Top end of Derwentwater

Rather than walk the whole way round the lake, we decided to do the best bit. We parked in the Kettlewell carpark - lots of spaces mid week January - and walk through the temperate rainforest at Lodore; across to Chinese Bridge and then out across the Mansty boardwalk to the cottage at the far side of the lake. Rocky really enjoyed himself, as did Rowan....as did we!

On arrival at Kettlewell there was a raft of Tufted Duck, with a couple of Greater Scaup.

Greater Scaup.

And into the rainforest....

A spectacular Dog Lichen sp. 

Looking towards Skiddaw.

Dipper.

Sunshine! Chinese Bridge.

The 'Jaws of Borrowdale'. Castle Crag.

Blencathra.

Birch bark.

A pair of Ring-necked Duck.

Skiddaw and Blencathra.

Rowan paying attention!

Great Mell Fell

A quick walk up this little Wainwright with Rocky and Rowan. The highlight was Rocky managing to get up and down ok, but also the lichens. There were many fallen trees, mainly Larch, that were smothered in both mosses and lichens.

Rowan, after a very vigorous roll in the grass.

Looking into the Lakes.

Snow remnants.

Our Rocky.

Fallen Larch.

Fruiting bodies.

..and some lovely lichens....

A decent panorama.

Wind sculpted ....

Oak galls....

A Felt Gryke

More on a grykes theme - this time a sample piece, which turned out to be  a finished piece, based on Maiden Hair Spleenwort. The base is foam covered with hand dyed annd embellished felt. Framed in a box frame it hangs nicely. 

Source inspiration.

Before framing.

Details and below...

Finished!

And hung.

Laurieston Red Kites

After stocking up on marmalade oranges and haggis in Castle Douglas, we made a visit to the Red Kite Centre at Bellymack Farm. We've never been in decent weather, it's always been misty before, and although it did begin to spit with rain, it did hold off for feeding time. There were more Kites than we have seen previously and once again feeding time at 2pm, was a spectacular sight.

The gathering hoards!

As it neared 2pm a few began to get fidgety.

As the feeder appeared there was a sudden erruption from the trees and then the air swarmed with kites.

They swoop so fast that capturing stills was nigh on impossible.

Aerobatics.

..and then they were off.