Health Walk - Thursday 24th December 2015 - Christmas Eve

Photos by Michael - Please click on photos to see a larger one

Well we arose to heavy rain but by the time we set off the rain had stopped and the morning brightened as we walked.  It was very pleasant.  The sun actually shone as we left the Barn after our refreshments

The weather, grandchildren, holidays, sickness and last minute shopping reduced the walkers to a gallant six.   Carmel, David H, James, Michael, Peter and Sue.

Today is the first time since 23rd December 2010 that we have had more male walkers than female walkers on the Park Health Walks, suprisingly the same ratio - 2:1

David H was encouraged to lead again and we set off into the Pinetum

Over the Wooden Bridge, here Peter and Sue walked along the river - green route - while we walked up into Gravel Hole Wood.

Leaving Dog Kennel Wood we walked up into the field and down to the Lake

Photo 1                                                 Photo 2
No Heron today but the Cormorants, not photographed, were fishing away.  This is the Great Crested Grebe appearing reluctant to be photographed.

Photo 3   
The Ponderosa revealed by the leafless trees.

Photo 4                                                  Photo 5                                               Photo 6               
The Black Headed Gulls were again out in force, see also Photo 1, as were the Ducks, Mallards.  Where are the Canada Geese?  didn't notice any Moorhens of Coots today.

Photo 7                                                 Photo 8
Dropping down to the Picnic Area

Photo 9                                                 Photo 10
Still a lot of water in the Lostock

Photo 11                                                Photo 12
Crossing the Stone Bridge.  Peter, leading the short walk, had done this earlier and they walked up Snake Hill but we followed the Cycle Track up into Cock Cabin Wood

Photo 13                                                Photo 14
Coming across Cock Cabin Pond and looking at the reflections.

Photo 15                                                 Photo 16
Fresh Catkins

Photo 17
Waiting for the photographer to catch up.

After a little deliberation we elected to return via the Cinder Path

Photo 18
The sun trying to break through

Photo 19                                               Photo 20
Funghi - I took a couple more but they were out of focus

Photo 21                                               Photo 22
Hart's Tongue Fern, my favorite fern.  Both on the west side of the path, there are lots of them on the walls on both sides.

Photo 23

Photo 24                                               Photo 25
Visitors(?) have started to decorate this shrub.  There used to be a shrub in Cock Cabin Wood that was decorated but the shrub has gone?

Photo 26
A Hawk on the Barn watching the feeding stations - Kestrel or Sparrow Hawk?

David B had been out in Ice House Wood scattering food for the Wood Mice who in turn provide food for the Owls.

Today's walks.

Michael Swarbrick