Snail on the Trail

It was a very educational walk that we were on. At the start we had learnt all about the use of heather as a very weatherproof roofing material, on top of that reconstructed farm worker's cottage from the last century. Now we got to appreciate what a fine bedding material it makes.

Traditionally rocks are good places to rest, as they get you off the damp ground and give you an elevated view. However, they are normally a bit hard. Not so when they have a really thick hat of heather on the top, such as this one.

As we climbed on top for a rest, the heather was so thick and springy that we sank right into it, which is why you'll have to look hard to see us in our next picture.

The heather bed was so warm and comfortable that it was hard to stay awake. An afternoon nap beckoned, or it would have done, if 2 minders hadn't threatened to leave without us.

We didn't regret being summoned to complete the yellow trail though, as it had a delightful finish, with the path running bedside a stream with water gardens alongside. Someone had put a lot of work into cultivating the gardens and they were every bit as good a place to rest by as that heather bed.

Not that we wanted to rest now, as there were too many interesting finds, just like this one.

What a marvellous snail he was, and he fitted into his surroundings so well. He seemed very contented, but then he was living in a rather delightful spot.

There was one thing guaranteed to draw us away from the riverside walk and that was the promise of a cream tea at the tea rooms. Do you need to ask whether it was a good cream tea? Well just look at Rosa for the answer ...

... it was so good it completely blew her away.

We thoroughly recommend a visit to Gleninchaquin Park if you're ever in the area.

Lots of love Patrick, George, Yorkie & Rosa xxx

Super Ted to the Rescue

It was very hot in the greenhouse, so when we emerged, we were ready for a bit of refreshment. En route to the excellent refreshment area and a delicious cream tea, we stopped to admire the bear sized apple tree ...


... it was an easy bear climb (my climbing skills aren't quite up to George & Yorkie's) and it was great to be able to reach the apples without any human assistance. The garden owner had suggested I give her apples a try and boy were they refreshing!

It's amazing how a spot of refreshment brings the senses back alive. We both suddenly realised we could hear muffled cries for help. We hurried off to investigate and were only just in time.


The owner of this hand was slowly slipping out of sight. Clearly there was a problem and there wasn't time to think about whether an ancient mine shaft had been discovered or global warming had turned Norfolk into a giant bog - we had to act quick.

For a small bear Henry had great strength, and his mighty haul recovered a rather dusty and begrimed body to the surface. We knew exactly what was required to effect a quick recovery, one of those marvellous cream teas. One mouthful and no-one could help but feel better.

Having heard the recommendation, our new friend insisted on buying us another cream tea as a reward. Who were we to refuse?!

Lots of love, Tommy & Henry xxx