A Hot Summer's Walk

Isn't it lovely when you can just walk around shady glades and the only noise is from the ever growing wildlife.  This was how it was last weekend on a simple walk on a very hot day (did you notice that word 'hot'...yes, it does happen!).  At first I was the one that was doing the 'no, not today, I'm having a lazy day'.  Then, seeing Mr Teenager's disappointed face, I gave in and we took a small drive to one of the nature reserves with a very small picnic to keep us going.   Just the redness of the poppies against the different wild grasses and wildflowers was reward enough.

The glades were like entering tunnels of shade with the dappled strong sunlight filling the cracks

 I was so glad I had decided to tag along as this reserve doesn't allow dogs (and irresponsible dog owners!), so me who loves walking bare foot, off came my shoes and the feeling of cool soft grass and moss beneath my feet was luxurious and sweet.  Have you ever done that?  It's was so liberating.

A photo however could not be taken of this event as believe me I have hobbit's feet!  They should be advertising photos of the before pictures for chiropodists!  Truly awful!   Instead, I took a photo of one of the hundreds of  beautiful turquoise damsel flies that were flying away with fear dancing with my footsteps.

There are hides everywhere so that you can capture the wildlife on the water.  Again it was lovely and cool in there as by then the sun was at its strongest.  

These two gulls were on their regal nest surveying everything around them for miles.

The butterflies were varied and flew around us like confetti at a wedding.

This bee seemed to be swimming in the pollen, and flew away quite drunk.

 The wildflower meadows were teaming with life.

The heat was getting to all of us so when we returned home it felt quite heavy but under my pergola the sun couldn't penetrate the vines, fig, clematis and jasmine that surround it.  They really need a prune now!

The shade was just perfect on this day.

I had a brief walk around looking at the perfect apples that were now beginning to take form.

The plums which will be quite a heavy crop this year.

And, squeal, my Grandma's lavender has finally started to show off its beautiful pale blue flowers.  Such a simple thing, but memories always fill the air when that starts to show and emit its fragrance.

Even Coco was smelling of lavender after her bath, a little clip of the fur and her bandanna soaked in cold water to keep her back cool.

The summer looks as though it has finally arrived and the bees have now made there way back to our garden, so welcome one and all to those wonderful miraculous buzzy bundles.

So how has the weather been in your part of the world?  Have you kicked off your shoes yet?

Take care.

♥Chel♥

(Remember that if you want to see a larger version of my photos just click on one and a slide will appear)

This week I am sharing with:

Share Your Cup Thursday

Open House

Simple and Sweet Fridays

Cottage Style Party

Weekend Flowers

Saturday Show Off

Seasonal Sundays
Weekly Top Shot
A Favorite Thing

Go along and meet some lovely new people