Harewood: 12-12-2017

These boots are made for walking.

This Tuesday was one of those 'time off for good behaviour' days when the NCVs don their walking boots and go out for a ramble, followed by a nice lunch. Being so close to Christmas, festive hats were an optional extra. 

Anita had organised the walk in the Harewood area and had cunningly planned it so that we finished at the 'Muddy Boots' cafe, Harewood Village, for a late lunch. Here are some photos from the day.....

Lining up under starter's orders,

 the NCVs exhibit this season's Christmas themed millinery

And they're off, through the impressive gateway 
- with Anita striding out in the lead.

Glorious views on a glorious day.

Harewood House was easy to pick out in the distance.

The frost made close ups of grass worth a snap.

Down the hill to the valley bottom....

...where coffee break no.1 was taken  by the river on the bridge.

Lots of goodies to eat (see thank you list at the end).
Although Dave looks as if he's missed out on a mince pie!

It was a lovely feeling when we were able to walk past 

some rhodies without having to reach for a pair of loppers!

Some unexpected sights were seen. These daffies must think it's 
February or March, in spite of the extremely cold conditions.

Further on was a herd of highland coos. Och aye the noo.
The very large bull was very interested in whatever was at the bottom of the bucket....

...whilst behind him this shy little cutie wished 
he could share his dad's obviously tasty treat.

This gave us a good excuse to stand and admire them 

in the late morning sunshine. Coffee break no. 2!

Onward past a warning sign.

Stags there were by the plenty - 

but my wildlife photography skills do not do them justice 
(in spite of creeping up on them behind the trees).

Up the hill towards Harewood village, (sorry about the intrusive thumb!) 
where we were met at the 'Muddy Boots' cafe by fantastic flying display,
 given by 7 red kites. Needless to say my photo of these 
had to be deleted. They wouldn't keep still!

Inside the cafe we were made welcome in our own room at a number of tables....

 Table 1.
Ladies (and one gent) who lunch.

 Table 2.
Dave's looking a bit happier now - the promise of a lunch 
making up for his earlier mince pie disappointment.

 Table 3.
Nice to see four of the dry stone walling volunteers with us this year.

Table 4.
Christmas hats still available here!

Thanks go to:

• Anita and Ros K. for planning and leading the walk as well as providing a good supply of mince pies.
• The staff of the Muddy Boots Cafe for hosting our lunch so well
• Audrey for the flapjack 
• Hilary for the delicious lime and coconut macaroons
• The AONB office for funding our lunch. 

It was all very much appreciated. 😊