18th June 2005

After a long recess, I made a return journey with Tony. The main purpose of this visit was to survey the proposed cabin location to determine how best to construct the foundations.

After a good journey down we arrived about 10 o'clock. As we drove down the southern part of the track a Jay took off from the trees ahead of us, across the valley. We parked up, and prepared to brew up. However before the water had boiled, we ran out of gas for the burner. We tried making a brew from the hot water, but it was disgusting.

Decided that the only way we were going to get a decent brew was to boil the kettle over a fire. We collected some dry twigs and leaves but couldn't get it to burn. Turns out the birch twigs contain so much sap that they don't burn very well. Anyway. eventually we got a fire going and had the best cup of tea we'd had in ages.

After lunch and a siesta we had a wander around and did a bit of tidying up of branches that were encroaching onto the tracks and paths. A White Admiral butterfly was seen by Quarry Turn. We then returned to the proposed site of the cabin (now known as Fernbank) for another cuppa.

All too soon it was time to leave. We packed everything away and headed off. As we drover back along Southern Way a Buzzard flew out of the trees and along the track towards the Main Gate. We followed it as it made several short flights along the track and then out along the drive. A fantastic sight. A very pleasant day all round.