It was far too early for the butterfly's of course, but there were definitely signs of Spring .....
..... The first of the spring violets nestling in a sheltered spot .......
Don't you just love this time of year?!
Anyway, first on to the butterfly path was our Rocky, he loves to sniff all the fresh smells!
Duly excited he heads off for a further explore!
Rosie found herself in a bit of a dilemma ...... "Do I trot after Rocky or stay and tickle my scenting bones here"??? ....... So much to do and so little time!
She soon made her decision and belted off down the path after Rocky.
As you can see, they are beautifully camouflaged when among the vegetation either side of the track.
Keeps us on our toes!
Pretty soon Rocky is off again .... He's spotted where the track gets thinner ...... All sorts of delicious smells down there!
It takes us a little longer to reach this bit, but they haven't gone far ...... Too busy tickling their scenting bones!
As they both come to greet us we head off down the pathway too ..... A lovely day for a walk.
Tearing himself away from a particularly nice smell Rocky runs to catch up ..... "Hey, wait for me"!!
By the time we head back up the path towards the car our hounds have slowed a little as the excitement gives way to simple enjoyment.
Yes ...... Sometimes Rocky wishes he could bring his beloved sofa with him! ..... Lazy hound!
Back where the path widens out, Rosie decides she wants to practice some rock climbing ..... "I'm heading up hill for an explore"!
"What you doing up there Rosie"?
"Hmmph! Don't know if I want to play that game today"?!
"Aw come on Rocky, it'll be fun ..... We could have an adventure"!
"Hmmm, am I too tired for an adventure"?
"I'm not a pup any more, should I behave like a grown up"?
"Actually, it could be quite fun I suppose"!
"Watch this mum and dad" ......
"Here's the worlds greatest rock climber .....
..... A whole new world to discover"!!!
Although he has more weight than Rosie he still climbs with a fair amount of ease ...... He even stops from time to time as enticing scents waft his way.
Meanwhile, as he is going up ..... Rosie is coming down .....
The brakes go on pretty quickly as she spies a big thicket of brambles just where she is due to get back to the path.
"Lummy, what do I do now"?
Clever Otterhound, she simply turns round and heads back up the hill!!
"Now where's Rocky ..... We really ought to be exploring together"!!
Meanwhile I have scrambled (somewhat inelegantly) up the hill on the other side of the path.
The first to arrive back with "dad" is Rocky.....
..... But it's not long before Rosie joins them.
Time for a post adventure stroll ......
...... Followed by a post adventure drink!
'Look Rocky, mum's all the way up there .....
"What you doing up there mum"?
"Hello mum, I've come to join you"!
"Err what are you doing up there as well Rosie"?
"Is it time for another adventure"?
"Not really Rocky ..... Just wanted to see what mum was doing".
Having also climbed inelegantly down the hill, Rosie was left up there on her own ........
"Hey, where you going now"??
Rosie scrambles down to join us, having had enough adventure for the day.
"Dad" and Rocky head back to the car .....
"That was great "mum", did you see me climbing ..... Did you"?!
Rosie catches up .......
"Did you see me climbing too mum, did you"?!!
....... "Yes I think you're both very clever"!
...... And I do!!
So how did our adventurous hounds feel after their tea and evening walk? .....
..... Sigh, how unusual!
Night, night Rosie, all curled up and warm .....
And night, night Rocky, sleep well and dream of many good weather adventures to come!
