We have tickets for both the Outdoor leisure show and the caravan and boat show at the NEC this weekend.
Looking forward to mooching around all the gear and stands!
-- Post From My iPhone
Friday 25 February 2011
Saturday 19 February 2011
Lazy Saturday Stroll - Downs Banks
The Downs Banks is a local national trust nature reserve in Stone. Brilliant for dog walking (and picnic's in the summer) we go there a lot on weekend walks with the 'Pongos'. What was intended to be a quiet stroll turned into a 'party' affair when Robin and the Collies were found at the car park when we arrived, and we were joined by Sal and Reece with their two mutley's shortly after!
The Downs Banks used to be where the local Joules brewery used to grow their hops, but was given to the National Trust after the second world war in memory of those who died. The woodland walk is great for the dogs; there is gated sections and loads of places to run off the lead and explore. Betty and Wilma love the stream too!
The Downs Banks was also the birth place of what we like to call 'Where's Alex?' This charts the uncanny abilities and genius hiding skills of Alex who is second only to his idol, Wally (of Where's Wally fame). Alex can blend into the surroundings like a Costa Rican Chameleon..... in custard. See examples below!
I bet you cant see him, can you?!
The Downs Banks used to be where the local Joules brewery used to grow their hops, but was given to the National Trust after the second world war in memory of those who died. The woodland walk is great for the dogs; there is gated sections and loads of places to run off the lead and explore. Betty and Wilma love the stream too!
The Downs Banks was also the birth place of what we like to call 'Where's Alex?' This charts the uncanny abilities and genius hiding skills of Alex who is second only to his idol, Wally (of Where's Wally fame). Alex can blend into the surroundings like a Costa Rican Chameleon..... in custard. See examples below!
I bet you cant see him, can you?!
Monday 14 February 2011
Staffordshire Moorlands - Furnace Forest
Todays adventure took us close to Alton and Dimmingsdale which are near Cheadle, to one of the Staffordshire moorland walks available via their website. Furnace forest, once part of the Earl of Shrewsbury's estate, is where Alton Towers was built by the 15th Earl. Today, however, it gave us a great trail throught the woods while being soaked by the feburary drizzle!
Today we went all out; 6 adults, 1 child, 5 collies, 2 springers, and 1 staffy! The walk itself was about 4 miles with some steep ups and downs, and when your up against the rain like we were it took us 3 hours or so to complete (with a lunch stop).
We met up at the Ramblers Retreat cafe carpark and set off towards the old mill. There were plenty of dammed pools and some fast flowing streams all the way round the walk. The paths varied from sturdy bridal path to completely boggy trails. Some of the climbs and downs were a bit slippy but that was down to the weather! at one point we got a great view across the valley to Alton Towers.
The adults walked the 4 miles. To Alex, who takes two steps to our one, this obviously meant he walked 8 miles today. Betty and Wilma and their doggy companions on the other hand must have done about 10miles with all the exploring they did. The whole walk was very dog friendly and we only had to be cautious about putting them on leads for a short section through a livestock field.
Unless you are feeling really flush I wouldnt bother with the ramblers retreat. It was a bit too posh inside for us bedraggled lot, but there is a hatch outside with some sunhouses and umbrella's but the prices were a bit steep even for coffee!
We are definitely going back to this walk in the spring to see it all in a different light with less rain and slightly more sun!
 |
| The route we took was a slight detour from this map but still a very enjoyable walk, even with the weather! |
Today we went all out; 6 adults, 1 child, 5 collies, 2 springers, and 1 staffy! The walk itself was about 4 miles with some steep ups and downs, and when your up against the rain like we were it took us 3 hours or so to complete (with a lunch stop).
 |
| Pond and Millhouse - close to the start of the walk. |
We met up at the Ramblers Retreat cafe carpark and set off towards the old mill. There were plenty of dammed pools and some fast flowing streams all the way round the walk. The paths varied from sturdy bridal path to completely boggy trails. Some of the climbs and downs were a bit slippy but that was down to the weather! at one point we got a great view across the valley to Alton Towers.
The adults walked the 4 miles. To Alex, who takes two steps to our one, this obviously meant he walked 8 miles today. Betty and Wilma and their doggy companions on the other hand must have done about 10miles with all the exploring they did. The whole walk was very dog friendly and we only had to be cautious about putting them on leads for a short section through a livestock field.
 |
| One of the dammed pools - and a few wet doggits! |
Unless you are feeling really flush I wouldnt bother with the ramblers retreat. It was a bit too posh inside for us bedraggled lot, but there is a hatch outside with some sunhouses and umbrella's but the prices were a bit steep even for coffee!
We are definitely going back to this walk in the spring to see it all in a different light with less rain and slightly more sun!
Monday 7 February 2011
Meet the Doggits
Betty & Wilma - litter sisters and both about two and a half years old. Anna rescued them both when her friend found them at the end of a country lane when she couldnt choose between them. They dont go everywhere with us (I think they might struggle with the carabina's on a GoApe course!) but they are often the reasons we go places.
It took me a while to remember which one was which, but now its easy peasy! Wilma has a completly white tale and a small white splodge on her face. Betty has a half brown, half white tale and an all brown face; Betty Brown and Wilma White! told you it was easy! Thats Wilma on the left in case you still couldnt tell.
It took me a while to remember which one was which, but now its easy peasy! Wilma has a completly white tale and a small white splodge on her face. Betty has a half brown, half white tale and an all brown face; Betty Brown and Wilma White! told you it was easy! Thats Wilma on the left in case you still couldnt tell.
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