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national trust archives


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when we were in scotland we went to the gorgeous (sorry) but treachorous corrieshalloch gorge.  how can a gorge turn against someone like that ?

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and it appeared from some of the signs that people were jauntily running off the side.  it loked fun, but we decided against it

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there's a lovely walk round the perimeter (or periyard for all you old school imperialists)

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but there was danger everywhere

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and of course the highlight of the visit is a walk across the wobbly suspension bridge to look down at the gorge

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kezia was of course fearless

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and just to add to the danger we posed for some hideous photos.

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whilst we were in scotland we went on a walk organised by the national trust to see some seals

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we asked whether it was suitable for kids and they said "yes, it's meant for kids"

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so we thought they'd be no problems for our walk-loving youngsters

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but the walk itself took us over an exposed hill in the pouring rain

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and there wasn't even a path so we had to stomp through heather

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which of course was very hole-y and a bit of a death trap

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but onwards we trod

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and it was jolly good.

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we definately wouldn't have gone on it if we realised how tricky/wet/hard work it was going to be.  but we really enjoyed it so we were glad we didn't know in advance !

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and the views when we got to the other side were stunning (it even stopped raining for a moment or two)

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we did see a seal when we got there

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liverwort (not worms)

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these are carnivorous plants.  quite rare i think

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it was very wet

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here's our intrepid guide showing us some mushrooms

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here are signs of a pine marten

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so, i think i'd advise it.  but not for those with youngish kids.

after 20 years or so, we've now cancelled our national trust membership.  we'll have to see if NZ offers us something similar.

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yesterday afternoon my mum and i went out for lunch then on to grey's court for a mum and son afterrnoon

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i really like grey's court, and it's lovely how they have this little labels around the place written by people who work there explaining why that particular area is their favourite corner.  the one above was particularly nice - click on it to read it (i won't spoil it by paraphrasing)

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despite visiting 10s of time, i don't think i've ever been at this time of year before when all the veggies in the garden are ready

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there was an honesty box if you wanted to buy some of the produce

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this sunflower line up must have looked dramatic a few weeks ago

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and here's a bit more info about red kites (if my post earlier in the week whetted your appetite).  the whisteria canopy is much more hayfever friendly at this time of year too

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and even the request to return your tray was lovely.

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we had a lovely afternoon at greys court yesterday

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waddesdon manor in a glorious (if rather chilly) winter's day.  all their statues have been wrapped up nicely in protective bags for the winter and looked more than a bit spooky

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after all the excitement of the ropes course we then went for a wander round the lovely colby wood garden

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apologies for the absolutely appalling descriptions at the moment !

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these signs were at cliveden house, which as we now know was the venue for a famous footballer's wedding and his, no doubt footballing, guests. plenty of signs were therefore needed to prevent football tomfoolery.

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whilst jane has been busy with her exam marking (if you feel sorry for people doing exams, spare a few thoughts for those who have to mark them - and their families!), anyway, i took the girls to waddesdon manor where we met my mum

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less tulips this time

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we had a day out at Waddesdon Manor yesterday and it was very nice. whilst there we remembered that this was the place where esther learnt to walk (and she can still remember how to do it so it's obviously a good place to learn)

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definitely worth a visit if you are in the area

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on saturday we went for a walk with our friends to the vyne.
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dog sign
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it was very nice, although tony and i held everyone up by walking slowly and taking photos.
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Tintinhull garden is very nice ! They even provided drawing materials for artists
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we went to Cliveden House last weekend. it's famous for the profumo affair. it's also a national trust property

the sun shone a bit

and there's nice (though steep) walks down to the thames

and the views are nice (if you are tall enough)