Scotland - A Sunday Walk

The second Sunday we were in Scotland we took a walk from Dunblane to Bridge of Allan, the next town to the south.  We followed the Darn Road or Darn Walk which is purported to be an old Roman road.

The walk skirts a golf course as it leaves Dunblane then keeps pretty straight along different sorts of fences and walls.  It got quite muddy.

We came upon this exceptional tree.  I had Dan stand there for perspective.

Allan Water was to our right the whole way.

We came upon this sign and cave.

As we approached Bridge of Allan this horse and a pony checked us out.

Though the day dawned with bright sun, after our late morning breakfast the sky had clouded and rain threatened so we took the train back to Dunblane.

Joining Fences

My World After the Storm

Looking down into the wetlands you can see where the flash flood waters flowed free of the banks of the creek. I caught the deer investigating the water soaked grasses.

Another smaller creek that's usually a trickle was considerably wider during the height of the flooding.

This tree has been slowly encased with tent caterpillars. Even the trunk has the netting around it. I don't think it will survive this attack which means it will fall on our driveway, probably in a winter storm!

The glen is dark and dreary. Every trunk is blackened by the moisture of the storm.

A bring spot along the driveway is this Jack in the Pulpit seed head.

Here's another getting ready to drop its seeds.

Is this coleus? Have I started an invasive species? I found this growing along the rip rap next to the driveway.

Maybe it's a wildflower that mimics coleus.

Another bright spot are the marigolds in the vegetable garden. I'll take seeds from these for next year.

Back at the house the grasses are almost flattened by the rain. As I type this looking out that window at them, they are slowly raising up their fronds.

It's a very wet world. We are 11 inches over the amount of rain we usually have by this time in the year. Wish I could send some to my friends in Texas.

A Walk and An Update

Come take a walk with me. I rode to the top of the lane with Dan and walked back with the recycle bin. Here is the top of the lane looking down towards my destination.

One of the houses along the lane is this one built in 1808. It was home to a Quaker family when it first was built.

There's a lovely old stone wall on the left as I pass the 1808 house.

Passed the house the lane gets steeper.

Everything is lush and green from all our rain.

Almost to my driveway, it's ahead on the left.

Here is our marker. You can see the surprise lily on the right. There are astillbes and foxglove growing. I planted a young red bud tree here too.

The wetlands are to my right as I start walking on my driveway.

The first of many turns in the drive.

Another turn ahead.

One of the few straight almost level sections. There are young sycamore trees growing along the right.

Ahead is the glen. Our house is on the edge of it at the top. The tree on the ground covered with vines is a walnut cut down by Dan. It was dead.

Another view of the glen. Isn't it like a cathedral?

On my right is the wetlands where the skunk cabbage has grown very large.

Another turn - the steep part starts.

Another view of the wetlands.

I huff and puff on this stretch.

Sometimes I turn and walk up backwards and here's what I look back on.

First sight of the house.

Almost at the top.

I made it.

A quick stop by the vegetable garden to see how well

everything is growing. Peas are in full bloom.

A tomato bud is spotted.

Beans are growing.

Cucumbers have germinated.

Another tomato bud.

Close up of the peas' blossoms.

Lettuce is growing well. Spinach on the right has almost all been pulled.

On to look for other blossoms in the gardens. Pinks by the pond.

Miniature garden is looking lovely.

White iris has shown itself.

A single purple among the gold irises. It will have to be moved to a new spot.

Lupine is starting its bloom.

Deep purple iris are still in fine form.

Everything is very wet. More rain on its way.

Knock out rose joining the bloom parade.

Clematis close up.

Hanging basket is starting to fill out.

Thanks to HolleyGarden for helping me find Cottage Flora Thursdays.