trees

At this time of year I'm always listening out for the first chiffchaffs, and Caerlaverock is a good place to hear them. So, taking my binoculars (but not Jess) I set off to do some birdwatching (and listening). It was very quiet along the merse, and very lovely. There was a breathtaking view of the snowy Lake District hills  - I was there a year ago today, I remember. I saw a pair of stonechats, a heron, and lots of other small birds, but only one other person. I visited the two brand-new hides and sat in one to have my flask of tea. Then up across the fields and up to Ward Law, where I took this photo. Several years ago, I lugged a beautiful medium format camera from college up here and took a similar pic and exposed the image onto paper painted with liquid emulsion. It's now hanging in the spare room of Sarah and Chris's flat. A special photo of a special place.