Snowdrop Time

 

 This morning eldest and I set off on a Snowdrop finding mission, because I just can't get enough of these little flowers and he is happy to come along.

We headed to Calke Abbey as we have done THIS walk before.

 

Eldest seems to be getting broader across the shoulders...and skinnier everywhere else.

Dimminsdale nature reserve was formerly a  stone quarry.

From the pools you climb up.

and further up.

before descending down a wooden path. I was so happy that the sun had come out that I may have run down these boards.

because I knew we were very close to this, and I wanted to see them in the sunshine.

This little hollow did not disappoint.

 I love the natural setting and the backdrop of the fallen tree.

A carpet of white.

Happily the sun continued to shine and we walked a little further.

 More sweet little snowdrops greeted us. They looked so pristine and perfect.

Ha, I took loads of failed attempts to get a snails eye view.

But it was worth it to get this.

 There was one more area with a mass of flowers to swoon over.

Then, as quickly as they started, they ended.

Further along the footpath we did see little shoots and wondered if they might be a later variety of Snowdrop?

Here we crossed a road and climbed uphill.

 Through more sunlit winter woodland,

 We loved this view

Lovely Oak trees

If I walk this way again I may well recall the conversation we were having as we walked along. The view reminding me of a forgotten memory. Does that happen to anybody else?

 The young oak trees here were still clinging to a few leaves.

and the catkins were a jolly sight.

Here our walk took us back into the Calke Parkland.

The house looked pretty in the sunshine and as we still have National Trust membership we decided to take a look in the gardens. Happily they are open again after the winter closure.

This sheet in the stable block made me smile. It was a good day for drying ... but as my washing machine is broken at the moment there will be none of that :0(

It's a lovely approach to Calke Abbey.

but the gardens are situated away from the house.

How perfect is this.

I suppose there were formal gardens close to the house in the past, and this area was part of the kitchen gardens.

We loved this display of snowdrops.

 Each with a label, as they are all different types.

Who knew there were so many?

The tiniest...awww.

There were several different glass houses.

So, despite the lack of flowers, there was plenty of interest.

We loved all the old tools and equipment on display here, not to mention the blue walls.

 Eldest loved the tunnel we found.

which led to more snowdrops :0)

But it was time we headed home.

I hope you enjoyed our four mile walk today. Thank you for coming along.

Jacquie x