Visited twice...One expected, one was not.

Tuesday 5th

Determined I was, to go for a walk. Been sat in FS for several days and was in danger of becoming a couch potato. Leaving Ian to get on with boaty jobs I followed the path to the Willen North Lake nature reserve. Bit overcast at first and hoped the rain would stay away but I was not that lucky. Having walked about a mile I came to a bird hide overlooking the lake. Just got in when the heavens opened and boy was I glad to be in the dry. For nearly an hour the rain continued but what a great view of the lake. Lots of photos taken as usual and most on the wildlife blog if you fancy a look.

The sun did put in an appearance eventually which made the Lapwings take to the skies.

Lapwings in flight

 I made a dash back to FS once the weather improved and no sooner was I sat with a cup of tea when there was a knock on the cabin side. Standing outside was an enforcement officer. After the usual pleasantries he dropped a bombshell saying we had overstayed. Hmm....that was the last thing I expected him to say.  I did challenge that statement as we had only been here for a little over a week. He said we had been clocked at Newlands (about 1/4 mile away) last week but when I told him we had been to Fenny Stratford during that week and were now heading back to Nottingham, he said we had complied with the mooring rule after all and could have another week on this mooring. Very glad about that as we have a party to go to this weekend and the car needs to be returned to the bungalow.

With that now sorted we awaited Jules on the diesel boat to arrive. Ian had phoned her last week to see when next she was in the area. After thinking maybe she couldn't make it after all as time was now getting on, it was lovely to hear the sound of the engine as the breasted pair come round the bend. Quite a few boats were serviced before it was our turn. Lovely to see her doing so well and at 67p Ltr is very reasonably priced. Good to have these working boats on the cut and a massive benefit to one and all.

Towcester and Bideford breasted.

Jules's woofit was waiting for her dinner which Julia said was now very very late.

This boat squeezed past us and then went into reverse,

They had a problem with the engine and Richard had just the thing!

Today we were away shopping by 10ish and then after a spot of lunch, off I went in search of more wildlife to photograph. Not that much about other then a Green Woodpecker and bedraggled  even though I was gone for 2 hours and walked nearly 3 miles! Never mind it got me out of Ian's hair and I do so love this area.

Must just say a big thank you to Paula and Debbie for trying to identify the plant. It's either a Marsh Woundwort (thanks Debbie) or a wild Hyacinthus Orientalis (thanks Paula) could be either. Jennie, I would really appreciate you asking your son about the Moth. Have never seen anything like it and would love to know. Oh and Widebeam Double Kiss. Somehow I deleted your comment by mistake so will nip over to see you tomorrow.

So to today's poor attempt at spotting the wildlife.    

This Crow is in need of a bit of preening.