A secret place in the woods

Have you ever fantasised about a Thoreau-like retreat into a secret hideaway in the woods?

I bet you have.

Well earlier this week I think I found the perfect spot. 

Just follow me along this path between the birch trees and I'll show you.

We'll pause a for a mindful moment to appreciate the wood sorrel,

Before penetrating deeper into the forest.

Eventually we reach a clearing and find a ready-made dwelling place. Simple but pleasing, I think you'll agree.

Let me show you round. 

So there's a well constructed bench beside a cosy fireplace,

And a leak proof roof (er, maybe).

Can you believe that Gail says I'd last half a night out here before she found me whimpering on the doorstep of our solid Aberdeen granite house, pleading to come inside and cuddle up on her warm bed...

Happy Nature Friday! And once again thanks to our dear LLB Gang friends for hosting the blog hop.

But where is all the mud?

I expect you will be looking at the picture above and thinking, "Whoa there Bertie, look at you galloping so carefree through the verdant forest - what a tip top time you're having".

And you would be right. Up to a point.

But something important was missing.

I searched high and low but I could not find it anywhere.


In the end I had to stop and ask.

"But Gail, where is all the mud?"


Normally, at this stage in the walk my paws should be nicely coated in a layer of the squelchy brown stuff and, on a good day I would be jumping into the car with a full set of stylish dark "socks" all the way up to my knees, enhancing my already much admired natural markings.

But no. In Aberdeen we have had almost no rain for weeks. This is most unnatural! One set of American visitors have returned home to the Seattle area under the mistaken impression that Scotland is a country blessed with many dry warm days and cloud-free skies.

Tomorrow we are heading across to Torridon for a short break.

It's always wetter on the West Coast. Surely I'll find some mud there?

Oh. Gail is telling me that wildfires not far from our cottage made the national news a few days ago.

Can this really be true?

I shall be reporting back early next week.

No such thing as a gloomy day...

Gail looked out of the window last Sunday morning and sighed. "Oh what a shame it's such a grey, gloomy day Bertie".

Silly, silly Gail. She was forgetting that there is no such thing as a gloomy day on Planet Bertie.

Not when it's only a short walk to the River Dee,

Where you can meet and greet new friends,

Go for a paddle,

Meet more pals,

Explore the lush green river banks,

Maybe pause a while to enjoy the moment,

Then off again for romp through the woods.

It doesn't have to be sunny to enjoy a walk by the North Sea either. 

Oh yes, my friends, there is no such thing as a grey day with Bouncing Bertie.

When I'm around you will always feel in the pink!