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Today was 'red squirrel day'.

We didn't have a firm plan or destination for the day, so we thought we would set off in pursuit of red squirrels, a rarity in the area and only seen in small colonies in certain places. We set off to Dodd Wood near Keswick, a place mum and dad have been to many times, where red squirrels are being carefully nurtured and where ospreys can also be seen over Bassenthwaite Lake, at the base of the wood. We walked up towards the first osprey viewing platform where the squirrels can also be seen and it was quite an uphill walk! Once we got there we looked and we looked... but not a single squirrel to be seen!

Not to be dispirited, we continued up the hill - an unexpected mountain climb - towards the second osprey viewing platform. There weren't many signs so it was a bit like the blind leading the blind, but we got there eventually. It wasn't quite what we expected - we had anticipated a hide but it was an exposed picnic table with a small fence to prevent any unsuspecting visitors from plummeting down the mountain. We sat for a bit and looked out over Bassenthwaite. The views were glorious and you could see a long way - the weather was fair although overcast so visibility was good, with some cloud just nestling on the peaks. So, we were sitting and looking - but to no avail.

We gave it a bit of time, but decided to give in and set off back down the mountain, planning on calling at the lower viewing spot again, just in case. And it was a good job we did! Two little red ones crept out of the undergrowth to feed at the feeding station! It was awesome! A lady there had said that she's put some food out for them a bit earlier in the day and it was nearly all gone. And the squirrels were really brave, coming pretty close and feeding from the tree stumps nearby. We stood and watched for about 30 minutes, completely absorbed by their activity.

We made it down to the car park again, just before our pay and display ran out. We sat in the car, eating our picnic before heading off towards Grasmere, where we were aiming for Allan Bank, an unknown (to me) National Trust property, also known for red squirrels. We made it there for about 4pm - not giving us long, but we didn't really know what to expect. We were surprised to find a bit more than we expected - it isn't a conventional historic house, and (although we didn't go in) the house is set up very much as a family home to relax in. The gardens, which we did explore, seemed quite expansive, rising up into the landscape behind the house. We toiled up, for a while, admiring the lovely views as we went, and also trying to spy out the red squirrels. But no such luck. 

However, that quickly changed as we descended to the lawned area behind the grass. We saw at least 6 squirrels, dashing and scampering and chasing each other through the trees! It was truly awesome! We speculated that they might be siblings, as there was a lot of chattering and bickering going on. And they came quite close, feeding from the stashes of nuts that had been left about. We stood and watched them - even past closing time! It was at least 5.10pm by the time we felt we ought to move on and the property had closed at 5. Ben got lots of photos, although these squirrels were quite a lot livelier than the previous ones. 

From now on, this day is to be red squirrel day. A day not to be forgotten.

Half term has arrived at last after another busy start to the year. We've headed north for the break and are staying near Windermere in the Lake District. The weather today was a bit changeable with some rain and drizzle through the morning and some patchy sun later in the afternoon, we were however treated to a rainbow across the lake which was nice!

We had a wander around Bowness on Windemere and then a potter about Windemere town. Saw a few nice bits in the shops and enjoyed the views across the lake. The autumn colours are looking pretty spectacular and we're hoping to catch a bit more of it on some of our wanders later in the week. Enjoy the photos!

OK, so since when has it been so hard to find popping corn? Is it really that uncommon to make your own nowadays?

Friday night was film night and no film night would be complete without popcorn! So Friday evening we cracked out the popcorn maker (courtesy of BarclayCard) only to discover we were short of one key ingredient - popping corn. "Easy," I hear you cry, so off we toddled to Tesco's; a big supermarket like that is sure to stock it, right? WRONG! And so the hunt began!

Leaving Tesco's - rather suprised, but not ready to give up - we made our way over to ASDA - again, no luck. Next stop, Sainsbury's, whose staff kindly joined us in the hunt convinced they stocked it, ALAS they were as suprised as us (possibly more so) as our suprise was begining to fade a little by now. Keen to help, Sainsburys pointed us in the direction of Sainsbury's Local (AKA Jacksons) (funny that) - they too were a no. We took a long shot at ALDI - again, nothing.

Feeling beat, we dropped by at ASDA number 2 in Hyson Green to buy some of the ready made stuff - we took one last wander down a dried products aisle and there it was!! Woohoo a grand old price of £0.68 (and £5 worth of petrol looping the city, probably)!

That's all folks, moaning over - ASDA Hyson Green you are the winner!!