Walk From Box Hill

Today was a lovely day, sunny and bright and  er, well, warm. We drove to Box Hill and walked a circuit of 11 miles, mostly in woodland, with a few steep climbs.

We started at the Box hill trig point:

We walked down to the River Mole and crossed over on stepping stones. The river was quite high because of all the rain we have had, so was running quite fast, as you can see.














As we walked through the woods we saw lots of these lovely white flowers. I don't know what they are!

And though the trees a patch of sunlight with bluebells.

This bridge carried a railway over the track.

 Then we reached Ranmore, with a church with a lovely octagonal tower.














And even more bluebells on Ranmore Common:

Fronds of bracken uncurling:

 We stopped for a picnic lunch at Tanners Hatch Youth Hostel, where there was a nice log to sit on.

Further on there was another bridge over the track, this one had a stone badge on it of an arm holding an axe. Stronginthearm perhaps?

These flowers look like rape but they were actually buttercups!

 This horse was very friendly and liked having his photo taken, here with Braveheart.

 More stunning views as we walked on round

 This little dragon was perched on the roof of a house in Mickleham

Another church, also in Mickleham, this time with a round tower.

The last part of the walk was mainly uphill, which was quite demanding after 9 miles, but we made it!

Apple Blossom

A few weeks ago the Braeburn apple tree burst into flower, followed a week or so later by the other two apple trees. This is the first year they have had significant amounts of blossom, and if all the flowers were to be pollinated the branches would probably break off under the weight of the apples. This week there has been strong wind and rain, so yesterday I was looking gloomily out of the window at apple blossom petals blowing across the garden. But today has been sunnier and warmer, and I saw two bees on the blossom, so I am really hoping to get a few apples this year.

The trees look beautiful, I love the colours of apple blossom.

 















The first early potatoes are growing well now, we had to put cloches over them and fleece them up for a week or so at the end of April, as there were a few sharp frosts.

These tulips on the patio were a birthday gift from DS last October.











I have also finished knitting this doily, which I started in November I think, with an idea of it being finished by Christmas. I'm really pleased with it and can see it on my festive table this year and for years to come.