Happy 5th Birthday, Brock!

Happy 5th Birthday, Brockie Boy!

Brock has been celebrating his birthday with a walk, new toy, special food and treats, and his usual tickles and attention, of course.

We have had Brock for 2.5 years now (half his life!) and we are so pleased to have him. He came to us from Workington Dog Rescue. He is a Patterdale/Jack Russell cross.

Brock

Here is a recent photo that Rob took of Brock in our garden. What a little angel!

Duchess' Bridge Walk, Langholm

Rob, Brock and I decided to make the best of the sunny weather yesterday, and went for a short walk around Langholm, Scottish Borders. Directions for the walk can be found here. (As always, just click on the photos for a larger version.)

Rob and Brock crossing the Duchess' Bridge over the River Esk.

 

A view downstream from the bridge.

Brock and I say hello to a horse.

Brock enjoying some time off the lead.

The first sign that Spring is on the way: snowdrops emerging.

On the return leg of the journey, you get a view over the pheasant-rearing pens and fields to Mid Hill, beyond.

Langholm is a picturesque small town, with a riverside car park, picnic and play area; a selection of small shops, hotels and a cafe (which serves very good coffee). There is a monthly Producers' Market on the first Saturday of most months, where you can buy locally sourced meat, crafts, pies, cakes, biscuits, preserves etc.

Brock at Samye Ling in The Snow

Rob, Brock and I went to Samye Ling today. The snow was a bit deeper here than at home. Brock enjoyed a romp around in the snow, and ate it like a giant snow cone. We had a walk round the site before enjoying some hot lentil soup and toast, followed by cake and coffee in the cafe. The shop was also open and we bought some soaps and book about Holy Isle, an island near Arran that is being turned into a new Buddist retreat.

Dumfries River Walk and Pictures of Brock

Rob, Brock and I went on a walk next to the River Nith in Dumfries. A similar walk can be found here.

Rob took some photos of the graveyard on this misty day, and of Brock with his rather amazing coat of fur that has appeared since we got him in September. Before that he had seemed to be fairly short haired with bald patches!

Barnkirk Point Walk

Rob, Brock and I did the walk from Annan to Newbie and Barnkirk Point this morning. It was surprisingly busy with walkers and the odd cyclist and lots of dogs (which pleased Brock immensely!).

View of the railway bridge over the River Annan.

Rob and Brock.

Hawthorn berries.

Hazy view of the Cumbrian coast.

Master Brock.

Criffel seen from the shore section of the walk.

Talkin Tarn

Rob, Brock and I had a walk around Talkin Tarn in Cumbria this morning. It was a bright, sunny day and there were lots of people about, including people rowing on the lake.

Brock enjoyed meeting some other dogs, and watching the ducks and geese.

There was a craft stand in the boathouse, but it had not opened by the time we left. There is also a cafe by the marina area, but the last time we had coffee there, it was dire.

We stopped in Brampton on the way home and had a very nice coffee at the Howard Arms, which came with a homemade shortbread biscuit. Very pleasant!

Henry Walton

 

 

 

 

In loving memory of the perfect companion

Henry "Puppy" Walton 

11 August 1995 - 17 April 2012