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In 1977 we hired our first narrowboat from Anglo Welsh at Market Harborough.From that moment our destiny was set. In 2006 we finally purchased our own brand new 57' narrowboat which we named 'Free Spirit'. Our aim is to travel the length and breadth of all the navigable rivers and canals of the UK. This will be our story as it unfolds.

Wednesday 16 March 2022

Into the rainforest one minute and the Med next.

 Silence, most welcome after the last couple of nights. Not even the low of the cattle to disturb our slumber. It was cold though. We have a heater and being plugged into the electrics meant it could be switched on all night. One issue with that, the fan! Kept cutting in and out so in the end Ian switched it off, got out the extra blanket and we made do with that.

 As we overlooked the sea I had thought of waking early to catch the sunrise, but I missed it by oversleeping. Probably a good job I didn't set the alarm because when we did awake the skies were overcast and not the glorious start to the day forecasted. I really must stop relying on the weather channel. Nine times out of ten it's wrong! Anyway the Eden Project visit wasn't until 10 am so several cups of tea in bed later, the continuing horrible news of the Ukrainian people struggles watched on the Beeb, and we eventually got up.

 

Off to the Eden Project and it took less than 10 minutes to get there by road. What an excellent time to visit as only one of the numerous car parks were in use. It meant low visitor numbers, good as the chances of catching Covid was reduced. We managed to get a slot in the coach park, only 8 coaches booked in for today and one of the Eden workers said it would be okay. I wanted a photo looking down on the biodomes and the only way to do that was to trek back along the road to a spot with no trees, and I knew just the spot 'cos I had seen it as we drove down to the car park. Only trouble, Harris fencing obscured the view, so a bit of climbing was involved. Got the shot eventually and then discovered a much better photo opportunity later in the day. Never mind....it got my Fitbit steps up.

Taken from the road

This one looking as we entered through the visitor center.

And this view from a bridge crossing.
 

 Into the rainforest Biome first, my goodness the humidity was over 75 percent, the euphemism 'horses sweat, men perspire, but ladies merely glow' was so true but my 'glow' turned into rivers of water running from my brow! The cool room was closed probably due to Covid reasons and the only respite was the spray from crossing a small bridge which depicted clouds. Anyway here are the photos.



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And these strange boxes hung from the trees. I believe it's to do with what pests are in the biome.



The Mediterranean biome was a bit sparse after the rainforest and work was going on refurbishing the cafรฉ. Pleasant enough to walk around after the heat of the rainforest, a comfortable 23 degrees but a slight disappointment with not much in the way of flowers. I expect next month the dome will be full of colour, we just arrived to early.


The surrounding gardens had plenty of Daffs, Hyacinths and early spring blooms plus this big bee structure made from wooden cladding.




 Took nearly four hours before we had seen everything including the Core building which housing an exhibition of invisible worlds and the visit didn't disappoint. Tomorrow's excursion is yet to be decided, the weather is for no rain so outdoor stuff, maybe. Let's hope this time the weathermen are correct!

And wildlife,









2 comments:

Jenny said...

What a very special place to visit. Was the entry fee terribly expensive? Guess if it's a place you want to visit, you pay the price required.

Ian and Irene Jameison said...

Hi Jenny, For low season it was £30 pp about $57 in NZ currency. Worth every penny as it was an amazing day out. Xx

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