Aaaargh! Snaaaaake!

Every Friday I drive across the Forest 4 times (swimming lessons - 2 boys, same instructor, same pool, *completely* different times of day). Every Friday I say 'must take the camera with me and stop for a walk'. Today I remembered it!

Son Two and I were going for a bit of foal-spotting. Saw one on the way to swimming, but were running late so couldn't stop. Hoped mum and baby would hang around until we got back, but with over 140,000 acres to play in why would they?! They didn't..

We stopped at Ashley Walk for a 45 minute stroll. Well, I strolled, Son Two was carried. I took some pretty good pics considering I was majorly multi-tasking (walking along carrying almost-asleep wriggly 6mo in the ring sling, whilst breastfeeding him, and snapping away on a DSLR at the same time!).

As a variation on a theme, I took a picture of 'where a lizard used to be'. Then this guy slithered across in front of us. Bit out of focus as my reactions are slightly slower than lightning! Not sure what he is, we have adders, grass snakes and smooth snakes here. Have googled, but can't find one the same colour! Anyone tell me?

I knew we had them around here, but that's the first time in the 4.5 years we've been here that I've seen one. Special moment.