October - It's summer!

As a nation we can be observed to be obsessive about our weather and climate; this being because it's versatile, changeable and downright unpredictable - well the latter, to the uneducated weather-wise it is!

So we may be forgiven for assuming that nature's clock is a tad out of phase and that, given today is 12 October, we should be clothed in garments of a warming capability and not, as worn today, thin clothing and bare arms down on the beach!

This morning the mist clothed all growing (and static) beings in droplets of water and rendered gazing into the distance (as in "It's 6.14 a.m. and I've just woken up; can't open my eyes fully" phenomenon) entirely impossible.

So a while later with eyes now functioning adequately I drove through the shrouds of the all enclosing mist down south to my mother's for the day. Within a couple of miles of her village, the veils lifted to reveal Lady Sun in all her glory lighting the final few miles.

Having arrived in brilliant sunshine, we fuelled ourselves with coffee and headed off for some grocery shopping on our way out.

We lunched on sandwiches, apples juice and the most wicked apple pie and cream in the cafe at Marine Gardens in Worthing and then after all that excessive activity, we sat on the beach (or rather on seating provided to view the beach!).

Now, as one would assume quite correctly, the south coast faces the sun. But the sparkling of the sea was too good an opportunity to miss - photographically. There was no wind so no wind surfers to capture on this occasion, but a dinghy race was in progress and one lone jet-skier skimmed across the surface.

Having enjoyed the wonderful sunshine we headed west and eventually came through one of my favourite valleys and a road (Long Furlong) on our way back home.

Today I discovered another gap in my photography know-how - how do you take pics directly into the sun and get good results? When I know, the following pics will be much improved on - I hope.

Dinghy racing in progress

A few gulls - gliding...

Sparkling water as the tide recedes

A jet skier in an open sea

A breakwater (or groin) who's gentle curves lead the eye into the briny!

A welcome shelter in the winter and today providing shade from the sun!

This is one of my favourite roads in West Sussex - as the views are spectacular. This is Long Furlong. It's a road that follows the gentle curves of the hillside and valley. The colours of the landscape constantly change - almost weekly - as this is principally farming and cattle land. We were travelling to the A24 but the view is greatest in the opposite direction (provided the light is right of course!)

This sequence takes the eye from right to left




and finally, a trip around Mum's garden

A quiet day

This morning, at about 6.15 a.m., I looked out the window to see the day had dawned misty with a rising sun. Wow - what perfect conditions for going into the Park to capture pictures of deer. The park opens at 6.30 in October so it would have been ideal. Unfortunately, I was looking after my grandson (not that that's unfortunate in any way) but I didn't think he'd appreciate being hauled out of bed at 6.15 - especially after a late night on Friday - just to stand idly by whilst I took pictures!

We did go into the park this afternoon - together with everyone else!! Car parks were packed and, the one or two deer we saw, very sleepy in the very warm afternoon sun.

We'd parked quite a way from the usual ponds area so no pictures of birds today - in fact very few pictures at all.

But the weather - ooooh it was absolutely wonderful. I think we've had better weather during the last few days than we had during the summer!

We came across this Farrow Buck purely by chance; he was so well hidden in the bracken that we nearly missed him altogether! (In fact, being vertically challenged, I had to stand on a grass hummock to even get him in shot).


and this is a Red Deer Stag - again so difficult to see


and finally, a sleepy dragonfly
(as yet I have to identify it but I'm running out of time!)


So at least there was some wildlife albeit not that much.
Bit of a short post today, as I'm "taking it in turns" with my grandson, to use the PC!!!

Imagine..

Can you imagine having this visitor to your garden?

I have family living there so - perhaps a trip is called for.........

Trees, Sculptures and a Lake

I was going on a deer hunt again today but this time with my camcorder. However, I changed my mind at the last minute and, after having done some food shopping and eaten a quick sandwich, I headed off for Winkworth Arboretum - created by Wilfrid Fox.

This is a National Trust property and the arboretum occupies one side of a steeply sloping hill. Entrance to the arboretum is from the top so you don't really appreciate the full view until you've clambered down to the lake, and from there to the Meadow beyond.

I'd anticipated that I might be a tad early for Autumn colour and this was the case. A few of the Maples had already started to become gold and bronze but I believe it will be much better in a couple of weeks.

If you visit and pick up a "map" don't expect it to be much use. Now whilst my sense of direction can leave a little to be desired at times (as Pete can testify!) others and I agreed that it was somewhat misleading in places and no reference given to the various "numbers" marked on it! However, you can't really go wrong as the lake has to be at the bottom, in the valley - doesn't it!

However, there was some colour to be seen:
(don't forget: just click on the pictures to enlarge for a better view!)





This is the sloping hillside (or you may be forgiven for thinking it's a sloping photographer!)


On the right-hand side of this picture is the Boat House which is not open every day.


You can walk through the Boat House and admire the lake from the balcony at the far end. Two adult and one juvenile Greylag Goose where enjoying the lake too.



When you walk around to the Meadow side you can look back at the Boathouse. And, of course with the sun shining and very little breeze, the reflections in the water were good - and I like reflections in water!

The arboretum is now visible around the lake and, as yet, no autumn colours.



Out in the meadow you can see also, one of three, Farmyard Ducks

At present there is a sculpture exhibition with most of the exhibits being made from "natural" materials.

This is the "first" view but

it seems to make more sense from the rear (if you'll pardon the pun please).

A "maple leaf" disc

Now this was made from things metallic and is a man's head - if you look carefully!
(Probably best to click on this picture to enlarge it!)


I liked these three most of all. I don't think they were part of the exhibition but, whether they were or not, there's something about tree roots!!



and finally, a tribute to the man who made it what it was today.

and yet more Deer

It's been such a gloriously sunny day today - could hardly believe it, and I certainly had to get out in the sun!!

This morning, I had a long walk in Richmond Park with my daughter and then, late this afternoon, I went to Bushey Park to catch the late sunlight.

And..... at the risk of being incredibly boring, I was photographing deer again. A huge herd of Red Deer again in Richmond Park....

This represents about 2/3rds of the herd

And this time the fighting was in earnest..


The same stag that Hugh and I were watching a few days ago

and in Bushey Park this evening, several Red Deer Stags were in the areas of the ponds; much roaring and chasing about - in fact alarmingly active.


and youngster looking for its Mum.

And the ubiquitous Grey Heron perched in its tree!!



And the finale? Just as I'd posted this, a typical V-formation of a skein of 30 plus Canada Geese have just flown over the house. Bliss!!

A welcome visitor..

This post precedes that of the second "Deer hunt" saga but I had to mention that today I had a Green Woodpecker visiting my garden again.

I'd been out for most of the morning and was having a late sandwich when he first appeared. I eventually managed to get a picture. Then about half an hour later he returned. The part of the garden he visits, still has evidence of ants so I'm hoping he'll be back again.