Cragside ...

... goslings.

With the weather being iffy today we decided to head to Cragside Castle.  

But along the way two things happened.  The first can be seen in the first shot of the Extra ... seeing the beautiful English countryside.  There was a stretch of road we travelled on that had the most breathtaking view that we simply had to stop for some pictures.  And thankfully there was a nice turn-out spot along the roadway that allowed us safe access!

Also along the way we passed an 11th century church and castle ruins.  Well ... if you know us at all you will know we stopped to see them!  This is where we encountered the young man ... Fin ... in the second shot in the Extra.  We talked for a few minutes and then he asked if we were headed toward Rothbury.  And it just so happens that Cragside Castle is in that direction.  He was looking for a ride because he said he had been called into work.  Not sure we believed that but he looked like a decent chap so we took him as far as Cragside. The price for his lift was a picture!

I know what you are thinking ... ARE YOU CRAZY!  Perhaps! And if we were in the States I definitely would have said no!

We had a lovely time at Cragside Castle ... which was really beautiful.  The same man that owned Bamburgh Castle (William Armwstrong) also owned this castle.  He was a brilliant inventer and arm manufacturer and became quite wealthy in the late 1800's.  This home was the first in England to be powered by hydraulics and illuminated by hydroelectricity.

After leaving Cragside we drove the 7-mile carriage drive that runs through the property.   At one point along the way we stopped to walk the Nelly's Moss trail.  And along this trail we came across some greylag geese and their goslings!  Aren't they the cutest?!?

We returned to our cottage for supper and haven't been back out.  Good night.