.jpg) Kim Churchill
Australian folk, rock, and blues singer, songwriter, and musician Kim Churchill plays guitar, blues harp (harmonica), stomp box, drums, lapsteel and tambourine – sometimes all at once! This year marked the 27th annual Byron Bay Bluesfest – that celebration of Blues and Roots music held every Easter in the sub-tropical Autumn on Australia’s East Coast.
I love it!
Now, I know I’ve said that before (Back to the Roots), but what else can you say about a collection of top-notch artists that ranges from acoustic solo performers and one-man bands through to big bands, and from street buskers to international big names?
Regardless of the size of the ensemble, we were treated to a long-weekend of fabulous music. Unlike performances in more formal venues, cameras are allowed: in the performance tents my cameras and I had reasonable (not great – oh, how I often wished for a press pass!) visual access to the musicians we were enjoying.
Join me for a glimpse of some of the people we were entertained by.
.jpg) Kim Churchill
Barefoot and down-to-earth, the Australian surf-enthusiast and one-man band Kim Churchill engaged easily with his audience, telling self-depreciating stories with gentle humour, and creating an entrancing sound described by one music critic as “psychedelic whale music, ocean-side blues …” .jpg) Grizzlee Train
Winners of the 2015 Byron Bluesfest Busking Competition, young Australian friends Brandon Dodd and Josh Dufficy have moved from the busking tent to sharing the stage with many big names in Australian blues and rock music, and backing Australian country singer-songwriter Kasey Chambers.  Eugene “Hideaway” Bridges
Playing classic blues with undertones of soul, funk, rock and gospel, Bridges performed with the help of a small group of backing musicians. Kasey Chambers
Unbilled performers and unexpected musical combinations are one of the great joys of music festivals. “Hideaway” Bridges was joined on stage by Australian country singer-songwriter Kasey Chambers. Tedeschi Trucks Band
Bands don’t come much bigger than the bold, brassy, Grammy-Award-winning Tedeschi Trucks Band. Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks
Susan Tedeschi, recognised for her original song-writing, her singing voice: a powerhouse blend of Bonnie Raitt and Janis Joplin, her blues-rock guitar playing, and her commanding stage presence, and husband Derek Trucks, formerly of The Allman Brothers Band, and called by Rolling Stone the 16th top (out of 100) guitarist of all time, are the drivers of this completely absorbing stage act. The National
It was a full-on lights, back-screen and sound experience: American indie rock band The National, from Cincinnati, Ohio, were a hit with the younger audience members. Tweedy
With a soft-rock sound that reminded me of early British pop, Tweedy is an American father and son rock band composed of Jeff Tweedy, from the group Wilco, and his son, Spencer. Graham Nash
We older audience-members remember the early pop-tunes of the Hollies, and the later folk-rock songs from Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. Graham Nash and Shane Fontayne
Graham Nash was joined by English rock guitarist Mick Barakan “Shane Fontayne” to deliver old favourites and new releases. Jackson Browne
Another “old favourite”, Clyde Jackson Browne – American singer, songwriter and musician – performed his well-know songs, many of which were originally performed by other people, and newer songs from his recent studio album. Jackson Browne
An inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriter Hall of Fame, Jackson Browne has sold over 18 million copies of his 19 albums. Melissa Etheridge
Another house-hold name to those of us of a “certain age”, the Grammy-award-winning American rock singer-songwriter and guitarist Melissa Etheridge was in great form. Melissa Etheridge
Her powerful, well-crafted lyrics were carried effortlessly by her husky, ranging, voice. St Paul and the Broken Bones
The sleeper-success of the festival would have to have been the brassy, big-band soul-sounds of St Paul and the Broken Bones from Birmingham, Alabama. Paul Janeway
St Paul and the Broken Bones’ vocalist Paul Janeway grew up in a strict religious household and trained to be a preacher before finding his voice in his own music. Night Falls over the Grounds
Getting caught up in music, it is easy to forget what time of day (or night) it is – but hunger brings me out regularly in search of the varied food on offer. Rick Vito with Mick Fleetwood Blues Band
They don’t get much bigger (or taller) than Michael John Kells “Mick” Fleetwood. I saw him in the mid-seventies with Fleetwood Mac, the British-American rock band he co-founded. The stage at Bluesfest was filled with his drum kit; I had to watch carefully to get glimpses of him through the cymbals. Rick Vito
American guitarist and singer Rick Vito replaced Lindsey Buckingham as lead guitar in Fleetwood Mac from 1987. Rick Vito
With a long history of playing with Bob Seger and numerous others, Vito had no problem commanding attention on the stage. Mick Fleetwood
Why do we get so excited by “famous people”? It was a buzz listening to Mick address the crowd while roadies re-arranged the drum kits on stage.
And there was so much more …
… watch this space!
Whether its made by solo performers or big bands, by new kids or old hands, is there anything better than great music?
I think not.
Let’s dance!
Pictures: Photos: 24-27March2016
Posted in Australia,Music,Performance,Popular CultureTags: blog,Byron Bay Bluesfest,environmental portrait,environmental portraits,music,musicians,people,performance,Photo Blog,portrait,portraits,Travel Blog,Ursula Wall
Garðskagi Lighthouse
Garður, a small village on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland, is a popular day-time stop for bird-watchers and picnickers. At night, busloads of tourists arrive from nearby Reykjavík in the hope of seeing the Aurora Borealis. When travelling in search of natural phenomena, luck is everything.
My husband and I visited Iceland last March for a three-day visit. We were already going to be in England during the northern winter, so when I saw the package “deals” to see the strong>Northern Lights and to go Whale Watching on the North Atlantic, I couldn’t resist.
Of course, whales can be elusive creatures and the Aurora Borealis is not always visible – even in Iceland in winter. Even so, our tickets had to be booked well in advance, and we could only hope for favourable conditions.
As luck would have it, the Northern Lights were the best they had been in years the day before our arrival. The night we were booked to see them, the sky clouded over and it rained, meaning that all tours were cancelled.
On our last day in the country, we crossed our fingers extra-hard for good weather; for while our tour tickets would be honoured for months, our flights were not changeable, and we couldn’t just hang around!
Conditions were far from perfect, but we enjoyed an interesting – if rather long – day anyway. We walked down to Reykjavík Harbour mid-morning so we could see exactly where our whale-watching boat would leave from – and judge how much time we could spend& at the nearby Saga Museum before our sailing.
Boat on the Docks
Old Reykjavík Harbour is an eclectic mix of relatively modern architecture and maritime heritage. Boat in Drydock
The weathered boats offer up interesting colours and textures. The Saga Museum
A stunning sculpture of a running horse is installed outside the building on Reykjavík’s Old Harbour that has been the home of the Saga Museum since 2014. We are glad to get inside, out of the rain. Papar: The First Inhabitants
Iceland’s first residents were papar or “fathers”, believed to be hermit Celtic monks, looking for uninhabited places to contemplate their Christian faith.
The Saga Museum features 17 displays of this type depicting key moments in Icelandic lore and history. The mannequins were very lifelike, and through the displays (some of which are quite gruesome), we learned more about Iceland’s past than we ever thought we’d need to know! Ingólfur Arnarson and Hallveig Fróðadóttir
The Norse word saga (pl. sögur) means: “what is said, statement” or “story, tale, history”.
The received lore is that Iceland’s first permanent Norse settlers – arriving in 874 – were Ingólfur Arnarson and his wife Hallveig Fróðadóttir. Ingólfur had been forced to leave Norway after reputedly murdering his brother. His step brother, Hjörleifr Hróðmarsson, sailed with them to Iceland – but Hjörleifr was subsequently murdered by his own Irish slaves in retaliation for his mistreatment of them.
The other accepted legend is that when Iceland was first sighted, Ingólfur threw his high-seat pillars (a sign of his being a chieftain) overboard, and decreed that they would all settle wherever the gods chose for the pillars to wash ashore. The wooden pillars, carved with the family name and emblem, and with representations of the gods, were found in the bay which they named Reykjavík.
The stories in the Saga Museum are indeed sögur! Melkorka Mýrkjartansdóttir and Ólafur Pá
Many of the women in Iceland’s early days were of Celtic origin, captured and enslaved by the Viking men. According to legend, Melkorka Mýrkjartansdóttir, who was later found to be the daughter of an Irish king, was taken into slavery when she was fifteen and purchased by Höskuldur Dala-Kollsson.
Melkorka had a son, Ólafur Pá, of whom Höskuldur was very fond, and who grew up to be a good and generous person. Úlfljótur and Grímur Geitskór
Around 927 AD, the Icelandic chieftains decided to base their legal system on foreign prototypes. Úlfljótur, a farmer with legal experience, was sent to Norway to study their system of laws, while his foster brother, Grímur Geitskór toured Iceland in search of the most appropriate place for the new parliament. In 930, the Alþingi (Althing), or general assembly, met for the first time in what is now Thingvellir National Park. Þorbjörg lítilvölva: the Little Prophetess
The ancient Vikings, who believed in the old gods or Æsir, distinguished between völvur, or “seers”, who could predict the future, and witches or sorceresses, who sought to change it. Þorbjörg lítilvölva is described in detail in the Saga of Eric the Red. Boats on the Docks
After a delicious and uniquely Icelandic lunch at the café at the Saga Museum, we worked our way to the tourist boats… Whale Watchers
… where the tourists are already in their foul-weather suits. The Docks
The whale-watching boats leave from the old Reykjavík docks,& … Reykjavík Harbour
… which have been refurbished for pleasure boats. North Buoy Marker
Our boat leaves harbour, and heads north … The Greenland Sea
… into the Greenland Sea. Northern Fulmar (Fulmarus Glacialis)
In the Greenland Sea, we come across seabirds, … Watching for Whales
… while the guides keep a lookout for whales. They find some in the distance, and get excited, but – I don’t want to rain on their parade – we get them closer and clearer (and warmer) at home during the annual migrations. Northern Gannet (Morus Bassanus)
We find more sea birds… Northern Gannet (Morus Bassanus)
… as they dive in and out of the waters and fly off. Great Cormorants (Phalacrocorax Carbo)
A ‘gulp’ of cormorants are startled by our approach… Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax Carbo)
… and fly off. We don’t usually eat hot dogs, but we got off the whale-watching boat cold, hungry and a little disappointed at the lack of cetaceans. So, when we came across the little food-stall housing “Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur” (“the best hot dog in town”), which we had heard was “the best hot dog stand in Europe”, we had to join the queue and try one of “Europe’s top 10 local flavours…”
We weren’t disappointed, and the snack fortified us for the long wait until our trip into the night later, in search of the Northern Lights.
Flösin Café and Garðskagi Folk Museum
The night was almost pitch-black as we piled out of our parked busses and, like moths, head towards the only lights. Garðskagi Folk Museum
The small municipal museum in Garður prides itself on its collection of working Guðni Ingimundarson engines. Flösin Café Bar
In view of the freezing-cold night air, we were more interested in getting hot drinks at the little bar upstairs… Looking for the Lights
… before heading outdoors onto the balcony in search of lights. The Aurora Borealis was subtle: most of the time, it could only be seen through the camera lens. It was almost invisible to the naked eye. Garðskagi Lighthouse
There two lighthouses at Garður; the only one lit against the night sky was the newer, taller (28.6 m) one – built in 1944. Keflavik International Airport
Morning came only a few hours later, and soon we were back at the airport, watching the sun rise over the terminal. (iPhone) The Jet Nest
In the cold morning light, we enjoyed another sculpture (see: Reykjavík): this one called The Jet Nest, by Magnús Tómasson. It shows a jet wing breaking out of an egg like a baby bird, and sits on a pile of Icelandic volcanic rock. (iPhone) “Breeze”
Nína Tryggvadóttir (1913 – 1968) was one of Iceland’s most important abstract expressionist artists. She farewells us with her poetic words at the airport… “The breeze of your movements still stirs the air though you have gone.”
What a lovely thought – and especially fitting in a country where weather has a personality all its own.
Until next time –
Happy Travels!
Pictures: 19-20March2015
Posted in History,Iceland,Nature,TravelTags: blog,fishing boats,history,landscape,natural phenomenon,nature,Photo Blog,sculpture,travel,Travel Blog,Ursula Wall
Woman and Boy
Kohl-darkened eyes shine out of murky, back-lit interiors; even the low light can’t hide the brilliant colours of mum’s turquoise sari. With 83 people per kilometre, compared with about two and a half people per km in the Sahara, the Thar Desert – that large arid region that stretches across most of the border between India and Pakistan – is the most densely populated desert in the world.
About 85% of this desert is in India, and about 60% of that covers Rajasthan – where it is home to 40% of the state’s population.
As you would expect given the harsh climate, the Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and minority groups who live in the desert are a hardy lot. Outside of the desert cities of Jaisalmer and Bikaner, most of these people live in small, scattered villages, growing drought-tolerant crops and raising robust animals.
But, they are also known for their rich and colourful cultural traditions, including their folk music and poetry. I love the soft desert colours woven into the rugged dhurries, and the wildly vibrant colours in the saris and soft furnishings.
I also love how welcoming the people are.
I visited a number of desert communities during my stay in Rajasthan (India+desert) with photographer Karl Grobl and local guide DV Singh. Granted, the villagers received a small stipend for allowing entry to our group of photography enthusiasts, but I never felt ‘in the way’ as people went about their daily lives, pausing to look at the camera with open faces.
Taking candid portraits in Northern India is such a pleasure!
Old Man at Daybreak
Mornings in the desert are cold – the village residents are well wrapped-up when we arrive for our visit. A Room in the House
The rooms indoors are simple but colourful, with richly decorated fabrics in true Indian style. Ancient Millet
One of the oldest grains cultivated by man, millet (“basra” or बाजरी) is a Kharif – or monsoon – crop, grown and harvested during the rainy season. Old Man in the Courtyard
Rural Indians – especially in the desert – work hard. But, they have also mastered the ability to sit with a stillness that – even during meditation – I struggle to achieve! Young Woman and Child
The young children are shy; their elders have no trouble making clear, direct, eye contact. Woman in Orange Hennaed Hands
When asked (through sign language: I speak no Hindi, and English drops off long before one reaches these villages), the self-possessed woman in the orange sweater was happy to show off her henna decorations. As far as I could find out, there had been a local wedding recently. Autumn (post harvest) is a big time for the long, loud, and extravagant wedding celebrations in Rajasthan. Family Group
It is still early-morning, but the Autumn sun is starting to burn off the night chill and is casting sharp shadows. Woman and Child Man at the Well
Water, a precious commodity in the desert, has to be carried by bucket from the village well. Smiles from the Woman in Orange Woman in Green with Child
Back inside one of the houses, a grandmother shows off her toddler. Young Woman in a Doorway Three Faces in the Doorway
People in India, whatever their ages, seem to just drape themselves photogenically in windows and doorways. Eyes Everywhere!
Of course the risk when travelling with a group, is that as soon as you have worked up to the shot you want, other people with cameras walks over, and the subjects’ eyes go everywhere. Child in the Kitchen
Meanwhile, one of the young children has decided it is past his breakfast time. Man Child and Wife
Numerous studies have looked at the place of females in Indian society, and they say that it is the ‘most dangerous [place] in which to be a girl’. Father and his Girl
While I’m sure that this is true, it is also true that everywhere I’ve been in Northern India, I’ve seen (and photographed) proud dads with their daughters. Shrine in the Fields
Whatever religion local people practice, their practice of it is an integral part of their daily lives. Man in a Moustache
It there anything more Indian than a man in a moustache? This man was our driver – his English was rudimentary, … Medicinal Plant
… and all he could tell me about this plant growing at the village boundary, was that it was medicinal. Man in Red Turban
When it is time for us to go, the village elders say their goodbyes … Woman in Yellow Sari
… and the women go back to work. I alway feel so privileged to have the opportunity to make portraits in these communities, and to have a small glimpse into other people’s lives.
Until next time ~
Namaste!
Photos: 10November2013
Posted in Every Day Life,India,Portraits,TravelTags: children,environmental portrait,environmental portraits,India,people,Photo Blog,portrait,portraits,rajasthan,thar desert,travel,Travel Blog,Ursula Wall
Jerron “Blind Boy” Paxton
A young man playing “Old Man Blues”: “Blind Boy” Paxton plays both old and original acoustic music in the American-roots traditions of ragtime, hokum, French reels, Appalachian mountain music, and classic blues. Easter!
In Australia it is Autumn. Easter might include chocolate bilbies (marsupial rabbit-bandicoots) instead of bunnies, but there are plenty of hot-cross buns and chocolate eggs.
Because Easter is a long weekend, it is also time for the Byron Bay Bluesfest. First held in 1990 as The East Coast Blues Festival, this annual celebration of music has grown over the years: encompassing music from blues and roots to pop and rock, alternative and jazz, expanding to five days, and including big names and lesser-known artists from Australia and around the world.
I love it!
I first attended in 1999, when it was the tenth anniversary East Coast Blues & Roots Festival. I felt as if I’d been pitched fully back into the best bits of my adolescence, boogying without stop to the music of my youth and the music of my children.
We then made the trip in 2013 (Singing the Blues), and in 2014 for the 25th anniversary (e.g.: Full Blast and Full Colour; The Sound of Sunshine; Musical Name-Dropping; Homegrown Favourites; Another Time and Place).
What I love most – aside from the wonderful food available on site and meeting up with friends – is the excellence and range of music. Whether it’s names I know and love or new music I’ve never heard before, it is always top-flight quality. I don’t enjoy every artist, but I do love most of them. Add the challenge of trying to take photographs in impossibly low light while bouncing up and down with hundreds of other enthusiastic fans, and I’m a very happy dancer!
Join me for some highlights from the first couple of days.
“Harts” and The Crowd
As you can see, even with five undercover stages, a small busking stage, and various roving acts, the tents get crowded early. One of four artists to launch the 2016 performances in the main tents on the Thursday, Darren Hart, known as “Harts”, was already commanding an audience when we arrived. Darren Hart: “Harts”
This young Indian-born Melbourne-based multi-instrumentalist composes, produces, and records his own music in his bedroom studio. Known for his blend of funk, pop, rock and soul – and his Hendrix-like guitar – Harts came to the attention of Prince, who flew him out to his US studios last year. Open Harts’ link (www.hartsmusic.com) for a sample. Jerron “Blind Boy” Paxton
Completely different, but almost as young and equally terrific, “Blind Boy” Paxton grew up listening to early American music, old Cajun, and country blues. Another multi-instrumentalist, as well as singing he plays banjo, guitar, piano, fiddle, harmonica, Cajun accordion, and the bones (percussion). Rhiannon Giddens
Also a serious student of what she calls “American roots” music, Rhiannon was a founding member of the Grammy-award winning Carolina Chocolate Drops before branching out on her own. Rhiannon Giddens
Her wonderful voice ranged across songs by Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, and others, as she switched from traditional banjo to violin and back again. Hussy Hicks
Hussy Hicks, with their soaring vocals and virtuoso guitar… Julz Parker
… have their grounding closer to home in Australian roots, “old skool blues”, and country. Julz Parker
They are sometimes billed as a “progressive folk duo”, possibly because of their seamless harmonies and the “honest” story-telling and social commentary of their lyrics, … Leesa Gentz
… but it was the torch-singer heft and range of Leesa’s voice which literally gave me goosebumps. Father Parker
Musical talent doesn’t come out of a vacuum; Julz Parker’s dad joined the women on stage with his harmonica for a number. Emma Donovan
As part of the renowned Australian musical Donovan family, Indigenous singer-songwriter Emma Donovan first sang in public at age seven. She draws on R&B, soul, country, reggae styles for her songs of urban aboriginal life – often in her mother’s traditional language. Arakwal Opening Ceremony
Its hard to get more “back to roots” than with music, song, and dance from the people who’s ancestors have lived in the Byron Bay area for at least 22,000 years. Arakwal Opening Ceremony
Rhythm sticks are a big part of the cultural story-telling tradition … Didgeridoo
… as of course, is the didgeridoo. East Journey under Lights
Bridging Aboriginal culture and more modern music, East Journey, from Arnhem Land in the vast wilderness that is the northeast corner of Australia, combine tradition Aboriginal sounds with rock and reggae. East Journey
Like their mentors, breakthrough band of the mid-80s Yothu Yindi, East Journey used traditional and modern instruments, and sing in local language and English. East Journey
They also share a respect and admiration for Bob Marley, showing the influence of his ideals and music. Archie Roach
With his musical roots in country, Indigenous singer-songwriter Archie Roach – one of the grand masters of Australian music – sings heart-rending tales of his experiences as one of Australia’s Stolen Generation, and of later years living rough. Lukas Nelson
The musical credentials of Lukas Nelson, son of American country icon Willie Nelson, are unquestionable. Lukas Nelson
Billed as “Cowboy Hippy Surf Rock”, Nelson, with his band Promise of the Real (POTR) and his brother Micah Nelson, provided backing for the legendary Neil Young on his last album and tour. The Wailers
It seemed fitting – in a festival where many of the Indigenous artists made reference to Bob Marley and his belief in the unity of African people worldwide – that the last set we participated in on our first day was The Wailers performing Exodus. Melvin Glover
Their distinctive reggae rhythms were a smooth and soothing end to the day … Dwayne “Danglin” Anglin and Cegee Victory
… as the whole crowd sang along to familiar and well-loved songs. As I said before: it is that depth of talent and range of styles that has us dancing ~
and keeps us coming back for more!
Keep smiling. 😀
Photos: 24-25March2016
Posted in Australia,Music,Performance,PortraitsTags: aboriginal,Australia,Byron Bay Bluesfest,environmental portrait,environmental portraits,indigenous,music,musicians,people,performance,performers,Photo Blog,portrait,portraits,Travel Blog,Ursula Wall
Casper the Woodford Owl
The Owl Centre in Kington, Herefordshire, gives unequalled access to these beautiful nocturnal birds of prey. Winter in England can be grim: cold, wet, and dark early.
Finding something to do outdoors with young people in inclement weather can be tricky. I was staying in Hereford late last winter and had friends coming to visit me. I wasn’t sure what they would be interested in, so I sent them a list of options and was thrilled when they decided on an afternoon at the Small Breeds Farm Park and Owl Centre in Kington, about forty minutes northeast of Hereford.
I love animals and animal sanctuaries (as regular visitors to these pages will know; e.g.: Potoroo Palace; Durrell Wildlife Park; The Two Tarongas; Gunung Leuser Orangutangs), so any excuse to visit a new one is fine by me. And of course, owls are special: they feature in the myths and legends of many cultures. Symbols of wisdom in the books I read as a child, they were omens of death to the Native Americans around me.
Predominantly nocturnal, owls are also elusive. I have only ever once seen one in the wild: a large powerful owl (Ninox strenua) had decided to perch just over the boardwalk where my husband and I walk daily. The experience left us hushed and awestruck.
There is, of course, the dilemma of keeping animals in captivity. Many of the owls at the centre are rescued animals, while others are hand reared. Certainly, having them under-cover on a rainy English afternoon made them accessible.
Small Breeds Farm Park and Owl Centre
The winter sun was angling low in the sky and the shadows were already long by the time we arrived rather late in the afternoon. Sebastopol Geese
With their long, white, curly feathers, the geese scrabbling for food in the yard are an arresting sight. Sebastopol Geese are a heritage breed, thought to originate in Central Europe. Casper the Woodford Owl
Casper, an African wood-owl (Strix woodfordii), was born and hand-reared here at the Owl Centre, … Casper the Woodford Owl
… and now greets visitors as they enter the park. Teatowel the Barn Owl
Barn owls (Tyto alba) are one of the most widespread of all birds. If “Midsomer Murders” is anything to go by, they are commonly seen and heard in the English woods. Numpy the Milky Eagle Owl
Verreaux’s eagle-owl, also known as the milky eagle owl or giant eagle owl, (Bubo lacteus) is the largest of the African owls. Petting Numpy
The signposting tells us who likes being petted; Numpy who was hatched here in 1996, is a fan of a neck scratch. Numpy the Milky Eagle Owl
He truly is a glorious creature with his blue beak and fluffy ear-tufts. Young Lad and the Baby Pygmy Goat
Children just love small animals! Only adults are allowed to handle the owls – I suppose small fingers would be awfully tempting – but the baby pigmy goats are fair game. There are plenty of volunteer staff around to make sure the animals are handled gently. Goats-in-Waiting
They must have an endless supply of baby animals! The doe grazing while baby kids gambol was heavily pregnant, and due any day. Baby Pygmy Goats Billy Pygmy Goat
Midas, the Papa pygmy goat has a wonderful, classic beard. Old English Goat
Who knew there were so many breeds? The old English billy, with his long face and long horns … Golden Guernsey Goats
… has little appearance in common with the inquisitive golden Guernseys! Golden Guernsey Goat
All the goats look forward to being hand-fed, but the Guernseys behave as if they’re truly going hungry – an impression belied by their full, round bellies! Cashmere Goats Girl with a Guinea Pig
In another area, very small animals like mice, and rabbits, and Guinea pigs run around their pens – or come out to delight the visiting children. Red Squirrel
The red squirrel or Eurasian red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is a tree squirrel that was once common throughout Eurasia. In England they are now under threat from habitat loss and competition from introduced American grey squirrels. Alpaca
Alpaca (Lama pacos) are still out in the wet paddocks … Feeding the Alpaca
… waiting for a last feed in the late afternoon before the park closes for the day.  You can’t beat kids and baby animal –
It was a winter afternoon well spent!
Happy Rambling!
Photos: 07March2015
Posted in Animals,Great Britain,Nature,TravelTags: animal park,animal sanctuary,animals,bird,children,England,environmental portrait,Great Britain,nature,Photo Blog,portrait,travel,Travel Blog,uk,Ursula Wall
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