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Ball of Confusion

Cloudy and breezy for this morning’s walk at Thurstaston. Fields parched and bean field looking v sad, much of it scorched. Coffee and carbs at YOT. Backyard Ultra tomorrow (not me!). www.backyardultra.uk

A coastal path winds along a grassy cliffside overlooking a curving shoreline under a cloudy sky.A narrow dirt path winds through tall grasses and wildflowers along a coastline under a cloudy sky.A narrow dirt path winds through a vast dry grass field under a cloudy sky.A field filled with tall grasses and wildflowers is bordered by dense green trees under a cloudy sky.

Overcast but mild this morning in #Royden. The place is a maze and decided to try a few new paths though inevitably you reach a familiar spot whichever way you go.

A narrow dirt path winds through a dense forest with tall trees and abundant green foliage on either side.A dirt path winds through a dense forest with tall pine trees and lush green ferns.A narrow dirt path winds through a dense forest with birch trees and abundant green ferns.A dirt path winds through a dense forest with tall trees and green foliage.

Overcast but equable in a fairly busy #Royden this morning. Someone’s been spraying red paint on the parking meters. Benty’s now open Mondays, sort of.

A narrow dirt path winds through dense green foliage and dry grasses in a forested area.A rocky path leads through lush greenery overlooking fields, dense trees, and a distant body of water under a cloudy sky.A wooden sign on a gravel path advertises that Benty Farm Tearooms are open and includes an announcement about new Monday hours and offerings.A heron stands on a small floating platform in a calm, tree-lined pond while two ducks swim nearby.

Brief visit to Birkenhead this morning. New street furniture does a nice job of historical context (B-P woz ‘ere etc). Then on to the Williamson which is a bit of a gem imo.

A public bench with an informational plaque about The Scout Movement is positioned in front of a Primark store and adjacent buildings.A historic brick building with classical white columns and a banner is partially framed by leafy green trees.A courtyard features a metal sculpture resembling a tree surrounded by metal chairs and tables, with greenery and a brick wall in the background.A corner of an art gallery displays four framed black-and-white sketches on white walls above decorative paneling and wooden herringbone flooring.

Butterfly adding value to the signage at #Royden this morning. Fleeting visit, too early for coffee and carbs.

A detailed map and informational board of Royden Park and Thurstaston Common Local Nature Reserve is displayed amidst lush greenery. A butterfly is perched on the map. A historic brick building with a clock tower is seen behind a closed wrought iron gate, framed by leafy tree branches.A wooden picnic table sits on dry grass near a group of tall trees under a partly cloudy sky.A peaceful wooded area features a small turntable with rails, surrounded by tall trees and a dirt path on the right side.

Slightly cooler in #Royden but still a heat haze at the top. On exposed slopes the bracken has turned a golden brown, heather has faded and fields are parched. The walled garden is an oasis for a reason.

A dirt path winds through a lush forest filled with tall trees, ferns, and various green plants under a clear blue sky.A slope covered in dry, golden-brown ferns stretches toward a background of green trees under a clear blue sky.A rocky path leads through shrubbery towards a scenic view of fields, trees, and distant hills under a clear blue sky.A heron stands among lily pads in a calm pond reflecting surrounding trees and a distant platform.

As ever, seeking shade this morning in #Royden. Missing gazebo seats relocated elsewhere in walled garden. Ducklings photobombing view of the mere.

A sunlit dirt path winds through a dense, green forest filled with ferns and leafy trees.A tranquil forest scene features a small pond surrounded by lush greenery, with sunlight filtering through the trees.A serene pond reflects the surrounding lush trees and a partly cloudy blue sky.A wooden bench sits beside a raised garden bed filled with various plants and flowers under the shade of tall trees.

Warm this morning in #Royden. Have forgotten what rain is. Tayberry scone at Benty’s so that’s two of my 5-a-day.

A sunlit forest path surrounded by tall trees and dense green foliage extends into the distance.A sunlit dirt path winds through a lush, green forest with dense foliage on both sides.A serene countryside scene features a wooden fence, a stone wall, tall trees with leafy branches, and an open field with distant greenery under a clear blue sky.A dirt path lined with wooden railings winds through a lush, green forested area with sunlight filtering through the trees.

As an occasional Yuka user it’s interesting to see at least one French food manufacturer modifying its products to achieve better scores. BBC News - Is tracking your food purchases good for your health? www.bbc.co.uk/news/arti…

Yes, warm again in #Royden this morning. Cloudless sky. Heron on patrol. Walled garden gazebo taped off. Not sure why. Could use some TLC.

A sunlit dirt path winds through a forest filled with tall trees and dense green foliage under a clear blue sky.A dirt path winds through a dry, grassy field bordered by green trees under a clear blue sky.A tranquil pond surrounded by lush greenery features a heron standing among lily pads near the water's edge.A small wooden gazebo with a weather vane on top is surrounded by caution tape in a garden area.

Pleasantly warm this morning in #Royden and fairly quiet. Coffee and carbs at the courtyard. Open air Shakespeare towards the end of the month.

A narrow dirt path winds through a lush, green forest filled with tall trees and dense ferns.A sunny natural landscape features dry grass, blooming purple flowers, a rocky area, and dense green trees in the background.A brick clock tower with bells is partially visible through a gap in the surrounding green trees under a clear blue sky.A colorful poster advertises Off The Ground Theatre's production of William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, featuring whimsical illustrations, show dates, venues, ticket prices.

Another day of keeping mostly to the shade in #Royden. Fascinated by the tree growing on rocks and wondering whether it walks around when noone’s looking.

A sunlit forest path winds through a dense grove of birch trees and lush green ferns.

Cloudless sky at #Royden this morning. Going to be hot later. Clockwise route for a change. Walled garden closed with explanatory posters. This is why we cannot have nice things.

A calm pond surrounded by lush green trees reflects the clear blue sky, with ducks swimming peacefully on the water.A winding dirt path bordered by a stone wall and surrounded by tall, leafy trees stretches into a wooded area.A sunlit forest area with sparse trees and a rocky hill in the background.Two laminated signs on a black iron gate inform visitors about recent closures of a walled garden due to thefts and request respect for the work of vulnerable adults who maintain the garden.

Out early in #Royden while it wasn’t too warm. Lots of other people with the same idea. Robin enjoying the shade and crumbs at Benty’s.

A sunlit forest path with a rocky and uneven surface winds through trees with dense green foliage.A small bird with a red breast and brownish-grey feathers is standing on a bed of wood chips.A narrow dirt path winds through a dense area of green trees and bushes, dappled with sunlight.A dirt path runs alongside a grassy field bordered by trees under a clear blue sky.

Pleasantly mild this morning in #Royden. Parched grass and peak heather in places. Coffee and carbs at Benty’s.

A winding dirt path leads through a dense forest with large, twisted trees and lush green foliage.A worn dirt path winds through dry grassy terrain bordered by dense green trees under a cloudy sky.A narrow dirt path winds through lush greenery and vibrant purple wildflowers under a cloudy sky.A vibrant field of purple heather blooms under a partly cloudy blue sky with trees in the background.

Cloudless sky and not much by way of a breeze this morning in #Royden. New floor show at Benty’s.

A sunlit dirt path winds through a dense forest filled with tall trees and lush green ferns.A scenic landscape features vibrant purple heather, dense green trees, open fields, and a distant view of water under a clear blue sky.A small bird with a yellow beak is standing on a ground covered with brown mulch under a wooden plank.A sunlit forest path splits into two separate trails surrounded by lush green trees.

Brief visit to #Royden this morning. Heron striking a pose on the mere. Ducklings all present and correct. Coffee and carbs at the courtyard.

A wooden fence runs alongside a narrow dirt path bordered by tall grass and trees under a partly cloudy sky.A family of ducks is resting on a floating nest made of hay in a calm body of water surrounded by green leaves.A heron is standing on a partially submerged hay bale in a calm, tree-framed body of water.A heron stands on a hay bale in a calm, tree-lined body of water with a duck swimming nearby.

Warm, borderline hot, in #Royden this morning. That said, cooling breeze up top and lots of welcome shade under the trees. The meadows have been a visual delight this year. Heron on the mere.

Pleasantly warm for a walk to Benty’s and back. It being Sunday afternoon, railway in full swing for kids and parents.

A dirt path lined with a wooden fence on one side winds through a forest with tall trees and dense green foliage under a partly cloudy sky.A winding dirt path cuts through a field of purple heather with dense trees in the background under a partly cloudy sky.A calm lake reflecting the cloudy sky and surrounding dense trees with patches of lily pads on the water surface.A small red train is traveling on narrow tracks through a densely wooded area.

Breezy and a little humid this morning in #Royden so not feeling particularly sprightly. Tayberry scone at Benty’s which I’m pretty sure is named for the river, not you-know-who. Walled garden quiet but busy elsewhere.

A dirt path winds through a forested area with tall trees and dense green ferns on either side.A narrow dirt path winds through dense greenery and tall trees in a forested area.A partially eaten slice of tayberry scone is placed on a white plate with branded paper, accompanied by a butter knife, on a rustic wooden outdoor table.A lush garden scene features vibrant pink flowers in the foreground, dense greenery, and a glimpse of a rustic wooden bench and house partially hidden by trees.

Bit of a leisurely stroll this morning down to Paton Field then back up through the heather. Coffee and a v nice raspberry scone at Benty’s before moving on to #Royden to see the ducklings.

A serene landscape features a gently rolling hill covered in blooming purple heather under a cloudy sky with a few trees scattered around.A rocky landscape featuring scattered green shrubs and purple flowers under a partly cloudy sky.A rocky trail winds through a hillside covered with green and purple shrubs under a cloudy sky.A mother duck is swimming with her ducklings in a calm body of water near a sandy shore, surrounded by greenery.

Nearly chinstrap weather in places this morning in #Royden. Coffee in a very pretty paper cup at Benty’s (dishwasher kaput). Ducklings also out for their morning circuit.

A hillside covered in green and purple vegetation, including heather, with trees in the background under a cloudy sky.Green plants with numerous dark, elongated seed pods growing along a dirt path in a natural outdoor setting.A paper cup with a farm-themed design sits on a weathered wooden picnic table in an outdoor setting with grass, trees, and picnic benches in the background.A family of ducks, including ducklings, is swimming in the water near a pink flower blooming on a branch.