Adder alert!

We met Katy and Colin for a 6 mile walk in the Cheviots, having left the cars at South Middleton.

There was quite a bit of snow in the shady bits of the road as we drove there, but our walk was east-facing so most had melted in the morning sun. While walking into the north wind across the moorland we saw this adder basking in the sun, sheltered by the whins. It slithered off under the bush when it had posed long enough for me to take its photo.

We sheltered behind some rocks for our lunch but we couldn’t linger. It was minus 3 with added wind chill. It’s a grand walk with views to the coast and hills.

The exciting good news is that the daughters (aged 43 and 46) went together for the AZ vaccine today. I’m so glad my younger one in particular got it as she teaches in a high school. Her 50 year old husband got his 2 weeks ago and the other son-in-law has had both as he works in a hospital and has Type 1 diabetes. Mr C gets his second tomorrow.

The bad news for us is that we can’t find any UK holiday accommodation for August. All the houses to sleep 10, even the ones over £6000 a week, are booked. I have suggested they forget about a family holiday and just do house swaps with friends. They have, like many, had a tough year what with working from home while attempting home schooling. They really need a break.


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