Limbo dancer

It's not unusual in rural Northumberland to have to slow down to avoid birds on the road - usually pheasants or partridges - but it's not every day that you encounter one of these! He was walking purposefully down the middle of the road in the Ingram Valley, and we followed very slowly behind him until he decided to go over to the grass verge. Managed to get a couple of quick shots before he squeezed under a gate - rather like a limbo dancer - and disappeared in to a field.

After a day's work, MrM and I decided to make the most of the sunshine, and packed a picnic tea. Not until we had parked by the river and got out of the car did we realise just how windy it was - a gale force blast funnelling down the valley! Sat outside for a short while but it soon became apparent that it wasn't sensible to dine al fresco, so we ate in the car with a view of the river, watching a myriad of birds flying around the hill beyond. (I'll resist posting the photo of MrM 'sunbathing' in a thick sweater and fleece, as he huddles in his chair. So much for 'flaming June!)

Drove up to the end of the road (extra), because we could, before returning home.