Saturday afternoon walk

We thought that the weather today was going to be a washout, so it has been a pleasant surprise to have enjoyed sunshine all day, with just a brief smattering of rain, and a brisk but comfortable wind.  A perfect afternoon for a walk around my favourite field.

One half, the barley, had been harvested but the other, a cornfield, was still standing.  It has survived the damaging wind and rain that other fields have fallen prey to in this part of the world.  As we walked alongside the crop, on the western side of the field, I spied a deer ahead of us, mooching quietly along the grassy track.  It was very relaxed and enjoying its Saturday afternoon walk, just like us!  It wasn't long before the dogs picked up its scent and I had my work cut out to stay upright as they strained on their leads!  But the deer was oblivious.  The wind worked in our favour.  He wandered along, happily, and then dipped into the crop for a few minutes, and as he ventured out again on to the track, he saw us, and fled!  What a joy and a privilege to see that fabulous creature in its own habitat, wild and free.

When I was a little girl, I used to think the floating seeds of the creeping thistle were fairies.  Now, en masse, they seem more like powder puff rabbits' tails!

I picked a few blackberries, and then we headed home.  A good bracing walk in the sunshine.  No better way to spend Saturday afternoon.