that had been postponed from earlier in the year due to poor weather. This was around the Nethybridge Forest and very good it was too. A small, but select, group met at the Nethy Village Hall and then set off up the river towards the forest. Almost immediately we came across a couple of squirrels at a feeding station. There was a strange contraption that looked like it was for nailing the squirrels to, but it seems to really have been for feeding them. Here is one of the squirrels snapped in a most professional way!

Soon we were among the Scots Pine and the weather was getting a bit warmer and very pleasant to walk in as you can see.

Many of the trees were magnificent.

The bracken was also just on the turn, bringing a warm glow of golden brown to suffuse the sylvan scene. Did you notice the alliteration in there - eh? I can wax a bit lyrical if I want to, you know.

Eventually we came across some very strange little dwellings in the forest. There were a few theories about who might live in these. Beavers was one suggestion, but the lack of water and an attack of decorum squashed that idea - which wasn't that serious to begin with. Hobbits was another and then it started to get out of hand and we agreed that it probably was where Jim Smith went on a full moon.

Eventually, we got to a clearing where a number of paths met and we came across a Duke of Edinburgh instructor who appeared not only to have lost himself, but also to have lost the party of young people he was supposed to be meeting! We put him right, then settled down for tea and a snack - you could tell that Dave wasn't with us as he would never have allowed such indolence.

On we went, suitably fortified, to go a little uphill and to get some very nice views.

Soon, however, it was time for lunch and we sat on a pile of stones, taking in the view and admiring the tenacity of the blasted Rowan tree nearby.

Here is the Rowan tree.

And here is the view.

And here is Ann looking at the view.

This is us all having lunch and very pleasant it was - a lovely spot.

After lunch we began to wend our way back round towards the cars and a welcoming pint!

But not before we came across even more nature. This time a large ant's nest - very industrious they were too. It is difficult to tell from here, but there were millions of the little blighters working away - which is more than can be said for most of the dinosaurs who are becoming increasingly retired - a burden on the rest of society, flaunting their bus passes in front of the few remaining wage slaves, getting discounts on things - I could go on, but I need a cup of tea.

Then it was on to the Boat Hotel for a very pleasant pint - although some people did have some very big biscuits as well. Thanks to Neil and Ann for arranging the walk. Full of nature - Granny Pines, Granny Maureen, ants, beavers, hobbits....