Harrier at Hives, Beavers at Base Camp

Today was probably the hottest day of the hols at the earliest of times so we knew it wasn’t going to be easy from that perspective—neither of us do well in heat. We kept it as short as yesterday though and found a few cooling spots through trees which were bliss.

Instead of two hills today, we took one long one out followed by most of the rest of the ride undulating on a high plain through quiet lanes and villages. It’s been really picturesque and we both grabbed the brakes at the sight of a hen harrier hovering over the countryside. We thought it was a buzzard at first or a kite but it wasn’t the shape of the van latter and buzzards don’t hover. Finally spotted the white bar on its tail and concluded harrier.

Beautiful flowers lined the roads and there were plenty of butterflies too. It’s now creeping a few degrees higher but the clouds are coming over and it’s still due to cool off overnight which is key.

Managed to get a table at our favourite cafe of yesterday and now enjoying the last chill out.

UPDATE: OMG the campsite has a beaver lodge. We’ve just spent an hour watching two adults and a youngster cruise the river!