#dunstall

#365daysofbiking Church worship and a great deception:

Saturday 26th February 2022 - A weary, slow second ride of the weekend, again with Pickle. I had planned this the night before with my soul full of optimism, spring energy and warmth, but as it turned out the day although beautiful, was acutely chilly and the places we visited to see spring flowers were all mostly still barren.

It was a day of churches though, and they looked stunning: Dunstall, Clifton Campville and Lullington looked splendid as they always do, resplendent in their landscapes but the best of all was Lullington which pleasingly, had a gorgeous mix of flowers and colours: Cyclamen, narcissus, some early daffs, snowdrops and crocuses.

Sadly, the cold in this fool’s spring was so sharp it was energy-sapping and the ride was curtailed by agreement, but was still a respectable 54 miles.

That’s the trouble with beautiful days in late February: They deceive you that the winter is over.

#365daysofbiking Animal magic:

July 21st - It hadn’t promised to be a ride day at all, so I didn’t have high hopes for the ride at all. It was fantastic, if weary, as it happened, and it was all about the animals I met on the way.

From the two wee dogs in chokey and the ferrets at the Barton gate Steam Fair to the herd of curious cows at Dunstall, animals stole the show all through the ride.

Most interesting was the long range shot of the red deer at Dunstall Park - a farmed herd - the majestic stag of which turned out to be providing perch for two magpies, presumably assisting his grooming.

I’ve seen small birds do that with pigs before, but never magpies on deer...

A great ride. And oh, those coos!