Martin's Mag.

Short break on the south coast.

…on a lake on nearby nature reserve. A Swan protects his family from nosey photographers.

With boughs of olive…

Why go to all the trouble of transporting a pine tree when we have ample olive branches in our garden. Symbolic of peace and, for those who believe in such things, more appropriate for the Middle East where it all started.

Very good year; here, just a few examples.

Seen on East Quantoxhead beach, West Somerset.

Near Godshill, east of Fordingbridge, on the Hampshire Avon.

Then further downstream to Rockford. Typical New Forest, with roaming, very happy, pigs.

And on, to the mouth of the river at Christchurch Harbour. Pot of tea and a Victoria sponge cake at an out-of-season café reminded me of various holiday jobs in Southend. Over sixty years ago…

A Very Special Day!

… are doing very well this year. This chap was seen sunning himself on the irises in our garden pond. It’s getting colder now so I don’t suppose they’ll be around much longer.

Previously known as The Wild Place, Bristol Zoo has now moved most of its animals from Clifton to a new site North of Bristol. Although not a fan of zoos in general, the animals do have much more room here. The main reason for this entry, though, is to show more photos of “Dora the Explorer”, as she becomes when she puts her backpack on. Many of these pictures (the good ones) taken by Flora and Sally.