Only Mr Robin Redbreast sang as I woke.
Dee and Maisie joined me this morning at Kilndown for another Lamberhurst - Hook Green walk. It was decidedly cooler after the previous night's rain and I wondered whether I should have worn a fleece. Dee said, good grief! There was a strong breeze also, and the chill could be felt going down through Kilndown Woods toward Scotney. At the little River Bewl, the Flag is finished, but Great Willowherb is on each bank and it was very peaceful there. The fields were occupied with sheep of all sorts. And black lambs which protested at Maisie's presence. At the top, horses shared the field, including a Clydesdale (I think), with its feathers trimmed. A very quiet and gentle boy.
The path to the Tiese was quite different from a couple of weeks ago; there were great clumps of Rosebay Willowherb and Great Willowherb, but not together, and masses of yellow Woad. There were huge brambly bushes, with immature blackberries (yum). The Giant Hogweed was brown and wilting, not standing proud as before. It would be useless as an umbrella now. The Indian Balsam was even more intrusive. I don't believe it can be controlled; it's too late. It is a very attractive flower though. I ate some beans from the bean crop - not too bad!
There were plenty of golfers about at the golf course at Lamberhurst church, but we passed safely. The Meadowsweet along the Tiese is sadly ending and going brown, losing its delicious perfume; the only Vetch was yellow and the Bracken was taking over the banks. But the Honeysuckle persisted.
Breakfast was on the green at Hook Green, under a young Oak. Maisie was on the lead, and she wandered around the tree and tied us up! It was just 20C by this time, quite comfortable and a very pleasant break.
Over at Blue Cats farm, the Corn Camomile had exploded over the bridleway and was the preferred place for butterflies of every hue, including Peacocks. The Rape was all set and now must dry out. Large Whites were busy over it, laying eggs. Mr Buzzard visited us for some time and we watched him through our glasses as he wheeled and soared, then flew off toward Bewl Water. The water at Bewl was very choppy and made me feel quite nauseous at the thought of boating. A strong breeze came across from Wadhurst, and the dinghies fairly flew! The temperature increased considerably as we went through.
Along by the water under the trees, Dee tripped spectacularly, and later slid down on her bum to the water's edge. I couldn't help chuckling, and I apologised. The next cup of coffee was under the great Beech in Chingley Wood, and peace and quiet (there is a carving in the bark on this tree dated 1920). Then we went out to the beautiful meadow where more Peacocks and Browns flitted among the Centaury and grasshoppers chirruped. The Blackcurrants looked almost ready to eat, but I resisted! I satisfied myself with some wild cherries, but as they were from the ground, Dee refused: in case a dog had peed on them!
We crossed the A21 with ease at The Post Boys and struggled over the stile into Cats Wood, and followed the footpath to Combwell Priory. Here, Maisie touched an electric fence and got a bit of a shock. Yelp! Into Shearnfold Wood, a Roe Deer crossed our path. A wonderful sight, as I hadn't seen deer in these woods before. She leaped away with her white arse bouncing through the trees!
At the Quarry in Kilndown, one more coffee was drunk and it was time for home.
With a little moss
On the clay,
Add a little water,
And you're away!
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