Goldcrests sipping water from the Wye

First, an invitation.

Would anyone like to join me for a Herefordshire wildlife safari? It’s fun, free and keep you fit. I was out tramping the trails fermenting my novel when it occurred to me that it’s really rare that I go out and fail to see something inspiring.

These last few days I’ve seen a stoat, heard the haunting the call of a curlew, watched buzzards tangling talons in a courtship display, and then, as I sat in a riverside glade pondering whether I could do this for a living, a diminutive goldcrest flitted around the trees before dipping its tiny beak in the Wye.

I don’t suppose I’ll be trampled in the rush but if you fancy a guided ramble give me a shout. No, really, do take the plunge.

Also had a look at a disused water pumping station and a plot of land which is up for auction, but it was in a crumby location. At least I’ll be spared direct action from the Save Our Pumping Station anoraks. It really brought home to me that if you want river frontage you need ancestors who survived Agincourt or attended a posher school than wot I did.

But the footpaths are public and there’s millions of miles of them so sign up for Dave’s tours (Remember, hills can go up as well as down and you may not get back to where you started from. Always seek independent advice etc etc).

Thanks to Matt, Richard and Sue who where the most generous company this weekend. Really enjoyed their camaraderie.

Digital age

I’ve long wanted to do a series of pictures called ‘musicians fingers’. I don’t really count as a proper musician but I took a few of me wrestling with the tenor banjo to give you an idea.

Having knocked about with Matt for many years I’ve been fascinated watching the way his friends and clients play… and the elegant way they all move their hands. I’m going to have a stab at a project in the coming months but it’s largely dependent on my digital camera functioning properly. From time to time it gives whacky exposure readings and sometimes refuses to focus or give a crisp image. Time to swap I think.

Thanks indeed for all your kind comments – they are much appreciated. Hopefully I’m going to have more time for you all now.

An old school buddy called Alan Walker got in touch following my visit to Friends Reunited so I’m hoping to hook up with him and exchange embarrassing stories. He said he had mailed Ian in NZ so I’m sure they must have picked a new England team the way they always used to.

I believe Sian and Mayday are in Oxford tomorrow (Fri) and then I shall be in the Shire for a while.

Have a good Easter y’all.