More steps

and bigger ones too here in the Himalayan garden at Harewood House.

I took my friend on a belated birthday day out and after coffee we wandered down to the ornamental lake through the bird garden coming acceditally to this ravine. It was created when the lake was made by damming this stream. Some lovely Astilbes and Astrantia were passed on the way but we chose to cross the bridge from where I took this shot of one of the gardeners braving these very high stepping stones.

We had lunch in Courtyard cafe and then went to look at the terrace and basement (servants quarters and kitchen) of the house. Here we found a terrace tea room so of course had to have tea and shared a piece of cake.

We were just about to leave when we were told we could just make it to see the penguins being fed. I had forgotten they were here. Humbolt penguins are in danger so a breeding programme is being carried out here. A hopeful heron was perched on the chimney of the cafe watching proceedings and two Red Kites and sundry gulls were circling overhead no doubt also hoping some of the fish might be missed.

A lovely sunny day out. More of the garden in the extra.

(Got there to find my camera battery was dead so all these shots are from my phone)