Claire posted: " Simon didn't believe we had free roaming monkeys in a forest - (The 100) So another weekend meant another adventure. The weather was beautiful, sunny, warm, perfect for a top down drive in the convertible. We set off early as it was an hour and half" Claire's chaotic middle age
Simon didn't believe we had free roaming monkeys in a forest - (The 100) So another weekend meant another adventure.
The weather was beautiful, sunny, warm, perfect for a top down drive in the convertible. We set off early as it was an hour and half drive but we planned to take it easy and stop part way for breakfast. We arrived not long after they had opened, while it was still quiet.
You have to pay separately for the monkey forest and the gardens. We went into see the monkeys first. After a short video about them and how they had arrived and settled in the uk we headed down the path to the feeding area for the first of 3 group.
This group has around 35 monkeys, and 3 new babies. Simon loved seeing them so close and although he believed me, didn't realise just how close you get and was fascinated to see them behaving as they would in the wild, very different to the ones in the zoo.
Following the path around we found group 2, the largest group of 70. These were harder to spot, many in the trees. The third group was the hardest to spot, at the bottom of the valley, another group of 35ish. This area was very wooded and we only saw a few very high up and sleeping.
From here we left the monkeys and followed the path to the garden entrance. I love these gardens, surrounding a huge lake, tons of wildlife and plenty to see and do on the walk around.
We had just missed the ferry across the lake so decided to walk. We found a few little paths and followed one down towards the waters edge. The day had begun to really warm up so we stopped at a picnic bench to dig out the water from the bag. As we did a family of geese climbed out of the water and mum, dad and a gaggle of babies surrounded Simon, sitting on his feet ! It was hilarious.
Once they had wandered off we carried on exploring, finding carvings, willow hangings, and fairies hidden in the woods.
We wandered through the wildflower meadow and took time to relax on the sun loungers, enjoying the sunshine and peace.
We got lost, and eventually found the centre of the maze. Strolled the sensory garden and the formal gardens and round to the miniature railway. We both turn into big kids when there's a train.
The ferry was due as we got off the train so decided to take that back across the lake. It was lovely, the breeze over the water. Watching the fish, dragonflies and water birds.
It was a wonderful day, thankfully I had remembered the sun cream as we both ended up glowing, with tan and happiness.
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