February Snowdrops …

..at Fountains Abbey.

We specifically went today to see the snowdrops as promoted by recent emails from the National Trust. It’s not the first time we’ve seen them as we did the same trip 6 years ago when we were on our way to share Grace’s birthday in Goathland. I know it was 6 years ago as Eda was a baby. I probably blipped it then 
too.
Today the decision to go was largely made as we were having our boiler replaced, with the plumber arriving at 8.00am. I forwent the early walk and missed a fantastic sunrise ( see Wilsden Walker) as I wasn’t sure whether I’d be able to have a shower when I got back.

It was a fine day for a change and we saw Red Kites both near to home (on the moor) and when we were near to the Abbey. Lots of pheasants up there too throwing themselves in front of us in the little lanes 

After walking beyond the abbey to the parkland of Studley Royal there were swans and little birds darting about and diving in the lakes. Not familiar to us we asked a guy carrying a camera with a very large lens photographing a Goldcrest who said they were little Grebes. Lovely.

Had a coffee when we arrived and a late lunch at the visitor centre before returning home. A great start to February!