(no subject)

[turps]

Washington Wetlands reopened last week, so we went there for a walk yesterday. You have to book a spot as they're controlling numbers allowed in, but that wasn't a problem as we've kept our WWT membership going over the lockdowns.

It was such a nice, peaceful walk. The Wetlands will always be one of my favourite places as it's where we went when I first started walking more seriously. There are a lot of benches to rest on if needed, plus, you can either keep to the inner shorter loop or branch off to the hides or down to the river which can easily double your walk. Today we stuck to the inner loop and it was apparent that lockdown hasn't been good in terms of keeping up stamina while walking. James even made noises about using the electric scooter but I talked him round that we'd never get back to where we were if he took that option. And, in the end, he agreed he'd enjoyed the walk so it was the right decision.

Some photos, including the inevitable otter pics behind














It's my FiL's birthday tomorrow. James has a rostered day off so suggested buying dinner for my In-laws. While you can't eat inside restaurants yet, and the weather has turned again meaning eating outside isn't an appealing option, you can get take away from practically every restaurant in the area. So, we asked my FiL what he wanted, and he wants a bucket of chicken from KFC. We stressed again we'd go anywhere, but nope, the man wants his chicken. So, that's one easy thing to pick up.

Today it's been wet and cold but I cranked out 2k of my H/C exchange story and it felt great to do so. Probably would have got more if Milo hadn't 't decided to lie in front of the keyboard.

Comments

[shadowhive]

Aww what cute otters! That sounds like a new place to walk🖤

I hope he has a nice birthday tomorrow

Yay for writing!

[turps]

It's a lovely place to walk and I'm glad it's open again.

My FiL has had an okay birthday, enjoyed his chicken, has some cider we bought him and said he plans to drink that and left-over chicken tonight. So, a good day for him it seems.

[ephemera]

Walks and otters and writing sounds good! I hope your FIL enjoys his birthday feast ;)

[turps]

My FiL has had his bucket of chicken and apparently enjoyed it. He's also got left overs for later so his day has gone well it seems *g*

Otters and writing were both great!

[pensnest]

How lovely to be able to visit a place where the otters pose so nicely for pictures!

[turps]

We were lucky with the otters, arriving at their enclosure just as they were being fed. While no keeper talks can happen yet, the keeper threw fish bits close to where we were standing so we could get a close-up look.

[dine]

the Wetlands (and otters) look terrific - I'd probably have to stop at every bench, but it would be lovely to enjoy the views

I laughed at the birthday dinner request - but at least it's easy, and probably cheaper than some other options. hope the chicken is enjoyed!

[turps]

When I first started going to the Wetlands I did pretty much stop at every bench. But it was always nice to do so as there was always something nice to look at.

My FiL has had his chicken and enjoyed it. You're right though, in terms of price it was on the cheaper side which is always a plus.

[frausorge]

Wow, those views look so lovely, lush and green. And the otter shots! Amazing!

Go you cranking out the words! 2k is very impressive!

[turps]

It really is a beautiful place, even more amazing due to the fact it's also close to some major roads. But once you're into the reserve it's like your miles away from any built-up areas.

I got into the writing groove yesterday. It was nice and something I've missed.

[spikedluv]

That looks like a great area to walk!

Enjoy your KFC (and I'm not saying that facetiously. I enjoy some KFC on occasion. Have you tried their famous bowl? Or pot pie? Or tenders with steak fries?).

[turps]

It's a gorgeous place to walk, especially on days like the photo, when it's not too hot or cold.

Sadly our KFC's don't do pot pies or the bowls. I wish they did as I've just looked them up and they look very tasty. However, they do have the tenders which is great.

[spikedluv]

Oh no! I'm saddened on your behalf. I can attest that they are both very good. *g*

[brandywine28]

That's a gorgeous walking spot, with or without the otters. (But still -- otters!!!!)

Hey, if the man says he wants KFC, let him have his KFC! There are (probably?) worse things he could ask for!

[turps]

The otters are fab. Since we've been going there have been a few sets of babies and it's lovely to see them going to other wetlands around the country.

He had his KFC and enjoyed it. And then enjoyed leftovers for his tea. It was a very chicken'ey day for him! *g*

[wenchpixie]

OTTERS!

What a really lovely place to walk - I do like the OPTION of a bench, it can encourage me to go somewhat further than I might have, otherwise, particularly with the lockdown -10 to stamina to factor in.

[turps]

I was delighted to be there for otter feeding time, especially as it was a complete coincidence.

Yeah, benches are great to have. For example, another place we like to walk is a National Trust property with gorgeous wooded grounds, but they have very few benches. If it wasn't for them offering trapper scooters there's no way James could manage, which would be a shame as it is a beautiful walk.

[kat_lair]

Aww those otters! And yay for building up walking stamina, something I need to do again!

[turps]

The otters are so lovely.

Before the first lockdown we'd go out walking loads, but it got old wandering around our estate so the distances dropped. I really want to change that again.

[rikes]

That looks like such a lovely place for walking! Plus, otters! ♥_____♥

[turps]

It's a really lovely place.

I'm looking forward to when the hides can open again as there's a beautiful one overlooking a display of feeders in the trees and it's incredibly peaceful in there.

[turlough]

Sounds like you'd an absolutely wonderful day at the Wetlands! Lucky you to get to see them feed the otters! I'm so envious! It's just the sort of place I would love to visit often.

Sometimes it's the simplest thing that brings the greatest joy :-)

You wrote, go you!! *waves happy pompoms* But boo for naughty Milo blocking the keyboard like that!

[turps]

I do enjoy the otters. They've sent quite a few to other Wetlands around the country to help with the breeding programme so I also enjoy reading what they're up to.

You're right, it does.

I wrote! In fact, the story is done and at beta!

[sperrywink]

OMG, cutest otters, EVER!!!

[turps]

They are cute otters, and posed very nicely.