Bodenham Arboretum,

At Bodenham Arboretum today 

It's near Wolverley, just over the Worcs/Staffs border)

There are a variety of walks

I did the Five Pool Walk, which was approximately one and a half miles. (Very hilly though)

Although there was a small bit of Autumn colour, the predominant impression is still of trees in their summer foliage

Looking over to the wooded slopes of Kinver Edge

The paths were fairly good, so I will remember this for muddy winter days

No wind to day, so the reflections are clear

I walked all the way over to this ornamental pond to read the notice. It read "deep water". I was hoping for something more informative! 

This is an armillary sundial, invented by Tycho Brahe - famous for astonomical discoveries and inventions - but more familiar to me as an eccentric who wore a false nose.

The cut-leaf acers were in colour, but only just. 

A view back towards the cafe - which I didn't try (but may do in future)

The Arboretum is also a working farm. These Herefords were inquisitive.  

More pictures of the lake.

I will definitely return to see the Autumn colours later in the season. I think everything is quite late this year

The Bank!

At Himley Hall again. The water level is being lowered by about 30cm (a foot)

So, the sailing club have decided to take advantage, and upgrade the bank and their landing areas

Here's the wood for the shuttering

 First, getting rid of the existing bank

Some of the old sleepers were fiendishly difficult to 

remove. This one took four people.

All the concrete needed smashing, and making into hard core

Progress was slow but steady. This section of bank has completely changed

The shuttering begins to take shape

None of this was here this morning

 Sawing the timber into the correct lengths

The low water level has made little sandy coves

Here's John, the warden, bringing helpful supplies. What a varied job. Last week, he was rescuing swans!

Horsey memories, and ramblers - at Castle Hill

More memories of my riding days. This is Castle Hill Farm, near Kinver Edge.

When we used to ride past, it was just a ruin. Seems to be lived in again now

 The building in the front is new

 Just by the farm, looking over towards Kingsford Country Park...

...I saw some ramblers from  Wolverhampton.

They were doing a 6 mile circuit from Shatterford, and looked to be having a high old time!

Lovely place for a lunch break.

Back on the path, I thought this was a stubble field, but no, it's just the yellowish soil. We often used to cheekily canter up here - when there were no crops.

Down in the valley, the land was being chain-harrowed. The dust clouds show where the tractor was! 

 If there were crops, we sometimes managed a canter here, but at risk of losing a hat to overhanging branches

Some cattle (in the distance) and possibly their winter food.

 The views are extensive, but not clear today.

This view of Kinver Edge - the higher land in the centre of the picture - was about the best.

A lovely part of the world for walking, though. The paths were clear and well maintained. (Not the muddy paths of the 1990s!)

If you want details of any of my walks, email me at lucygriffiths1112%gmail.com, replacing the % with @. Or comment below

A big race

Instead of walking, I took part in a five hour sailing race on Sunday, at Himley Hall, Staffs/Dudley . 

The first hour was in honour of Andrew "Bart" Simpson, Olympic gold medallist in sailing. He sadly lost his life in an Americas Cup catamaran accident.

18,000 boats worldwide all sailed at 11 a.m.  

We will eventually get our result, when everything has been aggregated. Probably come about  17,889th!!! 

Some pictures from the day. Rigging the boat.

Sailing is a family sport too. 

Some of the boats lying ready to sail. 

 The flags all mean something.

 The scorer in his hut.

That's me helming the boat with the larger sails (A Wayfarer - borrowed as our boat sprang a leak!)

Afterwards - a fish and chip picnic

Finally, the prize-giving. The club commodore thanks everyone...

...and then the prizes are awarded. These were the eventual winners.

We came third. First race ever, and in a borrowed boat so we were thrilled. 
No photos aboard the boat, as my camera isn't waterproof. Saving up for one though!

 Back to the walking next week!