The farmer and I popped off on a jaunt to Scotland to see the big boy, who has just celebrated his 20th birthday. We took him out for dinner on Wednesday evening. On Thursday he went to Fish School, and we drove an 80 mile circuit around the area taking in the views, and spotting two RED SQUIRRELS which we have never seen before. And they were lovely. We were blessed with a bright and sunny day. During a very pleasant lunch in a converted mill in central Dumfries, sitting at a window that overlooked the river which flows fast and furiously through the town, the Farmer turned to me and said he could see two otters playing in the water. Obviously I laughed like a drain, as I have fallen for his stories on too many previous occasions. However, driven by his expression I too found a position where I could see out of the tiny window, and there, diving and playing were two of the cutest mammals I have ever had the pleasure of watching.
We paid our shot quickly and rushed outside to the riverbank, and stood for an hour watching and listening to the otters' feeding and diving. Despite the fact that they were right in front of one of the busiest areas of the town, with scores of people strolling by, no-one else seemed to notice. How lucky were we? I was so excited the farmer thought I would drop my little camera into the river!
We left the otters still feeding and chasing each other up and down the river to meet the big boy, and enjoy a guided tour of the fish farm area of Barony College. We shared another evening meal with him and said our goodbyes ready for our early departure to return to England this morning.
Rather disappointinly we had a flat tyre this morning, so experienced some delay trying to leave Dumfries whilst we located a puncture repair shop. Never mind eh! £15 lighter we had a great drive home. The youngest and his lovely young lady had kindly dog sat. When relieved of their duties they made their way back to Leicester Uni and I have settled down to have a better look at the otter pics. Will put them all on Facebook if you want to see them. Tired and travelworn, now looking forward to a night in my own bed.
So, if you want to get up close and personal with a pair of wild otters make your way to central Dumfries and listen for their very distinctive call. Well worth the trouble! And the red squirrels were easy to see, galloping down the roadsides like rabbits. I kid you not. Feeling a bit like David Attenbrough tonight. What a wonderful couple of days.
5 comments:
So when are we going upto Dumfries with you and tracker Hugh???
John leaves for NZ mid-May so window of opportunity VERY small...
Is that rock you and The Farmer posed by just a rock, or is it a landmark? and too bad you didn't get a photo of the squirrels. We have gray squirrels around here, and also some albino ones. I'll try to get a photo of some of the white squirrels.
The 'ROCK' is one of the 12 apostle stones - an installation at least as old as Stonehenge. Just slightly less impressive as the locals have carted away the best of the stones to put them to good use building!
oh, I've read of the Twelve Apostles in books but never bothered to look it up on the Net. It must take at least several people to haul one of those stones out for building!
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