5000yr Old Tree

After a big day travelling on the Monday we didn't go far on the Tuesday. Mom and dad insisted on going out so we went to see the oldest living tree Europe and maybe the world. The Fortingall Yew tree is 5000 yrs old and is in the yard of a church. (Well it was there first and a pagan symbol so they decided to build a church nearby.) Sadly they have had to put a wall around it as people suck. They were climbing over it and breaking off bits. It used to be 17m around but people used to set fires inside it and eventually used to walk and ride horses through the middle. 

Despite all the abuse it has suffered it is still alive and green. It was so lovely and humbling. This tree will have seen it all. 

The church was open and we went in. It is a very pretty little church. There used to be a 1000 yr old bell instead but someone stole it! People really suck!

Old bell tower

It was rainy on and off and cold so difficult to find outside places to go. So we ended up at Kenmore on the banks of Lock Tay where we could park looking out of the Loch. Dad and I went for a walk while mom had a nap in the car. 

View from the caravan

Wisely and Taste of Autumn

Last year I ended up at Wisley Gardens for their taste of Autumn festival mostly by accident. This year I planned it. The weather hasn't been great (thanks to Storm Brian) but there were sunny spells and I only had to take cover a few times.

The fountain.

Still flowers out

But Autumn is here.

Looking up to the rock garden.

I enjoyed the greenhouse - it was so nice to be warm but it did take some time for my camera to de-steam.

Spanish Moss.

Bottom of the rock gardens.

Looking over the park.

They also have a lovely bonsai tree walk. All of the trees are between 30 and 80 years old.

The stalls area wasn't as busy as last time, I guess due to the weather. And they did have the apple selection. Last year they had stalls of loads of different apples to taste and buy but this year their orchards were hit with disease so they couldn't. Still they had lots of different stalls (an amazing number selling cheese!) so plenty to buy.

I added to my Christmas presents (I started early this year) and left after noon. I was planning to stay for lunch but the lunch stalls weren't there this year either. So I spent the afternoon (and rest of the weekend) relaxing.

Today I won second place in our data Bake off. (I was never going to win over the syrup soaked donuts!) So I'll take second happily!

Palm gardens

Last week, I took a walk to the Palmetum, which is a palm tree gardens. The walk was only about 25 mins but it has been really hot here so I was happy to arrive and found a spot in the shade to cool down. Thankfully the views from the gardens (which are not he top of a large hill) are very nice.

Across the bay

Nice place to sit for a bit

I didn't take any photos of the coast line, which is an oil refinery. :( But there's no smell thankfully and you can just ignore that. (Apparently they are trying to move it but no one else wants it and it does provide a lot of jobs.)
The palm gardens are on a area of reclaimed land which used to be a land fill. They were pretty but could have done with more shaded areas. Like I mentioned, very hot!

Giant Palm tree

Some of the palms had some lovely flowers on.

One of the best views was over Santa Cruz. There is a large pool complex near the gardens. Unfortunately I didn't have my swim suit, as it looked extremely inviting. I am definitely going to try to find time to head there next week. :)

View over Santa Cruz

Looking over the auditorium I think

They had some great plazas but I didn't take a lot of time enjoying I must admit.

Baking Plaza

They had Palms from all over the world and some of the plants I recognized from my trip to Australia and the botanical gardens there.

I could go anywhere.

Chainsaw flowers from Australia

Throughout the whole trip, I could hear and occasionally spot little lizards chilling out in the sun. But I only managed to get one photo. Theywere very cute and super quick!

Gotcha!

The best part was the central area which seemed more thought out than the rest, with shaded areas, benches and streams.

pathways

Big waterfall

Little waterfall

The gardens were nice but they didn't have a lot. I was desperate for a cold drink by the end. Just the other side of the pool from the Palmetum is a concert hall of some kind (which from the right angle looks like Professor X's helmet!). All I know is they had a cafe! It's right near what looks like part of a castle but there were no signs around.

Concert hall

View to sea

Some people had decided to ignore the swimming pool and just use the ocean which looked very inviting. 

On the rocks near the concert hall were the portraits of musicians, with some great groupings. 

Classical, pop and rock

Sinatra and Britney Spears?!?!?

Either way it was a very nice view over a cold drink. Before the long walk back!

Looking towards the Palmetum.