Birthday Box

58 today... bloody hell, is that possible? I still feel as if I am but a youngster, even if the mirror tells me otherwise. What better way to spend the morning than to drag the family up Box Hill to sample a fine cross-section of cakes at the top! The weather Gods obviously knew it was my birthday as the skies were blue, the sun at its winter best and the need for hats, scarves and gloves not necessary. We even sat outside to consume the calories. Bird-wise it was very quiet indeed, but with the stunning scenery of the Surrey Alps before us, that was a minor inconvenience.

At the base of the hill, (the river is to the right), the scarp cliff is commanding, smothered in Yew and Box
The River Mole by the stepping stones crossing, home to Kingfisher, Goosander and Mandarin
Looking across the 'zig-zag' valley towards Juniper Top. Home to a stunning chalk flora and notable insects

Comments

Derek Faulkner said…
58, you are still just a youngster! I was doing my 11 plus when you was born.
Lovely scenery, seems it was somewhat warmer there than here today.
20 December 2016 at 15:57
Steve Gale said…
Quite mild here Derek, although when the sun momentarily went in the temperature did noticeably drop.
20 December 2016 at 17:08
Simon Douglas Thompson said…
It is lovely, bet there's some trout in that River Mole
20 December 2016 at 17:22
Steve Gale said…
I know very little about the fish in there Simon.
20 December 2016 at 17:30
Dylan Wrathall said…
Happy Birthday dear boy - don't over do it on the "light ale" cos you know how it will affect tomorrow (not like when you were young!) Box Hill looks splendid, we've got nothing like it down here - take care and wishing you, and yours, a very Merry Christmas - Dyl
20 December 2016 at 23:39
Gibster said…
The Mole is apparently the most diverse river for fish in Britain. I read that somewhere once. Happy birthday you ol' codger, you really must try and send some of that weather up here please!
20 December 2016 at 23:41
Steve Gale said…
Just the one light ale plus a brandy! And the same seasons greetings to you and your family Dyl.
21 December 2016 at 06:41
Steve Gale said…
Sounds like you're in for some stormy weather Seth...
21 December 2016 at 06:41
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