RSPB Marshside

A nice walk, near the seaside around the RSPB Marshside Reserve at Southport.
The URL for this 4.6331 mile route is http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=5971866.

Father's day and this was an ideal opportunity to try out my new monocular, a present from my son Ben; and of course letting Chris take a look as well.

Flag Iris

We didn't need magnification to view the flowers but a close-up of Avocets (with chick in one case) was pure joy.

Avocet

To think, at one time, they were seldom seen apart from the North Norfolk Coast. We saw 5 in total. 

Through the Golf course

As you can see, we were blessed with a sunny day and, although we initially took the lower path through the Golf course, when the opportunity occurred, we moved to the higher path; here there was a pleasant breeze.
Keep an eye out for the Alpaca  (Vicugna pacos) which was introduced to ward off foxes etc. from the nesting birds. No I'm not joking!

Cattle - view towards River Ribble

Apart from plants, birds and an Alpaca you will see the cattle that maintain the reserve, making it ideal for nesting, and you may, if quiet, see Water Voles along the path through the golf course.

Monday & Tuesday

A day at home spent playing, gardening and cooking lasagne for tea. 

Ben and Madeline went shopping for a new connection for the gas tumble drier and John and Ben plumbed it in together with the washing machine so that Madeline could catch up with the laundry. Madeline made a spectacular strawberry cake and an earlyish night followed as Norah and her mummy and daddy had missed out on quite a bit of sleep! 

A 7.40am call from Sadie and after the usual breakfast and outing preparations we set off to the Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park...

...which had once belonged to the actor Leo Carrillo famous for starring in the Cisco Kid on 1950s tv. His daughter lived there until 1978 and in 2003 the city of Carlsbad started to restore the buildings and opened it up to the public. 

There are lots of lovely peacocks and it must have been a wonderful place to live in its heyday. Sorry you missed it Mel but here are some photos!

An early lunch followed at El Papagayo in Encinitas then Madeline, Norah, John and I went to Trader Joe's for goodies for fondue tonight- yummy! I then decided to print off the boarding passes for our flight home only to discover that we fly on Thursday, not tomorrow - what a lovely surprise, another day in sunny Carlsbad!! A lazy afternoon with a bit more sunbathing for me and gardening for John whilst the two lambs slept.

More fun with Sadie and Norah then time for their tea and bedtime routine.

Looking forward to fondue...

A little late -update

So much has happened over the last three days that we haven't had time to keep you all up to date. 

Having said that, Friday was a waiting day.

Waiting for confirmation that the sale of the house was complete.

We had a swim in the ocean in the morning and spent some quality time with our grandchildren. My hat looks better on Norah Jane than it does on me.

Eventually the news arrived - B&M the house is indeed yours!

"Action Stations" The over 60s moving team sprung into action.

By Friday night two loads of boxes etc. had been transferred.

Saturday was move, move, move. The same team loading and unloading as Ben spent a "comedy sketch" phone call - lasting 4 hours - attempting to sort his essential Internet connection. Both move and Internet were sorted. 

Sunday was La Jolla day!

Seals, cormorants, pelicans and much more; Starbucks coffee, and investigations of rock pools.

While this was going on, the cleaners were sorting out B&Ms old rental.

The afternoon was gardening time for Chris & I; pruning, clearing, picking etc. with help from Sadie Christine, lots of discoveries in the various plant beds.

After the three younger ladies had shared a bath it was time to visit Madeline's Mum, Dad and Grandma. Good food, drinks and company. Edith and I got on very well :-)

It's now 07:45 and Sadie and Chris have emerged so I'll stop...

...as she is calling "Grandad"

More to follow I'm sure.

One week - flown past

Today it was planned to be an early start,  to catch the low tide at Seaside Beach, in Cardiff.

Apart from losing my camera, it was a beautiful morning with shell & stone collecting, crab spotting and Sadie getting wetter and less dressed as time passed.

It was when I spotted a large crab that I decided to get the camera out. It was no where to be seen! A very sad moment and, despite hunting back and forth along the beach, no trace could be found.

I eventually caught up with the rest of the clan, who were oblivious of the mishap.

Once we were back in the cars we headed off for snacks & drinks.

Most of the rest of the afternoon was spent with Ben working, Madeline feeding Norah and/or packing, Grandma reading her Kindle and/or entertaining Sadie and Granddad helping where he could (boxes into the garage, playing with Sadie, cuddles with Norah.

When the temperature had dropped a little, we all set off to do a walk near Quail Gardens.

A lovely walk with children randomly in or out of the 'stroller' - as always the plants, views and more, are stunning.

Granddad showed his reflexes were still good as he caught Sadie as she fell off the steps up to the top of the playground slide.

Ben and Chris have gone off to Yoga, Sadie is in bed & Madeline is feeding Norah and tucking her up for the night.

1 week down and looking forward to the next.

This photo is one of Madelines-

Ben & Chris returned with a meal from...

Watch this space...

Tuesday & Wednesday!

After a lazy start to the day we set off to see Sadie doing her gymnastics at 11 am. A sore toe prevented her from performing her full repertoire but there was a lot of bouncing on the trampoline and a few feats on the bars, dressed in her beautiful pink leotard and black shorts.

John, Madeline and the girls then returned home whilst Ben and I went I search of fish tacos for lunch from Pelly's - an interesting way to eat prawns and lobster with rice, shredded cabbage and a yoghurty dressing.

The girls napped, I caught up with some sunbathing and then it was down to beach to meet up with Greg and Kathleen. Ben surfed very impressively, John swam (brr!), Sadie dug holes and the rest of us chatted and caught up with the last few years. Ben and I went to the store for supplies then back to base for a delicious barbecue prepared and cooked by Ben- he has certainly embraced the American way of life! A lovely evening in delightful company!
A rather earlier start with Sadie this morning - 6.50! Breakfast then a trip to Del Mar...

...which was another beautiful ocean side town with a lovely playground for Sadie and a good lunch venue for various bagels, salads, croissants and waffles. Back for the girl's nap with a shopping trip for Madeline and  I whilst they slept. It was then time for a quick dip in the swimming pool...

...before returning for Sadie's teatime and an early night. Norah takes all of this in her stride but screams whenever I am in the same car as her but is quiet when John travels with her! Not sure of the significance of this but I believe that Mel had the same problem! Must be a girl thing. She is being settled for the night at the moment  by Madeline which can take some time depending on how Nora is feeling and then there is homemade meat loaf and roast rosemary potatoes to look forward to! Another lovely day and the tan is coming along slowly but surely - 15 minutes is all I am doing at a time as it is so hot!! I cannot believe that we will have been here for a week tomorrow - how time flies!

Busy Monday

Today was full of new adventures. It started with a trip to Oceanside Harbour. 

To say there was some money here was an understatement.

I took quite a few photographs of wildlife including...

...a gull...

...ground squirrel...

...and crabs.

After our stroll we headed for the park. It's here Chris will sped time with Sadie while we move to B&Ms new house on Saturday.

This sign didn't help convince Chris it was a good idea.

In the afternoon Chris & I revisited The self realisation gardens and wandered back, via shops to the beach.

We've seen so many lizards over the last few days.

If you think you have a thorny tree, think again...

To round off the day we had our present from the children! I'll let the pictures tell the story...

All too quickly it was landing time. & getting dark

Thank you for a wonderful present...

It should be Chris's turn next! Watch this space...

Everyone having a power nap...

...except me & Madeline, who's feeding Sadie. 13:38 and we've had a busy morning. 

Ben & Madeline have spent some time packing, ready for the move and Chris & I have entertained the Grandchildren.

It was then an early trip to the beach.

Followed by a walk around the Self Realisation Centre's Gardens.

They are beautiful, with views across the Ocean from the cliff top. Lots of secluded benches among plants, pools and waterfalls. Koi carp in the pools bring further calmness to our surroundings.

Then a bite to eat, bagels all round, at Surf Dogs.

I'll post some other pictures when I've got my camera's cable (currently back in UK)

Madeline is moving around so I assume Norah is full as for Ben...

...and Chris is...

...reading her kindle