HOT FOOTED THROUGH THE FLOWERS

The overwhelming spectacle of wild flowers just takes your breath away, Orchids, Burnet Roses and Buttercups along with more then I have room here to mention, all this is a major plus to any walk.

The wind was whipping up across the flat plane of the lower slopes of the sand dunes as the crew wandered across the undulating hillocks and sand blow-outs. Mainly confined to the well trodden parts and cropped grass due to the expense of Burnet Rose with its wicked thorns, something the dogs are very aware of and tiptoe across when necessary, this open terrain is well trod by other dogs leaving much to sniff-out slowing our pace down to a standing halt, waiting until the crew have satisfied their curiosity and then following an encouraging whistle from me, setoff to the sheltered valleys beyond. Taka likes to anticipate my route and walks just ahead and today she had Ela to compete with who also likes to lead if she can so that they end up in front, sometimes a little too far in front! I change direction completely leaving them at the back, indicating to them that I am leading and controlling the walk. When taking a rest they all compete for close positions to me, it's really quite funny to see how they jostle for priority.

These sheltered foothills to the valleys scatted with pine trees are an amazing place for wild flowers, carpeted with Buttercups and peppered with Orchids. The out-crops of yellow Gorse and Blackthorn form the perfect sanctuary for breeding stonechats and songbirds an ideal place to see Cuckoos