our local... palace

life has been consuming of late. so yesterday we took the day to make the most of the spectacular day and trundled up to blenheim palace to enjoy the autumn leaves and blue blue skies. while a rather brisk day, it was undeniably spectacular and revitalising. we explored a bit of the countryside and finished up with a delightful lunch at a nearby gastropub. largely bemused by our dining companions in their sunday finest for their roast and sunday wine, talking politics and the like. all sundays should be this delightful.

 

 

 

 

 below. the sheep quite enjoyed the day too.

 

where did those lazy hazy summer days go

The English attempt to assure me that it has been a warm and long summer. Given that the heating is already on and the numerous days the wintery weather forecasts of Australia showed warmer days than here, I remain sceptical. I will admit however, that there have been some beautiful days. Furthermore, the days that weren't have hardly mattered for the number of visitors and new friends we have been able to enjoy here, and travels we have been fortunate to partake in.

Since our Icelandic adventures so very long ago - which we have taken an appallingly long time to share with one and all... and even more shocking that there are many more shots we are yet to share - there have been many more weekends away and blissful days around Oxford. Including an impromptu cross-atlantic voyage pictured above to visit some friends and do some work (one of us at least) is one particular reason we have not blogged of late. Because we are yet to sort through all of these many photos and experiences... a VERY random selection of summer snaps are below. 

Above. Reykjavik and our final days on Snaefellsness Peninsula.

Above and Below. Time at the sea, well overdue, even if the arctic water temperatures prevent all but polar bears from swimming.

Below. The Welsh coast - a delightful weekend away 

 

 

   

Exploring the surrounds of our cottage in Wale. Below. hanging out with the locals. 

Below. The quintessential Oxford experience. Punting on the Cherwell, with champagne of course. 

Above. And a jar at the local, being the other Oxford experience for any visitor, this time my parents! Below. A tradition continued through the Cotswolds, partaking in the best kind of walking from the must have guide '25 great walks in the Cotswolds with 25 great pubs'.

Below. Another Cotswold's highlight - the Secret Supper Society. A delicious and delightful evening for all.

 Below. The only competition lying in the fruits of our own micro-garden: herbs, chillies, beans, courgettes, baby spinach, raspberries and blackberries galore! 

Below. We even have a hedgehog family in residence, with two late summer hoglets! Unfortunately we have only been able to capture the 'mumma-hog' on camera. We do however have to be very careful coming home at night after almost stepping on the babies once or twice.

there is nuffin, nuffin, nuffin like a puffin

The Latrabjarg Cliffs in the Westfjords of Iceland, are home to hundreds of thousands of sea birds that arrive at the cliffs each year to lay their eggs. We wondered along the the top of the cliffs enjoying the pretty spectacular views, however, it was only when you paused to sit on the cliffs' edge that you could truly appreciate just how many bird were hidden in the rocks. The longer you sat there, looking down to the ocean, we realised the thousands of little dots bobbing along the waves were small birds. 

I have certainly never considered myself much of an ornithologist, but there was so much action as the birds flew in and off the cliffs, diving in the water or simply flying with such skill and prowess it was mesmerising. We were both shocked to find how much time we passed watching the birds, although it wasn't so surprising where the puffins were concerned.

 Above and below. There were quite a few different sea birds, with the puffin being one of the most elusive. These razorbills nest in the higher parts of the cliffs so were easy to spot at first.

 

Above. Once sitting for long enough you could occasionally spot little glimmers of orange that were our first glimpse of puffins. 

Above and below. There were also a lot of gulls on the cliffs, that were particularly entertaining to watch as they glided in and out of the cliff crevices.

 Below. Being Iceland, there were very no barriers or warnings about the steep cliff edges, which made it very easy to peer over the side and check out the birdlife.

Below. At one point we even spotted locals climbing down the side of the cliff to collect the eggs for their supper. It was quite incredible to see how differently Icelanders view nature, and what an integral part of their life it is.

Below. PUFFINS!!! As we were walking back to the car, a little puffin popped out onto a small rock ledge, and the longer we sat more followed. It shocked me how small they were, how adorable their adorable waddle was however, was not at all surprising!

Below. One little fella we were watching for a while would waddle into its burrow, reappearing five minutes later with an increasingly dirty beak, take in the view from its perch, fly out to sea and do a lap, then return shortly to the burrow and get back to work. This process was repeated again and again. 

Above and below. A puffin, doing its' puffing. 

We took a serious number of photos of the puffins, thanks for making it all the way to the bottom!