Washing the O Shoes!

I hope he doesn't turn the hose on me, I prefer to get in to a hot bath on our return from orienteering!

We were orienteering at Shining Cliff in Derbyshire today.  When the final details came through, these were the planner's and controller's notes: 'Shining Cliff is a physically challenging area.  The recent mild and wet winters seems to have encouraged the growth of bramble.  Whilst courses have been planned to avoid the worst areas, bramble bashers or similar lower leg protection are strongly recommended.The area is predominantly a wooded steep sided valley with intricate contour and rock detail in part. There are many unfenced sheer cliff faces in the woods, courses have been planned with safety in mind, but competitors are advised to be vigilant and take care near steep crags.  Competitors are advised to avoid areas with a green screen (dense bramble) wherever
possible. Older competitors in particular should take extra care on the steep slopes which are very slippery in places'.
They weren't exaggerating!  Still we felt like we had our dose of exercise for the day and it was good to chat to friends who are heading out to New Zealand shortly for a holiday - very envious!  Also good to see Farmer Adam continue his visits to New Zealand farms on 'BBC Countryfile.'  We once again recognised the countryside he was moving through from our adventure last year.  It's particularly interesting that he has asked those farmers he has met along his journey how they coped after the NZ Government withdrew subsidies in the eighties, very relevant to our farmers post Brexit.  All of them have said that they had to adapt and change some of their ways.  Those who didn't went under.

The elder tree behind Tony is where all those birds I listed on yesterday's blip were sighted for RSPB GardenWatch.