We came across an unusual sighting today on our walk. This young oak tree was covered with galls that looked like young cones created by the Artichoke Gall Wasp, and also reddish smooth berry-like galls on the underside of the leaves, created by the Smooth Spangle Gall Wasp. I’ve never seen anything like it!

30 July 2025

I went walking with a new group today, this time around Barnard Castle.

My brother dropped by unexpectedly, so we went to this pub in Tudhoe. Nice pub but poor ale selection, yet we met some lovely folks in the beer garden.. 

The magnificent firs at Hamsterley Forest.

The Lionesses win the European Football Cup again. So proud to be English!

A touching tribute that I passed in a small village, to a young man who lost his life by a stabbing. The murderer, only 18, is in prison.

I walked to the community allotments to see how large they were. This is my neighbour, David’s. He’s had it many years, and it’s impressive. I’d like one about the third of his size. I’ll see what, if any, are available.