With the change in the hour and the arrival of British Summer Time, it is great to see a dry and sunny day after the recent snow.
We did something unusual last week and had separate walks. This was due to my hip being weak and to avoid me feeling too sore later.
Late yesterday morning I went around the local park then back home where I stayed while Charlie left in the car for a really big expedition.
Upon his return he told me all about it and the things he saw and sniffed.
Charlie’s walk
Charlie started his walk near to the Stoneyholme golf course to the north east of the City.
Despite all the recent rain, much of the ground is very dry with the occasional muddy puddle. These just looked like they would in a nature film, only the zebras and wilder beasts have since left Carlisle.
It might be worth mentioning at this point that you should take care when out in fields and on the tops.
Firefighters in the county have issued a warning following a number of grass fires in the west.
Since 29 March there have been more than 20 grass fires in Allerdale and Copeland. So please take care when you are out for your walks.
Frog spawn
My walk passed through Rickerby Park and up on to Stanwix Bank via the small gardens near to the bridge.
I was just about to go for a paddle in the small pond when I spotted a couple of clumps of frog or toad spawn.
Floating just below the water surface each egg had a small black dot where the new creature would be formed.
I stayed well away and tried not to disturb the water surface as I took a quick drink from the pond side.
Green stalks
Up and over the bridge and into Victoria Park where the recent snow and ice seems to have delayed the blooming of daffodils and other early flowers.
Hundreds of bulbs have sprouted leaves but the bright yellow flowers seem reluctant to show themselves.
The crocus are however taking advantage of the sunshine and provide a carpet of white and purple flowers.
Occasionally you can see a bee flitting slowly between them in search of nectar and pollen.
Woodpecker holes
Leaving the park behind us we walked around the Sheepmount playing fields and onto the path alongside the river.
To our left between the fields and the main West Coast rail line we spotted a number of trees with holes in them.
Listening closely we could just make out the sound of a single woodpecker hammering away nearby. It made a sound similar to a wooden ruler being flicked on the edge of a desk and coming to rest.
Sadly dad could not see it to take a picture but looking at the state of the old trees the Woodpecker had been very busy with his beak.
Willowholme site
Following the River Eden downstream we noticed that the site which used to be occupied by Wallace Oils has now been vacated.
It appears that they have moved to Kingstown and the vacant industrial unit is now looking for new owners.
The main brick building on the site looks as if it has been there a long time and possibly had an industrial use. Sadly looking around the web it’s history does not seem to have been documented.
If you know what this building was used for or why it was built then let us know via the comments area below.
Arriving home
After about two hours it was great to get back home and to recount my adventures to Buster. It had been strange to go for such a long walk without him.
Until next time
Buster and Charlie