Ashridge Estate

After lunch today we decided to head on over to Ashridge Estate. This historic parkland includes the Ashridge Woods, which is about 2,000 acres of mature woodland with lots of trails to explore either on foot, bike or horse. The parkland was Ashridge's original deer-park and we were fortunate enough to see some deer, although couldn't get as close as we would have liked due to our 12 year old's incessant verbal diarrhea and inability to move without waving his arms around or treading heavily. He thinks to creep quietly involves much arm movements - picture a cartoon character here on tiptoes and arms bent at elbows in the air and you'll get the picture.

It is an excellent place to go for a walk and despite lots of visitors it is easy to venture off and hardly see or hear anyone (well that is if you don't have our 12 year old with you!). We started the afternoon off with a lovely slice of cake - in my case carrot cake and a cup of tea (hot chocolate for the boys). That was then walked off on our 2 1/2 hours hike.

Not quite a beach hut - but still an old hut - perhaps a woodsmans at some stage?

What is it about teenagers that means they always look like they are enjoying themselves (NOT) and that they seem to have to prop their heads up?

Zooming in to see the cottage in the distance.

Cow Parsley

Ah, there are some of the deer, before my Neanderthal Boy scared them off.

A solitary dead tree in the middle of the clearing - struck by lightening?

Living with a child with ASD....

Me answering phone as we are just about to go out:

"Sorry P, but K has just gone out to get in the car, shall I get him to call you back later"

12 year old at the top of his voice standing beside me..." No he hasn't - he's here!"

Nothing like subtlety!

Got to love 'em!