Hothfield Heathland Revisited

Hi folks,

on the way back from Ashford after dropping Daisy at nursery we had our brunch and trotted off into Hothfield Heathlands to have another look around as spring is in the air.

What a wonderful place this is, brimming with trees and plants all around.

We went via  a different entrance this time and found a car park actually in the park, Sue got her Kindle going and settled down in the car whilst we set off down the trail. The Daffodils were actually taken at the end of our walk but I liked them so much I put them up first.

As we went further on over the footbridge which contained the bog we came across these trees in the water.

The place was covered in some most fascinating trees all bent and twisted which looked eerie in the late afternoon sun.

Lots more tomorrow but have to call it a day.

Thanks for looking.

nite nite, luv Mike XX

Daisy at Capstone Park

Hi folks,

as you all are aware Daisy comes to call on Tuesday so as it was a bit grey I thought I would get a few of Daisy at the local park and of lake. Down the slide..................

Then off to the Lake for a look around.

This was a very inquisitive Moorhen

Daisy took delight in creeping up on these, of course they flew off.

These two were quite happy snoozing on the island in the middle of the lake.

She is full of energy and is very hard to capture as she runs every where at brake neck speed.

Got her at the top of the slide.

Off we go again.

Here she is at the end of the session with her friends in the basket swing thingy wotsit

Well I was well worn out just taking the pictures.

Thanks for looking,.

nite nite, love  Mike XX

Maidstone (part 3) the conclusion

Hi folks,

this is the concluding part of our trip to Maidstone before we left for home. We decided to explore the far end of the river before we left.

What a difference an hour made with the sun if you compare this scene with yesterdays.

The sun got this Goose wanting to have a bath.

Best way to get dry.

This lot were sun worshipping out of the shadow of the bridge with loads of Pigeons up in the bridge crevices.

Archbishops Palace arch leading from the Palace behind us.

View of Palace from past the Millennium Bridge.

Pigeon for Trev, "hello Trev"

Sculpture of a Stag on south side of the river relocated from London in 2004 as part of the Millennium celebrations, it was a bit late!

Walking across the Millennium Bridge.

Modern structure of the Bridge sets it off very well.

I don't normally like structures being defaced but this was quite unique if you look closely.

Looking back down stream towards Maidstone.

Well you had a bonus tonight, thanks for looking.

nite nite, luv Mike XX 

Walk into Maidstone (part 2)

Hi folks,

So to continue along the river I arrived at the town centre and met up with Sue, by this time the sun had popped it's head out from behind the clouds.

Shot along river with the funny Travel Lodge building in the distance, well in keeping with Maidstone Town Centre, NOT.

Looking back along the towpath towards Aylesford, the sun is just about to come through.

St Faith's Church, up from the Maidstone Museum which by the way has a collection of old Maidstone photographs to see. Will be going back after the school children have visited in an afternoon in the quiet to have another look, well worth a visit. If you look on the Monument you will see out feathered friend......

sitting there in the sunshine.

Snowdrops in the sun, a sign in spring, we hope.

A set of flowers taken in Brenchley Gardens by the Church.

Front view on the Church.

Statue in the gardens unveiled on 1st November 2011 depicting a soldier of the 36 Engineer Regiment (search) returning to Maidstone's Invicta Barracks from Afghanistan.


Thanks for looking.

nite nite, luv Mike XX

Walk to Maidstone

Hi folks,

Well as it is Saturday and I should be working I took a vehicle with major electrical problems to  a specialist in Maidstone. I dropped the vehicle off near Aylesford and walked by the river to meet Sue in Maidstone.

The day started off a bit drab with low cloud but I plugged in my music got the camera out and headed for the town.

Didn't get to far when the phone rang, it was Trev so I chatted as I walked along the river bank.

All the birds were flocking towards me as it was early looking for food but they were all unlucky

There were loads of rowing boats out training whilst I strolled along.

This swan came over in a bit of a hurry making a large wake in front of him......

.
............. until he put the brakes on.

Right I am stopping now to put up a picture for Trev.

Taken at dusk showing Jupiter at the top, Venus next to the moon and Mercury down in the light, all supposed to be in a line but I think Venus had other ideas.

Hope Fred is ok.

Will continue my walk to Maidstone tomorrow.

nite nite, love Mike XX

Fishing Boats of Deal, may soon to be no more.

Hi folks,

to conclude our coastal visit to Deal I had to include the local fishing boats.

This is all very sad as it seems that there is planning permission to be approved to build a " wave wall" along the front which probably means that the boats will no longer be there although there may be provision for them elsewhere.

This place reminds me of the fishing boats off Dungerness

Lobster pots piled high on the beach.

Very Patriotic boats all painted up ready for the summer.

Which way do we go now? I know, home! after a beautiful day at the seaside.

Thanks for looking.

nite nite, luv Mike XX

Deal Castle

Hi folks,

On Sunday we continued our journey along the coast to Deal and stopped at the Castle. I was amazed that we had never been in the Castle before even though my late Auntie lived  in Deal all her life and as a child I went there on holidays.

What a wonderful day we had with bright sunshine as we walked the Bastions looking out to sea.

Looking back towards this Magnificent if not small Castle.

Again looking towards the Pier and the fishing boats on the beach. (They are coming tomorrow)

Inside was a bit sparse although the pictures of  past Captains of the Castle helped brighten the place up a bit. Could do with a bit more furniture.

Really nice Chapel created after the first world war.

Bakers oven

Birds Eye or Sweeps eye view in the oven. There you go Eileen all clean and ready for you.

That's it, thanks for looking

nite nite, luv Mike XX