Casper's Capers posterous

Aug 15

Casper’s Capers no 13

How do all? Back for Part 5 then?

So, quick recap:

Much measuring , big tree felled by wind, gorgeous glade and still more work to do!

So, it kind of sounds by this time like we had walked for miles but not really - we just had lots to do and see. The last piece of work the TPs had to do was related to the water. They were looking for a section of the riverbank which had also been damaged by the weather.

Now, I’m sure this photo will not actually do justice to the steepness of the bank nor the strength of the river current at this point. Nor can they convey my absolute delight in watching the TPs slide down the bank, nearly fall into the water, try to measure curves, angles and inclines and then clamber back up the bank, again, nearly falling in the water!

So, you can see where the bank should have been!

And here are a few tree casualties of its disappearance:

These next pics show just how much has been eroded – check out the overhangs.....

Well, Dad is going to get on the case to help solve this – he’s got some good ideas which use natural materials too. That all sounds good but I’d quite like to come back on a wetter day and that should increase the chances of someone falling in the water…!!

So, job done and clothes suitably dusty, the TPs decided to head back which meant no swimming for me. I thought it would be a pretty quiet trip home but no…I’m going to have to go for another post, just one more, about this trip to tell you all what we saw on the way home….it was….well, just have to wait till next time!

More soon,

Casper

Jul 12

Casper's Capers No 12

It’s me again!

No wasting time today – going to continue with the River Avon Part 4!

So, you’ll remember that the TPs were off to look for something specific?

Well, it turns out they were looking to see how the really high winds had affected the trees and the trail.

And just look what they found!

Now, I didn’t think that a fallen tree would be much of an issue. Well, not for me anyway but this is one big tree! I had to admit that even for an agile chap like myself, this was going to be a problem. And if I can’t handle it, you TPs have no chance!

My dad is going to try to sort something out and hopefully normal service will be resumed soon.

Look where the path is, or should that be was??

Anyway, this caused me to look about the trail as we carried on. The TPs were looking at all sorts of things and I began to listen in. Yes, I do listen to them sometimes! I began to see all sorts of weird and wonderful things happening to the trees.

Check these out:

Kind of cool looking though, aren’t they? And, I have to admit, I probably wouldn’t have noticed them if it wasn’t for the TPs.

But then look what we came across:

Isn’t that a perfect woodland picture? Sunlight coming through the canopy

Well, I shot off to investigate so quickly that the TPs didn’t have a chance to get a picture of me! But then it did give them a few moments to enjoy the scene.

And would you believe it, there was still work to done by the TPs! But I’ll leave you with these lovely pictures and tell you all about it next time.

More soon,

Casper

Jun 22

Casper's Capers No 11

Hello out there!

Time for me to get out and about on my travels again.

And really pleased to be returning to River Avon Heritage Trail so soonJ

Once again, so much to talk about that this is also going to be a three-part blog. Yep, three!!

The TPs accompanying me this time had loads of things to check over and I did wonder if this visit wasn’t going to be as much fun as the last. Sometimes they get all technical looking at things that they don’t pay enough attention to me and everything I want to explore......it wasn’t looking good when we got out of the car to join the RAHT at Linlithgow Bridge. Not even two minutes onto the Trail and this happened:

So there I was with only this for company:

I think someone else has beaten me to using this stick, only they are boring holes not chasing it!

Well, ok, I did find this too:

I thought it was perfectly suitable stick but the TPs disagreed so I lost that particular debate (and the stick...)

Anyway, we were down underneath the arches (Cue for a song anyone? That’ll give your age away!) of Linlithgow Bridge as the TPs were checking out the steps and how the trees had fared after the strong May winds. Whilst the TPs were busy, I found this:

Looks a bit rickety – thought I might get a laugh watching the TPs trying to negotiate it but sadly they headed off in the opposite direction.

Check out the view from beneath the bridge. And no, I’m not into train spotting but if you were on this train leaving Linlithgow, bet you didn’t know I was watching from underneath!

So, happy with the doodles and measurements from underneath the bridge, the TPs finally set off on our walk.

This is about 10 metres away from where we took the last picture – would you guess this was within sight and sound of Linlithgow Bridge? Bet you wouldn’t! Isn’t it amazing to find all these lovely spaces tucked away?

As you can see, I was really trying hard to get another swimming session in but the TPs were having none of it

They were off to find something specific so kept me moving.

I’m going to end there and leave you wondering what it was........

More soon,

Casper

May 26

Casper’s Capers No 10

How do all?

Big couple of blogs for you there about the River Avon Heritage trail, so this time we’re going from big trips to invisible trips!! Well, not strictly but I wasn’t actually there this time! I sent one of the TPs back out to re-visit a site, one of my first ones actually.

Which one?

Well, Boghead Wood. You might remember that I mentioned it has some bluebells so one of the TPs went out to see if they could get some good pics. And they didn’t disappoint…

Check out the different colours of these blue (and not so blue) bells.

But what really made me think I needed to do an absent blog was this:

Look? What’s going on in Boghead Wood??

There were more!!

Last time I was here I found a ladder...this time the TP found arrows! But where were they pointing to? Who left them? These big questions remain unanswered for now. I shall try to investigate at a later date...

Still, at least I think we can safely assume that those who live around the wood love it and enjoy playing there which is great

Can’t wait to go back later in the year and see what we find then......

See you soon!

Casper

May 11

Casper’s Capers No 9 Part 2

Hey everyone!

Welcome to Part 2 of my River Avon Heritage Trail visit.

Ok, so you regular readers will know that frequently on these trips I get to see water but never get in it....until .......this trip!! Oh, it was just great! I couldn’t believe it when the TP’s flung my stick into the water and let me go, check me out:

And here I am coming out - please note, stick still intact! They flung it a mighty long way but I’m an excellent swimmer so no problem for me.

I had lots of fun swimming but the TPs were needing to move on so off we went. As I said before the trail is, I think, my favourite walk so far. It’s so quiet and peaceful and we saw heaps of different things. Dad says this is a badger sett but obviously wouldn’t let me near it to confirm whether or not the owners were home or away!

I had a right laugh at the TPs trying to take pictures of some lovely Orange Tip butterflies too but I could have told them not to waste their time – I’ve never seen one of those little guys sit still, ever! But it was fun to watch nevertheless. And from something really small and difficult to photograph, look what we had to get past next:

Massive! The path goes right under the arches

And I can tell you it’s a bit of a climb! Worth it though. Had a laugh when we got downhill again on the other side – look who we saw.

Honestly, I’ve never met such a nosy bunch...they followed me right around the edge of their field, every last step I took! I know I’m a handsome guy but really! No sense of giving me my own space...However, I had the last laugh as they’re stuck in a big field but I can go where I like.

The trail continues up and down a lot more slopes but I loved it. Sticks everywhere, plenty of opportunities to get into the water (again) and, do you know? We didn’t meet a single other soul in all the time we were there. Amazing to have this beautiful space all to ourselves!

There are lots of different trees along the way – check out the differences in these two pictures:

But I think I’ve saved my favourite pic for last.

Isn’t that gorgeous?

I’ve got loads of other pictures that we took on the day but I’m going to get the TPs to put them up in an album on CSFT’s Facebook page for you so you can see them altogether.

Well, I hope one day you get the chance to enjoy this special trail like I did – it’s just brilliant!

Let me know what you see whenever you get there.

See you soon!

Casper

Apr 28

Casper’s Capers No 9 (Part 1)

Hellloooooo All!

So, Spring has finally arrived, well and truly, and I’m delighted!

I was feeling full of beans so this caper is a big one. In fact, it’s too big for one blog so I’m starting my first two-parter! Here we go....

So, where are we capering this time? Well, I think this might well be my very favourite caper yet. We had a beautiful day earlier this week and Dad had quite a bit of checking up to do so off we went to the River Avon Heritage Trail (RAHT). We started at Avonbridge and went all the way along to Torphichen Bridge. Quite a caper I think you’ll agree but oh boy, did I have the MOST fun!

Here I am all set and ready to go when we left the car.

As you can see, the TPs were not fast enough for me, I was off like a shot, but once they had the bags and cameras and notes and goodness knows all what else they apparently ‘need’, they got going to accompany me. I, on the other hand, need only one thing. Yes, a Stick!!

Here is my first stick of the day.

Just kidding, even I have my limits!

Here I am waiting for the TPs who were discussing something else and not paying attention to the superb stick finding opportunities. The RAHT is stick heaven, it’s absolutely a 5/5 SFF. No question. I can even choose different types of stick, endless possibilities!

Check out this photo though...now you know sticks are my very favourite thing...but this?

Stickers?? Are some of you lot having a laugh? Why are these here on the gate? Even the TPs didn’t have an answer for that and they usually have an answer for everything......who knows?

Anyway, as you can see the trail goes right along side of the river and it was a picture perfect spring day. Oh, the restraint it took not to fling myself in the water!

Isn’t that just beautiful? And so quiet and peaceful...and bonus time! It was a lovely warm day too.

Look at this picture postcard image.

Fabulous.

I’m going to leave you with that pic now but check back soon for Part 2 which involves more sticks, water, a rather large built feature and a field of very inquisitive cows!

Happy capering!

Casper

(All pics taken April 2011)

Apr 8

Casper's Capers No 8

Hullloo!

Well, after a short convalescent break, I’m back – hale and hearty and ready to continue my forest wanderings!

I hope you’ve all been out and about without me but the big question is – did you leave any good sticks for me?!

So, the site for a trip out this time is Cobblebrae in Falkirk.

Dad obviously thought it would be a great one for me to make my return as it’s got plenty of long, loopy paths for me to enjoy and I can just run and run and run. Fab.

I’m also delighted to report that not only did we have a beautiful spring day to enjoy our visit but Cobblebrae gets a 5/5 SFF rating. Sticks everywhere! Hurrah! In fact, I really had my work cut out deciding on my stick of the afternoon. So, tried out a few and settled on one....eventually.

Mind you, nearly lost it to another dog we met out on site....oooh, the nerve! Imagine even contemplating stick stealing, especially MY stick. Hah, anyway, I’m quick off the mark so stick was duly retrieved and we settled down to a great walk.

Here's a view from the site for you to enjoy.

I have to say I loved this walk. We had water around us, beautiful blue skies and some fabulous paths to follow. If you live round here then I think you must love this site – truly stick-tastic!

Hope to see you around and about sometime soon!

Casper

Feb 15

Casper’s Capers No 7

Morning All!

Leo here again. No. Don’t panic, Casper is perfectly fine! He has recovered just in time to go on his holidays so I’m taking the opportunity to practice this blogging thing whilst he’s away. I’m sure he won’t mind and he’ll have one less thing to do when he returns. I hope he’s having brighter weather than around here....

So last time I did warn you that I’m not, shall we say, as ‘active’ as Casper is but trying to keep my hand in I did head out to explore Hillhouseridge for you on one of my daily walks.

It all started so well.

I was checking out some of Casper’s sticks as you can see but about a minute after this photo was taken I managed to get my paw stuck in between the sticks and had to call for reinforcements! Luckily the Personal Carer (PC) was about so disaster averted. Needless to say after this unfortunate incident I really had to call off the rest of the expedition and retreat to the office floor to recover.

However, I have managed to find someone to help me out!

I have an acquaintance, Max, who also uses Hillhouseridge for his daily walks. So I’ve briefed him and had Max on the case exploring for me!

He’s able to report back that the pond is finally unfrozen…

Also, the first snowdrops have been spotted along the drive! Cheerful stuff!

(download)

And the daffs are making some progress too…

(download)

I also got a picture taken of this area…

(download)

Apparently the TPs at the office are looking for all you lovely readers to find them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter to help plant this area with trees. (I don’t understand this but I’ve checked the wording and apparently it’s right!) For every five new followers and likes they get, they’ll plant a tree here.

I’m heartily in favour of this idea and recommend it to you – more trees means more fun for us Office Dogs – tell all your friends!

Right – back to the strategising (which happily comes with a warm floor....)

Casper will be back with you soon and thanks to Max for helping me out.

Best Regards,

Leo

Jan 13

Casper’s Capers No 6

Hello all Caper-ers!

Slightly sad Casper here with some not so fun news....

Look!

(download)

I’ve had aa split nail removed!! So, apolgiees for soemr typos in thios postr as my keyboarde skills are slippng.

Anywayy, was doingf my ysual runnning like there was noo tomorroe when it split, I feared the worest for a second but hoppd around regardless and then ohh boy was at the vet but i suddenly went sleeppy and woke up with a warm sock onn.

I’ve been confinede to barracks fort a whhile which hassn’’t ben fun but morre worryuing hass beeen a sticckk free diet. Still, tryingg to bee positive I’d rather haver been stuck goinng nowhere at thisa time of year than in the middle of summer I suppose. Still you can’t keep a goo dog dowen for long, I willlll be backl sooon cos there’s a lott to sew out therr,.

Soo, to keepo yiou up-too-datee, here’s a friend of mine, Leo -

Hello Everyone, my name is Leo and I’m the senior member of the Office Dogs here at CSFT. I don’t get all this technology stuff but I’ve got a PC (Personal Carer) who is most useful (can do this typing thing) and generally attends to my requirements (food & warm floor provision). As Casper is recuperating at present he has asked me to deputise and do this ‘post’ thingy. I thought post was what arrived through your door?

Anyway, frankly I haven’t the energy of the youngster as I’m the wrong side of 70 so you’ll forgive me if I confine my remarks to my world. That’s Hillhouseridge for my lunchtime ‘checking the policies’ walk and then finding the warmest spot of the floor of my PC’s office. Not for nothing am I known as ‘Our Man Back At The Ranch’....I do try to keep my finger on the pulse but am more of a Strategy man these days. (I like a good photo of where Casper has been.)

Here I am in my winter place of contemplation (think you call it a ‘radiator’?)

This is my summer place of contemplation (other side of the office...away from the radiator)

Sometimes I like to go out to explore the garden, well, I’m thinking about going out at least.......

But when I got to the door it was seriously cold, so I came back in to finish my reading!

Anyway, I’m going to re-read the Forest Strategy so hope you enjoyed my musings and no doubt I’ll speak to you sometime in the future as I think I’m going to be drafted in as Casper’s holiday cover if this blog thingy is a success....

Best Regards,

Leo

and

Caaspert

Dec 30

Casper’s Capers No 5

Afternoon my friendly caperers! Casper here again – all set?

Well, the white stuff STILL hasn’t moved from around here at the office but I’m not bothered, apart from the fact that my beloved sticks are a lot harder to find...they’re stuck under all the snow and ice. Anyway, the weather has made everything so picturesque around here that I thought I’d do a short festively frosty blog from home, so a warm welcome to my office at Hillhouseridge!

The office site is a bit of an oddity as far as I’m led to believe things usually are for all you TPs. We’ve got plenty of ground and a collection of farm buildings, portacabins and even a big red barn! I can run where I like and Dad is always within stick flinging range...excellent. This means a high SFF of 4/5. I would have given it a 5 but everything is frozen – look at this pic!

The TPs love taking pics around the office site which means I get lots of walks so here are some shots from my favourite places around the office. There’s usually a pond here...disappeared under everything. Remember – no walking on ice, please.