Perfect timing

I often take the dog along the old railway tracks which have been turned into a nice place to walk, cycle etc. This tree is a constant fascination to me because it has a hole running right through it. I took the dog out very early this morning (bad back, couldn't sleep, yada yada) and passed by just as the sun was in the right place. A minute later it had moved on.

We had a walk around the lodge (lake) and quacked at the mallards. What?!? Doesn't everyone do that? And listened to a woodpecker but couldn't see it. Then a flock of Canada geese arrived, honking like a clown car convention.

It was so early we were the only ones out.

And it was blissful.

A few more pics here