Visit to Gowk Bank

It was sunny at the start of the day. I drove M and F to Gowk Bank Nature Reserve in the Irthing Valley to see the orchids. By the time we arrived it was pouring, but there were sunny intervals. We were fortunate enough to coincide with an orchid expert who showed us where the small white orchids are growing (v. rare). We saw loads of heath spotted, heath fragrant and twayblade. I knew that frog orchids grow near the river. After quite a search M discovered a bit of litter - turned out to be a marker for a frog orchid!

On our way out of the valley we had to stop while a farmer moved this flock of sheep. I liked the way I was able to include farmer on quad bike as well as the sheep in this shot. Sadly the sheepdog was not close enough to be included.

We had lunch at Slack House Farm. I can highly recommend the tearooms here. The food is delicious and quite unusual. One of us can't eat gluten and the menu had 2 items on that were gluten free. The savoury polenta tart with squash, peppers and cheese made on the farm was delicious. Mmmn.

Will catch up with back blips but had major computer crisis. The old computer has objected to being moved while new computer was installed. Old one won't boot up and I need quite a lot that is on it for the new one. Ho hum. Looks expensive.