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Autumn at Winkworth Arboretum

Winkworth Arboretum is one of several National Trust properties we’ve visited recently, POD and I were there just last month. We’d taken the access for all route which is a walk with no steps. Whilst our toddler loves walking outdoors, it’s inevitable she’ll need her buggy at some point.

The temptation to return to Winkworth Arboretum to see what had changed was too great this week. Especially with an Acer in our garden the most glorious red. It’s still a wonderful location too, even if many of the trees had lost their leaves.

The steep wooded valley of Winkworth and its lakes was bought by Dr Wilfrid Fox in 1937 so he could experiment with planting styles and different tree species. It was given to the National Trust in 1952 for what Dr Fox described as using plants to “paint a picture”.

It was a positive sign to see both the main and overflow car parks busy on arrival. Although strange not to have my toddler running beside me, I was also keen to investigate part of the challenging walk, which comprised of steep steps, to see the Boathouse.

After heading down the Fiona Adams Steps, the peaceful glade that is the Badgers Bowl with awash with hues of yellow, orange and red. The frost, chilly air and sunshine just added to the mystique. Squawking sounds could be heard in the direction of the Boathouse.

Rowe’s Flashe Lake was a haven of peace and tranquility, overlooked by the wonderful Boathouse. Following the path past wetlands to Rowe’s Flashe Meadow, a viewpoint framed the lake, Boathouse and surrounding woods beautifully.

The Azalea Steps were littered with colourful leaves, it reminded me a little of Alice in Wonderland. This pathway led to an idyllic spot where a superb collection of Acers stood tall above a carpet of red and yellow. A perfect Autumn display.

The Magnolia Wood was even more beautiful than our last visit and the view across The Bowl was incredible. Brightly coloured leaves were scattered everywhere – reds, yellows, greens and browns. POD would have had so much fun kicking them! Next time…

If you’d like to hear more about Winkworth Arboretum, October’s post is here. Other National Trust reads include The Sanctuary of Claremont, Exploring Polesden Lacey, Fairies & Bluebells and Maoris & a secret garden.

We’re linking this post up with How Does Your Garden Grow? at the Mammasaurus.

The historic Ciudad Bolívar

Following our trip to the jungle and Angel Falls, next stop was Ciudad Bolívar – the capital of Venezuela’s South Eastern bolivar state.

To get there we took a 4 seated Cessna over the 30,000 km² Canaima National Park that borders Brazil and Guyana. It was a journey that would last over an hour.

This photo was taken from inside the plane. Given there was only JD, myself and a pilot on board I was nervous to say the least. Noticeable perhaps from the lopsided smile! The pilot didn’t help quash my fears by spending too much time foraging instead of looking where he was going. Perhaps he’d done the journey so many times he longer needed to concentrate.

Ciudad Bolívar was originally founded as Angostura but renamed in 1846. The name comes from the Angostura trees that grow in the area. Angostura bitters were invented there and it’s also where the first Venezuelan newspaper was printed.

Despite the fear, the views from the Cessna were incredible and the pilot landed the plane perfectly.

We were met at the airstrip by a guide who took us to Plaza Bolívar located in the heart of the old city. There we found a statue of the Liberator Simón Bolívar who had declared Ciudad Bolívar the interim capital of the newly formed republic in 1818.

It was incredibly hot, not helped by our jungle attire – it really wasn’t trouser weather!

There is a cathedral located on the eastern side of Plaza Bolívar – music can be heard in the Plaza if the doors are open. A plaque marks the spot where General Manuel Piar was executed.

Whilst we were in Ciudad Bolívar we visited the Angostura Congress House where I tried and failed to make a guard laugh. I thought leaning over his shoulder would do it but alas I was wrong!

We also saw the San Osrido Museum, where Simón Bolívar stayed for a time, and the San Isidro house where he wrote the Angostura Speech. Now a museum, it was a great opportunity to glimpse into the colonial lifestyle and have a nose around some rather pretty gardens. Casa Piar is where General Manuel Piar stayed before his execution.

The Angostura Bridge over the Orinoco River was a wonderful sight. It links the Bolívar State to the rest of the Venezuela. We traveled over it on the way to Ciudad Bolívar and when we returned to the airport bound for Margarita…

We’re linking this post up with What’s The Story? here on PODcast and Magic Moments at The Oliver’s Madhouse.

The follies of Painshill Park

Moving to Surrey in 2010 after nearly two decades in London was the best thing we ever did. We’ve discovered some absolute gems since we arrived and we’re continually exploring new places that offer different experiences.

Painshill Park is described as England’s most elegant 18th century landscape garden – a magical wonderland with hidden surprises. Located in Cobham, it’s Grade 1 listed and has been awarded the rare Europa Nostra Medal for its exemplary restoration.

Painshill Park was created by the Honourable Charles Hamilton who wanted a romantic landscape to stimulate the senses and emotions of visitors. He certainly achieved that.

The dramatic slopes of the vineyard can be seen with the lake below. The trees of Fir Walk provide a frame to views as far as the North Downs taking in Chatley Heath and its semaphore tower.

A Gothic Temple is one of Hamilton’s great surprises with narrowed openings of pillared arches framing a living painting. From inside the landscape falls away dramatically offering spectacular views of the Serpentine Lake. Even POD seemed in awe of it, surprising perhaps given she’s not yet three.

There’s also a zig-zag path that leads from the Gothic Temple downhill to the Chinese bridge peninsula. At the other end of the lake the land rises where there are glimpses of the Hermitage, Temple of Bacchus and Turkish Tent.

POD had a brief nap while I took in the Ruined Abbey which is built of brick but rendered to look like stone. Situated on the edge of the lake and with the sun shining brightly, it was a wonderfully calm place to be. My thoughts were disrupted by a swan flying at speed then coming to rest on the lake.

We came across many ducks, some of which were quite unusual, as we headed towards the Chinese Bridge. POD said “hello duck” to the majority of them. The surroundings really were quite beautiful, imagine a sunlit lake surrounded by old trees and Autumnal colours.

Also at Painshill Park is a restored Waterwheel, the largest working wheel in the UK, a Hermitage and a Gothic Tower. We saved these for our next visit as we spent too much time in the Crystal Grotto (restricted opening times apply). You can read The follies of Painshill Park: Part Two here.

It’s one of the main attractions at Painshill and the latest historic folly to be restored. Hundreds of thousands of crystals including calcite, gypsum, quartz and fluorite have been used to re-create this extraordinary folly.

The surrounding area almost takes your breath away, it’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before. With a small entrance POD was apprehensive at first but once in and her eyes adapted to the light she loved it.

Stalactites hung from the ceiling and the walls sparkled with crystals. It’s said on a still day ‘nature’s mirror’ can be seen inside the crystal grotto. There were beautiful reflections that’s for sure. As you’re not permitted to touch the grotto crystals, the volunteers had loose ones available which could be held. POD’s offer to look after them was politely declined.

Painshill Park is like a magical wonderland. The excitement on POD’s face in the crystal grotto was something else. I can’t imagine what she’ll be like when we visit Santa there!

We’re linking this post up with Country Kids at Coombe Mill and How Does Your Garden Grow? at Mammasaurus.

Fireworks at Stoke Park

In November 2011 I was all set to see the fireworks at Stoke Park in Surrey. It sounded like the most incredible event. A torchlight procession from Guildford’s cobbled High Street up to Stoke Park followed by fireworks. I was SO excited.

It wasn’t to be though as on November 3rd I broke my wrist. We didn’t make it the following year either.

Last night we were determined POD would see her first firework display. Having decided against the torchlight procession this year we headed straight to Stoke Park.

There we were treated to a fun fair with everything you’d expect from bumper cars to a waltzer and a ghost train. Lots of lights, lots of noise and lots of people. POD had never seen anything like it so it was a lot to take in.

She had the best time spinning in a tea cup with Daddy and would have gone on again and again and again given the chance. Instead we opted for a train where she got the opportunity to drive her own carriage. It was a role she took very seriously and she didn’t want to get off!

It was quite a sight seeing the torchlight procession arrive – hundreds of torches amid a sea of darkness. We followed them to where the firework display was taking place. It reminded me of being at a concert where everyone is waving a lighter in the air.

It was reported 17,000 people were at Stoke Park last night. It was hardly surprising given it really was a spectacular show. And what a great introduction for POD. It was wonderful to see her little face when she saw fireworks for the first time.

We’re linking this post up with the Mad Mid-Week blog hop at Super Busy Mum.

The spectacular Angel Falls

The photograph of Mount Auyantepui above, was taken c.2007 in Canaima National Park. Located in Venezuela, this World Heritage Site is recognised for its flat-topped rock formations ‘tepuis’ which cover 65% of the park.

Also in the park is Angel Falls which, with a free fall drop of 979 meters, is the highest waterfall in the World. It was discovered by the explorer James Angel when he crashed his plane on an expedition in 1937.

Angel Falls is not easy to reach due to its isolated jungle location. Having flown from the UK to Caracas and the following day from Caracas to Puerto Ordaz, a further flight was necessary to reach Canaima. This is the starting point for all river trips to the falls.

We stayed at Campamento Tiuna in the Laguna de Canaima for 3 days which was run by Pemón Indians. This camp was situated off one of the blackwater rivers that flows through swamps and wetlands, the tannin in the water making it look like tea.

With transport around the Canaima National Park mostly by canoe or curiara, we traveled light. Our suitcases were abandoned at a larger camp for collection after our jungle stay.

Most people in the camp slept in hammocks under permanent shelters. We managed to secure a hut which although open to the elements included the bare essentials – a bed and a shower. There was no hot water available but we had privacy and were able to sleep horizontally.

The food in camp was excellent, we were well fed and looked after. We also met some wonderful people including a lovely Chilean family we spent a fair amount of time with.

The main photograph shows the cliffs of Mount Auyantepui which is where Angel Falls makes its dramatic plunge. It was taken the day we departed camp for Angel Falls – everyone hoped the cloud wouldn’t shroud the view of the falls.

In the wooden curiara with us was the Chilean family (of 5) and our Pemón guide. The journey to Angel Falls took at least two hours. We passed through two rivers, crossing rapids and giant rocks – one of which we got marooned on when we returned to camp. The men had got out of the boat to help the Pemón who had attempted to dislodge the curiara with all of us in it!

At Angel Falls base camp we were treated to a feast before we embarked on a 90 minute hike uphill. Frequently clambering over slippery exposed tree roots or climbing man-made steps.

It was steep and humid but the view from the lookout directly in front of the falls was spectacular. It’s hard to imagine what a waterfall with a 979 meter drop will look like but its immense. Some of the group even got to enjoy a swim in the pool at the base of the cascades.

We’re linking this post up with What’s the Story? here on PODcast and Magic Moments at The Oliver’s Madhouse.

Remembering Loseley

You may recall we visited the wonderful Loseley Park earlier this year.

The house was one of the first stately homes to be open to the public and its been home to the More-Molyneaux family for 500 years.

It has a phenomenal garden which covers 2.5 acres and is divided into ‘rooms’, each of which has its own personality.

We had sat in the sunshine eating Loseley ice-cream before visiting a magnificent walled garden. It was beautifully laid out with roses, flowers and herbs. Ancient Wisteria covered an entire wall and nearby was a Mulberry tree reputed to have been planted by Queen Elizabeth I.

There were over a thousand old English rose bushes in the rose garden, perfectly framed with low and precisely clipped box hedges. The flower garden contained a fiery display of reds, oranges, yellows and blues.

A herb garden showcased an array of ingredients which have supplied the main house for hundreds of years.

The white garden was my favourite. It was a tranquil oasis of white, cream and silver with a water feature taking centre stage. It’s also where POD saw her first dragonfly.

Located near there was the Kitchen Garden, a practical organic vegetable garden with unusual varieties, and a wildflower meadow which could be seen across the moat.

Aside from not visiting anywhere this past week, there is a reason for this trip down memory lane. Loseley Park held a photography competition shortly after our visit which I entered. An exhibition showcasing all entries and the prize giving takes place in 2 weeks. Although I won’t win anything, I will be so proud to see three of my photographs mounted on the wall.

We’re linking this post with How Does Your Garden Grow? over at Mammasaurus. If you have a garden post you’d like to share, click on the badge below.

The Emerald Lakes

This is a photograph of the Emerald Lakes in New Zealand. Minerals leaking from the surrounding rock cause them to be a beautiful turquoise colour. With steam vents above the lakes responsible for a sulphurous smell.

Some say the volcanic peaks of Ngauruhoe, Tongariro and Ruapehu are among the top ten single-day treks in the World. All are highly active, a small eruption occurred as recently as 2012, and the terrain reflects this.

The Tongariro National Park is a World Heritage site. It has the distinction of dual status, as it has been acknowledged for both its natural and cultural significance. Scenes from Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit have also been filmed here.

As part of our 2008 visit to New Zealand, we embarked on a 19.4 kilometre trek across The Tongariro National Park. This sounds like it was planned but it wasn’t – we did it on the spur of the moment. Little did we know how tough it would be or that I’d re-break two toes a couple of kilometres in. Wimping out wasn’t an option either given we were dropped off at the start and collected at the finish.

Climbing uneven layers of ancient and modern lava flows and volcanic deposits was a challenge. The Devil’s Staircase was hard work and steep; up to 1,600 metres above sea level. The view down the valley and across the countryside when we reached the top was something else though.

After passing South Crater on mostly flat ground, we faced an uphill walk on an exposed ridge to the Red Crater. This was just one of several active craters in the Tongariro National Park.

The views over the Oturere Valley, Rangipo Desert, Kaimanawa Ranges and down towards the Emerald Lakes were incredible. Seeing those spectacular Emerald Lakes close-up was definitely a highlight of the trek. Quite surreal too especially after realising the ground was hot to touch and looking at the core of a volcano!

The descent from the Red Crater to the Emerald Lakes was not to be rushed as loose scoria gave way underfoot. There was an old lava flow to the left spreading across the floor of the Central Crater with the Emerald Lakes to the right.

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing track then followed the edge of the Central Crater before trekking up to Blue Lake. This lake is sacred so it was disrespectful to eat or drink around it. The climb to the North Crater was easier and from there we followed the route to Ketetahi Springs where we embarked on the final leg of the trek. The toes were screaming but we made it to the finish and in good time too. We completed the Tongariro Crossing in 6.5 hours – the average being 7-9 hours.

Given the entire length of it is across raw volcanic terrain, at an altitude of up to 1,800 metres, it was a pretty good effort. We rewarded ourselves with an ice cold lager. But not before we’d quenched our thirst so we could savour every single mouthful.

We’re linking this post up with What’s The Story? here on PODcast and Magic Moments at The Oliver’s Madhouse.

Autumn adventures at RHS Wisley

If you read this round-up post, you’ll know we’ve visited RHS Wisley several times these past months. With each season showcasing a different look, we’ve just returned to see what Autumn had to offer.

When we arrived we discovered ‘Autumn adventure’ – an eye spy game RHS Wisley created that uses all the senses.

We had to SEE a yellow leaf, a robin, a red leaf, a gardener, some berries, a seed head, a bird hide and a spiders web. HEAR the sound of water bubbling, a tractor, footsteps on a wooden bridge and ducks quacking.

FEEL a pine cone, smooth sundial, rough bark, a green man, the wind of my face, dry, crunchy leaves, a warm hand to hold and flakey peeling bark. SMELL fallen rotting leaves, damp soil and plants, a tree and ripe fruit.

POD loved this game and we did well finding as much as we did. Not sure what she was most excited about the discovering, “escaping” or jumping in muddy puddles!

RHS Wisley showcased a completely different look to our last visit a few weeks ago. It was an explosion of colour, the leaves on the trees almost creating a warm glow. Everywhere you looked was simply beautiful.

Famously RHS Wisley is home to the local cultivar Nyssa Sylvatica ‘Wisley Bonfire’. For a few days in October this pyramidal broadleaved tree produces the most vibrant, fiery display as it’s leaves begin to fall. It’s impressive.

The Wild Garden offered hues of red, orange and gold. The Acers and Japanese Maples in particular looked amazing and it was wonderful to see the sunlight reflected on the water.

The Glasshouse was just as exciting as its been on previous visits. Offering an array of beautiful plants and flowers, the tropical zone showcased unusual species we’ve not seen before including a rather fabulous banana tree.

We were lucky the rain clouds dispersed while we were there – replaced with blue skies and glorious sunshine. Although a fleeting visit on this occasion, we left RHS Wisley tired and happy. If there was one word to describe Autumn there, it would simply be “wow”.

We’re linking this post up with Country Kids at Coombe Mill, How Does Your Garden Grow? at Mammasaurus and Celebrate Autumn with Only the Best for Baby.

Raglan, Hamilton and Rotorua

This photograph was taken at the start of 2008 in New Zealand’s North Island. The train carriage in the background is a Thai Restaurant we’d just had a meal at. It was a fabulous place which had kept all it’s original features. So much so you could almost imagine what it might be like on the Orient Express – albeit on a much grander scale!

We were in New Zealand for a friend’s wedding. They’d spent the best part of a decade in the UK but had headed back home in 2007.

When we arrived we stayed in a converted railway carriage in the beachside town of Raglan. An unscheduled stopover in LA meant we were there for one night rather than two but we had a great time nevertheless. Situated on the west coast of the Waikato region, the scenery in and around Raglan was incredible. The black volcanic sands create a sense of atmosphere and it’s a surfing mecca for wave riders, with three world-class point breaks.

The next stop was a reunion with the groom to see England play the Black Caps in Hamilton. Although England lost by ten wickets, it was a relaxed environment sitting on the grass of the ground with much banter. And beer. When it was sunny we posed in our sunglasses. When the rain came, on went our Kagool’s and we pulled childish faces from underneath our umbrellas.

We stayed until twilight when the black clouds threatened and the moon shone brightly. When everyone left the ground was littered with plastic beer bottles but not for long. A clever machine appeared and scooped them all up! It was definitely a night to remember with both old friends and new.

Having said our goodbyes, next stop was the Bay of Plenty. Nestled beside the cerulean blue Lake Rotorua is Rotorua itself, a volcanic-shaped wonderland with thermal activity is its heart. It offers geysers, bubbling mud pools and steaming craters. We sat in a hot spring watching the geysers and mud pools until our skin shriveled. Then we’d get out, cool down with a cold shower and do it all over again.

The following day we headed towards Taranaki to meet the groom before his big day. We promised him that weekend we’d be back for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Little did we know POD would arrive the year before.

We’re linking this post up with What’s The Story? on PODcast and Magic Moments at The Oliver’s Madhouse.

Forest fun at Alice Holt

We’ve seen so many great places recently including Alice Holt, a beautiful woodland setting cared for by the Forestry Commission. It was once the centre of a Roman pottery industry with hundreds of kilns producing pots of all shapes and sizes over a period of four centuries.

Located in Surrey, Alice Holt offers walking, cycling trails and play areas. It’s home to Go Ape where you can enjoy being adventurous high above the forest floor on zip wires, Tarzan swings and crossings. There’s also Go Ape Tree Top Junior which includes tree-to-tree crossings and a zip finale.

With POD not yet three, we tend to opt for the shorter waymarked trials of which there are several to chose from. The Habitat Trail for example is a 0.6 mile family walk with giant wooden animal play sculptures and the Willows Green Trail is 0.5 miles with a steep section.

Both of theses trails are short enough for POD to walk and explore her surroundings. On this occasion we provided her with a list of things to find in the forest – an acorn, bracken, a brown leaf, a stick, a blackberry and a fir cone. A task our toddler felt was necessary to undertake with her sunglasses on.

The Easy Access Trail at Alice Holt is a double looped route which enables visitors to experience a wide range of contrasting woodland habitats. Winding paths take you through dense conifer plantations and a majestic stand of mature Scots pine. The smell was just amazing.

Having taken a detour through the wonderful “deep dark wood”, we hit open woodland. Used for den building events, it was a great place for POD to hide, climb tree stumps and kick leaves.

Putting our heads through the holes was highly entertaining too especially when Daddy made lots of silly faces!

After collecting more leaves and twigs, we had a short food stop before spending time in the wooden play area. There POD got to explore before deciding she’d climb the ropes up the side of a pirate ship. Not only did she reach the top she did it in double quick time too. Not a bad effort for a toddler!

Alice Holt’s Habitat Trail has a rather impressive Totem Pole to admire before reaching the first play sculpture – an owl. It’s a great structure that enables children to climb to the tail and look down from the top of it’s head before using a fireman’s pole to reach the ground.

We then came across a Woodpecker Tree with a hollow trunk before reaching the bath and moth climbing walls. Although POD wanted to climb everything in sight, her favourite by far was the Giants Play Area where she got to sit in a giant’s chair!

We’re linking this post up with Country Kids at Coombe Mill. If you have an outdoor post to share, click on the badge below.

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