The Hills Are Alive...

A visit to Mayrhofen, Austria last week was a breath of fresh air in more ways than one. The area is simply beautiful and the views are stunning. It was so refreshing to go to a place with no litter, no vandalism and no graffiti! Our first day there we visited the Hintertux Glacier and after essential refreshment, walked down from the bottom cable car station back to the village. It was magical, as we walked down through the pastures, listening to the tinkling bells round the necks of the grazing cows.

On Thursday we had heavy overnight rains and the streams and rivers were in full force. There are some magnificent waterfalls all around these mountains. Above 1500 meters the rain turned to snow, with a covering of approx 150mm. It transformed the views all around, with many of the local peaks in excess of 3000 meters. A fantastic place, with friendly locals, good food and nature at it's best!

A Most Beautiful Place

We took a (LONG!) trip to Wastwater, in the Lakes last weekend. Despite the 200 mile round trip, this place is stunning! Not surprised it won ITV's "Britain's Favourite View"! Due to the length of the journey, we only managed an hours walk. Next time it will be a stopover somewhere on route.

We decided to take the "scenic" route on the way there, going via Windermere and the Langdales. This is an amazing route through, eventually taking us across Hardknott Pass. This isn't a journey for the faint hearted, as the road climbs a 30% gradient and switchbacks all over the place, but it is most definitely worth it. The views are stunning!

Is this a local or a tourist?

I have seen information that the Egrets were now appearing in South Wales, but this one was in Angelsey! I think it is a Little Egret, but having never seen one before, I can't be certain. It was much smaller than the Grey Heron that arrived a few minutes later and chased it off!

We were in Llandudno again last weekend and whilst enjoying a well earned pint outside the King's Head (a wonderful pub!) noticed these goats on the side of the Great Orme. I don't know if these are owned or feral, but it was wonderful to see.

Different Kite, Same Fan...

On Saturday we visited the Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary. It is situated at the back of a Garden Center, so there is something for everyone! They put on some amazing flying displays. My favorite one on the day was with two Black Kites (above) and a Turkey Vulture. The Kites aerial agility is spectacular at such close quarters and the Turkey Vulture provides the interest to stop the Kites form flying away.

This owl (forgive me not remembering the type!) went into the most amazing display as the Turkey Vulture was taken past his cage. His wings were raised and he was swaying from foot to foot as a warning threat to the Vulture.

One of my favorite birds is the Barn Owl. After spending two memorable evenings last year watching one of these hunting, it was great to get the chance to see one really close up. They are such beautiful birds!

A Visit to Hollywood...

This weekend we visited the Wray Scarecrow Festival, in the Lune Valley, North Lancashire. It is a fascinating adoption of a traditional event. For a brief history watch this video. The festival has a yearly theme, this years was based on films. One of my favourites was the Birds. Some of the exhibits were very professionally done, including the Wizard of Oz characters below.

There is a great sense of humor underlying the whole event, with so many puns on the village name. Well worth a visit if you're looking for something different on a Bank Holiday Monday!

A Walk on the Wild Side...

Yesterday we visited the South Lakes Wild Animal Park at Dalton. What an amazing experience it was! The park is dedicated to animal conservation and is involved in breeding programmes for several severely threatened species. The pictures above and below this text feature Sumatran Tigers. These are estimated to be down to only 400 animals remaining in the wild! The feeding time for these magnificent animals is one of those things that just has to be seen. Watching as they leap up a 20ft pole to seize their meal really brings home the power of these beautiful cats.

The problems of keeping kids amused! This Siamang was definitely not in the mood to indulge this youngster.

Now you see it...

On Saturday we attended a craft fair in the grounds of Belvoir Castle . The first thing I saw as we entered was a Peregrine Falcon swooping across the path. There was a superb falconry demonstration, featuring Harris Hawks, Saker Falcons, Eagle Owls and of course the Peregrine. This for me was the highlight. To watch this bird in such close proximity was such a joy. The speed and stealth of this bird as it came at the lure, literally skimming the heads of those of us watching has to be seen to be believed! The picture below shows one of the Harris Hawks in flight.

It's Summer......Time!

Taking advantage of the great weather and walking in the area around White Coppice. This is one of my favorite places, where the West Pennine Moors start. This is a water collection area and feeds into the reservoirs supplying drinking water to Liverpool and the surrounding areas.

Beautiful Wales

No updates for a while, as I have been working down in Llandudno since early January and only home at the weekends. Llandudno and it's surrounding areas are truely breathtaking. The coastline is rugged and beautiful. The sunset above was captured from the beach near Conwy, looking towards Anglesey and Puffin Island.


This is a view back towards Conwy, taken from the coastal path. Shame we didn't have enough time to look around the castle, but now we'll have to go back again!


This picture was taken from the West Shore at Llandudno, looking back towards Conwy, on a day when it was difficult to stand still enough to take a picture due to the howling winds.

Back To My Roots...

After 12 years living in the south I've once again moved back up to Lancashire. I've had 12 great years down south, made some great friends and had a superb time. I'd personally like to thank the Sandeman family for their friendship over the last 12 months. You were a great comfort in a difficult time for me.

I hope you've all had a good Christmas and would like to wish you all a very happy 2007!