Frozen pond

Another gloriously sunny but bitterly cold day starting with our usual early Thursday walk.

Heading through our estate to the village at 7.00 am it was barely light but I was rewarded with, first the sound and then the sight of a small owl flying from the rooftop to the trees in the park. It lifted my spirits and pleasure at being out despite the cold.

Not icy underfoot but a pleasant crunch walking on the frosted leaf litter and grass through the St Ives estate. The sunrise was slightly masked by a low band of cloud but when we reached Coppice Pond the sun was emerging and could be seen through the trees. There was an extensive covering of ice which was making it difficult for the swans and ducks to access, only the gulls were standing on it.

We found a large group of birds at the bottom end of the pond - inset. Here one of our number walked onto this marshy area to feed them, but my seed based food was just being lost in the leaves so sadly I gave up. They did look hungry.

An exhilarating walk to start the day, I  don’t think my legs were warm all the way, will have to dig out my fleece lined leggings to wear under my walking trousers or a thicker pair and unusually I had my gloves on virtually the whole way. 

Chris had some financial business to do with luncheon club at a friend's down the road who has taken over as treasurer, she kindly invited us both for a coffee later in the morning.  A pleasant interlude and apart from a bit of ironing I haven’t really done much else!