Good Things....

I picked up a horrible cold from the kids at school at the end of last week...

but the weather on Saturday morning was far too nice to stay at home feeling miserable.

We hurtled through the food shop then headed off for the Worcestershire+

Shropshire border and my favourite stretch of the Severn Valley.

 

This time we parked by the river, just south of Bridgenorth, and followed a trail

through National Trust land round the edge of Dudmaston Park.

There were some fabulous opportunities for early Autumn photos...

 

 

The trees were just starting to turn by the 'Big Pool'..

 

The house is closed to visitors on Saturdays so the parkland was really quiet...

 

We crossed the main road and followed the footpath to the north,

 up a valley with further small pools and fishponds...

 

It was a beautifully tranquil spot...

 

Eventually we followed a track out of the valley and started to walk south again,

along a gentle ridge with great views...

 

This house, near the church in Quatt, is in the process of being restored.

The sandstone panels round the windows were carved at some stage in the past.

Now they are really weathered - but you can just about make out the design...

 

Shortly after I took this picture a lovely elderly gentleman wandered down the lane.

He stopped to chat and offered us a taste of the late season raspberries that he'd just picked.

We started chatting (as you do!) and he explained that he'd lived on the Dudmaston Estate all his life.

His father had been the Gamekeeper and he'd been born in the Gamekeeper's Cottage.

I felt really privileged to be talking to someone who had such a detailed knowledge of the area.

He gave me some 'top tips' for the best places for Autumn colour photos - which I'll definitely be following up!

 

Then we wandered back across the fields to the car....

 

....and our picnic!

 

~X~

 

Other good news in 'Stand and Stare-Land'...

My Mother in Law's tumour is benign.

Obviously there are still further decisions to be made with regards to treatment

and her health needs to be monitored....

But we don't have to deal with the 'Big C' - Thank God.