Curiously there are no other destinations indicated between the two places that stand at each end of the canal, it is therefore easy to work out the total canal length as the two distances shown regardless of where you see a sign they always add up to the total length of the Trent & Mersey canal.
Once we turned off into the open fields I let her off the leash and as usual she has a mental run around, she just loves the feel of grass and all you can usually see is a white blur as she hares around and of course I have to throw her a ball. You can get an idea of her speed from this image as she is actually in the air as she speeds towards me.
Fortunately a small stream is close by and she usually goes in for a paddle, today was so warm that she lay down in the stream to cool off.
There was a lovely blue sky and all around the trees were getting greener and the ground becoming more lush, I even spotted my first Bluebell.
The woods were looking really nice with the sun streaming in between the trees, one of those days that make you glad to be alive.
Annie continues to run about sniffing and checking everything, a typical Terrier behaviour. As soon as we cross the bridge over the larger stream she is once again into the water, for a dog that needs to be held down in the bath, she sure likes water. I am really looking forward to seeing how she behaves when she sees a beach and the sea when we go on our holidays, so crabs beware! Or maybe Annie’s nose whichever is the case.
Like all dogs after they get wet Annie will usually dry off by rubbing herself on the grass or anything that is handy, including my leg if I am not quick enough. Most times that means she is actually dirtier than before she took the plunge
After the river swim she decided that this looked like a handy bath towel, unfortunately it is wild Garlic and it stinks if the leaves get crushed.
Talking of stinks, I saw this Wild Currant bush which looked a bit out of place in the woods, so probably an escapee from a garden or a seed dropped by a bird. They look lovely, but the smell always reminds me of cat pee!
Today I was on the lookout for Orange Tip Butterfly’s as the BBC Spring Watch program and the Woodland Trust were asking for reports of their sightings, so as a 'recorder' member I was keeping my eyes open. I did see a couple of males as well as a beautiful Brimstone which were duly reported, one thing I have noticed is the abundance of Peacock Butterfly’s this year, I am seeing them everywhere I walk which is unusual so early in the year.
As we neared the car I took this shot of what is the remains of an ‘Ice House’ concealed in the woods, it once belonged to the nearby hall and is located up the hill from the lake.
I borrow my daughter's three when I house sit for her, but previously I'd had a dog close to me at all times.
) and they both get on well together although Annie is a bit of a bully when it comes to who she considers to be priority for affection and titbits 
