Walling: 29th April 2011

Peter, Chris and I were gapping near Hexham today.

Walling: 27th April 2011

Chris and I were gapping on the fell wall today at Espershields farm. I worked with Chris on a 3.5m wall head on a 40 degree slope next to a burn before building a 1.25m gap. It was 20c for most of the day with light breeze, the odd cloud and strong sun.

Cladonia Lichens on a sheltered section of the wall.

Walling: 15th April 2011

I set out 2.5m and built to the top line of through stones. A swallow skimmed across the grass this morning. The metallic blues of it's back catching the sun as it circled us before flying off towards the reservoir. I split a boulder and found this fossil.

Calisle Canoe Club Sea Meet: 10th April 2011

A big blue sky opened up stretching to the horizon as we pulled up at Sea Houses, geared up and carried the boats down to the water in high, late morning sun. 

The paddle out to the Inner Farnes took just under an hour in force 3 with slightly choppy seas. After a food stop on the shore below the chapel we paddled on. Two colonies of a hundred or so Grey Atlantic Seals were smelt before they were seen.

A figure of eight round two islands saw slightly larger waves. Puffins, guillemots and fulmars swarmed throughout the day. The wind and swell picked up on the return trip to Sea Houses. We landed in 2 ft surf with salty and windswept faces, the sun still shining.

Walling: 3rd April 2011

Dry stone walling today with Chris and Peter. Stone good. A few showers and light, slightly chilly winds. Heard a curlew in the afternoon. Two and half meters built. Satisfied about finishing before the sun set. Vegetable stew and treacle pudding with custard before bed.