Five on Friday - Day Out

Hello, Friday has come round quickly this week and I am joining up with Amy at Love Made My Home for Five on Friday.

This is not the Five on Friday post I intended this week. A friend and I were planning to have a day out at Stowe Gardens on Wednesday. Stowe was originally owned by the Temple family who were very influential in British political life during the 18th Century. It was during this time that the magnificent garden landscapes we see today were shaped. Stowe House is currently an Independent School and the gardens are owned by the National Trust and open to the public. It was photos of this wonderful landscaped and unique Temples and Follies that I planned to share. 

When you care for someone, plans can easily go array. It may have been the sudden heat we have been experiencing this week in the UK but the love one I care for was not feeling very well. Not ill but I felt it was best to stay in close range on Wednesday. So instead of sweeping landscapes, a wonderful lake and historic temples it was a quick walk round our local lake!  

Here are a few pictures of the things we saw, not quite as interesting and not really five but an enjoyable stroll none-the-less. They were taken with my phone camera as I foolishly forgot to put the camera in my bag.

1.Furzton Lake (North side)

It was a very warm, overcast morning and the lake looked tranquil. A good place to unwind and enjoy some fresh air.

2. Heron

The heron in the reeds was very successful and enjoyed a great mid-morning snack. We were amazed at how many small fish he caught in the short time we watched him.

3. Iris

The yellow iris had almost finished flowering but these two brought a flash of colour in the reeds. 

4. Canada Geese

Canadian Geese migrate to the area every Spring and spend the Summer on the lake rearing their young. Their behaviour intrigued us as suddenly, a large flock flew down the length of the lake closely skimming over the water. They came to a water-ski landing close to where we were standing. The way they land on the water always makes me smile no matter how many times I see them do this. The noise is great too as the water swooshes into mini bow waves.

Then they sorted themselves into a line with the front goose honking loudly and set off paddling back to where they had come from.

More and more joined the line just like a goose conga dance paddle.

(I don't think the two in the foreground wanted to play as they steadfastly ignored the conga line and remained where they were as the others disappeared!)

5. Furzton Lake (South side)

We walked on a little further before turning for home. It was lovely to see so many people enjoying the outdoors: fishermen and model boat enthusiasts, mums and children, cyclists, joggers and runners. It may not have been the day we planned but it was a pleasurable morning just the same.