Splash!

I. Am. Melting.

The novelty of this warm weather has worn off and like most of the rest of the population, I am longing for some weather closer to average for the time of year. 21 degrees C would suit me fine. Anything above 24 degrees is too warm for me - unless I am beside the sea, where the sea breezes prevent the heat from overwhelming us.

Unfortunately, the nearest coast is several hours drive away, so we decided to head off to a nearby ford, where the KHT could enjoy some exploring. This is not a place to venture at the weekend in the summer, but on a meltingly hot Monday during term time it made the perfect destination.
One of the advantages of the KHT breaking up early was that we had the place to ourselves. True, there was a group of cyclists there when we arrived, but they soon rode off.

By some good fortune/flaw in the packing after our last visit to the coast, the KHT's beach shoes ended up coming home with us, instead of staying in the caravan as intended.  They were perfect for wearing in and around the stream and adjacent ford.




Some ducks came to see what they could scavange from our picnic, but as we had no food to offer,  they quickly swam away again.











Minnows were swimming in the stream. The KHT spent ages trying unsuccessfully to trap one in her bright green bucket. Maybe they could see the receptacle, for despite her best endeavours, success eluded her.







Meanwhile, we sat and watched the wildlife, as butterflies, and insects hovered and fluttered around.

And we observed the activity of the farm vehicles, as tractors drove past laden with soil, only to return empty a short while later, having deposited their load at some unknown destination. All very reminiscent of watching a colony of ants at work...



Other vehicles took the turning through the ford - which was the lowest we had ever seen it. Some drove forward hesitantly and cautiously - others fast and more reckless, ploughing through the small stream like a mighty ship upon the sea. Every time a vehicle drove through the ford the stream would go silent for a second, its flow disturbed by the vehicle's rude interruption, until it sorted itself out and continued the refrain.

Next, we headed off to a garden centre, as my chauffer wanted tadpole food - either to encourage any remaining tadpoles to grow, or to feed the pond creatures that are currently devouring the tadpoles.
We ordered lunch in a Garden Centre Tea Room. They lost our order but gave us free drinks as compensation for our wait. Who can complain at such sensible customer service?

At an Aquatics Centre, the KHT purchased a bright pink fishing net for future expeditions. I am sure the fish will see that coming, just as easily as they appeared to see the bright green bucket she was using earlier...

Our final stop of the day was Churchfields, where they make the most amazing ice cream, presumably from the milk donated by their dairy herd... I wonder if this cow has been allowed to sample some, as it appeared to be drooling at the very thought!