Douglas of the Valley

Lovely day out at Cragside, with MrM.

We walked through the gardens to the Power House, admiring the amazing Autumn foliage and the magnificent conifers on the way. Passed this fabulous wood sculpture, carved in to a 140-year-old Douglas fir that had succumbed to disease; apparently it's nicknamed 'Douglas of the Valley', and is a 'tree spirit' inspired by the Green Man. His eyes seem to follow you round the path!
After looking round the house (extra), we drove along the 6-mile carriage drive, stopping for lunch (eaten at a picnic bench, in the sun) and for a couple of walks in the woods.

Already talking about going back again...