No matter how many of these little critters I've seen since moving to London, I still get the "aaaaaah, they so cute" feeling whenever the scuttle past. Oh those fuzzy tails and long fingers and toes make my heart so happy and their antics that make me giggle!

My human asked me if I would consider going camping with his brother and sister in-law over the long weekend at the end of August. My response "Sure, as long as it's not the Bear Grylls kind of camping you and your brother do". I like camping...at a campsite, with a fire pit, and some necessities, like a toilet facility and shower. But this was a whole new level of experience! Now, I term "Bear Grylls Camping" to be real wild life, live off the earth kind of camping, the way Bear Grylls does on television. Our camping trip wasn't exactly like that...we took food with us, and didn't have to eat bugs, or any type of reptile, thank goodness!

So it was decided, we were going camping in Brecon Beacons National Park for four days, us four and the two dogs, Bennie and Mocha. As my human would put it, "I had all the gear, and no idea!"

After our four hour drive from London to South Wales, we did an hour and a half hike ( me in my trusty mustache gumboots!) to where we were to set up camp. The whole hike there I couldn't believe I had agreed to do this, I had voluntarily said yes to carrying a ton on my back through long grass, mud and stinging nettles, and up the steepest hill!  The dogs on the other hand ploughed through it all, so excited about the adventure they were on. The amount I value our little dog Bennie could never be completely described in words, he always stops and looks back to check on me, making sure I haven't fallen too far behind, that I'm still alright with the task he's so happily doing. When we got to the top, the guys got to work setting up camp and making a fire in between tall pine trees,  and I set off to explore our surroundings with Norman (my camera) in hand... And it was magical! The trees looked like the could touch the sky, they were so tall, and there was moss covering everything, on the rocks and hanging from the trees. As I kept walking the scene changed from mossy greens to autumn browns and it all looked so gloriously secluded and untouched. The dogs were in their element, sniffing every little this and that. Mocha (my person's, brother's Jack Russell) was super keen to jump in and out the little streams and explore all the new smells.

Being in the woods like that, make one appreciate the small things like a tap with water, an extra blanket in the cupboard when you're cold, clean socks and a stove. But I was so amazed at how efficient my human and his brother are with the resources they have at their disposal in the wild. They knew where and how to set up our camp, got our fire going, collected logs to keep the fire going, collected water and boiled it, prepared our meals, and when we left, there was very little trace that we had been there at all...well rounded wildlife camping men!

Next time...and yes there will be a next time...I will be more prepared, now that I know what to expect! Nature is beautiful and mystical, and there is nothing quite like breathing in that glori

I was merrily taking photos of Mogli through our bedroom window the other morning, while he was enjoying the sunshine. Meanwhile, he was aware that we were being watched from over the fence. All of a sudden Momo darted up over the roof, so curious, I went outside to see where he went to and why he had gotten the wind up his tail. Low and behold I found the culprit, just casually staring over the fence, like a real stalker! I did think he was super cute though.

For a while I've been feeling the urge to aid a animal rescue or shelter, by going in and providing them photographs for their use on their website, helping by providing photographs of animals needing homes, or what amazing work they are doing by giving animals a halfway house to their forever home. I've found an amazing cause, and man alive they do amazing things for animals! I was in absolute awe at the work that Foal Farm do and the fantastic sanctuary they have created for the animals. Their aim is to take in as many sick, distressed and unwanted animals as possible and restore them to health and happiness, and where possible find them good new homes, or provide sanctuary for life. The amazing stories I got to hear in my hour there made my heart lighter with happiness. Seeing the inspiring work done there has me hooked on going back and I encourage everyone to take a look. They have a wish list of items that would help in making the animals stay there just that much more cozy, and of course donations are always a generous gesture and aid in making a huge difference.

On my first visit I was shown around and got to see where Foal Farm is, see the work they are doing, the animals they are housing, and it's not just cats and dogs...there are horses, cows, goats, sheep, ducks, geese, rabbits, pigs, guinea pigs, chickens and other small animals! I only took a few photos on my way out, but cannot wait to go back and be able to share some more!

P.S. The bunnies I photographed were a newly "wed" pair...how cute they are!!

My human has been telling me about this hiking trip he'll be doing in June since before I even arrived in the UK. Him and a small group of guys will be doing the Welsh 3000 in 24 hours. The only hiking I ever did was on school trips to Shongweni Dam and White River. I don't hike. But the kind of hike they will be doing is a whole new level in my existent knowledge. The mountain summits they will be hiking are all 3000 or above feet, and there are 16 in total!!CRAZY!! The trip we did in April was their trial run of what they'll be doing in 24 hours, over 3 days. So I tagged along to be driver, to drop off and collect them after each days hike. I also went to be tourist of somewhere new, to be able to say I went, I saw and I photographed.

I never realized the enormity of a 3000 foot mountain until we were driving from our B&B in Llanberis to their first hike which was Snowdonia. I also never knew the deep and extraordinary heritage of Wales until I was walking alone, seeing the aged beauty of this land, and hearing the baffling and intriguing language of the Welsh.

So many sheep, cows and seagulls to have gawk at me...but my encounter with the owl sanctuary owl's melted my heart!

This beautiful, heritage rich land is worth another visit.