river walk

Yesterday I decided that instead of taking Cara out for a lead walk along the pavements I would give her a treat and take her with us alongside the River Earn, as it had been very soft underfoot yesterday following all the rain. Cara was really excited to be taken out for a proper walk after such a long spell confined to barracks, but soon settled down to realise that she was still to be confined to the lead except when she went into the river for a swim.

Half an inch of rain had fallen overnight and the pathways were even softer underfoot. The river was swollen and running very fast and the rocks where the mallards had been resting yesterday were well under water today. The tree canopy was looking rich in all its different shades of green and wild flowers popped up here and there along the pathway. I particularly loved the soft colour of this dog rose against the fast flowing water with the hopeful fisherman casting his line on the bend of the river.

I shall now settle in for a relaxing afternoon with my sister-in-law to do some sketching in the conservatory, where the light is really good and we can listen to the rain pattering down on the roof and feel smug because we are cosy, warm and dry! It has been really wonderful to have company and both the dogs and I have thoroughly enjoyed these past couple of days.