T is for Trust

T is for Trust and today for ABC Wednesday T is for the Shropshire Wildlife Trust and one special place is the Hope Valley Reserve - climbing up the hillside through the trees - an invigorating walk A woodland walk of approx 3-4 miles

The Hope Valley reserve is home to the tiny dormouse -

Dormouse boxes are placed on trees throughout the wood -

We did't see any mice so we could only use our imagination to visualise their lives underneath the woodland debris and to wish them well

Time for a rest - and to admire the view across to Stiperstones

Further up the valley we called to view the tiny church - we were not able to enter the church

unfortunately the door was locked - a sign of the times unfortunately - I can remember a time when church doors were forever open Linking today to ABC Wednesday - Our World Tuesday and Nature Notes

S is for Swan for ABC Wednesday

S is for Swan and the River Severn and I am linking up with ABC Wednesday - the header pic this week was taken last weekend on a Stopover at Worcester -= how Serene and elegant were they and ohh so many!

The stroll along the the river path was Sensational = more Shots of the Swans Swimming Sedately along waiting for titbits from passerbys.

The bells were Sounding out from the cathedral with its Spires towering over the leafy riverbank.

S is for Show and the Spring Malvern Flower Show - a great day out - the weather was good and the mood intense - as we moved from Stall to Stall - pulling our trolley along Stacking in Stuff that took the eye.

Seriously though the choice was Superb here are a few of my favourite Shots.

A favourite - Himalayan Blue Poppy - I have a plant in a container bought last year - but it has not flowered as yet - I am awaiting that event!!

Delicate Lewisia

Gorgeous floral arrangement - what a colour scheme

And another...

A selection of Alpine plants -

I bought one of these Primulas

Loved this anemone - didn't buy one - trolley was full or so OH insisted!!

Aquilegia - wonderful white and so many blooms

Bright pink Ranuculas

And look - these were my purchases - I just need some quality time now to put them in Situ An unusual Scilla

Linking today to ABC Wednesday - Nature Notes and Our World Tuesday Off now to check my Himalayan Poppy for buds !! - picture to follow I wish !!

R is for Ratty

ABC Wednesday and R is for Ratty - 2 days - 2 walks and of course a few pics First day out a trip to walk the towpath of the Shropshire Union Canal from the Longboat Inn and on to the Jack Mytton - a coffee and a sandwich at the Longboat was a must before setting off... The day was perfect - everything smelt fresh after the rain and the trees and hedges were a vivid green - wild garlic grew on the canal side - wafting a musky perfume across the pathways

The ducks kept their distance - proudly displaying their ducklings ..

Look at this cute baby mallard - perfectly marked - swimming round - there was only he or she and a brother or sister - such is the way of nature - so many dangers lurking round the next corner

The mother duck kept a close eye on us ..and the drake swam round proudly - the sun catching his colourful glossy neck and wing feathers

Canal boats chugged away aimlessly towards Llangollen

The canal was quite busy - canal boating seems to be very popular - perhaps we will try it one day

We reached the Jack Mytton Inn and then made our journey back - Daniel Craig lunched at the Jack Mytton a while ago - but he was not here today - I did check!! On the way back we found the tree trunk in the header pic - look it is straight from the book Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Graham- Badgers' house - and so we have R for Ratty and of course don't let us forget Toad - Mole and Badger and many more I have attached a clip from You Tube which I hope you enjoy!! Second trip out was to a Plant Fair at Attingham Hall and to view the bluebells

and look Mardh Marigolds - a favourite of mine

So now back out into the garden to tidy up the borders and check the green house - linking today to ABC Wednesday - Our World Tuesday - and Nature Notes -

And.... Q is for Queen

Q is for Queen on ABC Wednesday and look it is a Queen of Steam- Britannia on a visit to Llangollen at an event a week ago or so at LLangollen - how splendid was she - on her day out amongst the crowds - - now I am not a well informed train spotter - but I do get an adrenalin rush when standing on the station gazing at these great shining engines or standing by the side of the line - camera at the ready !! after racing across fields and meadows to catch one thundering down the line - I have posted some pics to celebrate this momentous occasion - hopefully I am able to identify correctly- please - you arduous trainspotters if you happen across this blog please put me right!!

This one is a resident engine from the Llangollen line - travelling up the valley from Llangollen - the train in my header pic is Britannia waiting on the station for the final whistle to go !!

This bright blue train streaming up the valley is a visitor from the Caledonian Railway No 828 built in 1899 - on a vacation from Strathspey in Scotland.

Britannia - on the station

And away she goes out of the station and up the line

The station itself is very picturesque on the side of the River Dee - the town stretches to both sides of the river - and is a main tourist attraction for Wales

A closer look at our Caledonian visitor No 828 - what a star!

Just look at the brass - lovingly cared for -catching the sunlight

Just could not resist this one

Finally look at these wheels - well they will be my entry into the camers club next month!

Subject is 'circles or anything round' I will let you know how I get on - linking to ABC Wednesday and My World Tuesday - see you there?