Love doves

...well feral pigeons, but perhaps I can be allowed a bit of artistic licence.

Spring really was in the air today for these two, they were courting vigorously on the Arnside Pier just a few of feet from where a couple were sitting on a bench. The female is on the right, and (more anthroporphism) she clearly adores her male, for she was constantly preening him.

A glorious, warm hazy day. Visitors were strolling on the pier in T shirts, eating ice creams. Is this really still March? On Arnside Knott, we found the first Teesdale Violets coming into flower.

The watching line of deer from last Sunday were awarded a staff pick, so I have a golden crown for a week. I never imagined what a rosy glow that could give to a day, so thank you to whichever staff member picked it. Thank you too for all the additional views, comments, stars etc that that generated.

Tomorrow we set off early for the Cairngorm trip, so I shall be well beyond blipping range, short of using a satellite phone. The forecast is brilliant, so I don't think we'll be shivering in our sleeping bags. Have a good weekend!