tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83399039407783703842024-03-25T13:57:58.408+00:00Steve's Nature BlogSteve Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16774073264427111237noreply@blogger.comBlogger356125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339903940778370384.post-85934053416634950162023-11-01T10:29:00.002+00:002023-11-01T10:29:29.050+00:00The Badgers of Rydal<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCXLVRBvy1IPoYnCa_vhshVex7AG78wO4QAI7uvudWomHQoR37IBJQZrZFJEhjCZeQud-PYOpDmOjl8Zdm2engf3T1dz078E_buxaxvfZC5hBshK3uNzcc3qpS78xahexJW73ZH9GJpvh3hoA_oNByVDmfOTYHpJCDxFC9MtwEJcVEkzpuukj2KUhkHY/s5184/1%20Rydal%20Water.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCXLVRBvy1IPoYnCa_vhshVex7AG78wO4QAI7uvudWomHQoR37IBJQZrZFJEhjCZeQud-PYOpDmOjl8Zdm2engf3T1dz078E_buxaxvfZC5hBshK3uNzcc3qpS78xahexJW73ZH9GJpvh3hoA_oNByVDmfOTYHpJCDxFC9MtwEJcVEkzpuukj2KUhkHY/w640-h426/1%20Rydal%20Water.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Last
time we chatted, I mentioned that I was starting work on a new book,
looking at the state of British mammals in times gone by and how they
are fairing now. On rainy days, I've been poring over old texts, but
every now and then, I manage to get out and about with Ishbel and
Mattie, and take a few photographs. Such was the case last weekend,
when we visited Rydal Water.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbNV9Seah_S4iqrTMswphYZUwYHQasvroRzjyifRcJELM7Wci7aX80BxWEqwY7S5vqfT2yjizg5vtgSuStPPV7ejgED2H3RWOS4u8cC9OEiCxZfQTZvNGkNYL-LZmkDQ6ty1hiqXH5nqvI4nyjf2_wu1g_nTXKBw4z9m11x3t2PpvFQCJE5wCeKy7Atw/s2234/2%20badger.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1584" data-original-width="2234" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbNV9Seah_S4iqrTMswphYZUwYHQasvroRzjyifRcJELM7Wci7aX80BxWEqwY7S5vqfT2yjizg5vtgSuStPPV7ejgED2H3RWOS4u8cC9OEiCxZfQTZvNGkNYL-LZmkDQ6ty1hiqXH5nqvI4nyjf2_wu1g_nTXKBw4z9m11x3t2PpvFQCJE5wCeKy7Atw/w640-h454/2%20badger.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">And
this is the reason. For many decades, the staff at the <a href="http://www.theglenrothay.co.uk/">Glen RothayHotel</a> have been leaving kitchen scraps out for the badgers that live
in the hotel grounds. On Friday night, I was rewarded with a brief
glimpse. The badger approached, cautious as a kitten and as silent as
an owl, but was spooked by people leaving the bar rather noisily, and
left with great alacrity. On Saturday night, we watched and waited in
the comfort of our room (thanks to a <a href="http://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/wildlife/badger-web-cam">webcam
provided by Cumbria Wildlife Trust</a>) and when they appeared, we
took it in turns to slip out and meet them. I'm 65 now, and this is
the first time I've seen a badger in the wild.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXehj8GNhtbEgjzZYozllOVZ3QARakJW190E68hrv8Tp9yEKUet0WVD9-L7drEOIuxo153au5Su9yIT0pqFUsZgHP56Im4dtIXvieYssJbq1OwnkpJWV_V4xfsZJpaKQ33-qRn0gLYdv5NCZvy2_HCHr6yR6Ud1iL4KRcOBTgfnt9hyphenhyphenRyHdb_qIiVHYZs/s1530/3%20Wordsworth's%20Garden.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="1530" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXehj8GNhtbEgjzZYozllOVZ3QARakJW190E68hrv8Tp9yEKUet0WVD9-L7drEOIuxo153au5Su9yIT0pqFUsZgHP56Im4dtIXvieYssJbq1OwnkpJWV_V4xfsZJpaKQ33-qRn0gLYdv5NCZvy2_HCHr6yR6Ud1iL4KRcOBTgfnt9hyphenhyphenRyHdb_qIiVHYZs/w640-h408/3%20Wordsworth's%20Garden.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Rather
than go straight home on Sunday, we popped next door to Rydal Mount,
where Wordsworth spent his final years. He was born in Cockermouth,
just upstream from where I am now living, so it seemed rude not to
pop in while we were in the area. I fell in love with his garden.
Totally unstructured, with paths, lawns and little hideaways all over
the place. Plenty of birds... but no mammals.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUL_hZ2vLP61k-a5jmmCrWgL8u4qIzuNPOfyMgwH9o08CziHl3_1zcGS-Uda6sM6o07r1THwWSezPNl15rUehdgzS4aVguAtrxNz2EMBRkb3UeHGoHCCGFBd_nxY7_eTXmhqVnaQMuQ7c_h2Li263M_2nZ0qgAp7Q_pS-Tt0ZPRmE_yyfSM0fiwgJXJE/s2000/4%20wood%20mouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1533" data-original-width="2000" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUL_hZ2vLP61k-a5jmmCrWgL8u4qIzuNPOfyMgwH9o08CziHl3_1zcGS-Uda6sM6o07r1THwWSezPNl15rUehdgzS4aVguAtrxNz2EMBRkb3UeHGoHCCGFBd_nxY7_eTXmhqVnaQMuQ7c_h2Li263M_2nZ0qgAp7Q_pS-Tt0ZPRmE_yyfSM0fiwgJXJE/w640-h490/4%20wood%20mouse.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Until
we got back to the car park. And there, in the middle of the day,
hopping about without a care in the world, was a wood mouse. Leastways, I'm pretty sure it's a wood mouse. The back legs look too big for a house mouse, but I've yet to have it confirmed.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYU-VbR8vMh9KJOqTCEBpHPgmqkIOrae9dC2NT1k-8saPllbtzGjNqYqh3zv0-AmpepPOB_q3Rd6RMHywTOpMG2gfWqsS5x9bfJhFybZJ9LoYaCfntbV30Kj-nxTF1ivoUWKi9Qaj5IuBZmv_xoHmrFFsshkLaJimWTqsmiJjnfBIBK3Y-j2Z7Fxmu-8/s4000/5%20mole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1620" data-original-width="4000" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYU-VbR8vMh9KJOqTCEBpHPgmqkIOrae9dC2NT1k-8saPllbtzGjNqYqh3zv0-AmpepPOB_q3Rd6RMHywTOpMG2gfWqsS5x9bfJhFybZJ9LoYaCfntbV30Kj-nxTF1ivoUWKi9Qaj5IuBZmv_xoHmrFFsshkLaJimWTqsmiJjnfBIBK3Y-j2Z7Fxmu-8/w640-h260/5%20mole.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Illustration from Cassell's Natural History, Martin P Duncan Vol.1 (1896)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">The
other little fellow that I've been studying is the mole. Fascinating,
solitary little creatures. Did you know that a mole's home is called
a fortress and that they all follow the same design? No, neither did
I. Anyone have any moles on their land, up here in Cumbria, that I
can come and photograph?</span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SVCwithEtsy">Steve's
Vintage Collectables</a></span>. <span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(click
to visit)</span></span></span></span>
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Whilst wandering around Wordsworth's
house, I noticed a number of antiques similar to those that I have on
sale. Nice to see them in their original settings. Retro, vintage and
antiques are tipped to be big sellers on the Christmas present market
this year, as people shun modern manufactured goods. Just a thought.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5PhJWpeKhMW6C60owfUjyHj2sPBS_QRx2_sCjqXgdO5PwHpBRLBu1HX3uux85PRXjztdH_5sE9Oo75dXhweBdxWcgkf6k8z-TIZ8PNHnKMGZPRYA4Yr_Y4vlCM8JbgpfXsRnnXlORLLk4soIMr44Tu7VNuLkgzpMhT1A8cUb4C_GNxvMwc2Xwb2hPjs/s5624/6%20Antiques.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="5624" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5PhJWpeKhMW6C60owfUjyHj2sPBS_QRx2_sCjqXgdO5PwHpBRLBu1HX3uux85PRXjztdH_5sE9Oo75dXhweBdxWcgkf6k8z-TIZ8PNHnKMGZPRYA4Yr_Y4vlCM8JbgpfXsRnnXlORLLk4soIMr44Tu7VNuLkgzpMhT1A8cUb4C_GNxvMwc2Xwb2hPjs/w640-h136/6%20Antiques.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
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<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Daniels/e/B081Z8FNK5">Steve's
Books </a><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Daniels/e/B081Z8FNK5"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(click
to visit)</span></span></span></span></a><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Daniels/e/B081Z8FNK5">
</a>
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And books make great Christmas
presents. Easy to wrap. Easy to post.
</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfst-Q050NjqxNcRnoVANm_EbvtIOWGRdDn4csjaPwHssvEoAqZKQURND8iTc7xNWqvvPBTPnFgiPMVQKaNbMogf8ib7DbnetLVat2sfrtuvIfqeeRiDeCchFWwtuNq6z3T0-RoSTw92yDwa0VMdczlpA1I4345V9bb0sdzlrtaKMUcqkpNvMQ0m4TIKw/s934/Steves%20Books.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="934" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfst-Q050NjqxNcRnoVANm_EbvtIOWGRdDn4csjaPwHssvEoAqZKQURND8iTc7xNWqvvPBTPnFgiPMVQKaNbMogf8ib7DbnetLVat2sfrtuvIfqeeRiDeCchFWwtuNq6z3T0-RoSTw92yDwa0VMdczlpA1I4345V9bb0sdzlrtaKMUcqkpNvMQ0m4TIKw/w640-h214/Steves%20Books.png" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Until next time, all the best,</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Steve</span></i></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/stevedanielscumbria/"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Follow
me on</b></span></span></span></a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/stevedanielscumbria/"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Steve's
Nature Plus </b></span></span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>and
also on Twitter (@</b></span></span></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Steve's
Nature)</span></span></span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>,
Facebook </b></span></span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/steve.daniels.167">(</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/steve.daniels.167"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Steve
Daniels)</span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>and
Instagram (</b></span></span></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Steve
Daniels Cumbria)</span></span></span></span></a></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Or why not join the 3.3k members of
our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/435712489794776">Naturalists</a>
group?</span></b></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">All the best,</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://www.instagram.com/stevedanielscumbria/">Steve</a></i></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
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</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>Steve Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16774073264427111237noreply@blogger.com0Rydal Water, Ambleside LA22 9HQ, UK54.446943999999988 -2.99638925.879547940882581 -38.152639 83.014340059117387 32.159861tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339903940778370384.post-7445873814408210902023-10-13T10:02:00.007+00:002023-10-13T10:06:21.731+00:00Wet and Dry<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAi5zCKqTwaPV5Qt-S_1X_dpZnouvzfi0x8GiRrkDTxWeDhzYYCxjr3YxmoAuwo00_wYow8czf79FhlkDeiRJldugAKD1_DQWw7w5Emm4zHLdCmxxygMduOLW-AZfLLd94T4tR7R3vYOK3gZkTUEctDIAA_CYxRYOal6a_EXKxVYumqWE0Nti4gfIlRM/s1538/1%20Falls%20of%20Dochart.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="973" data-original-width="1538" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAi5zCKqTwaPV5Qt-S_1X_dpZnouvzfi0x8GiRrkDTxWeDhzYYCxjr3YxmoAuwo00_wYow8czf79FhlkDeiRJldugAKD1_DQWw7w5Emm4zHLdCmxxygMduOLW-AZfLLd94T4tR7R3vYOK3gZkTUEctDIAA_CYxRYOal6a_EXKxVYumqWE0Nti4gfIlRM/w640-h404/1%20Falls%20of%20Dochart.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">It
had been my intention, on returning from my summer break from
blogging, to bring you a whole series of blogs, featuring the diverse
wildlife of Scotland, Hungary, Austria and Germany. However, the best
laid plans and all that. As we all know, the weather has become ever
more unpredictable, and to cut a long story short, Scotland was too
wet for wildlife and central Europe was too dry.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUcXhwgizGOtfqVa2bxlV0jrXKRk8BSB6y-_1hyphenhyphenwniVML_G6pSZnvrJ1m6rKa8IpPn7f1PlGTFs2vY86npEHgKC18sCgkYzbWT2JXZ01SFFlk2PE8hl2EMVHjr7GG-I5j8nAjqRr4MH6Sc_zQap7ee9Cf1Nh69XZ-5Lq6xN8ZOew3bm4fXq6NPrsZKHI/s1838/2%20Fallow%20deer.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1358" data-original-width="1838" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUcXhwgizGOtfqVa2bxlV0jrXKRk8BSB6y-_1hyphenhyphenwniVML_G6pSZnvrJ1m6rKa8IpPn7f1PlGTFs2vY86npEHgKC18sCgkYzbWT2JXZ01SFFlk2PE8hl2EMVHjr7GG-I5j8nAjqRr4MH6Sc_zQap7ee9Cf1Nh69XZ-5Lq6xN8ZOew3bm4fXq6NPrsZKHI/w640-h472/2%20Fallow%20deer.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><br /></span><p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">The first picture above shows the Falls of Dochart at the western end of Loch
Tay where Ishbel, Mattie and I spent four days studying clouds...
from the inside. It was only on our return journey, when we visited
the lower reaches of the Tay in a vain attempt to find some Bearded
Tits, that we spotted a few Fallow Deer. Other than that, a couple of
Buzzards, pretending to be Golden Eagles, and a lone Kestrel were all
that we could find.</span></span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWEzpweTZCD9MWNzqBABlhbrILo1_CQTm0bnpjgS0TWWco9I_bGGRBX-B64YJUUMxPE-yVsRhEVhy9MmDIcxVrIIBvvi-e-50LFBv-VRnkJIIBXCacZHmNC_oi7AKDpEv5K_SnHrgFOMEZqXXsR9ONTXuj9E9loYYpZuaohfUFsFEeC6XAe_oT0GPxyk/s1500/3%20green%20shield%20bug.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWEzpweTZCD9MWNzqBABlhbrILo1_CQTm0bnpjgS0TWWco9I_bGGRBX-B64YJUUMxPE-yVsRhEVhy9MmDIcxVrIIBvvi-e-50LFBv-VRnkJIIBXCacZHmNC_oi7AKDpEv5K_SnHrgFOMEZqXXsR9ONTXuj9E9loYYpZuaohfUFsFEeC6XAe_oT0GPxyk/w640-h480/3%20green%20shield%20bug.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">A
week or so later, my mother, my sister and I, took a cruise up the
river Danube. Here, I was hoping to bring you something along the
lines of <i>My Family and Other Animals</i>, but unfortunately, the
other animals were conspicuous by their absence. Apart from a handful
of wasps, three butterflies and a dragonfly, the only other insect I
saw was this Green Shieldbug, who hitched a lift with us somewhere
near the Hungary/Austria border.</span></span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTC2Db5_uGu066LbB-sRmaB857BCJ-AmqghEz8CvTugXd9spNqAXvQBl1LXS7vtFp9euaWoPyqOZMD2OfGv-yrKeh-ggHe4YyZ7gGdg9edMIP320C83Hpi4fvSjATqc8iW7klXmQqpJEyB_0tzYhd1z7otIvHOpcf53UxY9fkewEOV-YNNbQySenkFAPk/s1128/4%20Danube.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="909" data-original-width="1128" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTC2Db5_uGu066LbB-sRmaB857BCJ-AmqghEz8CvTugXd9spNqAXvQBl1LXS7vtFp9euaWoPyqOZMD2OfGv-yrKeh-ggHe4YyZ7gGdg9edMIP320C83Hpi4fvSjATqc8iW7klXmQqpJEyB_0tzYhd1z7otIvHOpcf53UxY9fkewEOV-YNNbQySenkFAPk/w640-h516/4%20Danube.PNG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">Of
birds, mammals and amphibians there was scant sign, even though I
walked the river banks at various stops. This may, in part, have been
due to the long dry summer in central Europe. So dry, in fact, that
the cruise had to be abandoned at Passau as the river level had
dropped so much that the Danube had become unnavigable above that
point.</span></span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_FqbKo-rfPa_HJIvZnm8SqPF9LZSPD_uAdlHLlPXsSd3LrtB9cgov3d83hjr9yMewipcrPoBQd2CcrC57zHK55qrGwzAMkS-B1Gxn2ZSLuFrFGKLkmpSMyrP68uivH6MXOQD8dsyylxV0xxOmB3BjFvMFbC0Nln8jWmUkxGrS7uGK5OazUPYPRKW61k/s1812/5%20Bank%20vole.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1812" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_FqbKo-rfPa_HJIvZnm8SqPF9LZSPD_uAdlHLlPXsSd3LrtB9cgov3d83hjr9yMewipcrPoBQd2CcrC57zHK55qrGwzAMkS-B1Gxn2ZSLuFrFGKLkmpSMyrP68uivH6MXOQD8dsyylxV0xxOmB3BjFvMFbC0Nln8jWmUkxGrS7uGK5OazUPYPRKW61k/w530-h640/5%20Bank%20vole.PNG" width="530" /></a></div><br />
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">This
got me thinking. We are being bombarded with information about
climate change and the state of the planet. So much so, that it's
hard to take it all in. What I wanted was a short, readable, book
that would put everything into context. So I've decided to write one.
It will be called British Mammals: Then and Now.</span></span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrfVKlpCBO2XDXHq2oMhymCECWs8-2cNTBriGfuEKIBLIcK_mTiLzg5CCs6mv06yziUllVJi865KYnrfqR_KLn8eyY93TJZe_j3W7uSXTD519zPh4-NfXLWOm5b8WvQ6LwU6DsFUVCQx52u4QfzQTdS-9sg_EW4kHqp9vEw6ctXE9dBiv-t4WLsQA4n8/s1225/6%20old%20books.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1052" data-original-width="1225" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrfVKlpCBO2XDXHq2oMhymCECWs8-2cNTBriGfuEKIBLIcK_mTiLzg5CCs6mv06yziUllVJi865KYnrfqR_KLn8eyY93TJZe_j3W7uSXTD519zPh4-NfXLWOm5b8WvQ6LwU6DsFUVCQx52u4QfzQTdS-9sg_EW4kHqp9vEw6ctXE9dBiv-t4WLsQA4n8/w640-h550/6%20old%20books.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">I
have a number of antiquarian natural history books that tell me the
state of British mammals in days gone by, which I will contrast and
compare with current information to try to establish what has
happened, why it has happened, and what will happen in the future if
we either intervene or let things continue as they are. </span></span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Give
me a few weeks to get the initial research done, and then I'll be
back with some updates and a few fascinating tidbits about the 100+
mammals that we have in the UK. (No, I didn't realise we had that
many either).</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">All
the best for now.</span></span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">Steve</span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">PS
When I've finished with some of my antiquarian sources, I''l probably
put them up for sale, so keep an eye on<span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://svcwithetsy.etsy.com" target="_blank">Steve's
Vintage Collectables</a> (which is also a good place to look for
Christmas presents. Vintage and antique items are a lot more
environmentally friendly than modern, manufactured stuff).</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p>
<p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <span face="Arial, sans-serif"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SVCwithEtsy">Steve's
Vintage Collectables</a></span>. <span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(click
to visit)</span></span></span></span></span>
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
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</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Daniels/e/B081Z8FNK5">Steve's
Books </a><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Daniels/e/B081Z8FNK5"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(click
to visit)</span></span></span></span></span></a><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Daniels/e/B081Z8FNK5">
</a>
</p>
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</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/stevedanielscumbria/"><span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Follow
me on</b></span></span></span></span></a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/stevedanielscumbria/"><span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#"><span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Steve's
Nature Plus </b></span></span></span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>and
also on Twitter (@</b></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#"><span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Steve's
Nature)</span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>,
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Daniels)</span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,</span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>and
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Daniels Cumbria)</span></span></span></span></span></a></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Or why not join the 2.5k members of
our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/435712489794776">Naturalists</a>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">All the best,</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><a href="https://www.instagram.com/stevedanielscumbria/">Steve</a></i></span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
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</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>Steve Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16774073264427111237noreply@blogger.com0Cockermouth CA13, UK54.663261 -3.36798526.353027163821153 -38.524235 82.973494836178844 31.788265tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339903940778370384.post-87802140237790474102023-08-02T10:10:00.001+00:002023-08-02T10:10:44.089+00:00Thyme for a Cumbrian Cassoulet<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmTIs5hW7Jo2Clwq3Ww32Wvlgn1ezIECiZ7r4TXZy3zBWyQhao30gN5rovBMF2MLyDKKcZfV_SvYPBllNhGyKRx4xnt-XbNAlTp88zQBmlAKvQ9DBgzTLMCACkCa12K0Af9n36O3mMatYlcr8_Zb2Mq1s1ClKZNbngyv6TkxEtn5hz8oIsNN-R8EFl3o/s1948/1%20Thyme.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="1948" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmTIs5hW7Jo2Clwq3Ww32Wvlgn1ezIECiZ7r4TXZy3zBWyQhao30gN5rovBMF2MLyDKKcZfV_SvYPBllNhGyKRx4xnt-XbNAlTp88zQBmlAKvQ9DBgzTLMCACkCa12K0Af9n36O3mMatYlcr8_Zb2Mq1s1ClKZNbngyv6TkxEtn5hz8oIsNN-R8EFl3o/w640-h370/1%20Thyme.png" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The
botanists are trying to confuse me again! The plant on the left used
to be known as Mediterranean Thyme, </span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thymus capitata. </i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It looked
like thyme, it tasted like thyme and, as far as I was concerned, it
was thyme. Now it has been reclassified as </span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thymbra capitata. </i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It
is still known as Mediterranean Thyme, but also as Spanish Oregano,
despite the fact that it looks and tastes nothing like oregano. OK,
there are biological differences between the genera, but in culinary
terms there's not much difference between Mediterranean Thyme, which
was a mainstay of my Cretan diet when I was out there, and good old
British Wild Thyme, </span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thymus praecox britannicus. </i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Both go well</span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">with fish, and if you're in France – sausages.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3NTkqENL2D7Jcme1x_ob6wtpwcpTezqb01V6P3gHZCD0sGosZB10VKPUyr-8caTi4FVi8GUE2ePkaadfXA2zdtDmdf9Q1TO2w51KGYwe8zycdVwsXW2CgzRBGT0DubABHNzsLvhfaOc2EXCqd9uVH_KFmPNIHt7LygHJ8-8w0WGssCdjSHbFmxi7gubQ/s2072/2a%20Cassoulet%20Pot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2072" data-original-width="2000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3NTkqENL2D7Jcme1x_ob6wtpwcpTezqb01V6P3gHZCD0sGosZB10VKPUyr-8caTi4FVi8GUE2ePkaadfXA2zdtDmdf9Q1TO2w51KGYwe8zycdVwsXW2CgzRBGT0DubABHNzsLvhfaOc2EXCqd9uVH_KFmPNIHt7LygHJ8-8w0WGssCdjSHbFmxi7gubQ/w618-h640/2a%20Cassoulet%20Pot.jpg" width="618" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Ishbel
and I were wandering around the auction house last week when I
spotted a box of pots and pans which looked strangely familiar. “I
think those are French,” I said to her, enthusiastically. “Hmm?”,
said a man standing close by. Ishbel had wandered off somewhere. I
turned a pot over, and sure enough, stamped on the bottom, were the
words L'incomparable – Vallauris Co – Made in France. I'd last
seen a pot like this in 1969, when visiting the rest of the family,
who were living in a village near Toulouse. It was in our concierge's
kitchen, and she was making the local variation of the French dish,
cassoulet.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfIGpjNoICViFyElZncv61E8zluzRXKxgwxw478ILQTORpCzqXszTbtDVhTm_db66QcI1eiony_1R_RgFFIkN-ojdMeUSvF86mb7Zzv1IEcNfY6WGTBKMX_c5XLVVB4hqSaG-nrT0HktyOK2PHx7dUgg-Af7wexgnOmuryn-4u_FpTvx-N46zE64nVH7k/s2000/3%20Cassoulet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfIGpjNoICViFyElZncv61E8zluzRXKxgwxw478ILQTORpCzqXszTbtDVhTm_db66QcI1eiony_1R_RgFFIkN-ojdMeUSvF86mb7Zzv1IEcNfY6WGTBKMX_c5XLVVB4hqSaG-nrT0HktyOK2PHx7dUgg-Af7wexgnOmuryn-4u_FpTvx-N46zE64nVH7k/w640-h480/3%20Cassoulet.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Cassoulet
has many regional variations, but is basically a meat and bean stew,
flavoured with garlic and herbs. Mme. Caner was making hers with
local sausage and duck, and the herb she was using was thyme. Anyhow,
I bought the pots and pans at auction, and determined to make a
Cumberland Cassoulet, using our local Cumberland sausage and a few
sprigs of British Wild Thyme. If I say so myself, the result was
excellent, and I've posted the recipe in <a href="https://steveswildkitchen.blogspot.com/2023/08/cumberland-cassoulet.html?view=sidebar" target="_blank">Steve's Wild Kitchen</a>. I'd
recommend a good </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Côtes
du Rhône</span></span></span></span> <span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Villages
to go with it.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqafi2c-lQWy3D2b9pCs_LMW4wCVtvnnbSArh-rSJMMx8tNd60S0hzyXCI8c0I4w7JiE0bO-v_eA-oHwCoNQ_Iyn0Df-HSIdPsARWW-iBPVqUeVN69KeESyMR222hR8B6fRzycn08HlStd_LaqaBClYZZbhc-tNgdhXL40g_EEQNxPDahbde2xSJRogds/s4080/4%20Red%20Admiral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2040" data-original-width="4080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqafi2c-lQWy3D2b9pCs_LMW4wCVtvnnbSArh-rSJMMx8tNd60S0hzyXCI8c0I4w7JiE0bO-v_eA-oHwCoNQ_Iyn0Df-HSIdPsARWW-iBPVqUeVN69KeESyMR222hR8B6fRzycn08HlStd_LaqaBClYZZbhc-tNgdhXL40g_EEQNxPDahbde2xSJRogds/w640-h320/4%20Red%20Admiral.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">A
couple of weeks ago, when we were in Sunderland, I spotted a
chrysalis, partially wrapped in a bramble leaf. It wasn't one I
immediately recognised, so I put it in my pocket and brought it home.
Yesterday morning, I came into my study-cum-lab to find a Red Admiral
sitting at the computer. Even at my age, I still get excited by the
hatching of a butterfly.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SVCwithEtsy">Steve's
Vintage Collectables</a></span>. <span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(click
to visit)</span></span></span></span>
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The cassoulet pot can be found <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1535898391" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
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<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Daniels/e/B081Z8FNK5">Steve's
Books </a><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Daniels/e/B081Z8FNK5"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(click
to visit)</span></span></span></span></a><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Daniels/e/B081Z8FNK5">
</a>
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
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<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBn9phgOlK6tggdky03U8-j2vbezzSZMEht9q-xPl0dUHLeXOmSeN24TJsUcTsF8mw5pyS9DTvFJKfrrCF1LOJ1L4jP0-7QjT9IMYBNu66PwptxiQRhpMWcJCg9J_8VwoZESz4aRKhch9nYbig0BwpuYp3gm132GzBm8MBRKGQRFYVO2YnGlIYV5kGth0/s934/Steves%20Books.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="934" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBn9phgOlK6tggdky03U8-j2vbezzSZMEht9q-xPl0dUHLeXOmSeN24TJsUcTsF8mw5pyS9DTvFJKfrrCF1LOJ1L4jP0-7QjT9IMYBNu66PwptxiQRhpMWcJCg9J_8VwoZESz4aRKhch9nYbig0BwpuYp3gm132GzBm8MBRKGQRFYVO2YnGlIYV5kGth0/w640-h214/Steves%20Books.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
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</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/stevedanielscumbria/"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Follow
me on</b></span></span></span></a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/stevedanielscumbria/"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Steve's
Nature Plus </b></span></span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>and
also on Twitter (@</b></span></span></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Steve's
Nature)</span></span></span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>,
Facebook </b></span></span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/steve.daniels.167">(</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/steve.daniels.167"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Steve
Daniels)</span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>and
Instagram (</b></span></span></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Steve
Daniels Cumbria)</span></span></span></span></a></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Or why not join the 2.7k members of
our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/435712489794776">Naturalists</a>
group?</span></b></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">All the best,</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://www.instagram.com/stevedanielscumbria/">Steve</a></i></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>Steve Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16774073264427111237noreply@blogger.com0Cockermouth CA13, UK54.663261 -3.36798526.353027163821153 -38.524235 82.973494836178844 31.788265tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339903940778370384.post-48558106614965195762023-07-19T11:36:00.003+00:002023-07-21T14:08:40.212+00:00Where in the World?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6CgldBPuIJE6liYYJkMOQG4xyOceM3lqLHjzwY27NJESj0ic8_EUFCt4vWEI68c-h8-8T2GIqsbtepz-RS8E4EgCFfpynsCB0-oLDHXlTiPll9rVaqwoCAqbUqDekDDDuXq2gar9BXRlpluwSnR94Lf1CmVdWMGo72iv3UrEotlXlVFf7yhnLPLAGFhY/s4917/1%20Sea%20Birds.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3278" data-original-width="4917" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6CgldBPuIJE6liYYJkMOQG4xyOceM3lqLHjzwY27NJESj0ic8_EUFCt4vWEI68c-h8-8T2GIqsbtepz-RS8E4EgCFfpynsCB0-oLDHXlTiPll9rVaqwoCAqbUqDekDDDuXq2gar9BXRlpluwSnR94Lf1CmVdWMGo72iv3UrEotlXlVFf7yhnLPLAGFhY/w640-h426/1%20Sea%20Birds.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">If
you follow me on facebook or instagram, then you'll know that I've
been teasing you all week with clues as to where this week's blog
post is set. The first picture I posted gave rise to guesses of Crete
and Cyprus. Sandy beach, brilliant blue sky, fantastic rock
formations. It is, in fact, Marsden Beach, on the north east coast of
England, between the mouths of the rivers Tyne and Wear. Given the
ridiculous temperatures around the Mediterranean at the moment, it
makes sense to stay in England for the summer holiday and leave the
Med for a bit of winter sun. Besides, there's a wealth of sea birds
to see. Great Cormorants sunning themselves on the rock stack,
Black-legged Kittiwakes nesting on the cliffs, gulls and terns
a-plenty, and the occasional Guillemot or two.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtSLCPzS91cgu5gtfBX4MeZmuelkB9Z2LD--zoJgNluqMsa96kkNtnBGrNdtcQ0L5xUV8c6-qYLc33rpILiM-wwrnRw4egDe5viZXm2oHE8gyYLeCxg626o91n4TbI8ay6E7-BG0MDDr6IOYETLLINctDHF-uqrsA4NWRJW9T4ZerwKeZBYUP1trhAp0/s1462/2%20Beamish.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1332" data-original-width="1462" height="584" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtSLCPzS91cgu5gtfBX4MeZmuelkB9Z2LD--zoJgNluqMsa96kkNtnBGrNdtcQ0L5xUV8c6-qYLc33rpILiM-wwrnRw4egDe5viZXm2oHE8gyYLeCxg626o91n4TbI8ay6E7-BG0MDDr6IOYETLLINctDHF-uqrsA4NWRJW9T4ZerwKeZBYUP1trhAp0/w640-h584/2%20Beamish.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">Human
history, as well as natural history, is also well represented, with
the <a href="https://www.beamish.org.uk/" target="_blank">Beamish Living History museum</a>. A grand day out for all the
family. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing some of<span face="Arial, sans-serif">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SVCwithEtsy">Steve's Vintage
Collectables</a></span> in their natural setting, and I learnt a
thing or two. Last year, I wrote a series of blogs called <a href="https://svcwithetsy.blogspot.com/2023/07/steves-history-of-things-10-smoothing.html">Steve's
History of Things.</a> I think it's time to resurrect it. (Just
follow this blog to get notifications of new posts from both blogs). </span></span></span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzXaHqpaRP4TmfElm7B4FzYMk5eHM8-gOgzrrNIHFdWswlP0wjXLzgs_BWPBFmDAQLFfl-t2M7dwK829cLZF5gPAKEOf3EPTPv9DHhd2nHXuEhE6hu0e0o_f2qp3DyrV49yojSUQdhIPG8PTyXCyyz96jLJ8XwJo1PnrszFKNkIMCOYvx6WOF8DW6xMRM/s1363/3%20Glass.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="968" data-original-width="1363" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzXaHqpaRP4TmfElm7B4FzYMk5eHM8-gOgzrrNIHFdWswlP0wjXLzgs_BWPBFmDAQLFfl-t2M7dwK829cLZF5gPAKEOf3EPTPv9DHhd2nHXuEhE6hu0e0o_f2qp3DyrV49yojSUQdhIPG8PTyXCyyz96jLJ8XwJo1PnrszFKNkIMCOYvx6WOF8DW6xMRM/w640-h454/3%20Glass.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">Staying
with the historical theme for a moment, <a href="https://sunderlandculture.org.uk/our-venues/national-glass-centre/" target="_blank">The National Glass Centre</a> in
Sunderland is well worth a visit. Sunderland has been the centre of
the British glass making industry ever since Benedict Biscop brought
French glaziers over from Gaul in the 7<sup>th</sup> century to make
some stained glass windows for St. Peter's church (which is still
standing and is one of the oldest churches in England). Again, I
found that there was more to glass than I ever knew, so you can
expect an expansion in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SVCwithEtsy?ref=seller-platform-mcnav&section_id=40550512">SVCs
Glorious Glass</a> section, as I hunt around for interesting items. </span></span></span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cvPvU-y9FZMyCdFymW9zMoLEvtFROKi1JCyT0txB8aGtz89dfN-ff5MXJeFbgql1qA-PMc2Ghiv3kE866OIHIBGP5KxwTxL2dKXjyaJTXFLQMbVt3_k9kpjF9E9afkbIpRyXe-ja04Awz2rQxRRxN7dLl7N1LQGKhD9a-uH0uBkRcboeUpYTRG0wTqA/s4032/4%20Great%20Crested%20Newt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cvPvU-y9FZMyCdFymW9zMoLEvtFROKi1JCyT0txB8aGtz89dfN-ff5MXJeFbgql1qA-PMc2Ghiv3kE866OIHIBGP5KxwTxL2dKXjyaJTXFLQMbVt3_k9kpjF9E9afkbIpRyXe-ja04Awz2rQxRRxN7dLl7N1LQGKhD9a-uH0uBkRcboeUpYTRG0wTqA/w480-h640/4%20Great%20Crested%20Newt.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">But
to return to natural history; my final teasing picture appeared to be
a picture of The Acropolis, which I said was taken from Washington.
It is Sunderland's Penshaw Monument and the picture was taken from
Washington Wetlands, which is where we're off to next. Incidentally,
there is not only a Washington in Tyne and Wear (George Washington's
ancestral home) but also a Philadelphia and a New York. But back to
the wetlands, which is a full day out and, as you would expect there
are plenty of waterfowl, both native and non-native species, bird
hides from which to view them and a good scattering of information
boards, so you know what you're looking at and why. At the furthest
point of the reserve, tucked away in a quiet corner, are the
amphibian ponds. Here you will find the rarest of Britain's three
newt species, The Great Crested Newt. Their numbers have declined
drastically in the past fifty years, as their ponds have been filled
in, built over, or just polluted. </span></span></span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5XHk3xbQcK-xQwNJSUWnh0g86Xo8U-ap3tTqXG6kM7svm57xoqGD12sUJWF0QnN61R-_KyA2EnfoRxK43EnVskoougVSk_IfxInYLQYmtG8kwvSAv94CDbYZSopJSNmuS555tF0Y1bRSkMQ9-tyxbIg0-OHUs3-RjpNCUbCH7cTiFB0SzOsy9x5ToEQw/s2000/5%20Insects.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1268" data-original-width="2000" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5XHk3xbQcK-xQwNJSUWnh0g86Xo8U-ap3tTqXG6kM7svm57xoqGD12sUJWF0QnN61R-_KyA2EnfoRxK43EnVskoougVSk_IfxInYLQYmtG8kwvSAv94CDbYZSopJSNmuS555tF0Y1bRSkMQ9-tyxbIg0-OHUs3-RjpNCUbCH7cTiFB0SzOsy9x5ToEQw/w640-h406/5%20Insects.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">And
finally, a walk around the estate. By which, I mean housing estate. I
was greatly impressed by the amount of green spaces around
Sunderland. This massive hay meadow, surrounded by houses and tower
blocks, provided a wealth of insects from all different orders –
Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths), Hymenoptera (bees, ants, wasps
and sawflies), Hemiptera (true bugs), Diptera (flies) and Odonata
(dragonflies and damselflies). Sunderland may not be the first place
you think of for a summer holiday, but it certainly shouldn't be the
last.</span></span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SVCwithEtsy">Steve's
Vintage Collectables</a></span>. <span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;">(click
to visit)</span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
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</p>Steve Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16774073264427111237noreply@blogger.com0Tyne and Wear, UK54.9951837 -1.566699126.684949863821153 -36.7229491 83.305417536178851 33.5895509tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339903940778370384.post-79476801481570935292023-07-12T10:52:00.001+00:002023-07-12T10:52:21.502+00:00Breaking Rocks in the Hot Sun<p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI29uTUkLc51XQpuZRzsi5uvV3H9nhoQCl5xnziC_mn4KExaZTBebtshMT5x04hgMn2wRxiIxOuVbCyqZqC9uXeZHJKj3Cc3X5pa5WPrTLAWGE5LMj2a4918YC75ZYRmzYS1PRUwd897a6zveGgD6qdlU6-PA_Z61EXUL91HarwzmHw8G-tE3hCqB-XdE/s2000/1%20wildflowers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI29uTUkLc51XQpuZRzsi5uvV3H9nhoQCl5xnziC_mn4KExaZTBebtshMT5x04hgMn2wRxiIxOuVbCyqZqC9uXeZHJKj3Cc3X5pa5WPrTLAWGE5LMj2a4918YC75ZYRmzYS1PRUwd897a6zveGgD6qdlU6-PA_Z61EXUL91HarwzmHw8G-tE3hCqB-XdE/w640-h480/1%20wildflowers.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Before we go off on our travels, I just want to lead you down the garden path. Last year we created a wildflower meadow in one corner of Ishbel's garden. It was not a roaring success, but this year we tried flower bombs; balls of seeds packed in nutrients, that you just lob on to the bare earth and add water. As you can see, the result has been quite magnificent. There are cornflowers, poppies, borage, ox-eye daisies, and numerous others. The honey bees that live two yards away seem to have totally ignored this largesse but the bumble bees love it.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDxOUUkkrZfvhWm0R3f5Pw4N-zyhwguJ-TrfaDXrGQfZi1pIunpph9RVlu8h9FjR38qkuKwdqbRJPGHkFikh0STI8PuBbUTpeLSnuFaM4h0Ax3bnVYb-_EK6DS5u7CvQHstsR1TwQnLrfzOp88Zjj3ZyPfAHrjjQWLynuBTY_MmN4Xe59Udl-ciFNNCw/s753/2%20fossils.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="753" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDxOUUkkrZfvhWm0R3f5Pw4N-zyhwguJ-TrfaDXrGQfZi1pIunpph9RVlu8h9FjR38qkuKwdqbRJPGHkFikh0STI8PuBbUTpeLSnuFaM4h0Ax3bnVYb-_EK6DS5u7CvQHstsR1TwQnLrfzOp88Zjj3ZyPfAHrjjQWLynuBTY_MmN4Xe59Udl-ciFNNCw/w640-h500/2%20fossils.PNG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">And now to the breaking rocks in the hot sun bit. Just down the road is Parton Beach. This particular stretch of the Cumberland coastline around the Whitehaven area is our Carboniferous Coast and is famous for its plant fossils. An hour's rock splitting produced a selection of fish scales and possibly an insect wing (centre). </span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZ5vaC-IxOI4KsrrIrQwcmfYtIaiSfY0OdSRhM-_OY-wpvgqsM8bHmD79Lh6Cc9yMU_gyicukMi2IS8-9MhBozQenPVyBCQHMeYcfYkWTjQ0AWhbi483w4S0WBZYqg_khPFCIGR8zaHjod0t9P9OBVq111_gfrs5k05HbVM0Qo4RP3-F5RbZyiSa-CZs/s1542/3%20Tarn%20Hows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="973" data-original-width="1542" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZ5vaC-IxOI4KsrrIrQwcmfYtIaiSfY0OdSRhM-_OY-wpvgqsM8bHmD79Lh6Cc9yMU_gyicukMi2IS8-9MhBozQenPVyBCQHMeYcfYkWTjQ0AWhbi483w4S0WBZYqg_khPFCIGR8zaHjod0t9P9OBVq111_gfrs5k05HbVM0Qo4RP3-F5RbZyiSa-CZs/w640-h404/3%20Tarn%20Hows.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Last time out, I introduced you to the Cumbrian tarns with a trip to <a href="http://cretenature.blogspot.com/2023/06/rivers-lakes-and-tarns.html" target="_blank">Devoke Water</a>. This week, I'll take you to another one, the ridiculously beautiful Tarn Hows. There's a great walk all the way round, and we'll stop for a picnic half way. </span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOyxLbZ5SO9O_ueFRM-w0zFokJ9d2LBdFSIKhh4bCDGySImbFYpis2bp1VexYIG34NLG-kdVnh9WxctN3m-FbEgrcy5ZxAWU0dbHWIM3d7Xp1V_GZ9-K3kswAkNmoS8Rwa8_LsO2mB042TR4elH1s8Hh5DZoX1mGd3BGmj0ebl27isP8ktaIpnf0Sj1SE/s2000/4%20fossil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOyxLbZ5SO9O_ueFRM-w0zFokJ9d2LBdFSIKhh4bCDGySImbFYpis2bp1VexYIG34NLG-kdVnh9WxctN3m-FbEgrcy5ZxAWU0dbHWIM3d7Xp1V_GZ9-K3kswAkNmoS8Rwa8_LsO2mB042TR4elH1s8Hh5DZoX1mGd3BGmj0ebl27isP8ktaIpnf0Sj1SE/w640-h480/4%20fossil.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Maybe I've got fossils on the brain, but surely those are lines radiating out from a point on the left? Looks a bit like the imprint of a leaf. </span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-eiTg4FlesJ7SFF4-j5ljMXWBqBMJYPzZ1ikr-8aNoAR46OZvRZkWx2NBfrgbozqZ_zIFdp4bMqt8rt6XNk-3rYFFuO7ZiAyhqmxTUNG7AX_dgF5Z6EA89w2lpzfRfoWp9DwbdvVP_AoIFaElVKpPhFtd0fzb74gAaawA6IHdLWBWCIXbfzbiMa2_zJE/s1525/3%20Dog,%20ducks%20and%20damsels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="971" data-original-width="1525" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-eiTg4FlesJ7SFF4-j5ljMXWBqBMJYPzZ1ikr-8aNoAR46OZvRZkWx2NBfrgbozqZ_zIFdp4bMqt8rt6XNk-3rYFFuO7ZiAyhqmxTUNG7AX_dgF5Z6EA89w2lpzfRfoWp9DwbdvVP_AoIFaElVKpPhFtd0fzb74gAaawA6IHdLWBWCIXbfzbiMa2_zJE/w640-h408/3%20Dog,%20ducks%20and%20damsels.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">This looks like an ideal spot to sit and sandwich. We're surrounded by clouds of Blue Damselflies, drifting fairylike, among the reeds and Mattie seems happily fascinated by the Mallard ducklings, navigating their way through the waterlilies. Could anything be more idyllic?</span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SVCwithEtsy" style="color: #77cc11; text-decoration-line: none;">Steve's Vintage Collectables</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: large;">. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">(click to visit)</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Keeping the nature theme going...</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Steve's Nature)</span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>, Facebook </b></span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/steve.daniels.167" style="color: #77cc11; text-decoration-line: none;">(</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/steve.daniels.167" style="color: #77cc11; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Steve Daniels)</span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">,</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>and Instagram (</b></span></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#" style="color: #77cc11; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Steve Daniels Cumbria)</span></span></a></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Or why not join the 2.5k members of our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/435712489794776" style="color: #77cc11; text-decoration-line: none;">Naturalists</a> group?</span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">All the best,</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Steve</span></p>Steve Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16774073264427111237noreply@blogger.com0Cumbria, UK54.5772323 -2.797483526.266998463821153 -37.9537335 82.887466136178844 32.3587665tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339903940778370384.post-53890918879471753942023-06-28T14:06:00.004+00:002023-06-28T14:06:58.243+00:00Rivers, Lakes, and Tarns<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9wKuKCgtW8XsfZIvXvLeq3MXiNSY0W2PGFq_FFdUrZnogkJeATKXmoT_lxbdXvFBTBH0hO_VaUkUakBDJZa6rWpj0KBafT7rWUwZOH1vykiSoD9QUpRRAW9aJd6Iw4HCloUe7t36oZ9BnCMRrigAkm_EIYAMvAEQvjuj-0VZAI44F8pmmC85WptkwqQ/s4032/1%20Blakeley%20Raise%20Stone%20Circle,%20cotton%20grass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9wKuKCgtW8XsfZIvXvLeq3MXiNSY0W2PGFq_FFdUrZnogkJeATKXmoT_lxbdXvFBTBH0hO_VaUkUakBDJZa6rWpj0KBafT7rWUwZOH1vykiSoD9QUpRRAW9aJd6Iw4HCloUe7t36oZ9BnCMRrigAkm_EIYAMvAEQvjuj-0VZAI44F8pmmC85WptkwqQ/w640-h480/1%20Blakeley%20Raise%20Stone%20Circle,%20cotton%20grass.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Firstly,
let me wish you all a happy summer. The solstice passed last week, so
where better to start our journey than at a stone circle. No-one has
come up with a definitive reason as to why these were built, but
solstices and equinoxes figure in most theories. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cumbria
is particularly rich in these megalithic monuments, with over fifty
of them. This is probably a numbers game: given Cumbria's climate,
there's a reasonable chance that an errant shaft of sunlight will
fall upon at least one of them on Midsummer's Day. This one is
Blakely Raise, near Ennerdale, which is where we're off to next. It's
pretty well windswept moorland up here, but there are odd patches of Cotton Grass dotted about. It's quite a useful little plant of the
sedge family, having been used for candle wicks, paper making, wound
dressings, and pillow stuffing. The leaves and roots are edible, and
it has been used medicinally for the treatment of gastrointestinal
disorders. It is also the county flower of Greater Manchester. The
last two facts are probably unconnected.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHyQD1ZvEDoaTjFOfQvyAXWskDBHu6XR0HU88bjSoA5ePPpSWQzL0UARGv-mFhkW0TX1kQbWig1H3mNdCn-m79B6703ZXEpZljqvSG7_pZ0U5P5xrjUdCP0dDCfOZC7wRhoVeqiZ4yq1IPjU5pGndjqrZWK8KyZBgnc2ZfL8SC327SK_bm-XjJqJCxFE/s3440/2%20Ennerdale,%20moths%20and%20clegs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3440" height="562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHyQD1ZvEDoaTjFOfQvyAXWskDBHu6XR0HU88bjSoA5ePPpSWQzL0UARGv-mFhkW0TX1kQbWig1H3mNdCn-m79B6703ZXEpZljqvSG7_pZ0U5P5xrjUdCP0dDCfOZC7wRhoVeqiZ4yq1IPjU5pGndjqrZWK8KyZBgnc2ZfL8SC327SK_bm-XjJqJCxFE/w640-h562/2%20Ennerdale,%20moths%20and%20clegs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Meanwhile,
over at Ennerdale, the Lepidoptera are out in force. Meadow Browns
are two a penny, and the Burnet Moths are hatching in great
abundance. Unfortunately, the Cleg Flies are also pretty numerous.
Although attractive to look at (as flies go), they have a vicious
bite. It is only the females that bite; they need a blood meal in
order to reproduce (and who would begrudge them that?). </span></span>
</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy7Du2yGO5sCsJ_Puaw_wD6_sx_CdwVZPryRuSytOU2RQW96FoTo0y0AmnLlvYc7p3BUx4ZDjCBEipUydMrQZUINN1bJazIzZMSSDWq4beDWoayjfebgCYDKKspql747fe95ptqjXHDk6dXKqmubHIUlOu3iJxTbdNGLIq-1wRLCBJOPwCDZM52bDHvvs/s2580/3%20Devoke%20Water,%20Birds%20and%20dragonflies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1448" data-original-width="2580" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy7Du2yGO5sCsJ_Puaw_wD6_sx_CdwVZPryRuSytOU2RQW96FoTo0y0AmnLlvYc7p3BUx4ZDjCBEipUydMrQZUINN1bJazIzZMSSDWq4beDWoayjfebgCYDKKspql747fe95ptqjXHDk6dXKqmubHIUlOu3iJxTbdNGLIq-1wRLCBJOPwCDZM52bDHvvs/w640-h360/3%20Devoke%20Water,%20Birds%20and%20dragonflies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Let's
head south now to Devoke Water. Although the Lake District is famous
for its sixteen lakes, there are also nearly two hundred smaller
bodies of water; the tarns. This is the largest of them and it is
magnificently remote. Buzzards wheel in the sky overhead, Swallows
skim the water, and the occasional Northern Wheatear stands guard. In
the drystone walls that line the lane, Pied wagtails and Wrens are
nesting and escort us down the road, politely asking us to be on our
way. The shallow puddles around the edge of the tarn are a great
place for dragonflies, a true harbinger of long, hot summer days.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrCv_iFJV5sS47snHq9Mh-c6FEcVxe6X1Z_XxOm5jBbu8BFc_iBfE0SqtoGAEGbO-P0jXucaUCP_FXTUt5l_ZCHewjzoCJa1zvpjRHdsUcJWsU4Mmxs9lwgsRA_Es0QOG7Sr8EVia3RmtZGGRNIH5hyj2d6TTrmOxEI8LMlZ1IN_zNFhYylnJj3jDJOYU/s1600/4%20Selfheal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrCv_iFJV5sS47snHq9Mh-c6FEcVxe6X1Z_XxOm5jBbu8BFc_iBfE0SqtoGAEGbO-P0jXucaUCP_FXTUt5l_ZCHewjzoCJa1zvpjRHdsUcJWsU4Mmxs9lwgsRA_Es0QOG7Sr8EVia3RmtZGGRNIH5hyj2d6TTrmOxEI8LMlZ1IN_zNFhYylnJj3jDJOYU/w640-h480/4%20Selfheal.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Heading
north via the village of Ulpha, we run alongside the upper reaches of
the River Duddon (<a href="https://cretenature.blogspot.com/2022/08/the-tranquility-of-southern-lakes.html">the
estuary of which, we visited last summer</a>). A lovely spot to stop
and have a picnic. There are minnows in the shallows, and a Grey
Wagtail flitting about. Growing on a rock, down in the rapids is a
lonely little Selfheal. A nice little pot herb that can be eaten raw
or boiled, it's name derives from its use in traditional medicine.
Good for cuts, scratches and boils apparently.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVM5PWXk-5j0eG7bdf9ZG82RguKgwo01LPiN2icnyBrFy-5XGUQf31QHrtf6ybf7mXZGjZg9GOfC_GQMP4kSzTiMl6vhRO4cu0BNJGxwRRefwtLNQNP29kkSBZ6n3OWkT11MSD2TsIKjwEUA4rzABfoEvZ9beQdrQrXzOZQRYuiorwzgnJsStsbz6WlX0/s5184/5%20Old%20Corn%20Mill,%20river%20birds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVM5PWXk-5j0eG7bdf9ZG82RguKgwo01LPiN2icnyBrFy-5XGUQf31QHrtf6ybf7mXZGjZg9GOfC_GQMP4kSzTiMl6vhRO4cu0BNJGxwRRefwtLNQNP29kkSBZ6n3OWkT11MSD2TsIKjwEUA4rzABfoEvZ9beQdrQrXzOZQRYuiorwzgnJsStsbz6WlX0/w640-h426/5%20Old%20Corn%20Mill,%20river%20birds.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">And
finally... some news from the Old Corn Mill. We have a new young
Heron on the block, possibly the offspring of Harry and Sally. One of
the Mallards has had five ducklings, and she's sharing our neck of
the Derwent with a Goosander and her brood of four. It's a veritable
avian soap opera outside my front door.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SVCwithEtsy">Steve's
Vintage Collectables</a></span><span style="font-size: large;">. </span><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">(click
to visit)</span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">I've just opened a new section in the
shop this week: Terrific Toys & Games. Pretty self indulgent
really, as I love old board games. Pop in and take a look.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<table border="1" bordercolor="#000000" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%;">
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<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr63ou63QP0itWNaRtIasoOp1OTP09nBnKjU1ExdWNB7cg3HsYQM1cyLOQTz6WI_fwAW2iEYGAAbfM6CkfsqWT6XIK4rCl1znQHx8dPxDJgVyzd9WiPNlsokWPjkHwCoemzq0wVhQ2JES_bOMEpP-bOiBIu4YoSDU8fVm-hkv_M_NBGLcnm-k_jkaCZPk/s1123/toys%201.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="314" data-original-width="1123" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr63ou63QP0itWNaRtIasoOp1OTP09nBnKjU1ExdWNB7cg3HsYQM1cyLOQTz6WI_fwAW2iEYGAAbfM6CkfsqWT6XIK4rCl1znQHx8dPxDJgVyzd9WiPNlsokWPjkHwCoemzq0wVhQ2JES_bOMEpP-bOiBIu4YoSDU8fVm-hkv_M_NBGLcnm-k_jkaCZPk/w640-h178/toys%201.PNG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><p></p>
</td>
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</tbody></table>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Daniels/e/B081Z8FNK5">Steve's
Books </a><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Daniels/e/B081Z8FNK5"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(click
to visit)</span></span></span></span></a></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Daniels/e/B081Z8FNK5"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Keep
an eye out for me at Wordsworth House on Saturday lunchtime. Poets
Out Loud are part of Cockermouth Live and I may even give you a blast
of comic poetry from</span></span> </a><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Daniels/e/B081Z8FNK5">Chubby's
Crematorium and Burger Bar.</a></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<table border="1" bordercolor="#000000" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%;">
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<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhpD8Ht8B1008HiUrRe4Tmr8_z7bopZss6xZt4NYnpG7v9JQ7fbVkukFdqYsh4URdbYPPybLnf6RF2W45oqFeEi2dd5I5VCC-dseD24QDwX9aiQJJE1TSeoIqC95Addvxgw2NFLzc57wNj_CGjtXS_O_haafcT1ZFCCY9TralnWOaa_BmGMUmwmv6K30/s934/Steves%20Books.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="934" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhpD8Ht8B1008HiUrRe4Tmr8_z7bopZss6xZt4NYnpG7v9JQ7fbVkukFdqYsh4URdbYPPybLnf6RF2W45oqFeEi2dd5I5VCC-dseD24QDwX9aiQJJE1TSeoIqC95Addvxgw2NFLzc57wNj_CGjtXS_O_haafcT1ZFCCY9TralnWOaa_BmGMUmwmv6K30/w640-h214/Steves%20Books.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><p></p>
</td>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/stevedanielscumbria/"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Follow
me on</b></span></span></span></a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/stevedanielscumbria/"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Steve's
Nature Plus </b></span></span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>and
also on Twitter (@</b></span></span></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Steve's
Nature)</span></span></span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>,
Facebook </b></span></span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/steve.daniels.167">(</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/steve.daniels.167"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Steve
Daniels)</span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>and
Instagram (</b></span></span></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Steve
Daniels Cumbria)</span></span></span></span></a></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Or why not join the 2.5k members of
our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/435712489794776">Naturalists</a>
group?</span></b></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">All the best,</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://www.instagram.com/stevedanielscumbria/">Steve</a></i></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>Steve Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16774073264427111237noreply@blogger.com0Cumbria, UK54.5772323 -2.797483526.266998463821153 -37.9537335 82.887466136178844 32.3587665tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339903940778370384.post-34602798745034229372023-06-14T07:48:00.000+00:002023-06-14T07:48:14.067+00:00Shedding Bricks<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6TWEyujjno-pdO_xNCezRKtz4FpCfjdVb03FqTfKDt81_QR6I26M1D7qG6IiEFFgCIDMZAPWSH6luKgp1PkHuiThuNsR93ffOazOXrPR10E_uUbw0Ve5Lxq7IMNb0mZfAo1GsfJ59dtw8vEVabdPMmbDMfHXUENyorX20iVEzXv9g3cVkUc6Uujou/s1249/1%20View%20from%20Eden%20Rock%20060506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="1249" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6TWEyujjno-pdO_xNCezRKtz4FpCfjdVb03FqTfKDt81_QR6I26M1D7qG6IiEFFgCIDMZAPWSH6luKgp1PkHuiThuNsR93ffOazOXrPR10E_uUbw0Ve5Lxq7IMNb0mZfAo1GsfJ59dtw8vEVabdPMmbDMfHXUENyorX20iVEzXv9g3cVkUc6Uujou/w640-h480/1%20View%20from%20Eden%20Rock%20060506.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">During
the years that I spent on Crete, I realise now, that I
unintentionally built a wall. On one side of this wall, was myself,
nature and a select few members of the human race. The rest of the
world, and the 21<sup>st</sup> century come to that, was firmly on
the other. Since returning to the UK, Ishbel has gradually been
dismantling this wall by repeatedly dragging me, kicking and
screaming, out of my comfort zone. She achieved a triple at the
weekend: a mega-city, a mega-concert, and a mega-store.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZAKVWRHrGnzG7lz9jhtflpvvD-GVDruC0JVPuIS4GcTyWkTfRj9_e5AtwBck7wrO2gjsba_LjVpiuvkB-Sz303ybAAqoPJazAJsUptA0oPYvbhL4LV_5mRyFrSCVGoiKUyxSYc_EiujlzcRl-hU_R9nLXIgg_q3Oz0wAAdGDQqgT2UyLcxZUOykC/s4032/2%20Geese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZAKVWRHrGnzG7lz9jhtflpvvD-GVDruC0JVPuIS4GcTyWkTfRj9_e5AtwBck7wrO2gjsba_LjVpiuvkB-Sz303ybAAqoPJazAJsUptA0oPYvbhL4LV_5mRyFrSCVGoiKUyxSYc_EiujlzcRl-hU_R9nLXIgg_q3Oz0wAAdGDQqgT2UyLcxZUOykC/w640-h480/2%20Geese.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">The city
in question was Manchester, a teeming metropolis of nearly 3 million
people. We parked up a couple of miles east of the city centre and I
prised my fingers from the edge of the seat. The walk into 'town'
along the network of canals was most pleasant, with Geese, Swans, the
occasional Moorhen, and even a Grey Wagtail to distract my attention.
A little crowded through the gay village, but with a very pleasant
vibe.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjx_wp9IRGkJOI41n-tNGhj9N-tMyjvrR_Rv2nO2YQ1NNmJNT8Kv720m1atDwsU4SQKy8bLp6HkQ5AqNVXlaLHB56VQeRvz5wbaL1FgsMS6rWu7kD8mqdhJ8NrqK-6dJ3hxa6OC4ODdzb8MnBtZ3EbRYRf4EPfWT5tMSCp-0J-QuCusbWW6Dg17_y/s4032/3%20hilton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjx_wp9IRGkJOI41n-tNGhj9N-tMyjvrR_Rv2nO2YQ1NNmJNT8Kv720m1atDwsU4SQKy8bLp6HkQ5AqNVXlaLHB56VQeRvz5wbaL1FgsMS6rWu7kD8mqdhJ8NrqK-6dJ3hxa6OC4ODdzb8MnBtZ3EbRYRf4EPfWT5tMSCp-0J-QuCusbWW6Dg17_y/w640-h480/3%20hilton.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Our
first destination was Clouds, on the 23<sup>rd</sup> floor of the
Hilton Hotel, for afternoon tea and cocktails (this was part of my
Birthday treat). From there, I could see, just what a sprawling mass
of humanity I was surrounded by. I looked down to street level – it
was less frightening.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eX8yWOkMpB64mySCOQawANmUgAhe9RAtmke0Na7-hHzNTO_kssrNPm3CdAEPqwQYX56Bd2DwGhtmEW6iYowiD6JV0r0A_uZKKSaKvZyfO745DwCgnQWQtL8Tz7fru_yJNeigSkJZuFTxT81lZ71ZQYWQQthHG-4g_FsYDH52AX8tTwiqCf7kziNh/s4032/4%20floyd%20concert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eX8yWOkMpB64mySCOQawANmUgAhe9RAtmke0Na7-hHzNTO_kssrNPm3CdAEPqwQYX56Bd2DwGhtmEW6iYowiD6JV0r0A_uZKKSaKvZyfO745DwCgnQWQtL8Tz7fru_yJNeigSkJZuFTxT81lZ71ZQYWQQthHG-4g_FsYDH52AX8tTwiqCf7kziNh/w480-h640/4%20floyd%20concert.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">And now
to the high point of the day. Even I, enochlophobe that I am, was
prepared to venture into the 21,000 capacity, AO Arena, for the
opportunity of seeing Roger Waters live. For those of you too young
to remember, Roger was the co-founder of Pink Floyd, along with the
late Roger 'Syd' Barrett. Lost in the music, complete with flying
pigs and sheep, I was in seventh heaven. Even the walk back through
crowds of revelling Manchester City supporters at midnight wasn't so
bad, and Ishbel has nearly recovered the use of her right hand, which
I may have been gripping rather too tightly.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvwjy-HIkHp_w6alBYNwTGnKoCUsEgDCaLRBVOoTAPvSMCu0HdC3IITi5_pV_XBFeoRjZEgCCiTAknsjoCoY53R18QVniPrxvQpwaYMLcmDBWLFaUUxg6i2qGJkQGykKtOkFn9sCdzvbz1mAMmQC-Zg8ynM8sDk3yMUObtTmA8YUI5_z4WusB2bDYA/s627/5%20ikea.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="627" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvwjy-HIkHp_w6alBYNwTGnKoCUsEgDCaLRBVOoTAPvSMCu0HdC3IITi5_pV_XBFeoRjZEgCCiTAknsjoCoY53R18QVniPrxvQpwaYMLcmDBWLFaUUxg6i2qGJkQGykKtOkFn9sCdzvbz1mAMmQC-Zg8ynM8sDk3yMUObtTmA8YUI5_z4WusB2bDYA/w640-h478/5%20ikea.PNG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">And
finally.. the mega-store. There was a particular item that Ishbel
wished to purchase from IKEA, it was Sunday morning, and I was in
need of breakfast, so we ventured into this humungous monstrosity.
Ishbel came out empty handed. I for, some reason, emerged with a
ladle and a yucca plant. Ah well, another three bricks in the wall
come tumbling down.</span></p>
<p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SVCwithEtsy">Steve's
Vintage Collectables</a></span>. <span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(click
to visit)</span></span></span></span>
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Look out for our tobacconalia special over the next week. And if you haven't got your Dad a prezzie yet for Father's Day on Sunday, you'd best order today to get delivery by Saturday.</span></p>
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<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Daniels/e/B081Z8FNK5">Steve's
Books </a><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Daniels/e/B081Z8FNK5"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(click
to visit)</span></span></span></span></a><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Daniels/e/B081Z8FNK5">
</a>
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
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</span><p></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/stevedanielscumbria/"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Follow
me on</b></span></span></span></a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/stevedanielscumbria/"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Steve's
Nature Plus </b></span></span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>and
also on Twitter (@</b></span></span></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Steve's
Nature)</span></span></span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>,
Facebook </b></span></span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/steve.daniels.167">(</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/steve.daniels.167"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Steve
Daniels)</span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>and
Instagram (</b></span></span></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Steve
Daniels Cumbria)</span></span></span></span></a></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Or why not join the 2,594 members of
our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/435712489794776">Naturalists</a>
group?</span></b></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">All the best,</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://www.instagram.com/stevedanielscumbria/">Steve</a></i></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
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</span></p>
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</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>Steve Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16774073264427111237noreply@blogger.com0Manchester, UK53.4807593 -2.242630525.170525463821157 -37.3988805 81.790993136178855 32.9136195tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339903940778370384.post-80779568664513810562023-06-07T11:06:00.001+00:002023-06-07T11:06:51.417+00:00England Coast Path - Flimby to Workington<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1LeO7_PN9XunhUErXlaKhSrdT2ZB4SvHtgZ3uwcCjFiKlqMjBTqft98cY9ao2IXEwR7bTYYdUJvyzVPmL1l6IR3_JuHs8tx4koFKWKvR50LZGuHaXKkIdZsYUhKxgKWhwsi1U1DRxLCRUpJlEWKQTIOI9BcVf57EfGHQkkx_VO0-ux477yXbS8C26/s2878/1%20flowers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1542" data-original-width="2878" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1LeO7_PN9XunhUErXlaKhSrdT2ZB4SvHtgZ3uwcCjFiKlqMjBTqft98cY9ao2IXEwR7bTYYdUJvyzVPmL1l6IR3_JuHs8tx4koFKWKvR50LZGuHaXKkIdZsYUhKxgKWhwsi1U1DRxLCRUpJlEWKQTIOI9BcVf57EfGHQkkx_VO0-ux477yXbS8C26/w640-h342/1%20flowers.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">Last
week we walked the King Charles III England Coast Path from <a href="http://cretenature.blogspot.com/2023/05/england-coast-path-maryport-to-flimby.html" target="_blank">Maryport to Flimby</a>. This week, I thought we'd continue along the path from
Flimby to Workington. It's a beautiful sunny day for strolling by the
Solway and everything is bursting into bloom. Eight new flowers this
week including a few of my old favourites from my time in Crete, the
Yellow-horned Poppy, Kidney Vetch and European Searocket.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoujK0iL8R0UdIN1bM6F6DKSfYZUMX0kfUmg-GJwwb50V8Pflh6CAlylOBX3cImMLd9eqRiFhGVECvushWg5F3HR79f3D-yYE3XhiamhO4_ka601Nv5RWuBee4aBGh331OC6psOyquwJZtnx_YCUdEzNSrTx364ZpVqVMB_kJRjSlHMWQn4ijs-Bgt/s1540/2%20Butterflies.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1316" data-original-width="1540" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoujK0iL8R0UdIN1bM6F6DKSfYZUMX0kfUmg-GJwwb50V8Pflh6CAlylOBX3cImMLd9eqRiFhGVECvushWg5F3HR79f3D-yYE3XhiamhO4_ka601Nv5RWuBee4aBGh331OC6psOyquwJZtnx_YCUdEzNSrTx364ZpVqVMB_kJRjSlHMWQn4ijs-Bgt/w640-h546/2%20Butterflies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">The
butterflies and moths are taking full advantage of nature's largesse.
Look for the little yellow/green packets attached to grass stalks.
These are the chrysalises of the Burnet Moth, a black day flying moth
with red spots (not to be confused with the Cinnabar Moth which is a
black day flying moth with red spots and stripes, like this one
here). There's a Small Tortoiseshell over there. Their caterpillars
feed on nettles but I haven't seen any this year, have you? We saw
some Common Blues last week and today there are quite a few Small
Blues about. They're unmistakably smaller and grey/black with white
borders. Finally some Large Skippers. Skippers have a family all to
themselves, the Hesperiidae.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xog0UzqspSfJUTjs-3L_cl8R861Oc1My6NesxnDVmUiW_1erg4W4BGonvRZR7qu_hNB3au5YMufBOQyoM3iKkKo6wAdZeZo7QnPrKHbIZVB2uU3rBTrHscgMrNvvMgBAM_JLnkX0G2UaQXBsS7YpNF6e0WcMgOW1BHDmwHW_7Q8cQoSr-RiH9M9W/s597/3%20Bumble%20Bee%20Hover%20Fly.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="565" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xog0UzqspSfJUTjs-3L_cl8R861Oc1My6NesxnDVmUiW_1erg4W4BGonvRZR7qu_hNB3au5YMufBOQyoM3iKkKo6wAdZeZo7QnPrKHbIZVB2uU3rBTrHscgMrNvvMgBAM_JLnkX0G2UaQXBsS7YpNF6e0WcMgOW1BHDmwHW_7Q8cQoSr-RiH9M9W/w606-h640/3%20Bumble%20Bee%20Hover%20Fly.png" width="606" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">The
Lepidoptera are not the only ones taking advantage of the flowers, so
are the bees. However the bee over there on the Bloody Cranesbill is
an imposter. It's actually a hover fly doing a very good impression
of a bumble bee. Flies only have one pair of wings, whereas all other
winged insects have two pairs. This is not always easy to see,
neither is the fact that flies have compound eyes and bees don't. I
find that the easiest way to tell a bee from a fly mimic is to look
at the antennae. All flies have very short antennae, whereas a bee's
antennae are much more robust. </span></span>
</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlooho1YI5ZJ6MpHJ2v6DnJPRavxEd2H8WThqgnQU8w_eGJa_vWVwx74n5Ioogpa-eQuPq0ULDk8FfvcVePdVEvNBDrr5fRR7yXMlWTW5KfyrVSSK4vWdLAFA8nmP_YZaG25cLhHPtQHKwkM6s-01YjmIOCK9X0MHBDxcv60hEd1tTJYX5HIVLwfV9/s3632/4%20Birds.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2684" data-original-width="3632" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlooho1YI5ZJ6MpHJ2v6DnJPRavxEd2H8WThqgnQU8w_eGJa_vWVwx74n5Ioogpa-eQuPq0ULDk8FfvcVePdVEvNBDrr5fRR7yXMlWTW5KfyrVSSK4vWdLAFA8nmP_YZaG25cLhHPtQHKwkM6s-01YjmIOCK9X0MHBDxcv60hEd1tTJYX5HIVLwfV9/w640-h472/4%20Birds.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">The
path dips down onto the shore here, so let's see who's about in the
bird world. A nice flight of Sanderlings for a start, and further
out, a flight of Black-headed Gulls. Last week I introduced you to
the Passerines, perching birds, including the Stonechats, Linnets and
Starlings that we've just left behind us. This week, I'll introduce
you to the Charadriiformes, or shorebirds. This group includes nearly
all of the small to medium/large birds that you see around our
coasts, including the Sanderlings and Gulls as well as the Ringed
Plover and Dunlin that are pootling about in the shallows here. </span></span>
</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg22PIBUi1fXPPXOw8_TS7b0OmhS495aEWJkol6iUycg2pg8NTfzk0RisiLXULkDCD0lUsbwqMDLOIU7qDInjjQsJP9bHPXhDFNnPIq9-ICgWTFGZ01Mqrz7xDS-1eAwNpPB5m9E_hHg1sqQxGeGZpIUp5CBUHCkdExGFp5EeU6xDHB25-23Oak9v3l/s1538/5%20mites.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="970" data-original-width="1538" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg22PIBUi1fXPPXOw8_TS7b0OmhS495aEWJkol6iUycg2pg8NTfzk0RisiLXULkDCD0lUsbwqMDLOIU7qDInjjQsJP9bHPXhDFNnPIq9-ICgWTFGZ01Mqrz7xDS-1eAwNpPB5m9E_hHg1sqQxGeGZpIUp5CBUHCkdExGFp5EeU6xDHB25-23Oak9v3l/w640-h404/5%20mites.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">One
of the great bonuses of the Cumbrian section of the England Coast
Path, is that the west coast railway line follows the same course.
This means that we don't have to walk all the way back. We can hop on
the train at Workington and admire the scenery from a different
vantage point on our way back to Flimby. Meanwhile, there's a nice
pile of rocks ahead where we can sit and rest awhile. We'll be
sharing them with a number of mobile red dots, which, on closer
inspection, are a group of mites (I think these are Whirligig mites).
Although mites have eight legs, they are not spiders. On the whole,
these are harmless little arachnids, although the Varroa Mite is the
curse of beekeepers, and the Itch Mite (<i>Sarcoptes scabiei </i>var.
<i>hominis) </i>is the little devil that transmits scabies. Rest
assured, these are neither of them.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfFAI-pj4mHP_hbC_vRZfGXi0yx3y6uS5BHM47O4Ij3OkHRJSVx2-BThQwyfSWdjuiURku7fqxgWGT1D3LukGYhOX9V9MrE-UUrJoPby2EnqUOn4F7HVcsI1JLtd8lUSh9D8oMRD2CAqww3rZ2EIUGwqqaT_z9X5hqqv6Z2U4BXfPlkCK4NsxFTgIv/s1270/6%20Mullets.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="1270" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfFAI-pj4mHP_hbC_vRZfGXi0yx3y6uS5BHM47O4Ij3OkHRJSVx2-BThQwyfSWdjuiURku7fqxgWGT1D3LukGYhOX9V9MrE-UUrJoPby2EnqUOn4F7HVcsI1JLtd8lUSh9D8oMRD2CAqww3rZ2EIUGwqqaT_z9X5hqqv6Z2U4BXfPlkCK4NsxFTgIv/w640-h492/6%20Mullets.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">And
so we reach Workington, where the River Derwent flows serenely down
to the port. I must confess, being a southern softie, that the name
'Workington' always conjured up images of a gritty, industrial,
northern town. Nothing could be further from the truth. The 'working'
in Workington has nothing to do with labour. The name is mediaeval
and means simply </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #202122;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">the
town or settlement of Weorc or Wirc's people. As you can see, it's
actually quite a beautiful place and there are even fish in the
river. Some quite good sized Mullet down there, if you fancy a spot
of fishing. </span></span></span></span>
</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SVCwithEtsy">Steve's
Vintage Collectables</a></span><span style="font-size: large;">. </span><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">(click
to visit)</span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">We've
been busy on a buying spree this last week so look out for an
eclectic collection of quirky items from vintage electric bed
warmers, to novelty tea pots and a WW2 Aldis lamp. SVCwithEtsy is
rapidly becoming one of Britain's best loved, on line, pre-loved gift
shops, with over 100 items always in stock for every occasion. (And
don't forget, it's Father's day a week on Sunday, so now is a good
time to start looking).</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
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</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Daniels/e/B081Z8FNK5">Steve's
Books </a><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Daniels/e/B081Z8FNK5"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(click
to visit)</span></span></span></span></a><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Daniels/e/B081Z8FNK5">
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</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Daniels/e/B081Z8FNK5">Or
if you're looking for a book for Father's Day..</a></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">All the best,</span></p>
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</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>Steve Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16774073264427111237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339903940778370384.post-57291009074283555012023-05-31T09:22:00.003+00:002023-05-31T09:22:33.175+00:00England Coast Path - Maryport to Flimby<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8beTyIiq460D7KFkyQLqKUINT0bbMXxIMFa8MHk-OhgIAZc72yyX0EDfMoBevHd7bSZF1WJd6cqZBTLn5l3tGZ80WbpgDeWXrtwEXFNI5HiGTTAyAzs4kvsLAhqAMEbdE48aYbH2q8KrK-r2lC-gQJ_pBFpw38Tm9u1X4mJ7DVqmWRmpPfNaoGfVY/s2684/1%20Oystercatcher.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1492" data-original-width="2684" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8beTyIiq460D7KFkyQLqKUINT0bbMXxIMFa8MHk-OhgIAZc72yyX0EDfMoBevHd7bSZF1WJd6cqZBTLn5l3tGZ80WbpgDeWXrtwEXFNI5HiGTTAyAzs4kvsLAhqAMEbdE48aYbH2q8KrK-r2lC-gQJ_pBFpw38Tm9u1X4mJ7DVqmWRmpPfNaoGfVY/w640-h356/1%20Oystercatcher.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">We
are very fortunate in that the England Coast Path now covers
virtually all of the Cumbrian coastline. You can walk from Green Road
Station in the south of the county to Allonby in the north, a
distance of around seventy miles. A lovely week's walking holiday, if
you fancy it. Today we're going to start at Maryport pier and walk
south to Flimby, about two and a quarter miles. Right at the start of
the walk, on the shingle beach next to the pier, an Oystercatcher has
chosen to nest.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlEfj2xC8kSidWOp1OeYiQU0GBHdkU4SQcs9EGrjh_yXBEWFZc-eEWLkOs2XXkF51ELu9Tx1ozhx5uC94eOEJzO5-WO7P7X3fUZjXjsBJ1jBkmxnyCaVpl2eBi7RZqPMsRG-W6nJ_aGxE3o1HKOFmWkFxCIpNYZuoHYBqg8xy7E5ML8ybyBmg_C4ye/s5184/2%20Birds.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlEfj2xC8kSidWOp1OeYiQU0GBHdkU4SQcs9EGrjh_yXBEWFZc-eEWLkOs2XXkF51ELu9Tx1ozhx5uC94eOEJzO5-WO7P7X3fUZjXjsBJ1jBkmxnyCaVpl2eBi7RZqPMsRG-W6nJ_aGxE3o1HKOFmWkFxCIpNYZuoHYBqg8xy7E5ML8ybyBmg_C4ye/w640-h426/2%20Birds.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">There
are plenty of other birds about such as these Whitethroats, Dunnocks
and Linnets. These are all passerines, or perching birds (Order:
Passeriformes). This is a very large order of birds, all of which
have three toes facing forward and one toe facing backwards. The
perfect arrangement for clinging on to long, thin branches, swaying
in the wind.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-s_Wxzc_047wyJ8izeuajK6eecvKIXqIvCA5J7uKxd4rlfpFxoiURBpk29ungMAul69tadElINgHJCfnAX2Dtp1-cCP5S6i92S_wV-NjUbRG4s-cx9ZM45n_3PI_cgQSKnwfLE8ufuvYUWcV1limjyOpuCa-sEep1_Fc1GcWEgtufACiONXXVSe2/s2250/3%20Flowers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="2250" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-s_Wxzc_047wyJ8izeuajK6eecvKIXqIvCA5J7uKxd4rlfpFxoiURBpk29ungMAul69tadElINgHJCfnAX2Dtp1-cCP5S6i92S_wV-NjUbRG4s-cx9ZM45n_3PI_cgQSKnwfLE8ufuvYUWcV1limjyOpuCa-sEep1_Fc1GcWEgtufACiONXXVSe2/w640-h456/3%20Flowers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">It's
a botanist's paradise along here. We have Northern Marsh Orchids,
Wild Mignonette (a source of the yellow dye called weld), and down on
the beach, some Sea Kale. The forced, blanched shoots of this plant
used to be a highly expensive Victorian delicacy. The leaves are good
as well, so I think we'll gather a few for us tea tonight (us tea =
dinner <i>northern dialect). </i><span style="background: transparent;">There
are a couple of other useful plants up here too: Ribwort Plantain and
Comfrey. Both can be applied to the skin to relieve bites and stings,
although comfrey is better known for using as a poultice to promote
the healing of broken bones (it's old English name was knit-bone). As
it happens, we can do a little experiment. Ishbel was stung by one of
her bees yesterday, so we can use her as a guinea pig. </span><i><span style="background: transparent;">(I
like to live dangerously)</span></i><span style="background: transparent;">.
The verdict? Both work, but comfrey is the more efficacious. </span></span></span>
</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYeNTBuMmh1E022MSqkV4j1_YfiPgjfnHeidnzudKuVa--CbQbPjlVGWZWDIMXbHhh6E46YkfdbMmOaL7ndTYUYxb3snRKsKfZvC0iBDtw4HjRnNLj8RYUkBo2r07KwMDyhdEiT0DxXUrM46O96cklffIPsD3LJ2rSQjTMH3s2jDTPgJ9WwOaNde1t/s736/4%20Lepidoptera.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="579" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYeNTBuMmh1E022MSqkV4j1_YfiPgjfnHeidnzudKuVa--CbQbPjlVGWZWDIMXbHhh6E46YkfdbMmOaL7ndTYUYxb3snRKsKfZvC0iBDtw4HjRnNLj8RYUkBo2r07KwMDyhdEiT0DxXUrM46O96cklffIPsD3LJ2rSQjTMH3s2jDTPgJ9WwOaNde1t/w504-h640/4%20Lepidoptera.png" width="504" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="background: transparent;">The
flowers attract the butterflies, of course, including the Common Blue
that we saw last week down at Drigg. This week, we've a chance to
study them in a bit more detail. As you can see, the female (on the
left) is very different to the male (on the right), but the markings
on the underwing are the same. Unfortunately the Common Blue is not
as common as it used to be. One of the reasons for this being the
massive reduction in it's preferred host plant (Bird's Foot Trefoil,
which you can see them feeding on here) due to habitat loss. There
are also some Green-veined Whites about, which for some reason, seem
to be more prevalent than the ubiquitous Small White this year.
Finally, we have some very small, pale moths drifting about. These
are Grass Rivulets who's larvae feed on the seeds of Yellow Rattle. </span></span></span>
</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg56x1emB8dcwMK0Dq57HNXm19oTIc7KGipFG4RXGX8lLbGeJJFKwr694DXG3mi41_ELsH3bRw7BL51t6rZLD2DZojJiYZTqf8rTwoKpL2VXezWO4f7maAbieiWT3P8Nud1M4HAiuEZ4lSXvjt6WK3Z82PUdXd0exso3TU_TUe5-ggpxEWrXd7Z9zhW/s5184/5%20rock%20pools.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg56x1emB8dcwMK0Dq57HNXm19oTIc7KGipFG4RXGX8lLbGeJJFKwr694DXG3mi41_ELsH3bRw7BL51t6rZLD2DZojJiYZTqf8rTwoKpL2VXezWO4f7maAbieiWT3P8Nud1M4HAiuEZ4lSXvjt6WK3Z82PUdXd0exso3TU_TUe5-ggpxEWrXd7Z9zhW/w640-h426/5%20rock%20pools.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: transparent;">Here
we are, down at Flimby, and there are some fabulous rock pools about.
Unfortunately we don't have time to investigate them now as the
tide's coming in. Just a note on the tides here on The Solway Firth:
they are big (4-5m on average), quick, and have a disconcerting habit
of coming in behind you. So, I think we'll make our way back to land
while we can still do so without getting our feet wet. Come on
Mattie! Before you have to swim for shore.</span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <span><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SVCwithEtsy">Steve's
Vintage Collectables</a></span>. <span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span>(click
to visit)</span></span></span></span></span></b>
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Although you can simply boil Sea-kale as a vegetable, if you're feeling a bit more creative, here's a recipe from Mrs. Beeton's 1930s edition of her Household Management, This is just one of the books in the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/OldScientificStuff?section_id=40580640" target="_blank">Beautiful Books</a> Collection at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SVCwithEtsy" target="_blank">SVCwithEtsy</a>.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Daniels/e/B081Z8FNK5">Steve's
Books </a><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Daniels/e/B081Z8FNK5"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span>(click
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">All the best,</span></p>
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<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>Steve Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16774073264427111237noreply@blogger.com0Maryport CA15, UK54.714441 -3.4949426.404207163821155 -38.65119 83.024674836178846 31.66131tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339903940778370384.post-44184443461084867072023-05-25T07:18:00.008+00:002023-05-25T07:26:06.593+00:00Snakes Alive!<p> <br /><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqke3uBPQjgcdOGhmTAFD_vCsZYHZlq6LZzdnkMkM8m_q4TjjhIxIK1CDNh03k-ErsTNoCNxkY5lfl0sgUNBtEZjuJ8SH6zuxxM8mEoE7Mb1cOdZM--cNluperDi1bl_rmJ2ZYB8srv_LWWTQYHz3fLcjDMGsLZPXrSQe1_cmAF1RZgm6jXE-V_7Q3/s1424/1%20Birds.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1140" data-original-width="1424" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqke3uBPQjgcdOGhmTAFD_vCsZYHZlq6LZzdnkMkM8m_q4TjjhIxIK1CDNh03k-ErsTNoCNxkY5lfl0sgUNBtEZjuJ8SH6zuxxM8mEoE7Mb1cOdZM--cNluperDi1bl_rmJ2ZYB8srv_LWWTQYHz3fLcjDMGsLZPXrSQe1_cmAF1RZgm6jXE-V_7Q3/w640-h512/1%20Birds.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">A
little over two and a half years ago, in October 2020, I took you
down to look at the Dunescape of Drigg. We were, as you may recall,
looking for Tiger beetles and Adders. There was plenty to look at,
but unfortunately not those two creatures. Anyhow, I thought we'd go
back there at the weekend, and see if we have any better luck in the
warmer weather.</span></span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">You
may also recall that I had a new found friend with me on that trip.
The fact that she is with me once again, this time in a campervan,
speaks volumes. The dunes are a marvellous place for bird watching,
and we are joined by Stonechats, Meadow Pipits and Goldfinches on
every available perch. A pair of Linnets are also wandering about
and, first thing in the morning, a Skylark comes down to take a dust
bath.</span></span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsE2pPFjWzXAlfgIbURNUBa8_iJ6EagVjH8PqjbJOCST1srVvmoDOnDWgmhafv6Ex1CWkK15uo2t7FXerlT4KlD8L-0o8cCONRtHqVTmZpQr2zI5O0CmwWYPEmUpgdDQ6pw9jyRKsmUOYeR--4-D9Gz_XLzydRxYsfhZFRTyeosHXJfW8QUHoxcFZh/s1358/2%20Butterflies%20and%20Flowers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1304" data-original-width="1358" height="614" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsE2pPFjWzXAlfgIbURNUBa8_iJ6EagVjH8PqjbJOCST1srVvmoDOnDWgmhafv6Ex1CWkK15uo2t7FXerlT4KlD8L-0o8cCONRtHqVTmZpQr2zI5O0CmwWYPEmUpgdDQ6pw9jyRKsmUOYeR--4-D9Gz_XLzydRxYsfhZFRTyeosHXJfW8QUHoxcFZh/w640-h614/2%20Butterflies%20and%20Flowers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">Behind
the dunes, where small streams run, we are accompanied by Common Blue
and Wall Brown butterflies, as well as the diminutive Small Heaths,
which are only about half the size of the other two. We also have
four new flowers to add to our May collection: with Bloody Crane's
Bill, Burnet Rose (which is a bit of a dune specialist), Yellow Iris,
and Marsh Marigold. This makes 64 species for the year so far, if
anyone's counting.</span></span></span></p><p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><br /></span><span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhobHHLlsokP56-ca7bK7PPCn3UqhvjvyUS4Z9LlN1jeqkT9ZDP3X0XAI7lxmrDS5riO5K-1PeExyfE-fZcfqm1JOxb8Bao0T9A6doOJyKplh-vBgUoRQGnwdB_zuVhXkMVyzkAU_JQesO84C0cbGaPafNKFHfYYHiSVZR-PTx0gteKDlA1VBmRp4/s1600/3%20Marram%20Weevil.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhobHHLlsokP56-ca7bK7PPCn3UqhvjvyUS4Z9LlN1jeqkT9ZDP3X0XAI7lxmrDS5riO5K-1PeExyfE-fZcfqm1JOxb8Bao0T9A6doOJyKplh-vBgUoRQGnwdB_zuVhXkMVyzkAU_JQesO84C0cbGaPafNKFHfYYHiSVZR-PTx0gteKDlA1VBmRp4/w640-h480/3%20Marram%20Weevil.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></div><p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">There
are still no Tiger Beetles about, but we do have another little
fellow that is associated with sand dunes. This is
a Marram Weevil. The antennae coming out of his snout like that,
shows that he's a weevil of some kind. The snout is also short and
broad, which means that he's one of the 14,000 or so broad nosed
weevils, and we found him near Marram grass, so he's in the correct
habitat for a Marram Weevil.</span></span></span></p><p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><br /></span><span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSy7pbOzIjio72L37JnTjTLE-QPH4vZ5bEuYAyf4AtxnCr3jdCeCLruGZw3wFgf5Kspfy9ZNeN0BnTdN-HJcn5DULH51ViysbX5Egfv1UM2IUmOb_Frfupqz-XfKXwesGDBfmc_yo-XwdnqRFMmIC5gzJOAdDgINlhGiKFFpaclPnBGzixCIIODatE/s4917/4%20Adder.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3278" data-original-width="4917" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSy7pbOzIjio72L37JnTjTLE-QPH4vZ5bEuYAyf4AtxnCr3jdCeCLruGZw3wFgf5Kspfy9ZNeN0BnTdN-HJcn5DULH51ViysbX5Egfv1UM2IUmOb_Frfupqz-XfKXwesGDBfmc_yo-XwdnqRFMmIC5gzJOAdDgINlhGiKFFpaclPnBGzixCIIODatE/w640-h426/4%20Adder.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></div><p></p><p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><br /></span><span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Adders,
on the other hand, we do have. There are two things along this coast
that frighten the beejabers out of people; Adders and Sellafield.
Both are pretty overrated in terms of danger to the public. Adders
bite about 100 people a year, but the last fatal bite was almost
fifty years ago. They are not aggressive, but like most of us, they
don't like being downtrodden. Sellafield hasn't bitten anybody since
1957, when it was Windscale Nuclear Power Station. A radioactive leak
is believed to have been responsible for a couple of hundred fatal
cancers. Nowadays, it primarily stores low to medium radioactive
waste.</span></p><p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><br /></span><span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkoUdT02ShSAPwW00TnE8gKKVqHgKMrJxiK-lCrO2XW-2we82i8CZ5OQI_poQL3_xQybRIO3XcRQfK1bT0un3sqNJfGitEhI2o7uek48ir_pJY5K8Hge6taZGokq4p884saEGz_ctJf9bhcs6LRIdgGbaznR3N3a2V7tAxBb1Sk7IVk1YqA5dEYDvS/s4828/5%20Jellyfish.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3219" data-original-width="4828" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkoUdT02ShSAPwW00TnE8gKKVqHgKMrJxiK-lCrO2XW-2we82i8CZ5OQI_poQL3_xQybRIO3XcRQfK1bT0un3sqNJfGitEhI2o7uek48ir_pJY5K8Hge6taZGokq4p884saEGz_ctJf9bhcs6LRIdgGbaznR3N3a2V7tAxBb1Sk7IVk1YqA5dEYDvS/w640-h426/5%20Jellyfish.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<br />
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">We'll
walk back along the beach and see what the tide has washed up. A
somewhat ferocious looking jellyfish for a start. Although the
Dustbin-lid Jelly is one of the largest jellyfish to drift around UK
shores, it's a bit of a gentle giant. Don't get me wrong, it <i>will
</i>sting you, even when dead, but there are much smaller jellyfish
with much worse stings. Also, they're big enough to see and avoid in
the water, and they don't have metres of stinging tentacles trailing
behind them.</span></span></span></p>
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<br />
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<br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <span face="Arial, sans-serif"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SVCwithEtsy">Steve's
Vintage Collectables</a></span>. <span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(click
to visit)</span></span></span></span></span>
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Father's
Day is coming up next month. We've plenty of gift ideas at
SVCwithEtsy. </span>
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Tip:
type fathers day into the search items bar in the left panel to see
the Father's Day Ideas Collection</span></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Daniels/e/B081Z8FNK5">Steve's
Books </a><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Daniels/e/B081Z8FNK5"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(click
to visit)</span></span></span></span></span></a><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Daniels/e/B081Z8FNK5">
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<p align="LEFT" style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/stevedanielscumbria/"><span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Follow
me on</b></span></span></span></span></a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/stevedanielscumbria/"><span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#"><span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Steve's
Nature Plus </b></span></span></span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>and
also on Twitter (@</b></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#"><span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Steve's
Nature)</span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>,
Facebook </b></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/steve.daniels.167">(</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/steve.daniels.167"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">Steve
Daniels)</span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,</span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>and
Instagram (</b></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#"><span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Steve
Daniels Cumbria)</span></span></span></span></span></a></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Or why not join the 2.5k members of
our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/435712489794776">Naturalists</a>
group?</b></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">All the best,</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><a href="https://www.instagram.com/stevedanielscumbria/">Steve</a></i></span></span></span></p>
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</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>Steve Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16774073264427111237noreply@blogger.com0Drigg Sand Dunes & Beach, Holmrook CA19 1XL, UK54.3727665 -3.46705926.062532663821152 -38.623309 82.68300033617885 31.689191tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339903940778370384.post-39666111584439070262023-05-17T08:18:00.003+00:002023-05-17T08:18:26.884+00:00Buttermere and Crummock Water<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMdfqOfM9LBwSRzzv2IVtUrLaUdZkxckGUcqHR1cbYYmO_CA2iQ4yxNRDV85PrAeZfHE5bQgg_Z5OFEhnKHPP2-o12yWJU2yp2Gh_Oq2doz-jOhl7d1LED4az3ceQsB0zwQYoBs6ot2yDYjEpuL7SUtIT4PwSrX0eLWLbF_QEFgBXyLxnb3FpzL6xh/s2000/1%20Birds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1492" data-original-width="2000" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMdfqOfM9LBwSRzzv2IVtUrLaUdZkxckGUcqHR1cbYYmO_CA2iQ4yxNRDV85PrAeZfHE5bQgg_Z5OFEhnKHPP2-o12yWJU2yp2Gh_Oq2doz-jOhl7d1LED4az3ceQsB0zwQYoBs6ot2yDYjEpuL7SUtIT4PwSrX0eLWLbF_QEFgBXyLxnb3FpzL6xh/w640-h478/1%20Birds.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Between
Buttermere and Crummock Water, a small stream runs, by the name of
Buttermere Dubs, which is where we are taking you this week. Dubs is
a Scottish and northern English dialect word for pools of water, or
puddles. There is a pleasant walk alongside where the ewes and the
lambs lazily graze. With a cuckoo calling in the distance, we are
being treated to a black and white birdie show, with Magpie, Pied
Wagtail, a Grey Heron and even a White-throated Dipper exploring the
banks of the stream. All very idyllic.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj31_luPXN-kx8Ir3V9OB9XVQj5wEl9x8RITb-R8LRsDBwxZjRuB-53Km7OmX3Ocxpqp_CkncvEPmf-j5XNchUn0Sbco7PH5IQy5hMWBWuXFLr9WY4CI3CZRqtEFk49GCRR1Y-eSOkcn1Qy6kan2ja0hEIcyL8fgu63O5t2kgCcdruHmeMeJiRUhfvy/s2372/2%20Flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2372" data-original-width="2000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj31_luPXN-kx8Ir3V9OB9XVQj5wEl9x8RITb-R8LRsDBwxZjRuB-53Km7OmX3Ocxpqp_CkncvEPmf-j5XNchUn0Sbco7PH5IQy5hMWBWuXFLr9WY4CI3CZRqtEFk49GCRR1Y-eSOkcn1Qy6kan2ja0hEIcyL8fgu63O5t2kgCcdruHmeMeJiRUhfvy/w540-h640/2%20Flowers.jpg" width="540" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Passing
through shady glades, more Spring flowers are beginning to appear.
Sorrels, who's name means sour, and worts who's name comes from the
Old English <i>Wyrt, </i>which simply means plant. Wort was often
applied as a suffix to medicinal plants, with the prefix denoting the
ailment it was supposed to cure. Thus Stitchworts would cure a stitch
in your side and Dropworts may have been used to alleviate dropsy (or
oedema, as it is now known). Pimpernel means peppery, but I wouldn't
advise eating them as they are somewhat toxic.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjSHB8T3mZ6m8HTZ0Jv99xl8WBKSc2OG9p3TyloNtkh0M1sRO6esm45iO_kjQRA0wSeqsJQifzeWVo0w42KJXVBRbDTmzXgEubqXhHpB610tNzdx9sBdS7CcjQw08KCOKBwYG4xwxVDsGi75TkyZdQyj38PCQMyfhk8SLrxPfagIp9moIbcR_U_aS/s2000/3%20Insects.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1812" data-original-width="2000" height="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjSHB8T3mZ6m8HTZ0Jv99xl8WBKSc2OG9p3TyloNtkh0M1sRO6esm45iO_kjQRA0wSeqsJQifzeWVo0w42KJXVBRbDTmzXgEubqXhHpB610tNzdx9sBdS7CcjQw08KCOKBwYG4xwxVDsGi75TkyZdQyj38PCQMyfhk8SLrxPfagIp9moIbcR_U_aS/w640-h580/3%20Insects.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Insects
are beginning to appear in greater numbers now. Usually, insects are
relatively easy to photograph, but when they decide to sunbathe on
your face, it can be a bit problematic! We also have our first True
Bug of the year. True Bugs are a distinct order of insects, the
Heteroptera (as opposed to the generic term bug that can apply to any
creepy-crawly). This one is an Hypericum Rhopalid, so called because
it is a member of the Rhopalidae family of scentless plant bugs, and
it feeds primarily on Hypericums, or St. John's Wort. Here, the <i>wort
</i>still identifies it as a medicinal plant, but it doesn't cure you
of overbearing saintliness, it is merely that the flowers are
traditionally collected around St. John's day on the 24<sup>th</sup>
June. It is, in fact, a natural antidepressant, backed up by medical
research.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtDUYI80Mvr1bzSL8aZESCjQcnTpgwrs1ErnenzUOk8OrfYfLg9hFg46ZcIcWDdzXfkxC1_fiykkrdhriQRVUb2kRB0QqAcmdqmWx4EW20N7bEUaI_lo8mOCRiBsD_GZK-Jx9zXYAA6CUF1ysoTz9nbNMREeg8Yy944aGiHBovI4oQVHUmub8D_6n/s1766/4%20Roe%20Deer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1240" data-original-width="1766" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtDUYI80Mvr1bzSL8aZESCjQcnTpgwrs1ErnenzUOk8OrfYfLg9hFg46ZcIcWDdzXfkxC1_fiykkrdhriQRVUb2kRB0QqAcmdqmWx4EW20N7bEUaI_lo8mOCRiBsD_GZK-Jx9zXYAA6CUF1ysoTz9nbNMREeg8Yy944aGiHBovI4oQVHUmub8D_6n/w640-h450/4%20Roe%20Deer.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">We've
now reached the edge of Crummock Water, so we'll turn back and make
our way through the woods, back to Buttermere. Oh look, a Roe Deer.
Given the general decline in British wildlife over the last century
or so, it's nice to talk about a success story. In the early part of
the twentieth century, Roe Deer were pretty much constrained to
Scotland and up here in the Lake District. This population has spread
south and east, and met up with reintroduced animals in the south of
the country which have pushed northwards. They are still uncommon in
Wales, but they're getting there.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJWVAxzOKkibSAvtt48dzrhMu_uM6AYimVgK8-S0rQiTTo1n4rwug9zsZ0SmE8QYK8HSJv9AnCOsCFvMG8KcWMKwlBv0O95CNM6jDty3_0IwJgWlAAhMLhQTX_Dx8EWK9zTcBT4E4HnySF2lgcyXa2L595zcEWUDaYrvMqqJs9b9frBa82OS0Rapx/s1532/5%20minnows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="971" data-original-width="1532" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJWVAxzOKkibSAvtt48dzrhMu_uM6AYimVgK8-S0rQiTTo1n4rwug9zsZ0SmE8QYK8HSJv9AnCOsCFvMG8KcWMKwlBv0O95CNM6jDty3_0IwJgWlAAhMLhQTX_Dx8EWK9zTcBT4E4HnySF2lgcyXa2L595zcEWUDaYrvMqqJs9b9frBa82OS0Rapx/w640-h406/5%20minnows.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">And
here we are, back at Buttermere, where the shallows are positively
teeming with minnows. This shoaling behaviour is a defence mechanism
against predation. They are only small fish so it pays them to forage
in a group. If a predator approaches, some of the braver minnows will
go to assess the danger and, providing they come back, will release a
chemical which stimulates the shoal to bunch up. Basically it is a
fear chemical, and individuals react by trying to get to the centre
of the group. Safety in numbers. And now, it's time a spot of lunch.
We have sandwiches, crisps, grapes and fizzy pop, but as my beloved
has just pointed out, I seem to be a gateau short of a picnic. </span></span>
</span></p>
<p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SVCwithEtsy">Steve's
Vintage Collectables</a></span>. <span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(click
to visit)</span></span></span></span>
</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I was originally going to specialise in old scientific instruments, but that proved to be a bit restrictive (and there was so much more interesting stuff out there). However, I chanced upon a few items at auction last week, and they make ideal Father's Day presents. Better for the planet than buying newly manufactured items. With over 100 items now in stock, at sensible prices, it's worth a look.</span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
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</p>Steve Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16774073264427111237noreply@blogger.com0Buttermere, Cockermouth CA13, UK54.5413489 -3.276569126.231115063821157 -38.4328191 82.851582736178841 31.8796809tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339903940778370384.post-84046931222552481982023-05-11T10:29:00.003+00:002023-05-11T10:29:28.111+00:00Up With The Lark<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bY2iNbFaTdD3UJEPQYzD9uCIwFKcPm6fDSI5s_let39tiE6GS7Na-C_rZKkZ1W5PrklohOmprbsHljd6MWjoGB2gHc3HcYuB2kFyPK2akqZ1sS4NOvrIa62So5xZvFynvIgxp478vy5Ux59PIUgjS5R0xm1IKVw8lK5_pHajZRKu2uvZjl3C8X0B/s2392/1%20Birds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2392" data-original-width="2000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bY2iNbFaTdD3UJEPQYzD9uCIwFKcPm6fDSI5s_let39tiE6GS7Na-C_rZKkZ1W5PrklohOmprbsHljd6MWjoGB2gHc3HcYuB2kFyPK2akqZ1sS4NOvrIa62So5xZvFynvIgxp478vy5Ux59PIUgjS5R0xm1IKVw8lK5_pHajZRKu2uvZjl3C8X0B/w536-h640/1%20Birds.jpg" width="536" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Elvis the campervan is still
languishing in a garage down in Morecambe somewhere, so we took the
on loan van up to Mawbray on the Solway coast at the weekend. It's a
great spot for birding, and we were regaled by Skylarks from morning
until night, with click accompaniment from the numerous Stonechats.
Down on the beach, the sand martins were nesting, and the
Oystercatchers and Sanderlings were having their breakfast. All very
calming and peaceful after last weekend's shenanigans.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwhFOJ9eEHbSpVFLcWw57mGbDzvPu0JdNoAiyRM8h8D9KtCtXtum4x7McBQhHH4dri3zQhgqo1eSN4_K5nhQN-uFgnwliVfI1OZtftYk-8wBCismBQ7ajq4SBWaCSWnOgL9DIM8XArIGQkJj-8EvZRkVvLSQ2zy-wY97aHI-aypVZfTbjuXrcbqQJ/s873/2%20Flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="873" height="584" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwhFOJ9eEHbSpVFLcWw57mGbDzvPu0JdNoAiyRM8h8D9KtCtXtum4x7McBQhHH4dri3zQhgqo1eSN4_K5nhQN-uFgnwliVfI1OZtftYk-8wBCismBQ7ajq4SBWaCSWnOgL9DIM8XArIGQkJj-8EvZRkVvLSQ2zy-wY97aHI-aypVZfTbjuXrcbqQJ/w640-h584/2%20Flowers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Flowers are beginning to make more of a
show now, with blues and reds appearing among the yellow and whites
of April. I'll just draw your attention to the little, inconspicuous
plant at top left – Sea Sandwort. This is a marvellous little
succulent, packed full of vitamins A and C. Where it grows, it does
so profusely. You can cook it as a greens, or add it raw to salads to
add a bit of crunch. Pick from the middle of a patch rather than the
outside so that it continues to spread along the coast.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-bIGsoUmCi-hn3-JZ1mSciVeMDNs0MCz1xcN7Rw3yKo-SERBidp8ySHJcxaKO4zUsCbu__lHwQypH-JG19nk6Uq5UjbduluhQ4jH_QsvJF4Yb6pc1lP-lXll2ZWUCmvyj_B-4pa__eKY6qH8GW5aHPO3wy-fp7cS_gLW51yQ4bG5EgsB7xKqOQIy/s2877/3%20Insects.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2545" data-original-width="2877" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-bIGsoUmCi-hn3-JZ1mSciVeMDNs0MCz1xcN7Rw3yKo-SERBidp8ySHJcxaKO4zUsCbu__lHwQypH-JG19nk6Uq5UjbduluhQ4jH_QsvJF4Yb6pc1lP-lXll2ZWUCmvyj_B-4pa__eKY6qH8GW5aHPO3wy-fp7cS_gLW51yQ4bG5EgsB7xKqOQIy/w640-h566/3%20Insects.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Insects continue to be worryingly
scarce. Six species was the entire haul for the weekend. The Hawthorn
flies had just hatched in considerable numbers, and there were other
dipterans about. A Red-tailed bumble bee was looking for a nest site,
and a lonely Green-veined White butterfly was flitting around in the
grass. All little white butterflies look the same at first glance,
but there are quite a few different species with various markings, so
they're worth a closer look. A bit of stone flipping revealed a
couple of beetles which I've provisionally identified, but have yet
to have confirmed. I also turned up a Crane fly larva, looking a bit
like a caterpillar. You can tell it isn't because it has no prolegs.
You can also tell that it's not a beetle larva as it is soft headed.
<a href="https://mybook.to/iwQD7" target="_blank">The Quick Guide to Creepy-Crawlies</a> has two pages of larvae
identification keys; one for terrestrial larvae and one for aquatic
larvae. A must have book for any budding entomologist.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQXrGWsOEjUt3U7aL2w9DSnDG7XdbRIeXf9usWYGSZZWw0M77VDNpMBH4YN1aFx5QeTPPLvrPS6Gg03hf0-9EF1rIBcOyQgSdcAOOTJTeARWwG4054BliLzzhLAg5dbXbCht_3temrwcNt1cam7tVFbe1dmn_Su6v_1QSKnfbWB0tGO1P9sxD7Rk3/s5184/4%20Seashore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQXrGWsOEjUt3U7aL2w9DSnDG7XdbRIeXf9usWYGSZZWw0M77VDNpMBH4YN1aFx5QeTPPLvrPS6Gg03hf0-9EF1rIBcOyQgSdcAOOTJTeARWwG4054BliLzzhLAg5dbXbCht_3temrwcNt1cam7tVFbe1dmn_Su6v_1QSKnfbWB0tGO1P9sxD7Rk3/w640-h426/4%20Seashore.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Back down on the beach and a flight of
Dunlin take to the air whilst the Sand martins cavort along the shore
line. Quite a few Thornback Skate egg cases lying around (<a href="http://cretenature.blogspot.com/2023/04/shark.html" target="_blank">see Shark!</a>)
and a Baltic Tellin shell looking very pretty in pink. Most Baltic
Tellins are white, but they also come in orange and yellow as well as
this rather fetching pink example.
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLfkkFbZBD-uUnZ2U8ClC5W2Q8Jvdsva2n6IiO1youuWaOyLnivp9yoksYajQe5ClWReIbEqvWFZVBxb7V8ahyPy-AKlezW4DKanO4LBMTFNWca_0oFKDcqbFrRreqdAvANlh0DM-W46W2EprxPEaM0Nxw5gpbjoxZyZ7BIE_V5bqXnVxLN8kqsj3/s5184/5%20Mushrooms%20and%20tadpoles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLfkkFbZBD-uUnZ2U8ClC5W2Q8Jvdsva2n6IiO1youuWaOyLnivp9yoksYajQe5ClWReIbEqvWFZVBxb7V8ahyPy-AKlezW4DKanO4LBMTFNWca_0oFKDcqbFrRreqdAvANlh0DM-W46W2EprxPEaM0Nxw5gpbjoxZyZ7BIE_V5bqXnVxLN8kqsj3/w640-h426/5%20Mushrooms%20and%20tadpoles.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mawbray is famous for it's Natterjack
Toads, so we took a look in the ponds. Plenty of Common Frog tadpoles
but no sign of their illustrious cousins unfortunately. Natterjacks
are very vocal at night, but we didn't hear any either. In the grass
around the ponds St. George's Mushrooms were reasonably
prolific (a good edible mushroom) and there were a few Dung
Roundheads among the cow pats.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAP9l_Ge81OhoFQZjLpVbtwhknR95ok3NzI-h0SKV2-jydMhcuHW8wLDbcnxzOAJExznHidNMt58xq7BNJCXysWANy-Yjxpq2aCaEVqUHB3nBrm2pr6LMNW_BFdglps7gek7Es2P4czPT0gwe7V_cIaa4BCcy7k-3yrwqBClLpprX43mDpIA1-FE2y/s1530/6%20Solway%20Sunset.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="965" data-original-width="1530" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAP9l_Ge81OhoFQZjLpVbtwhknR95ok3NzI-h0SKV2-jydMhcuHW8wLDbcnxzOAJExznHidNMt58xq7BNJCXysWANy-Yjxpq2aCaEVqUHB3nBrm2pr6LMNW_BFdglps7gek7Es2P4czPT0gwe7V_cIaa4BCcy7k-3yrwqBClLpprX43mDpIA1-FE2y/w640-h404/6%20Solway%20Sunset.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A lovely weekend, rounded off by this
beautiful sunset, reflected multiple times across the Solway Firth,
with the Scottish hills in the background.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SVCwithEtsy">Steve's
Vintage Collectables</a></span>. <span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(click
to visit)</span></span></span></span>
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm still showcasing the royal
memorabilia, but this will gradually be replaced as new items get
added to the shop. If you're looking for the royal thimbles, they
went out to America earlier this week, and the Hillstonia vase sold yesterday evening.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Daniels/e/B081Z8FNK5">Steve's
Books </a><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Daniels/e/B081Z8FNK5"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(click
to visit)</span></span></span></span></a></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">A
good time to buy</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="https://mybook.to/iwQD7" style="font-size: large;" target="_blank">The Quick Guide to Creepy-Crawlies</a><span style="font-size: large;"> as the minibeasts
start to appear in all their variations.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Or why not join the 2.5k members of
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">All the best,</span></p>
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</span></p>
<p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Steve</i></span></span></p>
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</p>Steve Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16774073264427111237noreply@blogger.com0Mawbray, Maryport CA15 6QT, UK54.806864 -3.4225626.496630163821152 -38.57881 83.117097836178843 31.73369tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339903940778370384.post-63023316269128096472023-05-03T09:45:00.009+00:002023-05-03T09:50:53.496+00:00Old Rocks and Old Rockers<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBlx__ZDkDYjhW6p3ZjtlL7JxJ4OGYWxvcGH6meQJO__oWvTrO0nWxwiv60PYd31qFwN8pkvyY7GUgPCtMNFwIeaaShhdRK5-Sv_XRgoU3LqArfJd_L0mYj4JUNvivdYksV_4xhY6M5i5jnZH7uZiLLz-dQSwfTF-l0FspiM8L0rVMc9TVqPb9oQz/s2000/1%20Durham%20Cathedral.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1614" data-original-width="2000" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBlx__ZDkDYjhW6p3ZjtlL7JxJ4OGYWxvcGH6meQJO__oWvTrO0nWxwiv60PYd31qFwN8pkvyY7GUgPCtMNFwIeaaShhdRK5-Sv_XRgoU3LqArfJd_L0mYj4JUNvivdYksV_4xhY6M5i5jnZH7uZiLLz-dQSwfTF-l0FspiM8L0rVMc9TVqPb9oQz/w640-h516/1%20Durham%20Cathedral.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">This
week finds us across the other side of the north of England in the
Cathedral city of Durham. Building of the magnificent cathedral
started in 1093, on a sandstone outcrop in a loop of the river Wear,
which rises some miles to the west at Wearhead and flows into the
North Sea at Sunderland. The sandstone on which it is built is a
sedimentary deposit, laid down in the carboniferous period, about 310
million years ago. The river began cutting its way around this
promontory when the ice sheets melted at the end of the last glacial
period, about 11,000 years ago.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">On the
opposite bank, there are large swathes of Common Butterbur, just
coming into flower now. Butterbur is a dioecious plant, there are
male plants and female plants. Strangely, male plants are common
throught the UK (they have squat, densely packed racemes of flowers),
whereas female plants (with long, lanky racemes like these) are rarer
and confined to certain sites, primarily in the north of England. <i>[As
far as I can make out. Information is a bit sketchy]. </i></span>
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><i><br /></i></span></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5eMU8zWHNP7xaQYxWRNyfqLohU8KoygKwkf7uEko-atptBGFj-gNILLP96_i2UXu8TsNXkKCQwKfrjhNnxMtrR5ah54RG1mynkOFnBSpyPDGKzLsFjNuA3TuLk2yJJpKmA2LnZXQcgDtzC0y9L8AA_u6Bp1TQMDKJba-uCEOV4DQM9eOaauugypT/s6476/2%20Ushaw%20House.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="6476" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5eMU8zWHNP7xaQYxWRNyfqLohU8KoygKwkf7uEko-atptBGFj-gNILLP96_i2UXu8TsNXkKCQwKfrjhNnxMtrR5ah54RG1mynkOFnBSpyPDGKzLsFjNuA3TuLk2yJJpKmA2LnZXQcgDtzC0y9L8AA_u6Bp1TQMDKJba-uCEOV4DQM9eOaauugypT/w640-h342/2%20Ushaw%20House.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ushaw House</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">We
are in a campervan, in the grounds of Ushaw House, which is on loan to us while
Elvis is being repaired (see </span><a href="https://cretenature.blogspot.com/2023/03/long-meg-and-her-daughters.html" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Long
Meg and her Daughters</a><span face="Arial, sans-serif">). It's an early 19</span><sup style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">th</sup><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> century
pile with extensive grounds and a lake in dire need of attention. We
took Mattie for a walk around it, and it was absolutely clogged with
Water Horsetail. The stems of this plant are packed full of silica,
which makes it very useful for scouring pots and pans when you're
camping. It has been used for millenia as a natural abrasive.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><br /></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI28JQCMAvZOiO8UdGAYF3vx3ZVl_wHuOxcWpeREVqIDAzeevyDKwtMHD_j2cYksVHG8QGcIn4lVOrb7eYaJaNqf8bhf1ixxlkNlImpJJeMwae5F-Tahg40d0a44eFjZLoKCeBq-mP68cYbOxx4xbMxQ9hyLZq5uWmvm3WkCRBUOGzd6FtCPwExX5m/s5184/3%20Northern%20Kin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI28JQCMAvZOiO8UdGAYF3vx3ZVl_wHuOxcWpeREVqIDAzeevyDKwtMHD_j2cYksVHG8QGcIn4lVOrb7eYaJaNqf8bhf1ixxlkNlImpJJeMwae5F-Tahg40d0a44eFjZLoKCeBq-mP68cYbOxx4xbMxQ9hyLZq5uWmvm3WkCRBUOGzd6FtCPwExX5m/w640-h426/3%20Northern%20Kin.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">The
reason we are camped out here is not for old rocks, but old rockers.
This is the site of the Northern Kin festival. My sister and I were
lucky enough to be growing up in the early seventies. We had folk
rock, glam rock, prog rock as well as soft and hard rock. There is
something surreal about watching The Sweet, belting out the
Ballroom Blitz, fifty years after you last watched them together on
Top of the Pops. It was a great festival but the conditions were, to
say the least, somewhat muddy. We all had to be pulled out by
tractors. The exit will always stick in mind as The Crawl of the
House of Ushaw.</span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><br /></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbA1s190k88y5N_Db0sU0wThLbtNX0xAr5zpcwFairE0VnIZiLlKEtIG50u31zYu0LHbAQqmABwl9jeu4VSHOIGP6S2fdcC2H9rxEXqRwlhDr2Hj5fT4zk6aFoqvk-UmHeF47xphz7ufsVHJLAngTKidmFmQkSAo_qfHlXOT0wCnxSRM-O4ArlRg9M/s1525/4%20Alston%20Moor.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="973" data-original-width="1525" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbA1s190k88y5N_Db0sU0wThLbtNX0xAr5zpcwFairE0VnIZiLlKEtIG50u31zYu0LHbAQqmABwl9jeu4VSHOIGP6S2fdcC2H9rxEXqRwlhDr2Hj5fT4zk6aFoqvk-UmHeF47xphz7ufsVHJLAngTKidmFmQkSAo_qfHlXOT0wCnxSRM-O4ArlRg9M/w640-h408/4%20Alston%20Moor.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Of
wildlife we saw almost none. A grey festival drizzle didn't give many
opportunities, but we did spot a grey squirrel on the way home. We
also crossed the Cumbrian moors. When you think of moorland, the
north Yorkshire moors spring readily to mind, but Cumbria has some
magnificent moorland too. Definitely somewhere to spend some time
when Elvis is back on the road.</span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><br /></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsc6AqJKy9i8-N0TcIVUnW2EK7_Vrs6UoeVOvJx_nowSfKn2bv88ckcPKdtsidbtZQP6zUkLc0OsB9xgRDOsfhOWmTaDMXm3xK8scBFSWseY-2JDoqP5uLiAb6lHGTikGqkOhSxiEqTJgMZchHKKG8ttw_maTNLYil1IH2h2B__69nScp0MgvVupzZ/s2705/5%20Rove%20Beetle.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2705" data-original-width="2000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsc6AqJKy9i8-N0TcIVUnW2EK7_Vrs6UoeVOvJx_nowSfKn2bv88ckcPKdtsidbtZQP6zUkLc0OsB9xgRDOsfhOWmTaDMXm3xK8scBFSWseY-2JDoqP5uLiAb6lHGTikGqkOhSxiEqTJgMZchHKKG8ttw_maTNLYil1IH2h2B__69nScp0MgvVupzZ/w474-h640/5%20Rove%20Beetle.JPG" width="474" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">And
finally, back in Lowca, and I've found my first beetle of the year in
the back yard. It has never taken me until the first of May to spot a
beetle. This is a little Rove Beetle, and my Cassell's Natural
History from 1881 has this to say about the times of their
appearance: </span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">“They shun the daylight, and in the height of summer
are scarcely ever seen abroad; but in early spring, and in warm
evenings after sunset, they fly abroad in great numbers..” </i><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Early
spring is the second half of March. 140 years later and they're some
six weeks behind.</span></p>
<p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SVCwithEtsy">Steve's
Vintage Collectables</a></span>. (click to visit)</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Rumour
has it that there is a coronation this weeekend. Collecting Royal
Memorabilia has been going on since Victorian times (see </span><a href="https://cretenature.blogspot.com/2022/09/steves-history-of-things-8-royal.html" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Steve's
History of Things 8 – Royal Memorabilia</a><span face="Arial, sans-serif">). If you're thinking of
buying a bit of Charles III memorabilia then a set of coronation mugs
looks a lot better than a lonely mug on a shelf.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Daniels/e/B081Z8FNK5">Steve's
Books</a> </span>(click to visit)</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">All the best,</p>
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<p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Steve</i></span></span></span></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>Steve Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16774073264427111237noreply@blogger.com0Durham, UK54.77525 -1.58485226.465016163821154 -36.741102 83.085483836178838 33.571398tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339903940778370384.post-87731916813744356162023-04-20T06:41:00.003+00:002023-04-20T06:45:16.902+00:00Hardknott Pass Roman Fort<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtDZLfrEEtLBU1AS2eliZFEJu2z3r_xCzC-bWfDo3mtMQRydlXIsoPJbLmJwtCojoNhVhvSU4xxVqwAN3sb-ehVo7RlYEunqkYOZcVOWkkdrLCiW4eINhbtNtD2psw0abDOcRKgf3ZCHjZJD-ftoT0eFeaT5PcqKO_F0X3HurqH9P1pOQUWoKfxxs/s7160/1%20fort.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4016" data-original-width="7160" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtDZLfrEEtLBU1AS2eliZFEJu2z3r_xCzC-bWfDo3mtMQRydlXIsoPJbLmJwtCojoNhVhvSU4xxVqwAN3sb-ehVo7RlYEunqkYOZcVOWkkdrLCiW4eINhbtNtD2psw0abDOcRKgf3ZCHjZJD-ftoT0eFeaT5PcqKO_F0X3HurqH9P1pOQUWoKfxxs/w640-h358/1%20fort.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">As
Cumbria has just been split, administratively, back into its original
counties of Cumberland and Westmorland, we decided to walk in both of
them at the weekend.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">We would
also have walked into the northernmost part of Lancashire, but we
haven't given that bit back to the Lancastrians. A triangular stone pillar marks the
spot where the three counties historically met, and we dutifully walked around it.
Probably should have done it widdershins, but we didn't think of it
at the time. This was possibly because we were indulging in the
popular local pastime of walking-with-clouds-in-our-boots. The
forecast was for cloudy but dry, but neglected to mention that the
cloud level would start at sea level, and we were at around the 400m
mark. We also visited the Roman fort at nearby Hardknott pass (which
vies for the title of steepest pass in England along with another in
Yorkshire). Goodness knows what it was like for the poor Roman
soldiers in winter.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><br /></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_7NVrhhQVYtWdRiiZkXZJ2moXWRMwOD598wUV23MPdyAsSIlFzse773CjRfWQZ4SXUIWMtSbokkZqMhJqa1NlNF2SHUnJl4zXrvAcfQMQM3dn9tLmDOsee5ox5M0fF2Q9i05iYVh7xt2ayy7ZJDQ5xm6Acg3cpnUOk3wD3dLkj1hLmDWhhnw-2o5M/s2000/2%20cemetary.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1268" data-original-width="2000" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_7NVrhhQVYtWdRiiZkXZJ2moXWRMwOD598wUV23MPdyAsSIlFzse773CjRfWQZ4SXUIWMtSbokkZqMhJqa1NlNF2SHUnJl4zXrvAcfQMQM3dn9tLmDOsee5ox5M0fF2Q9i05iYVh7xt2ayy7ZJDQ5xm6Acg3cpnUOk3wD3dLkj1hLmDWhhnw-2o5M/w640-h406/2%20cemetary.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Due to
the weather, we did not see much in the way of wildlife up there, so
yesterday, as the sun was shining, I took a walk up by Tom Rudd beck
and back through the cemetary to see what flowers and insects I could
find. Florally, whites and yellows are the colours of the month, with
primroses taking over from the daffodils, and great sweeps of Wood
Anemones competing for space with the still present Lesser Celandines
from last month. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX6F8xSAmr6tgxBP_mHhW740eTW7tI2REKZHuDdEptyF_-D2NYs5jm-avrUEYK08PR0hH3dYf2_9rqcL0Nc6X5VcesAZJcRhbUzhAarePqLO1N5X1wBXvCbAubk1S6EJkYk_Re54ACI1GWIoKUXeNIz-eEBozPwa61UQ3PfcP7Htkeo9t0Vff6-hXQ/s1182/3%20Flowers.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1116" data-original-width="1182" height="604" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX6F8xSAmr6tgxBP_mHhW740eTW7tI2REKZHuDdEptyF_-D2NYs5jm-avrUEYK08PR0hH3dYf2_9rqcL0Nc6X5VcesAZJcRhbUzhAarePqLO1N5X1wBXvCbAubk1S6EJkYk_Re54ACI1GWIoKUXeNIz-eEBozPwa61UQ3PfcP7Htkeo9t0Vff6-hXQ/w640-h604/3%20Flowers.png" width="640" /></a></div><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Blues are also beginning to make an appearance with
Speedwells and Common Dog Violet now appearing.</span><p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4N3wBxYFWzRzh2v9uWVzih_MhTouGIBY9reuk9sE8hCkMXHtk9zk9Bnp0l1ZpRVjNdx4vFNS_uybd44tzrkkNTcdIljiEfXSzXYSs2-No4u0vkVhbVVUATRNP6TASjkqhgGCDh-PEJhkVPwUz5gIxg1fsnnIRTON9YoJ3dCOD0jA_xExl300PegWf/s1173/4%20Insects.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="1173" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4N3wBxYFWzRzh2v9uWVzih_MhTouGIBY9reuk9sE8hCkMXHtk9zk9Bnp0l1ZpRVjNdx4vFNS_uybd44tzrkkNTcdIljiEfXSzXYSs2-No4u0vkVhbVVUATRNP6TASjkqhgGCDh-PEJhkVPwUz5gIxg1fsnnIRTON9YoJ3dCOD0jA_xExl300PegWf/w640-h388/4%20Insects.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">The
dearth of insect life this spring is worrying, particularly in terms
of biodiversity. With the exception of three butterfly species
(Peacock, Red Admiral and Orange Tip), everything else was either
bees or flies (and many of the flies were bee mimics). That's only 3
of the 20 or so insect orders that live in this country (See p12 of
</span><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Quick-Guide-Creepy-Crawlies-Guides/dp/1694436756/" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
Quick Guide to Creepy-Crawlies</a><span face="Arial, sans-serif">). Where were the beetles? Where
were the true bugs?</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>News
From The Old Cornmill</b></span></span> </span></span>
</p>
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</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcweWnZ2_vnBH3Msm8iwFuRMPUA3uL0TcBIJtSyr4P4D-VRUDJKFNJ4lLwkAuWkXOAtf5VngGIwv6lpqSHQLwBmk8TvEDK5Qil6zOy9nl2vxE3m2Ir9g6Q2hvlIK6EmzTNKSZFSqR17_pAI8GgulD4krzDErnItE0WRQ4qRCOE3u_5hezys23f4sNL/s750/5%20Jeremy.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcweWnZ2_vnBH3Msm8iwFuRMPUA3uL0TcBIJtSyr4P4D-VRUDJKFNJ4lLwkAuWkXOAtf5VngGIwv6lpqSHQLwBmk8TvEDK5Qil6zOy9nl2vxE3m2Ir9g6Q2hvlIK6EmzTNKSZFSqR17_pAI8GgulD4krzDErnItE0WRQ4qRCOE3u_5hezys23f4sNL/s320/5%20Jeremy.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><br />Having
deported mouse number one, his mate has now come looking for him. She
will be joining him on the old railway line this morning, and the
entrance to the kitchen via the gas pipe will be sealed. Meanwhile,
Ishbel has a new resident in the garden. A couple of years back, we
put a small pond in her back garden. Meet Jeremy, who has now taken
possession.</span><p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">All the best,</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Steve</i></span></span></span></p><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>Steve Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16774073264427111237noreply@blogger.com0Hardknott Pass, United Kingdom54.4026995 -3.188665126.092465663821152 -38.3449151 82.71293333617885 31.9675849tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339903940778370384.post-65322199281072140072023-04-05T06:54:00.010+00:002023-04-05T06:54:57.133+00:00Shark!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOu3hgVs9TX3LTgVm0xzdQoM0j8SAt1ExvkSk8em8EgtcwY_76-7UVvBfkXbPp8CrUBGHtUWZKulHuoCWGuj9akrYPHda5Y8X3VXoFTwYrXow38EUpkrnio2KFW1E3SNDDcsEgb-n0jvqzlf-z5-627YAZIkwBhgtaeuwHLTnBaCu1gnt5VtEemmb/s2000/1%20egg%20cases.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="2000" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOu3hgVs9TX3LTgVm0xzdQoM0j8SAt1ExvkSk8em8EgtcwY_76-7UVvBfkXbPp8CrUBGHtUWZKulHuoCWGuj9akrYPHda5Y8X3VXoFTwYrXow38EUpkrnio2KFW1E3SNDDcsEgb-n0jvqzlf-z5-627YAZIkwBhgtaeuwHLTnBaCu1gnt5VtEemmb/w640-h408/1%20egg%20cases.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">“What do you want to do on your
birthday?” asked Ishbel.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">“Go hunting for mermaid's purses,”
I replied.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Ishbel wasn't phazed. After all, she's
getting to know my eccentricities now, and she's savvy enough,
natural hitory wise, to know that mermaid's purses are the egg sacs
of sharks and rays. And so, on the bright sunny morning of April 3<sup>rd</sup>,
we went off to Allonby on the Solway Firth to begin our hunt. This is
part of a citizen science project, details of which can be found at
<a href="https://www.sharktrust.org/greateggcasehunt">https://www.sharktrust.org/greateggcasehunt</a> if you want to take
part.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiswtlLMmFWcDZ_mD2gA37dvQOz2Gq0asXB5PpUm9dYMjEGSm_3rOp8rvdN2kw-1eG_JVGeQcwfQR5BgaP_A4Y2AWum2SalPz6clPn60Wd49DeZL2mjPEXVUcM4HYhGKHU6jPZM5-uzT0TZ-cH5B-a8bPC3MW2BjXcWlNZseyODmV9bmns9uTRfDCeL/s1460/2%20Thornback%20skate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1356" data-original-width="1460" height="594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiswtlLMmFWcDZ_mD2gA37dvQOz2Gq0asXB5PpUm9dYMjEGSm_3rOp8rvdN2kw-1eG_JVGeQcwfQR5BgaP_A4Y2AWum2SalPz6clPn60Wd49DeZL2mjPEXVUcM4HYhGKHU6jPZM5-uzT0TZ-cH5B-a8bPC3MW2BjXcWlNZseyODmV9bmns9uTRfDCeL/w640-h594/2%20Thornback%20skate.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The first egg cases we found were those
of the Thornback Skate. The name is confusing as the terms skate and
ray are interchangeable and if you look up Thornback Skate on
Wikipedia you will find it endemic to Australia. The much more
widespread fish is referred to as the Thornback Ray. This is one of
the reasons we use scientific names. The egg cases we found were
those of R<i>aja clavata.</i></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i><br /></i></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtb2nzK-rdRuHhDpmOkiayBSpT_lkZfhFFPHoHbsYgm6oV3W3Al5YVmOuvhTbd5UNcQ2qkfCuK12bYuvUSsER_0jdBemFFR4UT6o3CyikrpJC8ipo3tLCwvFnVAYIz46TJ_sTNS6RU5qxbc8SQ05HZklR3yS8a8EIEKB-PEuQnWhVvGLBoeYERqYsz/s2000/3%20Common%20Whelk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1734" data-original-width="2000" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtb2nzK-rdRuHhDpmOkiayBSpT_lkZfhFFPHoHbsYgm6oV3W3Al5YVmOuvhTbd5UNcQ2qkfCuK12bYuvUSsER_0jdBemFFR4UT6o3CyikrpJC8ipo3tLCwvFnVAYIz46TJ_sTNS6RU5qxbc8SQ05HZklR3yS8a8EIEKB-PEuQnWhVvGLBoeYERqYsz/w640-h554/3%20Common%20Whelk.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-style: normal;">A
little further on, we spotted these odd structures, which I had to
check out on iNaturalist, as I hadn't come across them before. Turns
out, they are called egg clouds, and they belong to the Common Whelk,
</span><i>Buccinum undatum. </i><span style="font-style: normal;">Learning
all the time.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUNJ4VV5QLG56cN8xl6HN_AwlIOpjd4zk033ArBp9isbhMxM7xi1_mMsTbqSC8tE_jUv7uWGFI9IbrEM85cZFLzr7FfqbA2AsYx4TvKLH6kEwf2MnvjGODF2fvU2sMRBlxHWKOxthNgJmLIebNNHXbphGLs11oExAu4d8noeQaHvrcRtbWIi0R7BH/s2000/4%20cat%20shark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2000" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUNJ4VV5QLG56cN8xl6HN_AwlIOpjd4zk033ArBp9isbhMxM7xi1_mMsTbqSC8tE_jUv7uWGFI9IbrEM85cZFLzr7FfqbA2AsYx4TvKLH6kEwf2MnvjGODF2fvU2sMRBlxHWKOxthNgJmLIebNNHXbphGLs11oExAu4d8noeQaHvrcRtbWIi0R7BH/w640-h460/4%20cat%20shark.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-style: normal;">After
an hour or so, we came upon a cluster of shark egg cases. You can
tell that they are shark egg cases as they come with noodles
attached. They are actually tendrils that anchor the egg cases to
structures on the sea bed. These particular ones belong to the Small
Spotted Cat Shark, </span><i>Scyliorhinus canicula. </i><span style="font-style: normal;">This
used to be a staple of fish and chip shops, sold under the name of
rock salmon, but it seems to have gone out of fashion these days.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Jb0ZOg6Gl55pbhhIRClwoXxs9mLwyTqMl_UoTZnSRDAHMTX9PoC_618K317SI62WqrQblv-nEXgsYKIiEpLs-Qa3Bm0goyJk8cf1mBeL8xeejuQDWj9gTYPvHyX_SmsXqBk0GAWUdUR69nMXOn2ZnH3S2a-yH3kM33oCI9LA09pOXMTFiBs3tgzD/s2000/5%20Small%20Tortoise%20shell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1241" data-original-width="2000" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Jb0ZOg6Gl55pbhhIRClwoXxs9mLwyTqMl_UoTZnSRDAHMTX9PoC_618K317SI62WqrQblv-nEXgsYKIiEpLs-Qa3Bm0goyJk8cf1mBeL8xeejuQDWj9gTYPvHyX_SmsXqBk0GAWUdUR69nMXOn2ZnH3S2a-yH3kM33oCI9LA09pOXMTFiBs3tgzD/w640-h398/5%20Small%20Tortoise%20shell.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Having
got a crick in the neck from peering myopically at the wrack line
(the line of seaweed left on shore at high tide), we wandered back
along the dunes. As we sat with a coffee, looking at Scotland across
the firth, the first butterfly of the year landed nearby; a Small
Tortoiseshell.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-style: normal;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAylFOjdJ7cYsF_xgXjCTE9JrnwcTNOVJ14RI9t4jc4ED7TNvos2ESCq0d7xNzrQy-UG2zIvAU-G114Hp9p2CXuziuZ0SRdzZ0eBh8cziGPvc8QReJhV1NMuWqSuvaUZOEtTa7sf_mrKacaHvDcvEzFcWNTaaWBmr0jgB4P43lEq3XF2iA7dqhSSN/s1515/6%20Lowther%20Arms.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="951" data-original-width="1515" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAylFOjdJ7cYsF_xgXjCTE9JrnwcTNOVJ14RI9t4jc4ED7TNvos2ESCq0d7xNzrQy-UG2zIvAU-G114Hp9p2CXuziuZ0SRdzZ0eBh8cziGPvc8QReJhV1NMuWqSuvaUZOEtTa7sf_mrKacaHvDcvEzFcWNTaaWBmr0jgB4P43lEq3XF2iA7dqhSSN/s320/6%20Lowther%20Arms.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />We
rounded off the morning with a nice bit of home made chicken and leek
pie at <a href="https://www.thelowtherarms.co.uk/">The Lowther Arms</a>
at Mawbray. This pub nearly died, but was brought back from the brink
of extinction by the villagers who, along with other shareholders,
bought it, and now run it as a community pub. Cheers!<p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-style: normal;">News
From The Old Cornmill</span></b></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-style: normal;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtm5NYpzeu1Z5Pms8uIyaRwLTtp8DtnEVliFR53a0JNM3l3Ll0vpEik_sNI-spTXbtfW108rKGFZXQi2WcF3Ko7LjulKJYEaqpkzFyaq1sGJY_AuDBdxMj8Ph8d_7L6neVF2_W86LeeZIgsPZTDVaFHI-Mik2GeVyKGrzriy_-Q0HLcw_eOdwmoFUK/s3866/020423%20Mouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3866" data-original-width="2000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtm5NYpzeu1Z5Pms8uIyaRwLTtp8DtnEVliFR53a0JNM3l3Ll0vpEik_sNI-spTXbtfW108rKGFZXQi2WcF3Ko7LjulKJYEaqpkzFyaq1sGJY_AuDBdxMj8Ph8d_7L6neVF2_W86LeeZIgsPZTDVaFHI-Mik2GeVyKGrzriy_-Q0HLcw_eOdwmoFUK/w104-h200/020423%20Mouse.jpg" width="104" /></a></div><br />Last
year, a mouse used to feed at my bird feeder, where he was quite
welcome. This year, however, he found a way into my cupboard under
the sink where he was not so desirable. He has now been deported to the
old Cockermouth railway line where I hope he'll be very happy.<p></p>
<p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Meanwhile,
the antiques shop continues to ship orders worldwide. A vintage copy
of John Bunyan's Pilgrims Progress flew out to Australia yesterday,
and, to mark my birthday, I'm offering a 10% discount on all
glassware this week, so pop in and have a browse for some preloved
gifts (much more environmentally friendly than buying new, and better
value too).</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">What
with nature blogging and running a shop, I haven't had time to
promote my novel, The Magic of Nature of Nature, but you can read the
beginning for free on Amazon by clicking on Steve's Books below.</span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">All the best,</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Steve</i></span></span></span></p>
<p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SVCwithEtsy">Steve's
Vintage Collectables</a></span>.
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
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<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Daniels/e/B081Z8FNK5">Steve's
Books</a></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
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</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/stevedanielscumbria/"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Follow
me on</b></span></span></span></span></a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/stevedanielscumbria/"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></span></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Steve's
Nature Plus</b></span></span></span></span></a></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>and
also on Twitter </b></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Steve's
Nature</span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>,
Facebook </b></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#">Steve
Daniels</a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#">Naturalists</a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">, </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>and
Instagram</b></span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Steve
Daniels Cumbria</span></span></span></span></span></a></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
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</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>Steve Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16774073264427111237noreply@blogger.com0Allonby, Maryport CA15, UK54.775651 -3.42975626.465417163821158 -38.586006 83.085884836178849 31.726494tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339903940778370384.post-60756992618099260002023-03-31T15:53:00.001+00:002023-03-31T15:53:47.828+00:00Long Meg and her daughters<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAFjpf_4Ir_A1YMSLLwOFKNyVZgXFxZ_BCWtC5aJKkER3Rcv54oUakTLqnNHCnpks7JPkzR7Xv76jJHvWjNVrMcT8NZ8j3gpILI2MC06XJP1HPbh-BM1hOUrALIPSiV_etLb6QOfR0EwOqaJsra5ItRRjE4sWDqhF5pVqygT4mc1aU4XLkjyuEdt9r/s2000/1%20Long%20Meg%20and%20Buzzard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1263" data-original-width="2000" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAFjpf_4Ir_A1YMSLLwOFKNyVZgXFxZ_BCWtC5aJKkER3Rcv54oUakTLqnNHCnpks7JPkzR7Xv76jJHvWjNVrMcT8NZ8j3gpILI2MC06XJP1HPbh-BM1hOUrALIPSiV_etLb6QOfR0EwOqaJsra5ItRRjE4sWDqhF5pVqygT4mc1aU4XLkjyuEdt9r/w640-h404/1%20Long%20Meg%20and%20Buzzard.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A few
miles to the east of Penrith in Cumbria, lies England's third widest
stone circle. Constructed in Neolithic times, it consists of 69
rhyolite glacial erratics (the daughters) and a huge block of local
red sandstone, Long Meg, who stands to one side watching over them.
This was to be our destination for a night of wild campervanning.
Elvis had had his leisure battery replaced and the electrics were now
working, and so we set off, without a care in the world. It was a
beautiful sunny day, Long Meg was looking her best, and a buzzard
wheeled overhead. Perfect.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5TtlfR7alEwlsxiUm7q3W2TuQB2xyLoJLJYvMLtAlaBqufNfSa9NSgxAlSGRI3tTPoaahAyPKhoGfxUfS76v-Lywhy4ai7lffC3wFbg2AaWsnPYjm5vWPbGKKhkWfKeiitIgHe9f3Jnw4_wrnjQVhy9pdui-KcDemcKGZDJPJpozUgbuTv-42V9_/s5064/2%20Flowers%20and%20Insects.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4424" data-original-width="5064" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5TtlfR7alEwlsxiUm7q3W2TuQB2xyLoJLJYvMLtAlaBqufNfSa9NSgxAlSGRI3tTPoaahAyPKhoGfxUfS76v-Lywhy4ai7lffC3wFbg2AaWsnPYjm5vWPbGKKhkWfKeiitIgHe9f3Jnw4_wrnjQVhy9pdui-KcDemcKGZDJPJpozUgbuTv-42V9_/w640-h560/2%20Flowers%20and%20Insects.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
parked up, less than half a mile away, and there were plenty of
hedgerows to explore en route. Apart from the daffodils, which were
attracting a host of Muscoid flies, the Red Deadnettles were
providing a splash of pink in the undergrowth. Elvis did his bit by
attracting a Green Lacewing as well. In the meadow, a rabbit came out
for his evening meal, but refused to be photographed. Dusk decended,
we turned on the lights... and the electrics failed again. We'd
packed emergency lights, so we could at least see what we were doing,
but it was a bit chilly when we got up in the morning.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKYwNERveEhbkB7VTMyKGPYcyG4-zhFsapwmnr0ipcAcwRMg0vyZw9VOTCEeO4LaiSCz3Zr1JE_K3hmBlnLkYiEzAEgJpb-WnushSJRnMosdZbJ703NbXrBYto3qSi50l1NRjZLMZpb0kluveGNOxLTqPgPID4HeBmz_FU-TNMA5_qOx6P28dkE_qt/s1466/3%20Breakdown.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="973" data-original-width="1466" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKYwNERveEhbkB7VTMyKGPYcyG4-zhFsapwmnr0ipcAcwRMg0vyZw9VOTCEeO4LaiSCz3Zr1JE_K3hmBlnLkYiEzAEgJpb-WnushSJRnMosdZbJ703NbXrBYto3qSi50l1NRjZLMZpb0kluveGNOxLTqPgPID4HeBmz_FU-TNMA5_qOx6P28dkE_qt/w640-h424/3%20Breakdown.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
decided to go into Penrith for breakfast, and this is when the fun
began. In the middle lane of Penrith's busiest roundabout, just at
the onset of rush hour, Elvis decided to blow his head gasket. The
police had to be summoned to prevent a pile up, recovery vehicles had
to be organised, and seven hours of alternate waiting around and
hectic activity later, we finally collapsed onto the settee at home,
surrounded by bin liners full of campervanning paraphenalia.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLSpIhtbhC-ofDhUu7xrVUsIW_k4IbFRUIeaI603thNXMos7H-ImfWnlRadL58E8BCa0UtKps22NUVo65RYObZkGgY9K4h1AZp0hnvoUIYTbicwV5ZGHswrUwVbR41t_WjynOiULafcU3VszAMBBZ4ojFd94O2gVN86HCceYf3684XEG5M-WLfdzh/s2000/4%20Rabbit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1458" data-original-width="2000" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLSpIhtbhC-ofDhUu7xrVUsIW_k4IbFRUIeaI603thNXMos7H-ImfWnlRadL58E8BCa0UtKps22NUVo65RYObZkGgY9K4h1AZp0hnvoUIYTbicwV5ZGHswrUwVbR41t_WjynOiULafcU3VszAMBBZ4ojFd94O2gVN86HCceYf3684XEG5M-WLfdzh/w640-h466/4%20Rabbit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Two days
later, after we had recovered somewhat, it was Ishbel's birthday, so
we went out to the courtyard brasserie at <a href="https://www.armathwaite-hall.com/" target="_blank">Armathwaite Hall</a> for lunch.
A lovely stately old pile that stands on the north shore of
Bassenthwaite lake. We took Mattie for a walk in the grounds
beforehand and I found a more photogenic rabbit. It's my birthday on
Monday, and I'm looking forward to a quiet walk along the shoreline
looking for mermaid's purses.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">All the best,</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Steve</i></p>
<p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SVCwithEtsy">Steve's
Vintage Collectables</a></span>.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Daniels/e/B081Z8FNK5">Steve's
Books</a></span></p>
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<p align="LEFT" style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/stevedanielscumbria/"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Follow
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Nature Plus</b></span></span></span></span></a></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>and
also on Twitter </b></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Steve's
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Facebook </b></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#">Steve
Daniels</a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#">Naturalists</a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">, </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>and
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<p align="LEFT" style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Steve
Daniels Cumbria</span></span></span></span></span></a></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>Steve Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16774073264427111237noreply@blogger.com0Hunsonby, Penrith CA10 1NW, UK54.7277227 -2.666937226.417488863821156 -37.8231872 83.037956536178854 32.4893128tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339903940778370384.post-13782150119218718412023-03-25T18:03:00.001+00:002023-03-25T18:03:14.143+00:00Threlkeld Mining Museum<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfI0qXnsyAk0RirogTo24BS8wChkz-teJaioO7zLRKVSxBdS4xxRrYmHRGRsh1GZEoNNHX4LoJ3LqaDq77yrlKdBuS73TpKdnM_Vw9tRmAiQMsQh51sz-jQ5UptAB2NW_b4TbjSShIwyMqZzTY8Bj-zX8sjKZ6Bm-IUwHI-qBGOgO_K6vSgJkilJs/s2000/1%20Threkeld%20Mining%20Museum.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1278" data-original-width="2000" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfI0qXnsyAk0RirogTo24BS8wChkz-teJaioO7zLRKVSxBdS4xxRrYmHRGRsh1GZEoNNHX4LoJ3LqaDq77yrlKdBuS73TpKdnM_Vw9tRmAiQMsQh51sz-jQ5UptAB2NW_b4TbjSShIwyMqZzTY8Bj-zX8sjKZ6Bm-IUwHI-qBGOgO_K6vSgJkilJs/w640-h408/1%20Threkeld%20Mining%20Museum.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It's
been a while since the last blog post, mainly due to the poor
weather, but we have managed to make one excursion: to the Threkeld
Mining Museum (I take you to all the best places). Unfortunately,
despite the website saying it was open, it wasn't. Still, if you're
up for a little tramping around in the cold Cumbrian drizzle, here it
is.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Q37DgIvL6bonMok1-hRn3R-0O0VKdD5tSpVwD7necE0KypVZeidkl_Im1-GmnWZ3wa24aIlstoO0LpzognB4j1Zd-wX2w1E3VaK47HANDfsQ51zlQiLyQ9NyOmBBWsH_TmfZ2UOjH1rBgPk963RKhJk8OmDFa-2EqbcUSz3PgouutzgxVwnfqEOi/s2000/2%20Raven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1276" data-original-width="2000" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Q37DgIvL6bonMok1-hRn3R-0O0VKdD5tSpVwD7necE0KypVZeidkl_Im1-GmnWZ3wa24aIlstoO0LpzognB4j1Zd-wX2w1E3VaK47HANDfsQ51zlQiLyQ9NyOmBBWsH_TmfZ2UOjH1rBgPk963RKhJk8OmDFa-2EqbcUSz3PgouutzgxVwnfqEOi/w640-h408/2%20Raven.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">More
like a machinery mausoleum than a mining museum,” Ishbel observed,
as we tried to avoid the suspiciously grey puddles. A raven forlornly
cronked his agreement overhead. Even so, there was a certain
contrapuntal beauty between the gaudy, angular leviathans, and the muted
natural colours, and contours, of the landscape.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAX0rlhjTcqAIBOICR330R6Q8LAz6XnYVjEbLmBsH3p3UjoBt3Cldu2QckIH12YH0Y2AGBoROmi7X4zuyivmOsmb3owGdC8EpgnHWqS8EUYPqxtLfKexHxo7GJhdPU7pPZHtVWCKXTC631eNfDYD0QQZcrtcf4kttae5TBDeGnntLcJlPAFQQA56MG/s2000/3%20Signs%20of%20Spring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAX0rlhjTcqAIBOICR330R6Q8LAz6XnYVjEbLmBsH3p3UjoBt3Cldu2QckIH12YH0Y2AGBoROmi7X4zuyivmOsmb3owGdC8EpgnHWqS8EUYPqxtLfKexHxo7GJhdPU7pPZHtVWCKXTC631eNfDYD0QQZcrtcf4kttae5TBDeGnntLcJlPAFQQA56MG/w640-h480/3%20Signs%20of%20Spring.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">There
were, however, signs of spring arriving. Amongst the leafless trees,
the willows were in full bud, and in one of the cleaner ditches, the
pool frogs had spawned.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_i8_TcxzksctU2FhEEz9_df4fTm_1oSp7EYDR74L-LxvROAgX1me4syHodw4hiM2RI8xmpwUzBpH6Z7TksI58Y8yhPQv4QhPBW2i9NAKDzzXPKZpfsWx-3m3-L2-HHQysQupYPiVU5tENBkQ8tQrsh0CmIZa5RZmVVkaJydDITXyOzjSvrCAcwmK/s2651/4%20Water%20Crickets.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2142" data-original-width="2651" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_i8_TcxzksctU2FhEEz9_df4fTm_1oSp7EYDR74L-LxvROAgX1me4syHodw4hiM2RI8xmpwUzBpH6Z7TksI58Y8yhPQv4QhPBW2i9NAKDzzXPKZpfsWx-3m3-L2-HHQysQupYPiVU5tENBkQ8tQrsh0CmIZa5RZmVVkaJydDITXyOzjSvrCAcwmK/w640-h518/4%20Water%20Crickets.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">And, joy
of joys, the first adult insects of the year have emerged. A pair of
water crickets. These are in the family Veliidae (the riffle bugs)
and are closely related to the Gerridae (water striders). The
differences are mainly internal and must have been discovered in the
20<sup>th</sup> century as my 1896 Cassell's Natural History doesn't
mention them.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRl6kZ29Kjvyl8dGieUdi8bOnhESs627FFafWcMdxLOSYPhS3oFNBMD2gyKwi_2Wq4SG65JSGT_Cbuo4X7WDndEvFpnj-de_dRzTPIVTT9GuvHE2xJxkI1f7IbPQh9YunEqgovh1bGMHdPnBcWot0BrndyN_vAnV7O92aNSccCjNgax_MiT3iCbk4/s5184/5%20Archaeological%20Dig.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRl6kZ29Kjvyl8dGieUdi8bOnhESs627FFafWcMdxLOSYPhS3oFNBMD2gyKwi_2Wq4SG65JSGT_Cbuo4X7WDndEvFpnj-de_dRzTPIVTT9GuvHE2xJxkI1f7IbPQh9YunEqgovh1bGMHdPnBcWot0BrndyN_vAnV7O92aNSccCjNgax_MiT3iCbk4/w640-h426/5%20Archaeological%20Dig.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Meanwhile,
there are strange goings-on, going on across the river from the Old
Cornmill (where I live). Fearing a new housing estate, I made
enquiries. But no, it is an archaeological dig. I am lucky enough to
live on the outskirts of the old Roman settlement of Derventio and
history, being a relatively new interest of mine, is literally on my
doorstep. I'll let you know what they dig up.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9V3SJ0AP1WEg55p84bsHCCTTo075tnZCNFrSpJnsFrt6z5F6JTj_NqdAYBKE3L8PdWVag0wqkQKYsqQ1MrUbHFLkknD0BztPmvKXSjlUmg0_9coT6s10PeCiDeJJJUNLVFpsErmQDLDlTPwVujqN9kAipnQB6c2RV_DSjIyiO5XnTzBHIt415lD2/s690/SVCwithEtsy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="690" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9V3SJ0AP1WEg55p84bsHCCTTo075tnZCNFrSpJnsFrt6z5F6JTj_NqdAYBKE3L8PdWVag0wqkQKYsqQ1MrUbHFLkknD0BztPmvKXSjlUmg0_9coT6s10PeCiDeJJJUNLVFpsErmQDLDlTPwVujqN9kAipnQB6c2RV_DSjIyiO5XnTzBHIt415lD2/w200-h154/SVCwithEtsy.png" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br />Talking
of things historical, my little on-line shop is still growing nicely
with just short of a hundred items on the shelves at any one time.
Come in and have a browse. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SVCwithEtsy">Steve's
Vintage Collectables</a>. </span>
<p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT5SsDaOACLBJ8QPOWsKo9jvlqwvK5ry8Qdm1km2-QyuGZ98Y7CLXTm3oxEoVnT_iU5eWh2LuA2dE5AFmfwwJIkVenKuUVItK81Ci5Qu2umCrTWJXaAotzeswaFACpm-s_IuZwY_DAM40FZbmQFHwrIPJ7hRj4pTVodeyOGSwtlu7UIBLEkt33FcAP/s1619/The%20MONOM%20(jpeg).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1619" data-original-width="1000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT5SsDaOACLBJ8QPOWsKo9jvlqwvK5ry8Qdm1km2-QyuGZ98Y7CLXTm3oxEoVnT_iU5eWh2LuA2dE5AFmfwwJIkVenKuUVItK81Ci5Qu2umCrTWJXaAotzeswaFACpm-s_IuZwY_DAM40FZbmQFHwrIPJ7hRj4pTVodeyOGSwtlu7UIBLEkt33FcAP/w124-h200/The%20MONOM%20(jpeg).jpg" width="124" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br />Last
time, I mentioned that my new novel, The MONOM (The Magic of Nature
of Magic) is now available as a paperback and an ebook. I suppose it
would have helped if I'd included the link! Here it is. </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Steve-Daniels/author/B081Z8FNK5" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">https://www.amazon.com/stores/Steve-Daniels/author/B081Z8FNK5</a><p></p><div><br /></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPAlHra6twPUmYw4T2oznQIwwtlxPE33TY_h4aW1RbLeOTB1r8Szj065lvbeaWgRjNLYAhKwd1zlDZsTwLCe5xWW28zAbYEgtpISyye48Z8VNa4wZGs6AkY5R3-TW7ZgxUnACnug8kkBcewj6Rz-JsI3rG_IR_GPXYi8XTqVYz_ujC4qjrY4o3BZl1/s238/creepeis.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="238" data-original-width="168" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPAlHra6twPUmYw4T2oznQIwwtlxPE33TY_h4aW1RbLeOTB1r8Szj065lvbeaWgRjNLYAhKwd1zlDZsTwLCe5xWW28zAbYEgtpISyye48Z8VNa4wZGs6AkY5R3-TW7ZgxUnACnug8kkBcewj6Rz-JsI3rG_IR_GPXYi8XTqVYz_ujC4qjrY4o3BZl1/w141-h200/creepeis.png" width="141" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br />(And as the
insects are now beginning to appear, it's a good time to get a copy
of The Quick Guide To Creepy-Crawlies which you'll find on the same
page). </span><p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">All the best,</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Steve</i></span></span></span></p>
<p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p>
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Nature Plus</b></span></span></span></span></a></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>and
also on Twitter </b></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Steve's
Nature</span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>,
Facebook </b></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#">Steve
Daniels</a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#">Naturalists</a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">, </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>and
Instagram</b></span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Steve
Daniels Cumbria</span></span></span></span></span></a></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>Steve Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16774073264427111237noreply@blogger.com0Quarry, Threlkeld, Keswick CA12 4TT, UK54.6105465 -3.043963926.300312663821153 -38.2002139 82.920780336178836 32.1122861tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339903940778370384.post-40712268753490758922023-03-09T15:24:00.005+00:002023-03-09T15:24:43.895+00:00Elvis Road Tour 2023<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQYdx2Ww7criFNkLLOHidd9WRKPMQhjmDRoH7bakMRKpVj_tIeBYukvQa28rkrUsAF-QboGSQxfyp3ZSFvJQuOSIBF1redgzVOExAMhnWtHScqiJ6bPEPT_4C_1zneOF1wBo4scjeFW6JwrzQoEF7PxQF1xfI56OcXQuJEbO49W73xXrDFFS_zt4-/s2000/1%20Thirlmere.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1269" data-original-width="2000" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQYdx2Ww7criFNkLLOHidd9WRKPMQhjmDRoH7bakMRKpVj_tIeBYukvQa28rkrUsAF-QboGSQxfyp3ZSFvJQuOSIBF1redgzVOExAMhnWtHScqiJ6bPEPT_4C_1zneOF1wBo4scjeFW6JwrzQoEF7PxQF1xfI56OcXQuJEbO49W73xXrDFFS_zt4-/w640-h406/1%20Thirlmere.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />“<span face="Arial, sans-serif">Spanner!”
said Ishbel, looking me in the eye.</span><p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">A bit
rude, I thought, wondering what I'd done to deserve this verbal
abuse.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">“<span face="Arial, sans-serif">For
the gas bottle,” she explained.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">We were
loading the last items onto the campervan, now named Elvis for its
propensity to shake, rattle and occasionally roll. March 1</span><sup style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">st</sup><span face="Arial, sans-serif">,
the beginning of meteorological Spring and we were heading down into
the fells for a two night stay at Skelwith Fold.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">We
stopped off at Thirlmere to take Mattie for a walk. It was bitterly
cold, but the daffodils were out, so it must be Spring – and we
must be mad.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><br /></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-EVfGSKbDjJkxxmhy_iSvwgKX465GL2DPv7B-iM1KVj7MnpZ_C-_fpjjaGIg6aTanhK3lop5hYjvvqkU1rnpuPiVsnpeNRJgGLwgAysChdZKvNcjsoQ5pydkty6gCO2eBMq2pRl8mOzsBccManoEKNrLif4MlQX5SFsSuaJXwqLj03vtAEzGhkW8/s4032/2%20heading%20south.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-EVfGSKbDjJkxxmhy_iSvwgKX465GL2DPv7B-iM1KVj7MnpZ_C-_fpjjaGIg6aTanhK3lop5hYjvvqkU1rnpuPiVsnpeNRJgGLwgAysChdZKvNcjsoQ5pydkty6gCO2eBMq2pRl8mOzsBccManoEKNrLif4MlQX5SFsSuaJXwqLj03vtAEzGhkW8/w640-h480/2%20heading%20south.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Lowering
clouds and a light rain accompanied us as we headed south past
Grasmere and Rydal Water, until we finally lumbered through
Ambleside, and turned up towards Langdale. I'd picked up some Hairy
Bittercress, which is a common wayside herb of late winter/early
spring and is very similar in flavour to rocket (they are in the same
family, Brassicaceae). Ideal for egg and cress sandwiches.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzo8UrmeBUPzbY27mo0G7pHSDmKxyxkys_7ZQfNKtdM-wcdCY2kz98ulS_-BN6fF1W_HifxB90sszl1EhYQ9UK4VZugXN1xnqxcNOEEW58dRBTDk7sPzhhC6wySg1A9IJDc71phXMu5u5AqIsKVjm53BhQQRMkUNig26NEN-5tNz5wlNpLyqtM0B8d/s2000/3%20to%20ambleside.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1259" data-original-width="2000" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzo8UrmeBUPzbY27mo0G7pHSDmKxyxkys_7ZQfNKtdM-wcdCY2kz98ulS_-BN6fF1W_HifxB90sszl1EhYQ9UK4VZugXN1xnqxcNOEEW58dRBTDk7sPzhhC6wySg1A9IJDc71phXMu5u5AqIsKVjm53BhQQRMkUNig26NEN-5tNz5wlNpLyqtM0B8d/w640-h402/3%20to%20ambleside.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">The 130
acre site seemed bigger than some housing estates than I've lived on,
but, as it was the first day of the season it was mercifully quiet.
Excellent facilities, which we had more or less to ourselves, but I
don't think I'd like to be there in the height of the season.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">After a
good night's sleep, in which we didn't die of hypothermia, we ambled
the two and a half miles into Ambleside the following morning.
Beautiful views over Loughrigg, and a pleasant lunch in the <a href="https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/cumbria/royal-oak">Royal
Oak</a> rounded off the morning. On the way in we noticed some
curious plants by the roadside. These turned out to be Giant
Butterbur, a south east Asian plant that turned up in Britain in 1897
and has been spreading ever since. It's edible but has to be
pre-treated to remove it's bitterness.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyyu_uqv4vHBVfUjLeyconMtx1dX0rM7PNOvrhlAIOTxhHVNsVKfO80NZLJYxHZ-zLUqct10d8Sh9G6VYBGXLYWEEkwD1JHjVEnX93V3GflVgD7ztXtyMFrBha7kQ7-oYoAjrze5zf9x8-wLgEYoAkFRZjRCmulACVrIqq1SsDGg--LlRuv1Ie6aw-/s2214/4%20squirrel.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1909" data-original-width="2214" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyyu_uqv4vHBVfUjLeyconMtx1dX0rM7PNOvrhlAIOTxhHVNsVKfO80NZLJYxHZ-zLUqct10d8Sh9G6VYBGXLYWEEkwD1JHjVEnX93V3GflVgD7ztXtyMFrBha7kQ7-oYoAjrze5zf9x8-wLgEYoAkFRZjRCmulACVrIqq1SsDGg--LlRuv1Ie6aw-/w640-h552/4%20squirrel.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">A grey
squirrel also graced us with his presence. I don't often see greys in
Cumbria, as the red seems to be more common (from personal
observations). In most of the country the non-native grey outcompetes
the native red, but up here, the reds seem to be holding their own.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyQKRoUg589-gMJXVuWqSdHKQwAfpS1im1ErQGi2xAGLLFYFEbZX8IouzfWNYkNMr9MLMe5KUD_MeLK-R4x30dCVsQgSky54lddhye0pRLTAY13Iq71We1APrRQ22DHKUhToEpUg-fix1klkZTD6kYaUjZB2fBWymBLQbFs6SC2l2BXGHnt_8B5RT0/s1414/5%20Egg%20sandwich.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="990" data-original-width="1414" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyQKRoUg589-gMJXVuWqSdHKQwAfpS1im1ErQGi2xAGLLFYFEbZX8IouzfWNYkNMr9MLMe5KUD_MeLK-R4x30dCVsQgSky54lddhye0pRLTAY13Iq71We1APrRQ22DHKUhToEpUg-fix1klkZTD6kYaUjZB2fBWymBLQbFs6SC2l2BXGHnt_8B5RT0/w640-h448/5%20Egg%20sandwich.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Going
back to the Hairy Bittercress. Having made your egg and cress
sandwich, how do you cut it? Square or diagonal? Up north, the square
cut is more generally used (the diagonal cut being something that
only us poncey southerners do). However, there is a reason for the
diagonal cut – they fit better on a sandwich plate. Sandwich
plates, like this 1930s example from Copeland Spode, have a vertical
and horizontal ridge, to keep the quarters of the sandwich separate.
As I've said before, they knew how to do things in style back then.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZtGjErNpS9OPgxVBm04DtADHZKqIEqdCzk-lEKUDtwTKTqpxShhIlx5yzq7KXiFj8p9dkCoTTSJG-qisvdeK0FpQdbfZhf9mTGAiZ2wFHuNfnnXuEd2oxC5Oxa6NJeIwEafatNdIXWNmQ-0mVxHtbM9XgPeJ-bJXjgZEHmhBjKxR-yQx-FFoYg8s/s3692/6%20The%20MONOM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1616" data-original-width="3692" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZtGjErNpS9OPgxVBm04DtADHZKqIEqdCzk-lEKUDtwTKTqpxShhIlx5yzq7KXiFj8p9dkCoTTSJG-qisvdeK0FpQdbfZhf9mTGAiZ2wFHuNfnnXuEd2oxC5Oxa6NJeIwEafatNdIXWNmQ-0mVxHtbM9XgPeJ-bJXjgZEHmhBjKxR-yQx-FFoYg8s/w640-h280/6%20The%20MONOM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">And
finally... back in 2011, I started wrting a novel. Twelve years later
and all 633 pages of it is now on the shelves. Amazon have it priced
at £2.99 for the Kindle edition and £14.99 for the paperback, and
you can <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/MONOM-Magic-Nature/dp/B0BT6V2X21/">read
the first few pages here</a>. However, I have 50, signed and numered,
author copies (45 now, as I've sold the first 5) which you can buy
for just £10 plus postage. If you'd like a copy, drop me an email
(<a href="mailto:stevedanielscumbria@gmail.com">stevedanielscumbria@gmail.com</a>
), let me know to whom you would like the book dedicated, and where
you would like me to post it to. I'll work out the postage and
arrange the payment details.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">All the best,</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Steve</i></span></span></span></p>
<p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Sandwich
plates from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SVCwithEtsy">Steve's
Vintage Collectables</a></span>.
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Campsite:
<a href="https://skelwith.com/">Skelwith Fold</a></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Pub
lunch:</span></span> <span face="Arial, sans-serif"> <a href="https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/cumbria/royal-oak">Royal
Oak</a></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<table border="1" bordercolor="#000000" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%px;">
<colgroup><col width="85*"></col>
<col width="171*"></col>
</colgroup><tbody><tr valign="TOP">
<td width="33%">
<p><br /></p>
<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Quick-Guide-Creepy-Crawlies-Guides/dp/1694436756?crid=1X1U05RZ7D02E&keywords=quick+guide+to+creepy-crawlies&qid=1655714366&s=books&sprefix=%2Cstripbooks%2C127&sr=1-1&linkCode=li2&tag=stevedanielsc-21&linkId=0b9a69ba77732683dd1b9b64e216b867&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1694436756&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=GB&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=stevedanielsc-21&language=en_GB" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=stevedanielsc-21&language=en_GB&l=li2&o=2&a=1694436756" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />
</td>
<td width="67%">
<p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><b>Beetles and Butterflies;
spiders and scorpions; woodlice and worms. How do you tell them
all apart? To say nothing of crane flies, dragonflies, bee flies
and yet more butterflies. Are they all flies? If not, why call
them so? If you're fascinated but confused by the beautiful world
of the very small, then this is the book for you.</b></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><b>82 pages of information on all
aspects of the world of minibeasts, with over 100 photographs and
illustrations, this book will help you track down and identify any
arthropod, in its adult or juvenile state, anywhere in the world.</b></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>See
all of my books at </b></span></span><a href="http://author.to/SteveDaniels" target="_blank"><span style="color: #184c6c;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span face="Open Sans, Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255);">author.to/SteveDaniels</span></b></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b>
</b></span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/stevedanielscumbria/"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Follow
me on</b></span></span></span></span></a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/stevedanielscumbria/"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></span></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Steve's
Nature Plus</b></span></span></span></span></a></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>and
also on Twitter </b></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Steve's
Nature</span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>,
</b></span></span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Facebook </b></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#">Steve
Daniels</a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#">Naturalists</a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">, </span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>and
Instagram </b></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Steve
Daniels Cumbria</span></span></span></span></span></a></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>Steve Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16774073264427111237noreply@blogger.com0Skelwith Fold, Ambleside LA22, UK54.4158212 -3.001090226.105587363821158 -38.1573402 82.726055036178849 32.1551598tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339903940778370384.post-90745359844028286322023-02-27T11:39:00.000+00:002023-02-27T11:39:08.067+00:00Beyond Crete<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHTlKxpBG9pD9ExtXmdUeCGnm6D9fUKP5QcvyAJGTrhb9RaFUIF8PTyigIehbE6BDQ3MhqLQsD3N-EPnEpgIijwsxOYtpd5d1vTKHyQaIQ5IgUWgV_S1vyijjY__UNvd3jAqTeevVmrfnbriLSIr-EOs2aDtZFUtHiLbqw4YcSaka2duBRwd6ZG4G/s2000/1%20Ferma%20Bay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1219" data-original-width="2000" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHTlKxpBG9pD9ExtXmdUeCGnm6D9fUKP5QcvyAJGTrhb9RaFUIF8PTyigIehbE6BDQ3MhqLQsD3N-EPnEpgIijwsxOYtpd5d1vTKHyQaIQ5IgUWgV_S1vyijjY__UNvd3jAqTeevVmrfnbriLSIr-EOs2aDtZFUtHiLbqw4YcSaka2duBRwd6ZG4G/w640-h390/1%20Ferma%20Bay.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">For sixteen years, I lived
a somewhat idyllic life on the island of Crete in the Mediterranean,
and many of you know me from <a href="http://cretenature.blogspot.com/2013/12/an-introduction-to-lassithi-crete-greece.html" target="_blank">The Crete Nature Blog</a>. I returned to the
UK in 2020, settling in Cockermouth in Cumbria, where my life has
changed, almost beyond recognition. It is now, I am glad to say, just
as idyllic (albeit somehat damper) and new adventures await. </span>
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKSpzNhxc9QFn_IKk1nEmZR3xqhnasxHwKt90UAtf8uVQQ9ZBibH-dRmPazFE6v_C3RF5tcLCNEKpMzC2ZMeKeTjhrL1LE-g-APdxCedRxHDKdFgrfveJgw6oVMT29Y3LnfSu5p4Ol3gGiM1FR9rZdUItKo1lZls-5b0wn5Z_IJz7PMD5FMN-arcyi/s1522/2%20antiques.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="978" data-original-width="1522" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKSpzNhxc9QFn_IKk1nEmZR3xqhnasxHwKt90UAtf8uVQQ9ZBibH-dRmPazFE6v_C3RF5tcLCNEKpMzC2ZMeKeTjhrL1LE-g-APdxCedRxHDKdFgrfveJgw6oVMT29Y3LnfSu5p4Ol3gGiM1FR9rZdUItKo1lZls-5b0wn5Z_IJz7PMD5FMN-arcyi/w640-h412/2%20antiques.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As well as having a host
of new wildlife to observe, new plants to pluck from the hedgerows
and cook in <a href="https://steveswildkitchen.blogspot.com/?view=sidebar" target="_blank">Steve's Wild Kitchen</a>, I have also developed an interest
in human history and begun to collect various curios to adorn my new
'bachelor pad' set in The Old Cornmill, on the banks of the River
Derwent. These, I live with for a while and then sell on through my
little online antiques shop, <a href="https://svcwithetsy.etsy.com" target="_blank">SVCwithEtsy</a>. It makes a little beer
money, but it's mainly for the joy of finding out the history behind
the object.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHhvI1grLFi6EC2eeoLPbkpBUxaJxKS6tPvOvXBlVsbr-lP3WqF7A2p5I0BGvqn2hLEzTOKYmiGZxCty1z8ZVLUOeDb3GEUNupGrQ1lRSJech2NnJTjZqRg9epE1qmHxfdYA9DJIiw43wPeX0MJCEgv-J3RDfwWFImrWhGyE2IlRcCPBMTOkbGyPP/s1600/3%20brian.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHhvI1grLFi6EC2eeoLPbkpBUxaJxKS6tPvOvXBlVsbr-lP3WqF7A2p5I0BGvqn2hLEzTOKYmiGZxCty1z8ZVLUOeDb3GEUNupGrQ1lRSJech2NnJTjZqRg9epE1qmHxfdYA9DJIiw43wPeX0MJCEgv-J3RDfwWFImrWhGyE2IlRcCPBMTOkbGyPP/w640-h480/3%20brian.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I have also acquired a new
life partner in Ishbel, who shares my love of nature and objects from
a byegone age, which is presumably what she sees in me. Apart from
me, she has also recently invested in a turn of the century
campervan. It is in this, along with Mattie the hyperpup, that we
intend to explore this beautiful country. So, join us, if you will,
as we explore the countryside, take in a few antiques fairs along the
way, sample as much local produce as we can, and generally appreciate
Cumbria, Westmorland and beyond.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3d1IAvuoiAMFLrUP2OHFmsUMrkDMs4uWixHefGHgA7bnM9a9m5VmfbQGMl6EjFMC9MK1SwHeZM4-XOClDOzgCWKTqsHxCTsCmIkrhriW2YRShD56EaMKOjWMV3EQu6WX1-higfCEa129CFaZKDCGqtJ177n5E-qZUPpZnoE07MQDgzb0cwO-B44P/s1350/steves%20nature%20plus.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="1350" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3d1IAvuoiAMFLrUP2OHFmsUMrkDMs4uWixHefGHgA7bnM9a9m5VmfbQGMl6EjFMC9MK1SwHeZM4-XOClDOzgCWKTqsHxCTsCmIkrhriW2YRShD56EaMKOjWMV3EQu6WX1-higfCEa129CFaZKDCGqtJ177n5E-qZUPpZnoE07MQDgzb0cwO-B44P/s320/steves%20nature%20plus.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Make a note now, to
<a href="https://stevesnatureplus541301924.wordpress.com/?fbclid=IwAR17KiMEISy43ZEu_9zd-xbgu4Rr6JvZvcEzT4S_oPQ9nSBbC3A9E4X0rpU&blogsub=subscribed#subscribe-blog" target="_blank">subscribe to Steve's Nature Plus.</a></span></p>
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</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaI98iTwfLh16ndoMzAMKka-sjMs0i8-t-IAECI3tWM0mI836Zz9eqPGHPUrFiMx8LmUY-0Vb_0eZo4tuVHa4BMZI8PuOE_E1Yu20Mt5CII85glCjqem26r9_ccQcUk7090uj9sVSQ9YwrBh9elcAGKUwQRDS-wbZSsJuPfkj3Y-PW_UMvkQfRkzi/s1600/4%20MONOM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaI98iTwfLh16ndoMzAMKka-sjMs0i8-t-IAECI3tWM0mI836Zz9eqPGHPUrFiMx8LmUY-0Vb_0eZo4tuVHa4BMZI8PuOE_E1Yu20Mt5CII85glCjqem26r9_ccQcUk7090uj9sVSQ9YwrBh9elcAGKUwQRDS-wbZSsJuPfkj3Y-PW_UMvkQfRkzi/s320/4%20MONOM.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />PS
You may have noticed, in the second picture, a set of volumes held
between two industrial book ends. This is my first full length novel,
The MONOM, which is now available as a paperback and ebook on Amazon.
This is the fifth book I've written since leaving Crete, and you can
<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Daniels/e/B081Z8FNK5/" target="_blank">see them all on my author page</a>.</span></span><p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">All the best,</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Steve</i></span></span></span></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SVCwithEtsy">SVCwithEtsy</a></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">.
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<p align="LEFT" style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>and
also on Twitter </b></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Steve's
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Facebook </b></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#"><span style="font-size: medium;">Steve
Daniels</span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#"><span style="font-size: medium;">Naturalists</span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">, </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>and
Instagram</b></span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Steve
Daniels Cumbria</span></span></span></span></span></a></p>
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</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>Steve Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16774073264427111237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339903940778370384.post-5232791778493660632023-01-04T17:09:00.000+00:002023-01-04T17:09:17.089+00:00Remotest Cumbria<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-W2N5vnAEFYKQZHKwWGLjAft3yPkt57WabNBcfsduGc660MVT1waw173miAEoLtTiJd8aTCcYtqeNyvvCUV9N8AmFQ4n_rDhCc-mQFNwbgN5FuM9vhM57Lka_eOZHrinaiDpI8bQiDPX5-zTje2OZnV2D7cJ96l9O71oqgALtsSMJ2fLbSr15PAz/s2000/1%20Remotest%20Cumbria.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1096" data-original-width="2000" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-W2N5vnAEFYKQZHKwWGLjAft3yPkt57WabNBcfsduGc660MVT1waw173miAEoLtTiJd8aTCcYtqeNyvvCUV9N8AmFQ4n_rDhCc-mQFNwbgN5FuM9vhM57Lka_eOZHrinaiDpI8bQiDPX5-zTje2OZnV2D7cJ96l9O71oqgALtsSMJ2fLbSr15PAz/w640-h350/1%20Remotest%20Cumbria.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">With all the razzmatazz of Yuletide in full swing, it's nice to take some time out and look out over the fells, in a remote spot, miles from anywhere.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqd9kGysNM0SEDcUrj2NK3yDYxNdmK_29yWlfLZTeVBIC0IpxIVqDhV6OG2oWX3B7s9qjRkALnwOp2J4i_ARqYGBKrDcnGCgT3aAuqIro0atawX_8bzaNyalev4xSzx-9Mes4dLhUXVL-Sprh1N73q0E2g8E6ZBsa8sMcHugaNcy6Gn1VaF7GjpM8-/s1530/2%20Caldbeck.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="973" data-original-width="1530" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqd9kGysNM0SEDcUrj2NK3yDYxNdmK_29yWlfLZTeVBIC0IpxIVqDhV6OG2oWX3B7s9qjRkALnwOp2J4i_ARqYGBKrDcnGCgT3aAuqIro0atawX_8bzaNyalev4xSzx-9Mes4dLhUXVL-Sprh1N73q0E2g8E6ZBsa8sMcHugaNcy6Gn1VaF7GjpM8-/s320/2%20Caldbeck.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">The only civilisation for miles, nestled alongside a powerful beck called the Cald, is the appropriately named village of Caldbeck. Here, you can walk alongside the beck for miles in perfect peace and tranquility.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhee1lOQ4j6z4drEBSOo21ZPgMXXn0woqfaW_KE_kPOZnJjDk2fDRGI9y0sgkohv51wKkFEMawCcNhwa0dH5CxPFT6ky1lNHkibU6U9VSmgiH5mqp2cezYJvG8NhEzRE3sI9UeqaYXDLtaYGHyFyyHs62isO70ooscuR2tIg1mMvV1jSfRkuoRRm2nz/s2000/3%20The%20Howk%20Bobbin%20Mill.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1264" data-original-width="2000" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhee1lOQ4j6z4drEBSOo21ZPgMXXn0woqfaW_KE_kPOZnJjDk2fDRGI9y0sgkohv51wKkFEMawCcNhwa0dH5CxPFT6ky1lNHkibU6U9VSmgiH5mqp2cezYJvG8NhEzRE3sI9UeqaYXDLtaYGHyFyyHs62isO70ooscuR2tIg1mMvV1jSfRkuoRRm2nz/s320/3%20The%20Howk%20Bobbin%20Mill.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">The beck is so powerful that it provided the motive force for The Howk bobbin mill, which turned coppiced wood into bobbins for the textile industry from 1857 to 1924. The beck also powered fulling, corn, flax, wool, wood, paper and smelting mills. There was also a barytes crushing works and a brewery in the village. Quite a hive of industry back in the day.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTH69sPcLsVlpKQTjL5hRC4lFu11w4CDQi4Aer2lg9SmqwYC34GRcAaVdJBPtqCIs_8JGx0buOcfJsYZQj58-nNkDfFMlVW7yJ9gOF6_sFExPWGGRiXGBZ1xtfRf_I15CBfQ5uRhUMg90sZazcJUBVU7BevVHxi9k0LJkXZkgskJYdkRZTmoTNpKQV/s2000/4%20Jelly%20Spot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1259" data-original-width="2000" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTH69sPcLsVlpKQTjL5hRC4lFu11w4CDQi4Aer2lg9SmqwYC34GRcAaVdJBPtqCIs_8JGx0buOcfJsYZQj58-nNkDfFMlVW7yJ9gOF6_sFExPWGGRiXGBZ1xtfRf_I15CBfQ5uRhUMg90sZazcJUBVU7BevVHxi9k0LJkXZkgskJYdkRZTmoTNpKQV/s320/4%20Jelly%20Spot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">You can see and hear the force of the water in a series of falls above the bobbin mill. Not much wildlife about today, apart from a phalanx of ducks on the village green and a buzzard in the sky above. Hart's-tongue ferns and Dog's Mercury line the path, and various mosses and orange Jelly Spot fungus add a little colour to the fence posts.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibV6qY_-Z6KmqeN8znj3JkhhgU6QCc4FGoEYbwieL3c0u28CYXaNToBpV6fmqxTr5R0_CZbKeegNGLIoq59bYWhUWOoxMyOb0iwkRUiHOluHj5UUxvG--zfEgrGiu6gLf8ENjsacUsj0dPhlpu-A9OusPxsWhSHRQrF-vvb2Sb_heYvIzT1R7vZz_i/s2000/7%20Tortrix%20Moth.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1813" data-original-width="2000" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibV6qY_-Z6KmqeN8znj3JkhhgU6QCc4FGoEYbwieL3c0u28CYXaNToBpV6fmqxTr5R0_CZbKeegNGLIoq59bYWhUWOoxMyOb0iwkRUiHOluHj5UUxvG--zfEgrGiu6gLf8ENjsacUsj0dPhlpu-A9OusPxsWhSHRQrF-vvb2Sb_heYvIzT1R7vZz_i/s320/7%20Tortrix%20Moth.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">In fact, most of the invertebrate life that I've seen over winter so far, has taken up residence with me in the Old Corn Mill. This moth of the Tortricidae family seems perfectly content in the bathroom.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5JHCBzw7O6zKmtqk5kMSBzlf7XPelidU7Blt9kdof0HTufgltkH98HdljulZ38oTIu-T1FqsNqxFiudIzqOZiV_f5XPtD9ti0LnjhdJDAnHBa-_x2c_Q3Qs2pbuOdo7s0KSdaNFyayIHHRvKYnnIb9fswI60NuDq8u0BK6Ip05-D3y9N7FoWsJC2z/s2050/8%20Oak.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2050" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5JHCBzw7O6zKmtqk5kMSBzlf7XPelidU7Blt9kdof0HTufgltkH98HdljulZ38oTIu-T1FqsNqxFiudIzqOZiV_f5XPtD9ti0LnjhdJDAnHBa-_x2c_Q3Qs2pbuOdo7s0KSdaNFyayIHHRvKYnnIb9fswI60NuDq8u0BK6Ip05-D3y9N7FoWsJC2z/s320/8%20Oak.JPG" width="312" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Talking of the Old Corn Mill. Do you remember that sprouting acorn we found, back in November? (see <a href="https://cretenature.blogspot.com/2022/11/itscumbria.html" target="_blank">Fine Weather For Ducks</a>) I promised to let you know how it was getting on, and it's doing just fine on the kitchen windowsill. maybe I'll take up bonzai this year!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMd229_ZIyLlZNVGAiTrFdmyFB_rHStgpgRsS7lLcVtOwxvFsIhnp5Fk1t_exmsTBiZehBqNwf9bTK2XmbCmc5jlyJ5jSnFFji3yIp99dp14OEbopAuRmAvm1zmX7iFFJU0L9uLaDitJYUHYy1wGnYMPICNarU0YRHhExcPFHVsJcxYuxPhGAUcjGq/s1530/5%20Oddfellows%20Arms.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="970" data-original-width="1530" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMd229_ZIyLlZNVGAiTrFdmyFB_rHStgpgRsS7lLcVtOwxvFsIhnp5Fk1t_exmsTBiZehBqNwf9bTK2XmbCmc5jlyJ5jSnFFji3yIp99dp14OEbopAuRmAvm1zmX7iFFJU0L9uLaDitJYUHYy1wGnYMPICNarU0YRHhExcPFHVsJcxYuxPhGAUcjGq/s320/5%20Oddfellows%20Arms.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Meanwhile, back in Caldbeck, it's beginning to rain, so it's time to retreat to <a href="https://www.oddfellows-caldbeck.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Oddfellows Arms</a>. This year, I thought I'd introduce you to some of the Cumbrian hostelries, for those of you who are thinking of visiting the area. We didn't eat here (too much food in the fridge at home) but the menu looks good and they also do accommodation. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSlQmHql3flzLi13TBWBElZkl2KHtqGNDPlvs4xYZVETPH8zIIkoWglc0K7OCxrOS_g_ZidUfplQ0sQz3FACQi1fQKylmUN_EYu5yhchQkMiP1wpiIrSXQ2hlvqgk5Pk9qHwVnqYw1QEWCQAzLI_-EI25UGgQzrvizktIK2zfEICHzNdoenUamPR8/s2079/SN102%20Lantern.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2079" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSlQmHql3flzLi13TBWBElZkl2KHtqGNDPlvs4xYZVETPH8zIIkoWglc0K7OCxrOS_g_ZidUfplQ0sQz3FACQi1fQKylmUN_EYu5yhchQkMiP1wpiIrSXQ2hlvqgk5Pk9qHwVnqYw1QEWCQAzLI_-EI25UGgQzrvizktIK2zfEICHzNdoenUamPR8/s320/SN102%20Lantern.JPG" width="308" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Ah well, it's twelfth night tomorrow, so the decorations will have to come down. Don't want bad luck for the rest of the year. The Victorian lantern, by the way, is one of many items on sale at my little on-line shop, SVCwithEtsy. If you enjoy my nature blogs, you may also like my <a href="https://stevesnatureplus541301924.wordpress.com/steves-vintage-collectables-magazine-2/" target="_blank">history blogs</a>. Mainly shop news at the moment, but I'm going to expand it into fascinating insights behind the products. This week I'll be covering the silver trade and tobacconalia.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixClyxVVXO7LyXQyQCOo3Ngehs1I5S69Bnm8U-ICflj_EQdwyg5F8vNoHw0Tf9qPMsPhlTdKOZeBmX7bs2hsB8i8giNXUJODIocx-f8ReL9Z3QR3DqFEiYH53AKR0jJhHlR01HaQ-6mTcIbZFNBAMpee5T548ocZJIgBLJh_Za3npGm007JwEQQ9Fa/s194/The%20MONOM.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="135" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixClyxVVXO7LyXQyQCOo3Ngehs1I5S69Bnm8U-ICflj_EQdwyg5F8vNoHw0Tf9qPMsPhlTdKOZeBmX7bs2hsB8i8giNXUJODIocx-f8ReL9Z3QR3DqFEiYH53AKR0jJhHlR01HaQ-6mTcIbZFNBAMpee5T548ocZJIgBLJh_Za3npGm007JwEQQ9Fa/s1600/The%20MONOM.PNG" width="135" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">One other bit of news to tell you about; my first full length novel, The MONOM (The Magic of Nature of Magic) will be published later this month. It's an intriguing tale of the natural and supernatural worlds, in which you, the reader, are one of the four main characters. I am one of the other main characters, and of course, we have a nemesis. It is one of your jobs to uncover their identity. We are all linked together by a nineteenth century naturalist named Singent Hellington-White, and the journey we undertake spans from 1858 to the present day from Crete, to London, to Haiti. 400 pages of adventure to lose yourself in.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">You can keep up with all my blogs and books, and a load more besides, by subscribing to my website <a href="https://stevesnatureplus541301924.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Steve's Nature Plus</a>. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">All that remains is for me to wish you all A Happy New Year, and I'll leave you with this panorama of the snow covered Cumbrian fells.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">All the best,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Steve</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMz3JO9LwJSNWOKsfnbUWTicmbrGkZtRFJeFpkSg6yQq2g08ckiLP7oOYgl5WYDpUeJow6Qwx4MFgPe2A415OsR1HO0moiNMGOSrcLdl1FsBwdE1_Ne3laP-znjJe0LnQEQfK_b3_6qgovHqAmVKVf4R3GK-M4GItxQh3rVI0yo9cvP6YHHTX8onfe/s3176/panorama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="776" data-original-width="3176" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMz3JO9LwJSNWOKsfnbUWTicmbrGkZtRFJeFpkSg6yQq2g08ckiLP7oOYgl5WYDpUeJow6Qwx4MFgPe2A415OsR1HO0moiNMGOSrcLdl1FsBwdE1_Ne3laP-znjJe0LnQEQfK_b3_6qgovHqAmVKVf4R3GK-M4GItxQh3rVI0yo9cvP6YHHTX8onfe/w640-h156/panorama.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><i><br /></i></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>Steve Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16774073264427111237noreply@blogger.com0Caldbeck, Wigton CA7, UK54.7481489 -3.052096926.437915063821151 -38.2083469 83.058382736178842 32.1041531tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339903940778370384.post-33446156469657299542022-12-21T08:53:00.001+00:002022-12-21T08:53:09.726+00:00Happy Yuletide<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqscFSw68qbtwfeElNbCamMEBNou_hYk2WUyawAocPkuYb6DAp_5sWT4uhEevzbxQJTq1czXC7eQtT-eAZf65GqjuvWQTgA7lPtvn5gkatBcAVvP0rZi19m8z_4bLso9OcYYMpO6X_j-dsncZSbE8oC6KKeWtOrjhV-o1Ytkx1ZX06LC6-r0CicvT/s1510/1%20Frost.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="955" data-original-width="1510" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqscFSw68qbtwfeElNbCamMEBNou_hYk2WUyawAocPkuYb6DAp_5sWT4uhEevzbxQJTq1czXC7eQtT-eAZf65GqjuvWQTgA7lPtvn5gkatBcAVvP0rZi19m8z_4bLso9OcYYMpO6X_j-dsncZSbE8oC6KKeWtOrjhV-o1Ytkx1ZX06LC6-r0CicvT/w640-h404/1%20Frost.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">At 9.47 GMT this evening it will have
been dark, here in Cockermouth, for about six hours. All across the
northern hemisphere, it is the longest night of the year, as the sun
reaches its lowest point, directly over The tropic of Capricorn. It
also marks the beginning of Yuletide, twelve days of convivial
merriment and good natured mischief, to acknowledge the onset of
winter and look forward to the coming of longer days and shorter
nights.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW7dDt-lbU1rTNIjDUcrFs-oKQ6HuT_UQ6jHAL2-2G91cobcS45j_wbZZC6SBcEExFERwdNOfc6KHBJxUe3qdY3JCrmjhq1hkangC9Ogd_T4J-OoR_TTtrl8rhyNhR_rIBQPnrinGKKY8TcYMx_3Ya5VKlD_LKVJ0vAdo02kF9lM1JHSp3Sc1kz8G2/s1600/2%20Holly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW7dDt-lbU1rTNIjDUcrFs-oKQ6HuT_UQ6jHAL2-2G91cobcS45j_wbZZC6SBcEExFERwdNOfc6KHBJxUe3qdY3JCrmjhq1hkangC9Ogd_T4J-OoR_TTtrl8rhyNhR_rIBQPnrinGKKY8TcYMx_3Ya5VKlD_LKVJ0vAdo02kF9lM1JHSp3Sc1kz8G2/w640-h480/2%20Holly.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It is also the day when I traditionally
decorate my abode with lights and herbage from the hedgerows. The
holly and the ivy have been used since pagan times to ward off evil
spirits, which is why we put a wreath containing these plants upon
the front door.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgctgaCSZRtu2iP1JWGRn-LBw3A6IKF6ZJGAKPiw4JMDZVO4EwIRa1scTLoWu5KPNVjcz2yT67eIQm8PKDPRCzrOlEeG_gSEG3JiWj4r6v3ud18yajhEvWGsmVqvDerqFX1rmBvEgw7a7tnScb5MUxTzqivYc-_Aq6xnQvZDv3HnGG7tCHfXaJdmk6_/s1600/3%20Ivy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgctgaCSZRtu2iP1JWGRn-LBw3A6IKF6ZJGAKPiw4JMDZVO4EwIRa1scTLoWu5KPNVjcz2yT67eIQm8PKDPRCzrOlEeG_gSEG3JiWj4r6v3ud18yajhEvWGsmVqvDerqFX1rmBvEgw7a7tnScb5MUxTzqivYc-_Aq6xnQvZDv3HnGG7tCHfXaJdmk6_/w640-h480/3%20Ivy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Ivy, in long strands, when wrapped
around a string of lights, makes a highly effective decoration. It is
also cheaper, and more environmentally friendly, than shop bought
chains imported from the far east.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZTVBQbavaZlMsq2CYQue6GEEL4WwZRccBV2WQOqsRHb1L_YBg01q7niRfprKK01DSV9nMfEp9Mz7dFdBnq1vcPFgPDcqudfhIfSm8Ih2F0q7EV_FljfmluIi6rpjZWOyEPipu_zzuU22_jAbK5vnelGrX61q4CfHKmvudtQ-8ZXKtWJPgEVcXsSo/s1600/4%20Conifer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZTVBQbavaZlMsq2CYQue6GEEL4WwZRccBV2WQOqsRHb1L_YBg01q7niRfprKK01DSV9nMfEp9Mz7dFdBnq1vcPFgPDcqudfhIfSm8Ih2F0q7EV_FljfmluIi6rpjZWOyEPipu_zzuU22_jAbK5vnelGrX61q4CfHKmvudtQ-8ZXKtWJPgEVcXsSo/w640-h480/4%20Conifer.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Similarly, small conifer sprigs and
cones can be used for simple, yet effective, centrepieces.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqv8sSYz1akRfUTcHhfcz0gf-GWctIcNMhCJ6Jo6-XRv_2vLWKo6hN99kmxLStQJWkjT_Kvuabpejyg_jpMbFfvAGa8wbBs1078w4vxsTHQj8WWt7pLsRAPbBazNU2IKoTHlNRBASlZizs17HoWFaGYmadLglIs8lbWbybIQsJfJ052fJ2F8MvRZZ/s1600/5%20Mistletoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqv8sSYz1akRfUTcHhfcz0gf-GWctIcNMhCJ6Jo6-XRv_2vLWKo6hN99kmxLStQJWkjT_Kvuabpejyg_jpMbFfvAGa8wbBs1078w4vxsTHQj8WWt7pLsRAPbBazNU2IKoTHlNRBASlZizs17HoWFaGYmadLglIs8lbWbybIQsJfJ052fJ2F8MvRZZ/w640-h480/5%20Mistletoe.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And finally, where would we be without
the mistletoe? Mistletoe features in many winter mythologies, but the
practice of kissing under it probably only dates from the 18<sup>th</sup>
century. Below stairs, servants were permitted one kiss for each
berry plucked from the plant.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Happy Yuletide,</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Steve</span></span></i></span></span></p>Steve Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16774073264427111237noreply@blogger.com0Cockermouth CA13, UK54.663261 -3.36798526.353027163821153 -38.524235 82.973494836178844 31.788265tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339903940778370384.post-19723758144904706182022-12-14T05:30:00.005+00:002022-12-14T05:34:05.871+00:00Too Beautiful For Words<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9UZqO46xjxsTP2PTFrKCp_h7Bml3jGyWLY7shGJuBM8uXkFHs2uYFtj6OsuHRkhOF_Wnj4-SX_pucHDppofNoBnYcWuouIKqcwl_uP7GZQm_43vrJoWteHlNDlM4W66CRKwY-rlLm_ETjVWg6cpftHcQZiH7ZPappH5JcaefEDhwly3TFGf5JNs_S/s5184/IMG_0368.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9UZqO46xjxsTP2PTFrKCp_h7Bml3jGyWLY7shGJuBM8uXkFHs2uYFtj6OsuHRkhOF_Wnj4-SX_pucHDppofNoBnYcWuouIKqcwl_uP7GZQm_43vrJoWteHlNDlM4W66CRKwY-rlLm_ETjVWg6cpftHcQZiH7ZPappH5JcaefEDhwly3TFGf5JNs_S/w640-h426/IMG_0368.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"> On a frosty December morning, with temperatures struggling to get to zero, and the sun as dim as an old man's eyes, the landscape is too beautiful for words. So, I'm not going to waffle on this week, I'll let the pictures tell the story for me. Sit back and enjoy this walk, along the banks of the Derwent, from Portinscale to Keswick.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_1p13bvMBy8qQFYdE3QXh3U478zspEB8xgBz7QvwuKi7UIK33v3qfsNkD-MSg1syqvvMYAv4kpPsZBp4pYWfDt2FX6ASHTZ-5AtxSmWGR0i7NF69rPtkZ2BJ9gyC0nN2dCBp1rhkN7IwXZuN1dlD_O9lWSPlnHBbPHJwGuihs0HfUO8wkQespxGv/s1600/DSCN1496.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_1p13bvMBy8qQFYdE3QXh3U478zspEB8xgBz7QvwuKi7UIK33v3qfsNkD-MSg1syqvvMYAv4kpPsZBp4pYWfDt2FX6ASHTZ-5AtxSmWGR0i7NF69rPtkZ2BJ9gyC0nN2dCBp1rhkN7IwXZuN1dlD_O9lWSPlnHBbPHJwGuihs0HfUO8wkQespxGv/w640-h480/DSCN1496.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYfmRZxZ8xAl08SeU6jY-1KX5e32WOMk0dlh_GmMef5Yef0SoVQeKtuwruccXpBFyRC_dvyMcde5MedHUQC9MAC4qh4gsDDfaLTlqtCN5ARJyHjCvNt1z4UwX0tuNJLkFZxrBXCH66r8xAxoihUB8mytR13di-_47uspm2W40YWdwixZ65rvEcUDBr/s1533/DSCN1499.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="966" data-original-width="1533" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYfmRZxZ8xAl08SeU6jY-1KX5e32WOMk0dlh_GmMef5Yef0SoVQeKtuwruccXpBFyRC_dvyMcde5MedHUQC9MAC4qh4gsDDfaLTlqtCN5ARJyHjCvNt1z4UwX0tuNJLkFZxrBXCH66r8xAxoihUB8mytR13di-_47uspm2W40YWdwixZ65rvEcUDBr/w640-h404/DSCN1499.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6y48K2DRQp_wfg8g4pUb_NSPUJmpSau8sV5LYhfgQXkiBV1W13I9UPsRfUqDGTmYIu56AL0OqZRxiA44daRh8MhyzI433nH-8gwFT1VssoqL-Vlbc-Ei5sKEtGAOAq8cglpWMxA8CKuqEEukMP6zN8Eji0vh5qqPCC6VIUXW7tq1dr6PcGDY6R6OK/s1039/DSCN1500.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="1039" height="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6y48K2DRQp_wfg8g4pUb_NSPUJmpSau8sV5LYhfgQXkiBV1W13I9UPsRfUqDGTmYIu56AL0OqZRxiA44daRh8MhyzI433nH-8gwFT1VssoqL-Vlbc-Ei5sKEtGAOAq8cglpWMxA8CKuqEEukMP6zN8Eji0vh5qqPCC6VIUXW7tq1dr6PcGDY6R6OK/w640-h576/DSCN1500.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFZSF_Pdj3IbFkMMzLUCcIJm4va16e1bOlzXu88CE8ObL4m4D9KT49fYrE8gX-Wb8jT93TQlPWJFbMRlp3wIexbIIz3FJpmFjzDhFAMxOGjtaIQN2gcmhWfqAF0SpjxSUfjMoZgaxfyVoxj-80w9wfbw9dQ55-9P4MyKfJe_9nuGHHXktsyY-k5fk/s1535/DSCN1503.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="976" data-original-width="1535" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFZSF_Pdj3IbFkMMzLUCcIJm4va16e1bOlzXu88CE8ObL4m4D9KT49fYrE8gX-Wb8jT93TQlPWJFbMRlp3wIexbIIz3FJpmFjzDhFAMxOGjtaIQN2gcmhWfqAF0SpjxSUfjMoZgaxfyVoxj-80w9wfbw9dQ55-9P4MyKfJe_9nuGHHXktsyY-k5fk/w640-h406/DSCN1503.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM27z187aQWu9V6HjkdZ9pnJChvYpvW-VIjwCP6B8lyeOxJqued4EWoYN6dISS-sAe9lTbIXr_BqR5JO9gB30drodRWls6EdqmomAKlq7P9B27WR9qmxlGUCOUo1qUM6zTVCZCe4bpRyS292sunyFe3hr_9Zkc8q87_cn0rj7k0N_OIWNyaIoyD-CY/s2630/IMG_0348.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWX7Fo-Y5pKzKLoUUsjRXJrrdMwIIapPTmAnqYedFHuVfRb-14Eh0iK5Sqmua-AwqxObljniVPAMPCQhP86L7JDpStog3ZUeXVs9aQqlSnBt2ZyX2A5GY078xZCEkfNXWvQ6E9SCr4e_y6SIZnTmsVNow8mhyytuKYB8gIRmZo2MuAZppsmBOdYn50/w640-h426/IMG_0370.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwzN-MrltvZbNPvzGbPkMO16Hw_siLH7jS89zqaKYA2vAklpxMPilwgj9RUHrdVn89pBQMNfUO1cAPhi5eoWbHCYBhC2uWIXJPV7mrPDbBMbLO3R_UZCxQjx4OVIIiFMr5qaVE_MGIcWveHd8IctiO89xISouHqKHS5Cy0vhc6gVafPIepEctgWqx/s5184/IMG_0346.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwzN-MrltvZbNPvzGbPkMO16Hw_siLH7jS89zqaKYA2vAklpxMPilwgj9RUHrdVn89pBQMNfUO1cAPhi5eoWbHCYBhC2uWIXJPV7mrPDbBMbLO3R_UZCxQjx4OVIIiFMr5qaVE_MGIcWveHd8IctiO89xISouHqKHS5Cy0vhc6gVafPIepEctgWqx/w640-h426/IMG_0346.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9G5FC2UavcnFfIjVHO43yvdGns1tvvQF7tDud2M-aYxBZHcdb3ZPRNsmC8fTQBFp2Lj8yCiIe6CSZT3oE5PrGZTMpkt9k4N6SutgnOd3H2RxhFsVI_69DAGfIhEOnjgkeNb2MJH7niqb0M-TmPZi1uQsCB_kd-ZiiEkn5yvr46V6SPdaXWod1M7Qi/s5184/IMG_0365.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9G5FC2UavcnFfIjVHO43yvdGns1tvvQF7tDud2M-aYxBZHcdb3ZPRNsmC8fTQBFp2Lj8yCiIe6CSZT3oE5PrGZTMpkt9k4N6SutgnOd3H2RxhFsVI_69DAGfIhEOnjgkeNb2MJH7niqb0M-TmPZi1uQsCB_kd-ZiiEkn5yvr46V6SPdaXWod1M7Qi/w640-h426/IMG_0365.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">It's the Winter Solstice next week, heralding the joys of Yuletide. However you are celebrating winter, we wish you a happy one. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Steve, Ishbel, and Mattie</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">And if you're still searching for Christmas present ideas:</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLC2HIgXDnlcKSqF_oDvZV5n2hiDtcGKiVDQC2tUeT1MhXsC9hqHgac8Dnrb3exwosRJKWiGgIT-rE0NH-GfebdUDAU3w-hF7MhiPt8ZC6-wz8HcgTDqRaI6JWUq1qSe-0HmASoifWO42uNXMjtDaKnlmU974uFlCE_cxu6k7FWXWDvmoy4x_7a7c/s613/svc.PNG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="613" data-original-width="545" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLC2HIgXDnlcKSqF_oDvZV5n2hiDtcGKiVDQC2tUeT1MhXsC9hqHgac8Dnrb3exwosRJKWiGgIT-rE0NH-GfebdUDAU3w-hF7MhiPt8ZC6-wz8HcgTDqRaI6JWUq1qSe-0HmASoifWO42uNXMjtDaKnlmU974uFlCE_cxu6k7FWXWDvmoy4x_7a7c/s320/svc.PNG" width="285" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Visit Steve's Vintage Collectables at</b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SVCwithEtsy">SVCwithEtsy</a></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8vK-c1KhPmK_e7cRKxiQGRJwYRhNK7TqtrNNUHadvPmUrlrVPaCXq-lwF4-lONuMkqDutJTHRE3tBQiEwFYRbPsItgKGuqPQLYRBVPluoV-doA9QKv3chVHkmcPYtKdFAjWFoj0wxFfIG9MRn6d3QA7-1GxFjIq95VjbjUa4kNg90bbvR60erzdr/s1456/books.PNG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="421" data-original-width="1456" height="93" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8vK-c1KhPmK_e7cRKxiQGRJwYRhNK7TqtrNNUHadvPmUrlrVPaCXq-lwF4-lONuMkqDutJTHRE3tBQiEwFYRbPsItgKGuqPQLYRBVPluoV-doA9QKv3chVHkmcPYtKdFAjWFoj0wxFfIG9MRn6d3QA7-1GxFjIq95VjbjUa4kNg90bbvR60erzdr/s320/books.PNG" width="320" /></a></b></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B081Z8FNK5/allbooks">Steve's Books</a> on Amazon<br /></b></span><p></p>Steve Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16774073264427111237noreply@blogger.com0Portinscale, Keswick CA12, UK54.6017209 -3.1594826.291487063821151 -38.31573 82.911954736178842 31.99677tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339903940778370384.post-15031522977412959972022-12-07T09:59:00.009+00:002022-12-07T10:06:16.984+00:00Between the Lakes<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjat5XQHwaP-vz980xPsbjLpvMOOKKZ9j7U47pOmIg89n4fH8nyinKZ6Pm9XF3S3GQOx4oGsyDIqWB1SRv0G7L-g0fE9Z9DnvSNBYwPUtVUdxKdWEGpQ17CiTyDisCf0GP1IVDwkS97XVcSfC4Q0dykZyrnc1dRtiio8ly_2RkRYuFs1x00DzYLobSZ/s1538/1%20Skiddaw.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="981" data-original-width="1538" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjat5XQHwaP-vz980xPsbjLpvMOOKKZ9j7U47pOmIg89n4fH8nyinKZ6Pm9XF3S3GQOx4oGsyDIqWB1SRv0G7L-g0fE9Z9DnvSNBYwPUtVUdxKdWEGpQ17CiTyDisCf0GP1IVDwkS97XVcSfC4Q0dykZyrnc1dRtiio8ly_2RkRYuFs1x00DzYLobSZ/w640-h408/1%20Skiddaw.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Just
to the north of Keswick, beyond the dual carriageway of the A66, lies
a remnant of the old coach road from Penrith to Cockermouth. This is
where we begin our journey, exploring the area between Derwent Water
and Bassenthwaite Lake. It's a bit damp today, and Skiddaw is wearing
the clouds like a feather boa, but it's not raining. If you're
wondering what that expanse of brown is, in the middle distance, it's
an osier plantation. But we'll come to that later... unfortunately.</span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMNn0Un8ZK5K6MY4lKXrixUZqTZrTYPBxXawj5N5yZxq8r33iIZSw9roYCV0mIB0lY-TG1lBEBwmSkudxxwna99F9zShYjGo0YjHEc4_6Lw4sD5Et82v2L_9pN2Vj--PaBFAJVTiUcaKRuwWRGd54MNzB5Tt7CqaJdLc3vAU_vyu8eiLhu_twjbDkP/s1540/2%20River%20Derwent.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1292" data-original-width="1540" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMNn0Un8ZK5K6MY4lKXrixUZqTZrTYPBxXawj5N5yZxq8r33iIZSw9roYCV0mIB0lY-TG1lBEBwmSkudxxwna99F9zShYjGo0YjHEc4_6Lw4sD5Et82v2L_9pN2Vj--PaBFAJVTiUcaKRuwWRGd54MNzB5Tt7CqaJdLc3vAU_vyu8eiLhu_twjbDkP/w640-h536/2%20River%20Derwent.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">The
old coach road crosses Pow Beck, one of many becks that feed
Bassenthwaite Lake, along with the river Derwent, which flows in from
Derwent Water. Next to this, there used to be a very good campsite,
so Ishbel tells me (she, being a repository of all knowledge on
Cumbrian campsites). Sadly, it has now been abandoned, and is
overgrown with seeding dock. A lonely apple tree sits in the centre,
and on a pile of wood chippings, what look to be Common Funnel
mushrooms have found the perfect home.</span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCuAzQpKVDOfM9gev51wXda8YfPbOuwAob_1qofsAZ4dISH0RSIrVUyAaTa7ef1Z0v-YLLGcgjs_uE6hO3LcIp9uYgblu384T_liAHK4Fhv67SQQDsG1-zs0nDiWExzSle-C-4dcC6fVni4Z_DjJbSZLjFeBbmLxVMDkfp8ZcAyJFvN2tHDbmEx4W/s2764/3%20Game.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2199" data-original-width="2764" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCuAzQpKVDOfM9gev51wXda8YfPbOuwAob_1qofsAZ4dISH0RSIrVUyAaTa7ef1Z0v-YLLGcgjs_uE6hO3LcIp9uYgblu384T_liAHK4Fhv67SQQDsG1-zs0nDiWExzSle-C-4dcC6fVni4Z_DjJbSZLjFeBbmLxVMDkfp8ZcAyJFvN2tHDbmEx4W/w640-h510/3%20Game.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Heading
up a little lane, the sheep grazed fields to our left provide
perfect conditions for rabblts, whilst the long, tussocky grass to
our right is the preferred feeding grounds for pheasants. I have
recently acquired a six volume set of Cassells Natural History,
published in 1881, and it has this to say on the feeding habits of
the common pheasant:</span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">[the
pheasant] seeks its food, which consists of grain, seeds, green
shoots, and insects, among hedge-bottoms and thickets with long grass
and tolerably dense undergrowth; it also affects damp ground and
osier beds.</span></i></p>
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtqxXHr12CkNcMl7o9lGWEKZAVvpfYl-FMFBG71kNmSa7meRZtABNb0MC6kk33qQ6MbhujefsbelrPsI72gWbj6wkpHbu6Nlc0u8PGmPlYaRsviMgKkG1sRdhn01510XcKhTyZfUQohJZCL8qEJF9nOPdFD4O_qL6mQ-5CNsG8fozb_DQlZKhh_WUD/s5184/4%20Osier.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtqxXHr12CkNcMl7o9lGWEKZAVvpfYl-FMFBG71kNmSa7meRZtABNb0MC6kk33qQ6MbhujefsbelrPsI72gWbj6wkpHbu6Nlc0u8PGmPlYaRsviMgKkG1sRdhn01510XcKhTyZfUQohJZCL8qEJF9nOPdFD4O_qL6mQ-5CNsG8fozb_DQlZKhh_WUD/w640-h426/4%20Osier.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">Note the words 'damp ground' and
'osier beds'. The footpath leads us into both. They don't shy away
from saying what they mean up here in Cumbria. If your house nestles
on the edge of a bog, you call it Bog House (and for those of you
who's first language is not English, this is also a euphamism for the
lavatory). We emerged from the osier bed with sea boots and a
two-toned dog.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQ8sNFmNaT31QeAeslilEl6aIZI0mvGB_9CNXCz3aGnTZS23sYxxNvbaY2aV36AB8z8TGhAlk3WwoCAWYXtLb9CvMyBMBnfiKStV76d8cnaPRJ2wFH2VjP_HTEfJoPcr3BXO-l804aU4la7rb9v-wURz3YHaLO6lZLbJVzQdlNAY-2p_I08NtL5hk/s5184/5%20birch%20polypore%20and%20winter%20midge.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQ8sNFmNaT31QeAeslilEl6aIZI0mvGB_9CNXCz3aGnTZS23sYxxNvbaY2aV36AB8z8TGhAlk3WwoCAWYXtLb9CvMyBMBnfiKStV76d8cnaPRJ2wFH2VjP_HTEfJoPcr3BXO-l804aU4la7rb9v-wURz3YHaLO6lZLbJVzQdlNAY-2p_I08NtL5hk/w640-h426/5%20birch%20polypore%20and%20winter%20midge.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><br /></span></span><p></p>
<p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">Crossing a field, we managed to
dislodge about half of the accumulated mud, and emerged onto the old
Penrith to Cockermouth railway line. A magnificent Birch Polypore was
growing at the base of a silver birch, and nearby, in a discarded
plastic bucket, a small amount of rainwater had proved sufficient for
some Winter Midges to breed. These are Chironomids, or non-biting
midges.</span></p>
<p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGZ7vz6vgoy8QE9S3EiYgw9wQFFdBMFlC1kA0ijDx77k5NcfwESmBbWArPzYED48fbzL_6czU_5XffDJYLl3t_ZQsb8Jb8PsFjXmekHrgaJS-Ochq4_b9HHx9EbcBuaPU5r7kAwvxcQJudWISWMoPXQUOLysEi7Z_8wWYM_2pRUbvR0tVhUChjxr7/s2345/scooge.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1584" data-original-width="2345" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGZ7vz6vgoy8QE9S3EiYgw9wQFFdBMFlC1kA0ijDx77k5NcfwESmBbWArPzYED48fbzL_6czU_5XffDJYLl3t_ZQsb8Jb8PsFjXmekHrgaJS-Ochq4_b9HHx9EbcBuaPU5r7kAwvxcQJudWISWMoPXQUOLysEi7Z_8wWYM_2pRUbvR0tVhUChjxr7/s320/scooge.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><br />In other news, for those of you who
are local, CADS are putting on the hilariously funny</span><p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> 'The Farndale Avenue Townswomen Guild Drama Society's production
of A Christmas Carol'</span></p>
<p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">I can say this because I'm not in
it, merely making sure you can see it by operating the lights. This
Saturday (10th) 2pm and Sunday (11<sup>th</sup>) 7pm.<a href="https://thekirkgate.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873640231" target="_blank"> Buy
your tickets here.</a></span></p>
<p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAVCQ9upy6TYiJVuOSwsC78K1jDwhtE01EdULrd91WWpZ9Uhl5er29bZsClc7aBtOT3ug68N0nIR3KY2JnML8ZJNlkYmRXmh6Rat6Wgl9vEwhZBk_-jGzhDSgvSxRAVB3iO8ujBdffqFjw9b1zKEsnGLJj5E_2AxNBbCZzABxQn1ujZC6cvHzPq_fC/s1113/Beautiful%20Books%201.PNG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="1113" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAVCQ9upy6TYiJVuOSwsC78K1jDwhtE01EdULrd91WWpZ9Uhl5er29bZsClc7aBtOT3ug68N0nIR3KY2JnML8ZJNlkYmRXmh6Rat6Wgl9vEwhZBk_-jGzhDSgvSxRAVB3iO8ujBdffqFjw9b1zKEsnGLJj5E_2AxNBbCZzABxQn1ujZC6cvHzPq_fC/s320/Beautiful%20Books%201.PNG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><br />The reason that <span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I
have recently acquired a six volume set of Cassells Natural History,
published in 1881, is because I have opened up an antiquarian book
department in my online shop. A geographical theme this week, but the
Cassells will be up for sale later – if I can bear to part with it.
Pop in and take a look: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SVCwithEtsy?ref=seller-platform-mcnav&section_id=40580640">Steve's
Vintage Collectables – Beautiful Books.</a></span></span></span></span></span></span><p></p>
<p><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">And
talking of books...</span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=stevedanielsc-21&language=en_GB&l=li2&o=2&a=1694436756" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />
</span><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Quick-Guide-Creepy-Crawlies-Guides/dp/1694436756?crid=1X1U05RZ7D02E&keywords=quick+guide+to+creepy-crawlies&qid=1655714366&s=books&sprefix=%2Cstripbooks%2C127&sr=1-1&linkCode=li2&tag=stevedanielsc-21&linkId=0b9a69ba77732683dd1b9b64e216b867&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1694436756&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=GB&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=stevedanielsc-21&language=en_GB" /></span></a></td>
<td width="67%">
<p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><b>Beetles and Butterflies;
spiders and scorpions; woodlice and worms. How do you tell them
all apart? To say nothing of crane flies, dragonflies, bee flies
and yet more butterflies. Are they all flies? If not, why call
them so? If you're fascinated but confused by the beautiful world
of the very small, then this is the book for you.</b></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><b>82 pages of information on all
aspects of the world of minibeasts, with over 100 photographs and
illustrations, this book will help you track down and identify any
arthropod, in its adult or juvenile state, anywhere in the world.</b></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span><b>See
all of my books at </b></span></span><a href="http://author.to/SteveDaniels" target="_blank"><span style="color: #184c6c;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span face="Open Sans, Arial, sans-serif"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255);">author.to/SteveDaniels</span></b></span></span></span></span></span></a><span><b>
</b></span>
</span></p>
</td>
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</tbody></table>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">All the
best,</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><i>Steve
</i></span>
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/stevedanielscumbria/"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Follow
me on</b></span></span></span></span></a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/stevedanielscumbria/"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></span></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Steve's
Nature Plus</b></span></span></span></span></a></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>and
also on Twitter </b></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Steve's
Nature</span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>,
Facebook </b></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#">Steve
Daniels</a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#">Naturalists</a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">, </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>and
Instagram</b></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Steve
Daniels Cumbria</span></span></span></span></span></a></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
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</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>Steve Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16774073264427111237noreply@blogger.com2Keswick CA12, UK54.601276 -3.13470626.291042163821153 -38.290956 82.911509836178851 32.021544tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339903940778370384.post-35811140742973384222022-11-23T10:36:00.007+00:002022-11-23T10:41:02.635+00:00China Ducks and Wooden Cats<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2LCk8WsTCZ_xXd7eaXlSVqO0udKvUmIub_7ZkcxAzBILEolCltFLumg9FqhD4jUYwskrt8YuI6WkmdSAIjjCc-kXVGNYt0gFskivPppomXCSxEfUHSxtCCKPmKK9GavMW5W-ZtO78kF9kD3eOg7r433FXLN-5dTE_Bw1nEN2aqgt9ARkRNb4bLtqW/s1600/1%20Derwent.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2LCk8WsTCZ_xXd7eaXlSVqO0udKvUmIub_7ZkcxAzBILEolCltFLumg9FqhD4jUYwskrt8YuI6WkmdSAIjjCc-kXVGNYt0gFskivPppomXCSxEfUHSxtCCKPmKK9GavMW5W-ZtO78kF9kD3eOg7r433FXLN-5dTE_Bw1nEN2aqgt9ARkRNb4bLtqW/w640-h480/1%20Derwent.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Once
again, it has been great weather for ducks. The Derwent, I am pleased
to say, has been behaving itself, the goosanders are back for the
winter, the mallards are doing whatever it is that mallards do, and
Sally and Harry, the herons, pop by from time to time. Harry Jnr.
(AKA Connick) is all grown up and moved on to pastures new.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaTCxQsfAkQlIQaN89ZmSQ2U8NCuVZRFUDdxeX-h-UPTZe0xyNEK5h68dlDQ4UGw04kbB_CGftaOgCnELuCP3Ym_JHK79cpXbDzPMPVwoThoT5xwrDu5ungotcGx51KJ9xFaWsErdDSK6O-_fib7tzrA2Gywr_tWa9UPJVb1ksor9Npq0S0cFyi2rz/s995/2%20Duck.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="995" data-original-width="909" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaTCxQsfAkQlIQaN89ZmSQ2U8NCuVZRFUDdxeX-h-UPTZe0xyNEK5h68dlDQ4UGw04kbB_CGftaOgCnELuCP3Ym_JHK79cpXbDzPMPVwoThoT5xwrDu5ungotcGx51KJ9xFaWsErdDSK6O-_fib7tzrA2Gywr_tWa9UPJVb1ksor9Npq0S0cFyi2rz/w584-h640/2%20Duck.JPG" width="584" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><span><br />
</span></span><p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">In the
meantime, Ive been spending a fair bit of time at auction houses
buying stock for my on-line antiques shop, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SVCwithEtsy">Steve's
Vintage Collectables</a></span>. <span face="Arial, sans-serif">Even
there, I can't seem to get away from wildlife. Very often, I buy a
box of mixed ceramics, if there's something interesting in there. One I bought recently also included this foreign made duck teapot.
Not worth auctioning at Christie's, but I think he's absolutely
lovely.</span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><br /></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbBO4yJbNKph0GnLBBU4H15Y3qr30QZ95-Mo03Aak6uUxNSahKujy6QwPdRNcmCEEHHs2BhaYvwTfsK6J7mKLjl3rP3KLnlpKUPEnE7Ho0w7Cli3RKb8KIjjmswSDnMx_TADAy9KPBSKzPpDlBYOHMh674gKHKFCci-ecgg5YmYZSapzjlfyQ4La4g/s296/3%20wooden%20cat.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="155" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbBO4yJbNKph0GnLBBU4H15Y3qr30QZ95-Mo03Aak6uUxNSahKujy6QwPdRNcmCEEHHs2BhaYvwTfsK6J7mKLjl3rP3KLnlpKUPEnE7Ho0w7Cli3RKb8KIjjmswSDnMx_TADAy9KPBSKzPpDlBYOHMh674gKHKFCci-ecgg5YmYZSapzjlfyQ4La4g/s1600/3%20wooden%20cat.jpg" width="155" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><span><br />
</span></span><p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">At other
times, I spot something, tucked away at the back of the room, that
just tickles my fancy. Such as this ridiculous one metre tall, hand
crafted, wooden cat. He looks marvellous, peering out from behind the
foliage, next to the fireplace, at The Old Corn Mill. I suupose that
I'll have to sell the cat and the duck eventually, but I think I'll
hang on to them for a while. </span>
</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><br /></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstPcPOBnHkB7d3eNKzbEkZ_R5dkbw8uQpRMicMOfO1aTB8nKsRqVm8YmTjF9cMkp6cRKePoxUPGwGVgWBp_cm8nbhEBBag413rJR0PzVvAh6HoqCNlbkyXU8WUNf-pBK9CB1jPBj5mx_jsw_IA7mzpCmBk_iewjIbE2PqdOwi01UsnFwZTs2y_IVw/s2878/4%20Household%20Management.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1580" data-original-width="2878" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstPcPOBnHkB7d3eNKzbEkZ_R5dkbw8uQpRMicMOfO1aTB8nKsRqVm8YmTjF9cMkp6cRKePoxUPGwGVgWBp_cm8nbhEBBag413rJR0PzVvAh6HoqCNlbkyXU8WUNf-pBK9CB1jPBj5mx_jsw_IA7mzpCmBk_iewjIbE2PqdOwi01UsnFwZTs2y_IVw/w640-h352/4%20Household%20Management.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><span><br />
</span></span><p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">Meanwhile,
as I write books, I thought I'd diversify into the antiquarian book
market. I've a box of inter-war children's books to look through, which I picked up yeaterday, in Carlisle. I was also lucky enough to
get a very rare, London & Melbourne 1936 edition of Mrs Beeton's
Household Management, that turned out to be worth a lot more than I
(or the auctioneers) realised. And on the subject of books, I have
almost finished proofreading my first novel, The MONOM, (an anacronym
for The Magic of Nature of Magic). I hope to get it published before
Christmas, so if you get any Amazon vouchers in your Christmas
stocking...</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRqIaN8nzJPwY-Dy6acK1IBIhU2RQ22Z35P1QEGX7-O7uWgs4ZMjoaHvdBsn1W84l4a604KL8nTix5Vmcj5fC-nhNAnw6ruXOMEL75p9tfFwIdjAN68ivuymc4oARDw5hegKyEHUu68_j5ZwhDNExLlDPi4cNj_anEkQAlCR-BYsmX3xIjNWZ9tg3/s1600/5%20central%20lakes.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRqIaN8nzJPwY-Dy6acK1IBIhU2RQ22Z35P1QEGX7-O7uWgs4ZMjoaHvdBsn1W84l4a604KL8nTix5Vmcj5fC-nhNAnw6ruXOMEL75p9tfFwIdjAN68ivuymc4oARDw5hegKyEHUu68_j5ZwhDNExLlDPi4cNj_anEkQAlCR-BYsmX3xIjNWZ9tg3/w640-h480/5%20central%20lakes.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><span><br />
</span></span><p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">We're
off to the central lakes at the weekend, to pick up a charity
consignment for the homeless, so I'll take my camera, and let you
know what's happening on the wet wildlife front, here in soggy
Cumbria.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;">All the best,</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Steve</span></span></i></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br />
</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tNnJ4dHUEjcSrTgBdr06jz7gLIzBtmMQE8aKZn1em_eDvk0iUFOWexXe-4h5QYeZXtJnPKfQbv1rCMtr1i8FNzbje-URSp3uLjuf6PJhXVs5q_0N7jihqlflo68gNpSKHO_V7UX-cZPlNoHdZWO8zBNiRkeoj63mAd-DGkrhjTzIkTkEiCGqmXdi/s851/Logo%20851x351.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="351" data-original-width="851" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tNnJ4dHUEjcSrTgBdr06jz7gLIzBtmMQE8aKZn1em_eDvk0iUFOWexXe-4h5QYeZXtJnPKfQbv1rCMtr1i8FNzbje-URSp3uLjuf6PJhXVs5q_0N7jihqlflo68gNpSKHO_V7UX-cZPlNoHdZWO8zBNiRkeoj63mAd-DGkrhjTzIkTkEiCGqmXdi/s320/Logo%20851x351.png" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">P.S.
In common with the rest of the world, I'm running a sale at the
moment, in conjunction with Etsy's Cyber Week, so if you're
interested in investing in antiques (a better bet than banks and
building societies at the moment), or just looking for some Christmas
gift ideas, come in and have a browse... <span face="Arial, sans-serif">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SVCwithEtsy">Steve's Vintage
Collectables.</a></span></span></span><p></p>
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<p align="LEFT" style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8339903940778370384/619015670175142471#"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Steve
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</p>Steve Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16774073264427111237noreply@blogger.com1Cockermouth CA13, UK54.663261 -3.36798526.353027163821153 -38.524235 82.973494836178844 31.788265tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339903940778370384.post-6190156701751424712022-11-16T10:51:00.001+00:002022-11-16T10:51:35.359+00:00Much-Birding-in-the-Marsh<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CEG5XtJfIyKZ3yt203vuM7AUfFy7o9pzI1JCmw4iC_jpOnSBJe7PHZLLeoYsqxaiY1Lx4JJ25aggK8C0qy1sb_bUCaHzMiIjj6dFD_GDMXttiZf9hoNpxw_12UUpwjhwF8tOc0aOyrhpnZwczsOjmqIY1FisImsl2hPdI-bObEiD_N7BNg7t6Hcz/s6848/1%20Distant%20Widgeon.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="6848" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CEG5XtJfIyKZ3yt203vuM7AUfFy7o9pzI1JCmw4iC_jpOnSBJe7PHZLLeoYsqxaiY1Lx4JJ25aggK8C0qy1sb_bUCaHzMiIjj6dFD_GDMXttiZf9hoNpxw_12UUpwjhwF8tOc0aOyrhpnZwczsOjmqIY1FisImsl2hPdI-bObEiD_N7BNg7t6Hcz/w640-h432/1%20Distant%20Widgeon.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">When
the wind is howling, fit to blow you off your feet, going out for a
walk can be a bit daunting, even for the most enthusiastic of
naturalists. Much better to pack a thermos of hot soup and head for
one of your local bird hides. </span></span></span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="CENTER" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 0);">[Tip:
search 'bird hides near me' in Google Maps]</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">Which
is where I'm taking you today. Campbell Marsh RSPB reserve, to be
precise. Up on the Solway Firth. The first hide is open, facing the
wind, and you can hardly prise the door open. Nothing much going on at
the second, but third time lucky. We're out of the wind, and there are
birds to be seen. A large flock of Widgeon, albeit a distant flock.
However, we do have a Little Egret pottering about down here, and
he's just been joined by a Grey Heron. Little Egrets are on the
rebound in Britain. They used to be plentiful (in 1465, a banquet for
the new Archbishop of York reputedly included a thousand of them).
They were then slaughtered in their millions in Victorrian times, to
provide feathers for women's hats, which is one of the main reasons
that the RSPB came into being, and finally, they got fed up and moved south
to mainland Europe. They were virtually extinct in the UK by the
1950s.</span></span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb67A3e7vONXt3s5LlwBdm6xvjn0_wdmCTAy8ZZbdZoAPaXUZ_fdwooGRxlfR_9YQqH5QAHC67P67xoJ0ak8slNj2mdU1hU4RY1PvPnRBIgc1PTOi4Xzvm_A8PQcLGpNhNFeHML4gRIG4goMp-XIwV8K-Iay3EPClw5g8CoZVVJw7_Dbd2KAu1OwwZ/s1540/2%20Orbweaver.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="983" data-original-width="1540" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb67A3e7vONXt3s5LlwBdm6xvjn0_wdmCTAy8ZZbdZoAPaXUZ_fdwooGRxlfR_9YQqH5QAHC67P67xoJ0ak8slNj2mdU1hU4RY1PvPnRBIgc1PTOi4Xzvm_A8PQcLGpNhNFeHML4gRIG4goMp-XIwV8K-Iay3EPClw5g8CoZVVJw7_Dbd2KAu1OwwZ/w640-h408/2%20Orbweaver.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">Apart
from the heron and the egret, there doesn't seem to be much happening
outside at the moment. Meanwhile, I suggest we take a tip from that
Orb Weaver spider up there, happily devouring some species of fly,
and break open the soup.</span></span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVqRj-Va-tQZzGmGC2zII3QyM90zerwOIV82FfgXf8dZyZgoh9yGX26eKrZplUdzYplHT9o75_9WdB2kbTYWymWOlWZHO8vu4qIj07WVbCo-5MI-Ul9yFtjM3Sa630MRKh3PVgATEXi8bMTOqJvLdAygFTsTggQwkCVZGizeC_ZLbjss8uPV4h78n/s5184/3%20Barnacle%20Geese.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVqRj-Va-tQZzGmGC2zII3QyM90zerwOIV82FfgXf8dZyZgoh9yGX26eKrZplUdzYplHT9o75_9WdB2kbTYWymWOlWZHO8vu4qIj07WVbCo-5MI-Ul9yFtjM3Sa630MRKh3PVgATEXi8bMTOqJvLdAygFTsTggQwkCVZGizeC_ZLbjss8uPV4h78n/w640-h426/3%20Barnacle%20Geese.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">Lights,
camera, action. A flock of Barnacle Geese are just honking in. Back
in the 12<sup>th</sup> century, it was thought that these birds
hatched from the Goose Barnacle, hence their common English name. In
Ireland, the myth persisted until fairly recently, and they could be
eaten during Lent, as they were considered to be fish, and not
poultry. I have a sneaking feeling that this was just a work-around!</span></span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpxqGc9dWVx_D6UNQBUwJIKqG-A0lQyNEooZfWywKTpqwNOQywmIwCz2Zq1CLHd_7hPYtMXPrLY7kOnZG3T_-CRUzn-5W8N_VCrIqnjr8PofyyJcXq92lacq3fi5Rqk-VSHEPBPOqUrWFl6RIf05oz8U8_ztNbnWj-o0fzf-gdgmd2OE-VQVYd-Ao/s2058/4%20Whooper%20Swans.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1548" data-original-width="2058" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpxqGc9dWVx_D6UNQBUwJIKqG-A0lQyNEooZfWywKTpqwNOQywmIwCz2Zq1CLHd_7hPYtMXPrLY7kOnZG3T_-CRUzn-5W8N_VCrIqnjr8PofyyJcXq92lacq3fi5Rqk-VSHEPBPOqUrWFl6RIf05oz8U8_ztNbnWj-o0fzf-gdgmd2OE-VQVYd-Ao/w640-h482/4%20Whooper%20Swans.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">It's
all happening now. A trio of Whooper Swans have just arrived. These
are larger than the similar looking Bewick Swan, and have more yellow
on their beaks. They overwinter here, having bred in subarctic
Eurosiberia. When they prepare to migrate, they have a sort of head
bobbing competition. The bobbiest bird gets to lead the migration.
Swan democracy!</span></span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUF2-F-0rGBQMmtm7iwrtHWLPFJngL4XLWZkxROCf-hK1cTOtMfcjr-97MD6Ws86nnijzAd9owamLOtvFnJ690YpDCt53yqUawrQtRebxKQu06LoIn1ygjUr6PVFlD8Rmf_nkebYTHYB0_AK8qyiTHVkufZ5aoJ-jZgBe0Sm0R-9JmM2RqEElJoIBb/s794/5%20Egret%20Ballet.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="794" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUF2-F-0rGBQMmtm7iwrtHWLPFJngL4XLWZkxROCf-hK1cTOtMfcjr-97MD6Ws86nnijzAd9owamLOtvFnJ690YpDCt53yqUawrQtRebxKQu06LoIn1ygjUr6PVFlD8Rmf_nkebYTHYB0_AK8qyiTHVkufZ5aoJ-jZgBe0Sm0R-9JmM2RqEElJoIBb/w640-h210/5%20Egret%20Ballet.PNG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">And
another Little Egret has just arrived, much to the chagrin of the
initial Egret, who was first upon the scene. At least, this looks to be
more of an aerial argument, rather than a courtship display. But who
knows? This November has been the warmest on record, so maybe they
think it's Spring. A wonderful display, though, whatever the
motivation.</span></span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiO5j7GqfY8MFo7FLgoXqNOIxbhgPzJUxdCB0UjqSLwqpmcFVQfRAbMclXc3r9jSW254h6hT8ES7ESJSW4R9TRkk2-qk2xW4xA8Frrbq2KCOaTfpleywtlx6JlRGaUxsEN-QHbkjGl2LQEbMbXtKSTXTPRuP_Zg1zhtZ3Odze3latYGLUOoO9tI4-g/s4096/5%20Marsh%20Harrier.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2664" data-original-width="4096" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiO5j7GqfY8MFo7FLgoXqNOIxbhgPzJUxdCB0UjqSLwqpmcFVQfRAbMclXc3r9jSW254h6hT8ES7ESJSW4R9TRkk2-qk2xW4xA8Frrbq2KCOaTfpleywtlx6JlRGaUxsEN-QHbkjGl2LQEbMbXtKSTXTPRuP_Zg1zhtZ3Odze3latYGLUOoO9tI4-g/w640-h416/5%20Marsh%20Harrier.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Oh,
this is really the icing on the cake. A pair of Marsh Harriers. The
lighter colured male is highly distinctive, whereas the darker female
is a little harder to recognise. To add to the confusion, the dark
one could be a juvenile. The young of both sexes look very similar to
the adult female. These are wetland specialists, feeding </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">on
small mammals, small birds, insects, reptiles, and frogs. They are
ground nesting, typically in reed beds. Nearly extinct in the UK by
the early 20</span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><sup><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">th</span></span></span></span></sup></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
century, due to persecution, habitat destruction, and pesticide
poisoning, they have come back strongly, and are rated as 'of least
concern' by the IUCN.</span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">So,
from a slow start, it has turned into quite an exciting morning. Oh,
and if the title of this post rings a bell, then you must be even
older than me. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Much-Binding-in-the-Marsh
was a BBC radio comedy show from the 1940s and 50s. And, talking of
things from the past, following on from Steve's History of Things, I
have just launched a new magazine which you can find on <a href="https://stevesnatureplus541301924.wordpress.com/steves-vintage-collectables-magazine/">Steve's
Nature Plus</a>. </span></span></span></span></span></span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">All
the best,</span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Steve</span></span></i></span></span></span></p>
<p><br /><br />
</p>
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=stevedanielsc-21&language=en_GB&l=li2&o=2&a=1694436756" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
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<p><br /></p>
<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Quick-Guide-Creepy-Crawlies-Guides/dp/1694436756?crid=1X1U05RZ7D02E&keywords=quick+guide+to+creepy-crawlies&qid=1655714366&s=books&sprefix=%2Cstripbooks%2C127&sr=1-1&linkCode=li2&tag=stevedanielsc-21&linkId=0b9a69ba77732683dd1b9b64e216b867&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1694436756&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=GB&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=stevedanielsc-21&language=en_GB" /></a></td>
<td width="67%">
<p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><b>Beetles and Butterflies;
spiders and scorpions; woodlice and worms. How do you tell them
all apart? To say nothing of crane flies, dragonflies, bee flies
and yet more butterflies. Are they all flies? If not, why call
them so? If you're fascinated but confused by the beautiful world
of the very small, then this is the book for you.</b></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><b>82 pages of information on all
aspects of the world of minibeasts, with over 100 photographs and
illustrations, this book will help you track down and identify any
arthropod, in its adult or juvenile state, anywhere in the world.</b></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>See
all of my books at </b></span></span><a href="http://author.to/SteveDaniels" target="_blank"><span style="color: #184c6c;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span face="Open Sans, Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255);">author.to/SteveDaniels</span></b></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b>
</b></span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Follow me on</b> <a href="https://stevesnatureplus541301924.wordpress.com/"><b>Steve's
Nature Plus</b></a></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>and also on Twitter </b><a href="https://twitter.com/StevesNature">Steve's Nature</a><b>, Facebook </b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/steve.daniels.167/">Steve Daniels</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/435712489794776">Naturalists</a>,<b> and Instagram</b></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/435712489794776">
</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/stevedanielscumbria/"> Steve
Daniels Cumbria</a></p>
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</p>Steve Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16774073264427111237noreply@blogger.com0Solway Firth, United Kingdom54.750000000000007 -3.66666726.439766163821162 -38.822917 83.060233836178853 31.489583