The buckers

Heard about this boy on the radio the other day. I think he is amazingly brave, you can read about him on the following link -

http://www.justgiving.com/thebuckers

Autumn walk around Standish

What with weather, telephone and central heating problems lately I haven't had the heart, time or inclination to get out taking photos but yesterday I did make the effort and took my 4 legged friend with me around Standish.

We started off towards Ashfield Park, the paths here are lovely more so because of the absence of the dreaded road signs. It was lovely to aim the camera and not have to worry about a 'no entry' or 'men at work' sign! Although it was cold it was bright and it wasn't raining for a change.

As it was during the day there were no children around just other fellow dog walkers. To the right of this path are the football pitches for the local junior teams.

Then no sooner had I come out onto Wigan Lane I turned off down Lurdin Lane so peace again and no traffic.

But - out onto Chorley Rd and straight away into road works, not one workman around just plenty of holes in the road!

Aha is this one of the illusive workmen, no it appears not they have just been resurfacing another part of the road and they are packing up now.

Then on up Rectory Lane again more falling leaves but sadly the light is going and I still have at least another mile to go.

Under the railway bridge.

Looking to my left towards the golf course -

Past the Owls at Standish.

Onto the golf course and I suddenly find myself up to my knees in mud (Tom will know how that feels!) but it's too late to turn back so on we go.

The last tree on the golf course just near to the exit by Cranleigh. Home at last and time for a quick wash down for Poppy in the kitchen sink before her mother sees her!! Please remind me never to go across the golf course again except in the middle of a drought!

Autumn

Fly Agaric - and I didn't even have to go hunting for it, it was on the green at Newburgh when I returned to my favourite place for Autumn photos.

A bit too early - there weren't many leaves on the ground but Anya wanted to see it and this was the one free morning. The light wasn't good either perhaps I will be able to return in a few weeks time.

The last time I took this photo it was suggested that I try to get the cross to hide the gable end of the row of houses, well I think I managed that. It was also said that I should get the whole of the seat on the left in the picture, unfortunately immediately behind the seats is a litter bin so I had to be careful not to include that.

Our Lady and All Saints Parbold.

I thought this would be a lovely church to photograph but unfortunately on the day I arrive so do the workmen with their high visibility jackets and huge diggers!

Catholic Church of St Joseph Wrightington

South Lakes, part 2

Three people who didn't seem at all affected by the cold in fact they seemed to thrive on it.

Open wide - you are at the dentist

I have hopefully sneaked this tiny one in without it being noticed!

South Lakes Wild Animal Park

Last week I spent a lovely day at South Lakes Wild Animal Park with Anya and the boys. It was really cold and the light was not good for photographs but - here are the best of a bad bunch!

It must have been 'wash and blow dry' time for the giraffes.

The lemurs made the most of the few minutes of sunshine.

Yum yum!

P p p p p pick up a penguin

Aerobics for penguins

Gosh where did all these giants appear from?

Aha think we've found a way out

The lions and tigers had to climb a 6m pole to get to their food which sadly was a dead chicken skewered onto the pole by wardens climbing up a ladder - it took them 5 minutes to do that and the lions 5seconds to get the food down.

The light was in the wrong place (well that's my excuse) and it was impossible to get a photo without netting in the background.

These chaps were huddled together as if trying to keep the young warm. I wished I could have borrowed their coats for the day!