Nev Cole Way, Stage 8

 We began the stage from Healing on overcast but dry weather.  Our route took us out of Healing via the sports field followning the railway line.  Crossing the access road to the A180 we dropped down onto a field path I had offten looked down on but never walked.  We followed this into Great Coates and made our way to the Freshney Parkway which we followed nearly to Laceby Springs with views of the the area's only remaing elm tree. We then climbed up to the A47 where we made our way back to the cars in the gathering dusk and fast approaching rain.  We made it just in time!  After shuttling cars around we drove to The Swallow for an excellent early evening meal and some rehydration.

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 As usual we received a warm welcome from the RSPB wardens when we arrived at the Leighton Moss Visitor Centre on a pleasant sunny morning.  They always take real pleasure in pointing out to us where the plum species might be seen.  We began our morning at the feeding station where, among other species I was delighted to see several marsh tits.  We then moved on keen to get round to Lower Hide.  On the way we called in at the bearded tit grit trays and Causeway Hide.  There were no beardies to be seen but for some reason it did seem to be attracting plenty of small birds including a coulple more marsh tits.  Lower Hide produced the bird of the day: a female long-tailed duck, although it never really came close enough for successful photography.  Back at the centre we met up with Peter and Linda for a cup of tea and then made our way to Lillian's Hide where we were delighted to see a jack snipe.  On the way to Grizedale and Tim Jackson's Hides we heard cettis warblers; they seem to be doing really well on the reserve and we heard several.  By now the weather had closed in and while in Tim Jackson Hide the rain set in big time.  Time to dash back to the cars and head for the Strickland Arms at Sizerh for another excellent meal. 

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Blue tit

Gadwall

Great Egret

Grteat Tit

Marsh Tit

House Sparrow

House sparrow

Long-Tailed Duck

Long-Tailed Duck

Distant Marsh Harrier

Marsh Tit

Marsh Tit

Reed Bunting

Reed Bunting

Common Snipe

Tufted Duck

Pheasant

Lake District, November, Day 6

Up early this morning to photograph the beautiful waning crescent moon set against an indigo sky and the view over the fields from the van with low mist rising.  Then it was back to bed for a cup of tea.  In the fullness of time, on what was turning out to be a beautiful day, we launched off to meet up with friends for lunch at the Apple Store in Scorton just south of Lancaster.  We were not optimistic on arrival as the carpark was full, but we managed to squeeze into a space and as we did so Linda and Steve arrived.  The last time we came to the Apple Store, after walking up Nicky Nook, we were unable to get in.  This time, however, there was no queue and we walked straight in and very good it was too.  The Lancashire hotpot with the all important pickled red cabbage is to be recommended.  We spent a very pleasant afternoon catching up before heading back to the site, just getting back in daylight.

Lake District, November, Day 5

The view along Grasmere, as we settled for our lunch, was splendid and then a break in the cloud allowed the sun to spotlight Easedale, Far Easedale and the slopes of Helm Crag.  Magnificent.  Expecting rain again we were delighted when we parked up in White Moss Car Park, nestled betwen Grasmere and Rydal Water, in the dry. Having negotiated the complexities of the parking machine we wandered through the woods alongside the River Rathay to our lunch spot on the shores of Grasmere.  The plan was to walk a circuit of Rydal Water returning from Rydal Mount along the old coffin route to Grasmere, keeping above the road.  Views down to the lake were splendid and autumn colours spectacular, especially the coppery hues of beech.  I had never walked the coffin route and was most impressed, especially the epihyte covered oaks, indicating a relict temperate rainforest.  A final stop to photograph a waterfall ensured we had to pay extra for parking!!

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