Cute Caterpillars, and amazing views!

Today's walk started pretty much as normal really, then I came across something I've never seen before, a "Cute Caterpillar" apparently will turn into Elephant Hawk moth. It was about 7 cms long and as thick as my little finger.... 

Amazing or what? Cute too....

Further on into the walk, I felt we were being watched, me and my "Hairy Lads" 2 Lurchers, looked into the distant trees and spotted a Buzzard. It didn't move, as we got closer, just sat there and watched us. Didn't get too close as don't like disturbing them just to get a photo. 

Finally after about 2 hours, we reached the very top of the hill. Quite a stiff climb up the last few hundred feet. Outstanding views, quite windy, and probably a few degrees less than in the valley. I'm dreadful for always having a jacket tied round my waist, but I was pleased to put it on, while right at the top. Get the feeling my dogs weren't as inspired by the views as me!! :) . Can you spot them? 

Hope you've enjoyed this very short virtual walk! Just trying out working on the Blog on my iPad, again any feedback welcomed.... 

Hazelnuts And Getting The Strop

Welcome to the first Blog of the "Hedgerow Hippy!". Hoping to do a couple a week. Please let me know what you think of content, and what you would like to see, read about. Will try to make them informative, interesting and fun. Mainly about Countryside/Wildlife with photos from CAC Photography, aimed at those of you who may not be able to get out into the Countryside as much as you would like... 

     

Today's title "Hazelnuts and Getting the Strop!". I love foraging, it's free and you can eat what you find, 2 of my favourite things! (Always be careful what you're picking, and where!) In season at the moment are Hazelnuts, one of the easiest things to collect, often just found on the ground. You may find Squirrels, Rats, Mice and Voles already had their fill! Only pick up the uneaten ones, although the chewed ones do look good in your Pot Pourri, or your Nature Bowl (that's for another Blog). They'll most likely be green when you come across them, put them somewhere dry to store, and they'll gradually change colour. What to do with them? Of course they can eaten as nature intended, straight from the shell. Great source of Protein! How about the classic "Nut Roast"? No, I'm not sure about that either, but I am going to give this a try. 

"Hazelnut Bread" Grind cupful of young nuts, mix with cupful of Self Raising Flour, half cupful of sugar and little salt. Beat an egg with some milk, add to nut mixture, knead until a stiff dough. Shape, then bake medium heat oven 45-50mins until cooked. Now as of writing I've not tried this! So let me know if you try it, and if it's any good! 

"Getting The Strop" 

Came across these on my travels today. Known as "Razor Strops" so called because they used to sharpen the cut throat razors on them. A slice was cut off, left to dry and could be used to sharpen knives! They have many qualities, antibacterial, can be used as a plaster, should you cut yourself in the middle of nowhere. Can be dated back 5,500 years!! Have been used for Tinder, in lighting fires, I've not tried this yet, but do believe you have to dry slithers of it very well to get it to light! If lit though will smoulder, and can be used to keep midges away. 

Hope you've enjoyed my first blog, and please give me your feedback. Be kind though!!