The Thrifty Magpies Nest

For me, one of the most difficult aspects of keeping animals, watching wildlife and rescuing wildlife is coming to terms with death. Even though I have experienced animal death tens of times in my lifetime I still find it hard to get my head around death. Even though I have learnt to accept death, it still hurts.

Last week, the rescued thrush chick we had spent two week raising from the tender age of 4 days old, died. She was so tiny, nude and weak when we found her and for serval days it was touch and go. Despite our fears she grew stronger each day and was almost ready to leave her nest when she died. We don't know why but my step dad Ian went to feed her and she had her head scrunched between her shoulders and looked weak. A few minutes later she passed. I really thought she would be fine.

A couple of days before a fox took a hen. Stupidly I thought the hens would be ok to roam while I popped out with a friend for an hour. Ian and Paddy the dog were in the workshop just metres from where the hens were, yet this didn't put off the fox. When my friend and I returned home the chickens were alarm calling. I counted the hens but three were missing. We began to search for the missing hens and I came across a foxes backend sticking out of the ground. It wasn't moving and was surrounded by flies so I knew it was dead. I pulled at the animal but it was stuck. In a fluster I ran back to the workshop to tell Ian about the dead fox and ask for his help to look for the missing hens. At this point our next door neighbour's son, Jack, arrived at the gate and explained he had disturbed a fox on the track behind the wood and it had a hen in its jaws, but dropped it before running off. He said the two other missing hens were in his field-luckely they had escaped and were fine.

While Ian, Jack and my friend went to assess the dead fox I ran to the track and found the hen in a mess. While scooping her up she moved but I wasn't sure whether to be relieved. Her injuries could mean she was in a lot of pain. I quickly looked through her feathers which revealed bite wounds to the back and side of her neck, and ripped skin on her back, but the wounds didn't look deep. Her head was floppy so I still feared she was too injured to let her suffer. After an hour of peace in a carry cage in a dark area she looked a bit better. She was sitting on her feet and holding her head up, which was a good sign. A local farmer brought round a livestock spray that protects wounds and keeps flies off.

When the dead fox was dug from the ground it was clear she had got her head stuck in a rabbit hole but couldn't pull it back out. Here teats were swollen indicating she was suckling cubs. It was a horrible though- a long, slow death and cubs without a mother. The fox that took then hen was probably the father to the cubs and it crossed my mind that my hen would have helped those cubs stay alive. I wasn't sure whether to feel guilty they didn't have food or whether to be thankful the hen was alive. If the fox was taking meat to the cubs it's likely the cubs were almost weaned so should have a good chance of survival.

The hen is making good but slow recovery. She's moving around more but spends most of her day hiding in the coop. At first I kept her in a large cage in the coop to keep the other hens from pecking her but she didn't appear to be eating or drinking. I let her out after two days and she ate her food and drank water but looked stiff and in pain. I thought it was better she eat and drink and risk getting a bit pecked rather than keep her separate from then on. It's been a week and a half since her attack so hopefully she will make a full recovery.

I won't risk letting the hens out of their enclosure unless I'm literally stood with them. It's not worth the risk and worry. A hungry fox with cubs will make best of any opportunity as proven by the attack; it took place just 7 meters from a human and a dog!

Death is hard to deal with but it's a part of life, so we must face it.

For the last few days the wildlife camera has been positioned on the trunk of a tree about 20 meteres from the house with some ferret food scattered below it to tempt Mr Fox into view.

Getting up each morning to see what has been caught on the camera is super exciting. Here are some of the best pictures from the last few days:

Even though this is probably the dog fox who attempted to kill a hen less than two weeks ago, I still feel privileged to have this beautiful wild animal so close to where I am. The time stamps on the images shows he has visited as early as 5.20pm and spent quite some time eating food by the camera at 10.00pm when we will have been sat just meters away in the house.

After charging the batteries I'll set the camera lower down on a tree and place food right in front of it to hopefully catch some close up photos of the fox's face.

Last weekend I travelled to Edale in the Peak District for the first Outdoor Bloggers Weekend.

There, I met Zoe of SplodzBlogz.co.uk for the first time after chatting over Twitter and through our blogs for over a year. Together we decided to launch a network where anyone who blogs about the outdoors can meet other like minded bloggers. We launched a website, OutdoorBloggers.co.uk, and last weekend was our first event.

We were joined by Allysse of Besteglatisant.wordpress.com who writes about her micro-adventures and shares her beautiful photography, and Mark of HalfwayHike.com who shares stories of his hikes around his local area, Yorkshire, and further afield.

We stayed at Greenacres campsite, which was perfectly situated about half a mile from Edale village and boasts a new toilet and shower block with sinks for cleaning camping pots. The shower is free to use- no annoying pre-paid meter. The campsite has fantastic views down the valley and a footpath starts immediately opposite that leads to the pub and joins the path to Kinder Scout; our destination the for the following day. The campsite is adjoined to an equestrian centre and a paddock with 3 playful Reindeer. Yep, you read that right; their very own Dasher Dancer, Prancer*

*may have not been their actual names

Mark was due to arrive early Saturday morning so Zoe, Allysse and I enjoyed an evening stroll in the hills and got to know each other a bit better. We had hugs with two puppies on a farm we passed through then headed back down the valley to Edale and to The Naggs Head pub. The pub is the official starting point of the Pennine Way, the 267 mile National Trail that ends just across the boarder in Scotland. There we enjoyed a hot meal before heading back to the campsite for an early night.

The following morning Mark arrived bright and early and together we set off towards Kinder Scout in the distance. We retraced our steps from the previous evening, passing The Naggs Head before leaving Edale to tackle the steep rocky ascent up Grindsbrook. The thrilling climb required some hands and knees action but once at the top we were met with stunning views across the Peak District.

After a wrong turn we decided to head ‘cross-country’ in search of the path. This meant navigating what, at first, appeared to be easily passable moorland but quickly turned into peat bog terrain with deep crevices cutting through the landscape. We knew it was there and we knew it would be a challenge but who doesn’t love a challenge, right?

Photo credit: Allysse Riordan

Zoe got a wet foot in the bog. Zoe handled her situation very well. It’s one of those times I feel confident saying ‘rather you than me’. Even though she had to deal with a wet foot it was a far better situation for the 4 of us to be in than if I had got the wet foot. Trust me on that one.

The difficult peat bog terrain seemed to go on for what felt like forever and at one point I lost hope for finding the path. Mark pushed us on though and seeing several other people also making the difficult journey across the bog was comforting. Mark used GPS on his mobile to keep is heading in the right direction.

Photo credit: Allysse Riordan

We finally made it to the path that follows a stream which eventually ends at Kinder Downfall, a rocky waterfall down the side of Kinder Scout with stunning views across Glossop and over to Manchester. After sitting a while to enjoy the views and some fizzy strawberry laces we continued towards the Kinder Low trig point.

Photo credit: Allysse Riordan

From the top we took a steep descent down Jacob’s Ladder which was hard on the knees, but the sudden bustle of other hikers and casual walkers coming up in the opposite direction for the view at the top, was pleasant and drew my attention from the unpleasant feeling. God knows what I’ll be like when I hit the menopause. I’ll probably be getting down hills on my bottom by then.

After the grueling steps we reached the bottom, turned a corner and, wohay! A little cafe with chairs and tables set in a yard came upon us. It’s surprising how the brain can so easily forget trauma (the bog) when faced with the prospect of a hot tea and a slice of ginger cake. Even more so when the tea and cake is followed by cider at the pub.

The evening was spent eating our camping dinners around a fire and we chatted about where we can take Outdoor Bloggers next.

I'm super happy that Outdoor Bloggers Weekend went so well and I thoroughly enjoyed the company of Zoe, Allysse and Mark. Zoe and I are already discussing plans for the next event and we are very keen to get more bloggers involved.

If you blog about the outdoors it would be great to have you join us over at OutdoorBloggers.co.uk. Sign up and we will keep you in the loop about upcoming events. You can also join in the conversations on Twitter using the hashtag #OutdoorBloggers.

In one week's time, at 4.00am on the morning of Saturday 13th June I shall be setting off on one of the most difficult journeys I have ever faced; the Lyke Wake Walk.

The Lyke Wake Walk is a 40 mile route across the bleak North Yorkshire Moors from the village of Osmotherley to Ravenscar. The challenge is to complete the route in under 24 hours. Yep, that means walking non-stop until the finish line is crossed. Women who complete the walk are titled Witch and males are titled Dirger.

I wont be facing the challenge alone, thankfully. I convinced Zoe of SplodzBlogz.co.uk to join me on my mad expedition.

From research we believe it takes the average walker around 16 hours to complete. Our aim isn’t complete it as quick as we can, we just want to complete it!

Our plan is to get a good half-night’s sleep at the campsite and begin the walk at 4.00am in the morning. At the crack of dawn. Are we mad? We will then walk, walk and walk for 40 miles until we reach the finish line where we will be collected by a taxi. That’s it; that’s our plan. The only thing that will prevent us doing the challenge is the weather. If the weather is due to be very poor we won’t attempt the walk as it could be too dangerous, let alone a horrible experience. We do aim to have fun!

Zoe has been preparing for the challenge by taking regular long walks. I have not. Time has got the better of me.

My plan is to not think too hard about it- I tend to get myself worked up over things which turns out to be wasted worry when whatever it is comes around. If I think about the distance, the possible blisters, the likeliness of rain, I will start to worry. There’s no point worrying because these things are out of my control. Well, mostly at least. I have done several walks in my new boots and bought blister plasters so hopefully my feet will be ok. The title of this post is a bold statement- I'm going to complete the Lyke Wake Walk Challenge. That's me expressing positively.

I do need to plan though- the kit I’ll wear, the essentials I’ll carry and the food I’ll eat. I also need to study the route and take note of any sections that could be difficult to navigate. Zoe is well ahead of me on this one and has already purchased the Lyke Wake Walk guide. My maps arrived yesterday and I plan to pencil the route. The scary fact is the walk covers both maps from one side to the other- that’s a long way. Look! I’m starting to do what I said I wouldn’t do- think about it too much.

We are mad.

I’m going to stop writing now.

The fantastic online garden bird food and accessories supplier, Living With Birds, is giving one of my lucky readers one of these fab Ring Pull seed bird feeders in this lovely mint colour, worth £22.95.

I love the ingenious ring pull design. The whole feeder comes apart with just a pull of the pin that runs down the centre of the feeder, making it super easy to clean. The fittings are made from rust proof metal and the overall design is impressively robust. The colour is a beautiful cottage-style mint which contrasts wonderfully against dark green foliage.

I hung mine in the place of an old plastic feeder which looked cheap and tacky next to the stylish, high quality Ring Pull Feeder. Within minutes a marsh tit landed on it, which was quickly spooked away by a great tit that I managed to get a photo of. The birds are quite tolerant of us and I was stood just 2 meters away when I took the photo.

Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ts&Cs:

Prize: 1 x 360mm Ring Pull Feeder in mint worth £22.95
Seed not included
Open to UK mainland addresses only
Closes Monday 22nd June
Winner picked from validated entries using Rafflecopter’s winner generator
Winner will be notified by email and will have 28 days to claim their prize
Living With Birds will post the feeder to the winner

Best of luck!

This June, the Wildlife Trusts are campaigning for everyone to spend a little time enjoying something wild each day. 30 Days Wild has boomed across Social media with hundreds of people updating their daily Acts of Wildness.

Even though I spend a lot of time outside and I am lucky enough to have wilderness right on my doorstep, I’ve still needed to remind myself to do something wild each day. It’s brought home the fact that many children and adults don’t regularly have the opportunity to come into contact with nature. I can’t imagine a life without nature. Nature is a huge part of my life. In fact, it is my life. I love seeing the influx of social updates by people from all walks of life sharing their wild activities. If we can teach the children of today the importance of nature, then maybe these adults of tomorrow will fight to protect it.

This is a log of my first my first 12 'Random Acts of Wildness':

1. Smelt the wildflowers growing below the canopy in the wood.

2. Sat peacefully under the trees for 10 minutes, listening to the gentle hum of insects pollinating the wildflowers around me.

3. Caught the hornet that was flying around the house and dare myself to get as close as possible to her to take some photos.

4. Prodded some jelly-like jew’s ear fungus growing on a rotting stick.

5. Crept up to an open-fronted nest box to peak at the robin eggs nestled inside.

6. Walked through a rape seed field which was full of beautiful wild poppies in the evening sun.

7. Visited the local nature reserve, North Cave Wetlands, to watch the abundance of bird life, including hundreds of black-headed gull, artic turns, shelduck, shovelers, and gadwall.

8. Filled my new Ring Pull bird feeder from Living with birds and put it out for the garden birds. I’m running a giveaway for one of them here.

9. Took a close up photo of a vibrant, flowering fox glove in the wood.

10. On the upturned root of a tree I discovered a mossy wrens nest.

11. Walked through the long, wet grass in my wellington boots.

12. We took in a baby magpie, now named Magnus, at around a week old. He’s now fully feathered and learning to fly (I’ll blog about him soon). We have hand reared several orphaned corvids (members of the crow family) over the years. I posted about them here.

So why only 12 Random Acts of Wildness when there have been 16 days in June? Well, here come the excuses- for three of the days I didn't do anything wild. Shock, I know! I was just simply too busy doing other things and didn't have time to dedicate to the challenge. For a moment, I thought about sticking some extra images in from May, but as well as being dishonest it would have been misleading. It proves that doing something wild everyday is difficult; even when you make the effort to plan wild moments into your everyday schedule, life can get in the way. It also proves that we need to make time for getting closer to nature, all the time, not just when this fantastic campaign from The Wildlife Trusts is running.

I'm going to make an extra special effort to do something wild everyday for the rest of the month, starting tonight!

Follow me on Instagram to see what I get up to 'in the wild'.

PS. If you are taking part in #30DaysWild please

share your Twitter handle, Instagram URL

or blog with me so I can follow you :)

Wow. The 30 days in June zoomed by. Collating these photos has allowed me to reflect on the last two weeks of June by provoking my mind to remember what I did each day. We have completed half of the calendar year already yet it feels just a a couple of months since I dragged the christmas tree (it's only a miniature specimen) and its pot out of the patio doors and considered where it should remain for the next twelve months in the wood. I can see the christmas tree from where I'm sitting on the deck writing this, with its slightly drained-looking leaves, presumably a result of the lack of water during this glorious weather.

The days go so quickly -eat, sleep, work, repeat- and even with the long evenings (why they call them long evenings, I'm not sure. We don't actually get any extra time), I have found it difficult to do something wild each day. On reflection I do actually do something wild each day. They just aren't things that will picture well or, at least, sound remotely interesting to you, the reader.

So I confess to you, my readers, and The Wildlife Trusts. I have failed to do a Random Act Of Wildness each day for the thirty days of June. I consider myself a wild child (yes, I live in Never Never Land) and I live in the middle of a wood that's so far from any internet exchange we can only get 0.20mBs speed (another story for another day).

Without further ado, here's my photo journal of my last Random Acts Of Wildness:

13. After a 5k run along country paths with my sister in the Yorkshire Wolds, I caught my breath in this beautiful field. The barley rippled gently in the wind, creating wave-like movements.

14. Insects are not my strong point. I'm not sure what species of bee this is. I should have got the guide book out while the bee was around as it's difficult to identify just from this photo. If you know what it is, it would be great if you could leave a comment at the end of this post.

15. I counted and photographed cuckoo spit

16. For about 10 minutes I gazed at this Ichneumon wasp as it investigated this recently sawn larch board. This specimen was about 6cm long. Their impressive ovipositors (that long tail) is used for injecting an egg into a grub living in wood. The larvae will hatch and eat the grub from the inside-mmm. It's completely harmless despite its sting-like looking ovipositor.

17. My new Snugpak Softie Chrysalis sleeping bag from e-outdoors.co.uk arrived in the post and I couldn't wait to try it out, so I did. I walked into a clearing in the wood where wildflowers grow and got in it. It was very snug. I could have easily slept right the if it wasn't for the insects getting in my ears and on my face.

17. We spotted this beautiful display of lilies while on an evening dog walk

18. This spider was under a stacked larch board. She closely guarded her two egg sacks while I took a photo of her (from a distance). Spiders are pretty much the only animal I'm scared of. Thow me a scorpion, snake or mouse any day. Just not a spider because my heart will jump out of my throat.

19. This one is a bit hard to make out. It was getting dark at the time. We dragged Dave's brother and best friend into 'the wild' by tempting them with the zipline. The zipline in the wood has slackened over the years and a fallen tree landed on the wire, stretching it, earlier in the year. The guys attempted to tighten the line but darkness set in. It kept them entertained for an hour or so though.

20. We took an evening dog walk along the Pocklington canal which was beautifully peaceful, apart from several chattering reed warblers which have a scratchy-sounding call. This is a brick road bridge and in the background is a lock. I love canals and the concept of locks but I'm not keen on the locks. There's something erie about them; large, deep, unnatural rectangular boxes. I would hate to fall in one. Apparently someone died in this one some years ago. They can be dangerous places.

21. On Tuesday evening we visited Allerthorpe Common close to my home in East Yorkshire to look for adders. The lowland heath habitat is ideal for snakes and I hoped they would be basking in the glorious sun. However, we got there a bit too late and the sun was too low and the landscape was all in shadow. It was still an enjoyable walk and we spotted a good variety of flora along the way.

Twenty one out of thirty is a poor result but it goes to prove we all need to be proactive and plant to get out into the wild regularly.

For me, the wild makes me feel safe, sane, peaceful, relaxed and content.

How does the wild make you feel?

If you took part in #30daysWild I would love to hear from you. Follow me on Twitter here or comment below so we can chat :)

I better go water that Christmas tree.

If you follow me on Instagram or Twitter then you will have already been subjected to my inundation of Magnus the magpie-related posts.

Magnus was a helpless, boney chick with feather quills emerging from his pink skin when we took him in at about a week old. He was an eating and pooping machine living in a pretend nest made from the hood of Dave’s old hoodie inside a plant pot.

His feathers grew at an astonishing rate. I’ve raised many chicks over the years but each time I’m mesmerised by how fast they grow. The change, even between morning and evening was dramatic.

As a chick we fed him a varied picnic including boiled egg, ferret food, peas, mealworms, and earthworms. When he was in the nest his food was prepared into individual tupaweares lined up along the counter top next where his nest lived. Now he eats pretty much anything he can get his beak on.

After a couple of weeks Magnus left the nest and spent most of his time hopping around the front room or in a parrot cage where he slept. On a morning he would hop over the duvet, getting the hang of using his legs, as we sat drinking our cups of teas in bed. He had bursts of activity for about 10 minutes and then would settle down for a nap.

Once he could fly and land confidently, he moved into the large aviary measuring 8 x 6 meters which is filled with a few young trees, lots of branches for perches and natural ground flora. It gives him plenty of room to stretch his wings and explore. The aviary has a birdhouse attached to it so he has a warm and dry place to go if he chooses.

When we are outside he flies around free, but always under our watchful eyes. Farmers in the area catch and kill magpies so I’m extra carful he doesn’t wander too far. Boris, the rook I had a couple of years ago, suddenly disappeared one day. I like to think he met some other rooks and started a new life but it’s always in the back of my mind that he could have been shot. I try not to think about that possibility too much.

All members of the corvid family- magpies, jackdaws, jays, crows, rooks, ravens etc.- are highly intelligent. One study suggests they are more intelligent than the great Apes

The way Magnus explores and engages with everything shows how bright he is. He explores everything with his beak by carefully touching an object to test how it responds then starts pecking the object roughly to see what happens then. He can use his beak so delicately and accurately to open something up or move things around.

From a distance, the colours of the magpie can appear to be just back and white. Yet up close, the black feathers are iridescent, like oil floating on water. Just look at the beautiful colours of Magnus' feathers in the photo below of him sunbathing. When birds sunbathe they go into a trance-like state. It's rather hilarious.

Many people believe crows and their cousins are evil yet they get their bad name due to being inquisitive, clever and so deeply misunderstood. Old folk laws still live on, hundreds of years after the stories were first told. Some are true though- magpies do love shiny thing! All corvids do. We had a jackdaw that would collect shiny objects (and anything else he could get his beak on) and hide them in a bucket that was used as a shower in the caravan we lived in. Before each shower the bucket had to be emptied before it was filled with water. I've raised several corvids over the years, some of which you can read about in this post.

The name of this blog, The Thrifty Magpies Nest, was derived from my love for magpies and their reputation for collecting treasures, and now the blog has its very own mascot.

To conclude, I have written a little rhyme:

If you aren’t a fan of magpies,

then maybe I can convince you otherwise,

by showing you lots of photos,

and videos.

So follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram,

for lots of Magnus spam.

Jennifer Tulip walking in the Yorkshire Wolds

The 'what's in my bag' theme is particularly popular among beauty and fashion bloggers but I'm not the sort of girl who wants to know which make up mirror and lipstick brand fits neatly in to the pocket of a Louis Vuitton hand bag. I'm not really the sort of person to who wants to make sure I have the latest product to fit in with my piers. I'm a cheapskate and I'm just not interested.

However, what I LOVE to read about is the type of practical kit other people buy and use for outdoor activities such as festivals, camping and walking. Last year I wrote a post about what to take to a festival. You can read it here. I doesn't include the latest fashion trends but it does tell you what I wee in at night to avoid going to the stinky portaloos in the dark.

So, I thought I would share the things I pack into my day sack for a walk in the Yorkshire Wolds. I'll tell you now, I'm not a big spender and not so fussed about sporting the coolest outdoor brands. I tend to choose things that are low cost but will do their job well. I'm not particularly gadgety either (I leave that to my geeky partner, Dave) but I do get super excited about practical things that will make my walk comfortable.

Without further ado, here's what's in my walking rucksack:

Day rucksack

My day rucksack was bought in the Trespass shop about 4 years ago. It was in the sale and cost about £20. It's lasted very well and it's still in good condition. I love the wide, padded waste band to take some of the pressure off my back and onto my hips and it has enough space to fit everything in the list below. The only downside is the look of it. It makes the wearer look like a tortoise.

Jennifer Tulip eating a pack up on a walk

OS Map

It goes without saying really but an OS map is important on any walk if you aren't familiar with. I love OS maps; the feel of them, the look of them, the purpose of them. So much detail about every nook and cranny around you.

Waterproof jacket

Whatever the weather looks like when I set off, I will still always pack my waterproof. I recently got this super lightweight jacket from Sportsshoes.com. It scrunches up into a spall space and easily fits over my fleece top.

Fleece jacket

I normally have my fleece jacket on rather than in my bag but I it's important I can strip some layers when I get too warm and fit them into my bag. My favourite fleece is from Trespass and cost around £20. Personally, I don't see the point in spending lots of money on a fleece. As long as it is thick and warm then it will do the job.

Head torch

Have you been on a walk that's taken just a bit longer than expected causing you to pretty much run in order to find your car before it gets so dark you can't see the footpath signs? Well, I did it just the once. Now I take my head torch on every long walk.

Toilet roll

When nature calls, you gotta go! I love peeing outside (yeah, I'm weird) because you get a great view and a few moments alone to appreciate nature from the eye level of a badger. I love natural stuff but using a doc leaf to wipe my lala isn't my idea of 'being at one with nature'. I stuff toilet roll sheets into one of my bag's pockets and keep a small sandwich bag to house the used tissue. The sandwich bag also comes in handy for any curiosities I find for my nature shelves, such as skulls.

Snoode

Snoodes are THE BEST THING when caught out in the icy wind on top of a hill. I have two- a purple one with two layers- thin material and fleece- that matches all my purple gear. The other one is a super-cool (my only cool walking item) Buff from Kitshack.com. It has a really soft hood built in and is so cosy. Dave has a Buff too. He has a neck like a giraffe so it's important he covers it up to retain warmth. Here's a photo of us on Snowden earlier this year.

Jennifer Tulip and Dave Mackarill in their Buffs

Penknife

A knife, tweezers, toothpick and saw all in one. Perfect for getting out splinters on the go and for carving oneself a walking stick to feel like Ray Mears. A penknife is super practical in emergencies and, well, you're not a real outdoorsman/outdoorswoman if you don't have a penknife!(spell check says 'outdoorswoman' isn't a word- get into the equal world Mac!)

Gloves

A godsend when that icy wind hits while you are studying a map. I searched for ages to find a pair I was happy with. I wanted gloves that are waterproof and windproof but don't have the bulk of ski gloves. Finally, I discovered these SealSkinz gloves while browsing an outdoors shop in Northumberland. I've written a review of them here.

Waterproof hat

Like gloves, I searched for a while to find the perfect hat. One that is windproof, waterproof, covers my ears and is warm. This style is perfect. Well, not perfect if you want to look remotely attractive while walking, but otherwise it's ideal. Several brands offer hats in this style but they all cost around £30 unless you get a bargain in the sale. I got mine half price so was very happy. Here's a pic of me in the hat with Dave up on Cadair Idris in Snowdonia looking like models in a walking catalogue (not).

Gaiters

Want to look like a real hiker? Get ya gaiters on! These bad boys will keep your ankles and shins dry while you wade through mud and bog. We all took a direct route (got lost) on Kinder Scout while on the Outdoor Bloggers weekend earlier this year and ended up tackling the huge bog on top of the plateau. My gaiters worked wonders. Mine are just cheap ones so unfortunately my legs get clammy really quickly. Spending a bit more on breathable ones would be a wise investment.

Water proof trousers

Can you tell I have a fear of getting wet? Lot's of waterproof items in my bag. I used to have a pair of those cheap £10 over trousers that come in a little bag but they are horrid on long wet walks. They just make your legs sweat and overheat. I got these fab ones from Mountain Warehouse. They cost around £50, are breathable, and have poppers all the way up to the waistband making them easily to get on mid-walk as soon as the rains starts to fall. However, I still choose to take the rubbish pair on really short walks that are just a couple of hours long as they are lighter to carry and take up less space.

Flask and cup

Squatting behind a rock to shelter from the wind on top of a hill is made enjoyable by a hot cup of tea. We always take a flask of tea or hot chocolate for half way.

Pack up

If we are out for the day, or just over lunch, we take a pack up. Our typical pack up consists of sandwiches, salt and vinegar crisps, a chocolate bar and a pack of tangy sweets.

First aid kit

Boring but necessary. I normally get Dave to carry it. I keep blister plasters in the kit, too.

Lipgloss

No, it's not make up, honestly! Lipgloss or vaseline gives great relief to lips made sore by the cold and wind. Annoying when my hair then stick to my face though.

Binoculars

I love birdwatching so binoculars are an essential but they also come in handy for scouting out footpath signs from a distance. Have you ever entered a field and cant see where the footpath goes? Straight on, parallel with the fence or diagonal? Binoculars allow you to see that bit further and can prevent marching in the wrong direction.

Money

The temptation of a country pub is usually high for the typical hiker. Carry some pennies so you can treat yourself to a pint. We have a rule in our relationship- Dave will take me for a walk along as there is a pub at the end. Deal.

Those are my essentials for every walk. I hope you find the list helpful if you are a novice or look to take up walking and if you are a walker, I hope my list is comparable to yours.

Is there something in your bag that isn't on my list? I would love to know what. Leave me a comment as I would love to talk geeky walking stuff with you.

Jennifer Tulip with The One Show bust poster The Thrifty Magpies Nest

I wasn't sure whether it was a scam when I saw the email from the Assistant Producer of The One Show in my inbox at 6pm last Tuesday evening, asking if I could be on the show the next evening.

A quick check of the person's name on LinkedIn was enough evidence to convince my overcautious self it was genuine. I was asked to share a money saving tip on the show and, even though I do simple things everyday to save money, I couldn't for the life of me think what to reply with. I did what I normally do in such situations and called my sister to discuss. After excitedly explaining what was happening, the idea came to me. Yogurt! I make yogurt and save a fortune. I had written a blog post about making yogurt a year ago so fired the link of to the Assistant Producer. She replied saying she loved the tip and asked me to confirm I could get to London the next day.

What was I to wear? My hair colour was all washed out and patchy. What if I messed up my lines? What were my lines? What did they actually want me to do?

All these things were going through my head but I'm not really the sort of person to get nervous. I was stupidly excited. And Dave and my step dad, Ian, were even more excited than me!

I shared the news on The Thrifty Magpies Nest Facebook page and messaged my close friends while heading down to the Big Smoke.

On arrival I was taken to a room by a lovely chap who's name I cant remember. At this point I only knew that two other bloggers were to also be featured on the show but didn't know who or even what I was doing.

The lovely Assistant Producer met with me and explained everything and I got even more excited. The three of us were to present our best money saving tip to Anne Robinson, in the theme of the Weakest Link. She was going to choose which blogger she thought was the 'The Cheapest Link'. Awesome. She told me that the Ricky of Skint Dad Blog, who I met at Savoo's Smartest Shopper awards last year, that I was shortlisted for, and Emma of Mums Savvy Savings.

Jenni Tulip The Thrifty Magpies Nest on the One Show

Ricky arrived shortly after and we shared our excitement and practiced our lines. There was a rehearsal in the studio and then we had our make up done. While sat in the chairs Anne Robinson walked into the room and asked the make up ladies for some chewing gum and said hello to Ricky before disappearing back into the studio. We glanced at each other with a mutual 'that was surreal' type look.

It was then time for the real thing! The three of us took our positions at the podiums and kept glancing at each other and smirking with excitement. The audience where ushered in to the studio, which is surprisingly smaller than I had imaged. The room was full of cameras and staff with headsets.

Then the show began. "Onnnnne Oneeeeee Oneeeeee Onnnnne," I mimed to the opening credits.

Everything then just went so quickly. The camera came around to me and I spoke my lines. Anne announced Emma as the 'cheapest link' and then that was it!

It was heard to hear what the presenters Alex Jones and Ore Oduba were saying from where we were but heard that Ore didn't think my yogurt tasted like yogurt. Maybe he's just used the fake taste of Activa pots. Trust me though, it's lovely, especially with honey.

We remained in the audience for the rest of the show then as all the audience left, Anne came over to congratulate us and ask us whether we enjoyed ourselves, which was kind of her. We then asked for 'selfies' with Anne and she willingly obliged.

"Am I alright to hug you for the photo Anne?" I asked.

"You can do whatever you want," Anne replied.

Jenni Tulip The Thrifty Magpies Nest and Anne Robinson on The One Show

After saying goodbye to Alex, Ore, Anne and all the very friendly staff we were taken to our taxis to the station then I headed back up to Yorkshire on the train.

Jenni Tulip The Thrifty Magpies Nest Ricky Willis Skint Dad The One Show

I loved every second and, even though my moment of fame lasted no more than 10 seconds, it was totally worth it.

Next gig, Springwatch with Magnus the magpies (I wish!).

You can catch the full show on iPlayer here. Catch the three of us in 'The Cheapest Link' at 11 minutes and 45 seconds in.

Summer is my favourite time of the year because we have long days, warm weather (most of the time), lush green countryside and festivals.

With the August Bank Holiday coming up in just a few days, I have been reminiscing about my first real festival experience; Leeds festival 2003 when Blur and Linkin Park headlined.

I just had to remind myself of the lineup by looking for an old poster on the internet. What a good line up it was

I remember heading to the main stage with my friend as The Darkness kicked off their set and holding my position in a determined manor until Blur walked on stage, probably some 10 hours later. My favourite band and I was at the front. I was meters away from Damon Albarn and it felt like heaven. It also felt like I was been crushed by a stampede of baby elephants but I didn’t care. I was at the front.

I was just 16 when I went to this festival. Looking back, it seems crazy I spent 4 days alongside tens of thousand of people. I was so vulnerable when I was 16. I went with my good friend of the time, who was the same age and camped with a few other friends but we were all so young.

A few weeks ago I was at Beat-Herder festival and many of the clientele seemed so young. Now I am older and wiser and understand the potential dangers of festivals to young people and worry what the young people will be exposed to. I then remind myself that I was their age once and the dangers were just the same then.

Kendal Calling festival main stage and crowd

Going to festivals has been a big part of my life and has shaped the person I am today. Festivals feel like a world of their own, cut off from reality. I can truly relax and relieve my mind of any anxieties I face in everyday life. They provide the perfect setting to express your personality because anything goes at a festival. You can wear what you like, dance how you like, laugh as much as you like and sing as loud a you like.

I recently read this Female First post by Pryers Solicitors which lists dangers that single people should be careful of when attending festivals. Although I think all the points are valid, I think the explanations and advice could be a bit more detailed and apply to all festival goers, whatever their relationship status, age or gender. Using the same potential dangers listed in the post, here's my advice for each one:

1. Spiking

It can happen. There are people out there who are looking for easy targets so just be aware of your drinks at all times. Avoid putting them down while you dance and if you need to go to the toilet, ask a friend to hold it. The horrible people are looking for opportunities so don’t give them one. Although some of the symptoms of spiking drugs are similar to being drunk, the feeling is different. If you don’t feel right, tell a friend straight away and take a rest. If you still don’t feel right then tell a member of security. These horrid drugs can suddenly knock you out unexpectedly so it’s best someone keeps an eye on you.

2. Alcohol

I fell like a mother writing this but – watch how much you drink. Festivals are a fantastic place to be when tipsy but being too drunk at a festival can also be really miserable. Your friends want to have fun so don’t become a liability. That’s when bad stuff can happen. Friends who have also been drinking may not realise how drunk you are and wander off innocently, leaving you on your own.
Sun and/or hot weather combined with alcohol can cause hot exhaustion. I’ve suffered sun stroke at festivals and it is a weekend-ruiner. Having it come out of both ends is bad enough when you’re in the comfort f your own home. Imagine trying to rush to the portaloo when the queue is 5 people deep….! Yer, you get the picture.
Just take it steady. You have the whole weekend

3. Drugs

Drugs are rife at festivals and people often get into all sorts of difficulties as a result. I’ve witnessed people paraletic on the floor, people been rushed to hospital in ambulances and been at festivals where people have died. You wot know what people are selling you. It could be anything. I’ve heard of cases where drugs have been positively tested for rat poison- that’s scary. Just avoid.

Jennifer tulip at Arcadia at Boomtown festival

4. Sex

If sweaty, smelly tent sex is ok with you then at least protect yourself from STIs and unwanted babies. Being a hippy baby was cool in the 70s but imagine telling your child they are the result of drunken mistake in a field with someone you had just met. Take condoms with you or go to the medical tent to get some for free. They are FREE for gods sake.

5. Assaults

Alcohol and adrenaline can turn some people into animals so just be aware that not all people get happy-drunk. Stick with friends, never go back to the tent by yourself and don’t be tempted to answer back to trouble makers.

Miss Tulip Jennifer Tulip dancing on car at Boomtown Festival

6. Crowds

Obviously there will be crowds but just be aware of how dangerous crowds can be. I’ve been at festivals where people have died from getting crushed. I’ve been crushed to the point I cant breathe and it is very, very scary. In general crowds are really supportive of each other and will pick people up when they fall but sometimes it’s impossible to escape.

7. Theft

It doesn’t matter which festival you go to there will always be thefts. Never ever leave valuables in your tent. Leave your tent messy and take everything out of bags so thieves have nothing to grab people. It isn’t uncombed for thieves to enter tents while people are in them sleeping. Keep your purse and phone in your sleeping bag so they cant get to them and if, heaven forbid, they come in while you are asleep. Stay still and pretend you are asleep. Let them take your things. You are in a sleeping bag and they have the advantage of having their arms free and are above you. If they panic they may punch you. This is a super scary thought but it happens all the time. Report any suspicious behaviour to security. Never use a padlock on your tent. If you see a padlock what’s yur initial thought? ‘oooh must be something valuable in there’. They will slash your tent then you will be left without your belongings and a broken tent.

8. Crowd surfing

Not sure why anyone would want to do it. It hurts. You can lose our shoes and glasses and, at worse, you could get chucked out of the festival.

9. Mobile phone

The best thing I have bought this year is this battery pack which was recommended to me by fellow blogger Zoe of Splodz Blogz. It cost under £20 and can charge an iPhone 6 times (I’ve tested this). I keep it plugged into my phone at the bottom of my sleeping bag on a night then it will last all the next day. If you are prone to losing things, you could take an old phone and put your Sim card in it. If you take your current phone please please please take some sort of insurance out before you go. But do be warned, not al insurance policies cover phones in public places such as festivals.

10. Risky business

If you see something odd going on, don’t involve yourself. If you are concerned for someone’s safety, make security aware. Don’t feel like a dobber – you may actually save someone’s life. It’s common for people to set portaloos alight and I witnessing them burn is horrifying; they collapse in a melted heap in seconds. It would be impossible to get out alive.

If you are a festival newbie or veteran heading to Leeds, Reading, Shambala or any of the other amazing festivals happening around the UK this Bank Holiday, remember to stay safe but most of all, have fun!

Over the last few days I've heard the excitement from friends, colleagues and people on the internet about the exciting festivals they are heading to this weekend. With the weather report looking a but ropey, many people have been discussing what clothes to take with them. Last year a shared my essential items to pack for a festivals. As a super prepared, practical festival goer I hope to help those in last minute panic mode decide on what practical clothing to pack.

Thin raincoat or mac

When it rains there isn't time to go back to the tent to find a coat- you will already be soaked. Pack a think raincoat that can be scrunched up into the bottom of your bag. You will be thankful to have to hand when the skies open just as your favourite act is about to come on stage. Below is a very excited me in my Bench mac.

Miss Jenni Tulip The Thrifty Mgapies Nest at Beat Herder Festival

Warm, waterproof boots

Welly boots are the iconic festival necessity but I also pack winter boots. It may seem excessive but come nightfall, the temperature drops and tootsies are prone to getting wet and cold. Wellies do a rubbish job of keeping feet warm, even with thick socks so I wear winter boots to keep my toes cozy and dry throughout the night. Tall boots like the ones below do a good a job of keeping mud at bay.

Warm hat

Temperatures can plummet at night and, if you are the type to carry on nattering back at camp long after the music has ended, a warm hat will help keep your whole body warmer. See that big white furry mass on my head in the photo below? That's my party hat and it keeps me lovely and warm.

Gloves

You may think I'm mad packing gloves as well as all these other things but they are work the 5cm squared of space they take up. Just those cheap fleecy ones will do. I keep them in my pockets for when it get's to 3am and I can't dance much longer and need to head back to the tent.

Small rucksack

Not strictly clothing but it goes on your body. Having your hands free to hold drinks, through around in the air, erect tents, hug random people with 'free hugs' signs hanging around their necks and drag your fallen friend from the mud is essential. You also need someone to store your raincoat, money, phone, cider and glow sticks securely. Those mini rucksacks are ideal. Plus, if you are a lady, you have a better chance of getting a guy to hold it for you while you go to the loo thank you are if you pass them a handbag.

Onesie

For me, there's nothing more satisfying than getting into my fleecy onesie then climbing into my sleeping bag. I'm one of those people who gets cold at night, no matter whether it is summer of winter. Just remember to wear a T-shirt underneath so you don't have to sit naked on the portaloo in the night!

Miss Tulip jennifer tulip at Beat Herder Festival in the mud

Leggings

Depending on the type of festival you are going to, you may spend quite a lot of time at night chilling out with other people in secluded locations, around the drum circle, at camp or on the grassy area at the back of the crowds at the main stage. I typically do these things at festivals and can get cold quickly even though many girls are still walking around in hot pants, bare legs and crop tops. If you are a cold person like me, wear leggings under your jeans. They do wonders at keeping you warm. On really cold nights I wear them under my onesie in the sleeping bag, too.

Afghan scarf

This versatile accessory is perfect for festivals- they keep your neck and face warm at night, keep the sun off your head during the day and even double up as something to lay down on the ground and sit on.

As you can probably tell, I don't pack light. But at least I am super comfortable for the duration of my holiday. These are the items I pack, whatever the type of festival I'm going to and there recommend them to you :)

Keep warm, stay dry and have a fab time!

The other weekend Dave and I attended the wedding of his best friend, Geoff, and his now wife, Lix, which took place in a lush green meadow in the beautiful hills close to Ripon, Yorkshire.

To most, it wasn't a typical wedding setting; no church, no hotel function room disco. Instead, it was the perfect expression of the couple's far-from-conventional identities; natural boho-chic combined with festival vibes.

The ceremony took place by a gently flowing stream, beneath an arch of intertwined sticks and flowers of all colours. The wedding breakfast and reception were held in a marquee just a few metres away and the surrounding field turned into a cosy campsite for the night.The decor consisted of twig centrepieces decorated with photos of the couple from the last 8 years of their relationship.

It was a truly beautiful wedding. Many aspects, such as the outdoor ceremony, are similar to what I have always imagined my wedding to be like if Dave is to be so lucky.

The wedding will have by no means been cheap but the personal touches and handmade decor will have kept the costs down.

The average wedding in the UK costs a whopping £23,550. I can't comprehend this amount of money being spent on one day. Some couples take out loans to pay for their one day then spend the next several years paying it back.

I understand that venue hire costs are ridiculously expensive, but for me I think the force of pier pressure, tradition and culture leads many to feel that the bride's dress, the flowers and other typical wedding features are unquestionable. I've always felt the lack of need or desire to have these things if I were to have a wedding. I'm not particularly traditional or sentimental and by nature I question the whats the whos and the whys about the way anything is typically done. Until I started to follow Rock and Roll Bride I thought I was in the minority to not feel the desire to have a 'big' wedding. Reading about other couples having unconventional, low-key and low cost weddings reassured me that it's ok to not want what every one else wants.

For many women, the dress is the one item that isn't comprisable. After all, you only get to wear it once. Of course it's important that the woman feels happy in her dress but many don't feel the need to be comfortable. I'd certainly want to be comfortable. Some people spend thousands on their wedding dress yet change into something more comfortable later in the evening. I understand why but find I would find it difficult to justify taking off the dress, I had spent so much money on, too prematurely. As a penny-pincher I love that a recent report by myvouchercodes.co.uk found that 63% of couples would consider a second hand dress or hire a dress for their big day. It's a much higher figure than I thought. Second hand doesn't always mean second best.

My sister married on a low budget last year and had the most beautiful wedding. She kept costs down by holding the evening reception at her and her husband's home. It was a garden party-style event with a buffet and a do-it-yourslef cocktail table. Her most impressive saving was her second hand Phase Eight dress with a retail price of £750 which she managed to get for £350 from eBay. She then had the dress altered to make it truly unique. For just £75 a dress maker removed some of the heavy lace on the chest and back of the dress for a more delicate look to match my sister's slender figure. The fact that my sister sold her wedding dress for just £30 less than it cost her is remarkable. Some find lavish spending impressive, but I'm quite the opposite. I thrive on thriftiness.

Whether you are a spender or a penny-pincher, I believe that being happy on your big day is important. You only marry once (well, maybe more times for some) so make it the best day you possibly can. The priceless things such as good company, good food and lots of fun would be my priorities. But saving a few pennies would certainly make that little bit happier.

Last weekend Dave and I spent three cosy nights in this gorgeous Shepherds Hut at the foot of the Grampian Mountains of the Cairngorm National Park in Scotland.

The holiday was a birthday treat from Dave- he did good! We both love camping in tents but have enjoyed two other glamping trips together; a tipi in Wales and a yurt in the Lake District.

Scotland is always my first choice for a holiday- the lush mountains of the country are rich in wildlife and are excellent for long hikes and stunning views.

Ecocamp Glenshee is a small family-run business situated in the gently rolling hills at the bottom of the valley known as Glenshee. Just 16 miles further along the road is where the Grampian Mountains begin, making Ecocamp Glenshee the ideal location for those who want to explore the National Park.

On arrival we saw a covered area with a pink and a yellow wheelbarrow beneath, along with a notice explaining their intended use; ferrying up luggage to the accommodations.

Just a short walk up-hill we reached the house of the owners where were greeted by Simon and several young chickens which gathered around our feet.

We were given a quick tour of the bothy which has tables and chairs to eat food at, sofas to relax on by a wood burning stove and a simple yet well kitted-out kitchen area complete with fridge and portable gas cooker.

The porch and interior walls are filled with a wealth of information, attractions, and books about the local area, making the bothy feel welcoming as well as practical.

The friendly chickens followed our movements, hoping we would drop some crumbs. These two are called Snickers and Malteser.

This little cuite let me have a snuggle

We were then guided to our little home for the next few days- this gorgeous Shepherds Hut. It has all the facilities one could wish for- a fire pit, a table complete with tea lights in jars, two chairs, a stack of wood, an axe and and a chopping block.

Inside the hut was even more delightful than the outside. The little wood burning stove sits just by the door with a basket of kindling by the side and a shelf above with matches, extra tea lights, wine glasses, mugs and bowls.

The raised bed is perfect for looking out across the hill ands over towards the mountain range in the distance. The bed is very comfortable with plump duck down pillows and duvet.

The fire gets hot very quickly and we soon had to open the windows to let some cool air in. There's something cozy about being on a raised bed. The low ceiling creates the illusion of a snuggly area. Perfect for a romantic getaway with the one you love.

The log basket is filled with dry softwood that burns easily for those who aren't used to lighting a stove. The table is adorned with fresh flowers from the garden and a small basket is filled with tea bags, coffee and sugar. Oh, and two mini Green & Blacks chocolate bars. It's the little touches that make a good stay, great.

This is the view out of the window. Beautful. Each morning we awoke gently and lay in bed gazing out over the hills. It rained all Saturday morning so we spent the time snuggling in bed and watching the clouds drawing in, covering the tops of the hills and mountains.

It was my first time in Scotland in the month of September. It's a beautiful time to visit as the ground is still lush and the heather flowers create a blanket of purple over higher areas. There's another Shepherds Hut which is just to the right of Dave in the photo above. This one is ideal for families as it sleep up to 4 people. The family yurt to the right of that also sleeps 4.

The pods sleep 5 people and come with beds, lighting and heating. They are grouped together making them perfect for groups doing activities in the area.

The toilet and shower block is basic but sufficient. The showers are hot but the temperature cant be altered. Perfect enough for non-fussy people like us.

The farm is home to some fun pets. As well as the hens there are are cheeky pygmy goats, huge lazy lamas, friendly donkeys and dogs.

The pygmy goats are hilarious. They wait until Fiona and Simon are indoors then they jump over the fence and run loose around the field. When Simon came out they hoped straight back over!

Ecocamp Glenshee offer lama treks with Atticus, Jet, Bonita and Bradford.

We came away from our three night stay feeling relaxed and refreshed. The cosy space of the Shepherds Hut was our ideal romantic getaway and I would recommend it to any couple. There's little to distract you from each other than the captivating views and the need to stoke the fire every now and then.

For prices and bookings, visit Ecocampglenshee.co.uk.
Prices for the Romantic Shepherds Hut start from £70 per night for two people.

Hiking Lochnagar has been on my Bucket list for as long as I can remember. The mountain rises above the royal Balmoral estate, in the Grampian Mountain of the Cairngorm National Park of Scotland.

The 12 mile circular starts at the bottom of Loch Muick within the Balmoral Estate, following a substantial hardcore path before steeply ascending rocks to the plateau from which the stunning corrie and the loch itself can be seen.

Our Scottish trip was a birthday gift from Dave so he expected nothing less than for me to pick a long walk up a mountain.

We awoke early on the Sunday morning in our Shephards Hut, ate breakfast then drove to the Loch Muick for 10am. With the shorter days and the considering the recommended 8 hour duration of the hike we wanted to make sure we had plenty of time. I have a tendency to stop frequently to take photos, look for wildlife and admire views, meaning we often take longer than expected to complete walks.

The weather was good with just the odd dark cloud moving over the peaks when we reached the car park at Loch Muick and we set off enthusiastically praying for the fine weather to stick around.

The path lead from the car park, past the visitor centre and toilets then across Glen Muick towards some beautiful buildings at Allt-na-guibhsaich.

The path then goes through a wood before ascending by a stream. The route crosses a minor gorge then makes its way towards the lochan with splendid views of the northern corrie- a curving cliff around the lochan. A middle aged man walked with a younger man behind us and we caught some of their conversation as they got closer to us. The older of the men was telling the younger that this was the 15th time he had walked the circular and only twice had the views been clear from the top. The sky was looking promising and crossed our fingers in hope of clear views for this day.

The 'ladder' is a natural construction of boulders that conveniently act as steps leading to the plateau above the corrie. The view behind reached the leafy green woodland that surrounds Balmoral in the distance and the full size of the lochan below comes into view from here.

As we climbed the wind grew stronger and by the time we reached the plateau my face was covered by my hair and I could no longer hear Dave calling to me. I tightened my waterproof hood over my head and pulled my buff up to my eyes to protect my face from the sharp wind. I had just a narrow slit to pear out of from behind my clothing and without realising it I began wandering in the direction of the cliff edge rather than towards the summit. Luckily Dave was there to grab my arm and lead me in the right direction.

The trig point at Cab Carn Beag appeared close but a blind summit skewed our perception of distance. We finally reached the crowed summit and awaited our turn to climb the rocks on which the trig point is fixed. A man offered to take our photo then we moved along to allow the next group to move in.

It's funny how one has to touch the trig point as a mark of accomplishment. We studied a diagram upon a mount with lines pointing in the direction of other summits. I don't know what they are called but it's great looking out across the horizon looking for a another mountain you one stood at the top of some hundred miles away. We looked for the Cheviot but couldn't see it, of course.

The wind was strong, as you can tell from the photos but we found a spot a few rocks down from the trig point that was sheltered from the wind and had stunning views across the mountains. We ate our sandwiches and drank tea from our flask enthusiastically while complimenting the view. Flask tea doesn't have a great taste but it sure is comforting on a mountain walk.

The weather was just perfect; enough wind push the few cloud past quickly and the landscape blotted beautifully with rays of sun and shadows. Being on a mointain looking across to the horizon is probably my favourite feeling. I feel excited, satisfied and I am filled with awe and appreciation. I actually get a fluttery heart from it.

The decent seemed somewhat uninspiring for the majority of the way down but reaching the waterfall caused more 'Ohhhh's and 'aaaah's from the two of us. Loch Muick came into view and the corries to the easter side stood almost vertical. The path narrowed and we saw the prints from horses hooves in the moist ground. It was amazing to think a horse could climb the steep and rocky, narrow path.

The view across the south end of the loch was surrounded by lush vegetation and the rocky corries that rose above reminded me of the scene in the children's film, The Land Before Time where the dinosaurs reach the Great Valley. I definitely would be Sarah and Dave would be Littlefoot. I used to watch that film every weekend for years as a child.

We left the excitement of the wind gushing waterfalls and views and descended further to reach the track that circles the loch which would take us back to where we started. This section of the walk was pleasant but the views across the loch lacked the splendour of the views we had from above it. We picked up our pace for the 3 mile home stretch as the scenery wasn't as dynamic.

We returned to the car and were somhow folowed by a swarm of midges that got into the car with us. They were everywhere. We spent a good few minutes swatting them from our brows and the windscreen before travelling back to Ballater in search of a pub that served Haggis, neeps and tatties. Much to our delight we found one. It was my prefect day- mountains, views, hiking, laughter, love and haggis.

In June I wrote post titled ‘I'm going to complete the LykeWake Walk Challenge’.

I didn’t complete it. I didn’t actually start it.

The weekend of the walk had horrendous weather scheduled and Zoe of SplodzBlogz.co.uk and I took the difficult decision to cancel our adventure. Our bags were packed but we knew a few days before we may have to cancel, as the forecast was bad. We carried on planning knowing we may not actually go. It was a disappointing day. The weather did turn out to be as bad as the weather reports promised so we had made the right decision.

Zoe and I found just one weekend we were both free- the second weekend in October. So, this coming weekend we should complete the Lyke Wake Walk.

The change of date has actually worked out well because Allysse of besteglatisant.wordpress.com can come along too. Zoe, Allysse and I met for the first time at the inaugural Outdoor Bloggers weekend back in May and got on very well so I’m super excited to be undertaking the walk with them.

The Lyke Wake Walk is a 40 mile linear hike across the North Yorkshire Moors. The challenge is to complete the distance within 24 hours. However, considering the daylight hours at this time of year we have decided to do the walk over two days. We aren’t too bothered about completing the challenge. We are just excited to walk the trail.

The fact we are staying in a B&B on the Friday and the Saturday night makes it even more exciting. We have a triple room so it will be like a proper girly sleepover. We mustn’t stay awake chatting too long though- we will have long days ahead of us.

I have started to pack my bag and have prepared a list of essentials I need to buy for the walk. The main thing I haven't got is a first aid kit- a must for a long distance walk the difficult terrain of the North Yorkshire Moors. I recently discovered the Outdoor Camping Direct website which sells brands such as Vango and Craghoppers and their prices are really low. If you need a new rucksack take a look at their range as they start as low as £11.99 and they offer a range of capacities. They do a first aid kit designed for trekkers costing £13.99. which is just what I'm looking for. The other main purchase will be food to eat along the way. Sandwiches are always my favourite choice for lunch and chocolate and nuts are perfect for keeping up my energy levels.

Only 5 sleeps to go. I can’t wait!

PS. This post was written in partnership with Outdoor Camping Direct

A couple of weeks ago I cleaned our windows for the first time in... well, I'm not going to admit how long. Having unique windows somewhat similar to Velux windows in the way that they are in the roof and point towards the sky means they are directly below the many trees with their leaves and the wildlife that poops from above.

The front of the house overlooking the deck and bird feeders is mostly glass and within a few weeks of cleaning the windows they are covered in thick cobwebs that span from the wood cladding, over the window frames and onto the glass.

Cleaning them was a bad idea. Within two weeks we have had two blackbirds, a song thrush and a robin kill themselves by flying into the windows. For the last week I've been working from home and placed myself at the dining table to work so I could look out at the garden and watch the birds on the feeders. Several times a day I would jolt from the sound of something thumping the windows. Blue tits, marsh tits, coal tits; all knocking into the window but thankfully fluttering off.

While walking around the back of the house I stopped to listen to the fuss of bird calls in a tree. The recognisable calls of a group of long tailed tits came from above me. I could see them flitting from side to side like they do then my attention was drawn to the ground where two tit sat. One flew of as I stepped forward but the other didn't. The poor thing must have banged into the window and fallen to the ground. I quickly scooped the tiny bird into my hand in fear that the hens that were watching my every move, hoping I would drop scraps of food, would get to the little creature before me. A hen would it the small bird if given the chance.

The long tailed tit was gasping and clearly in distress. My concern was that the rest of it's group would move on before it came around. Long tailed tits don't hang around for long. I placed the delicate bird that felt not to dissimilar to one of those feather bird Christmas decorations, onto the top of a bird box conveniently located on the tree in which the rest of his chums were still chirping from. The sound of the busy chirps moved some distance ahead and then further away again. I retreated a safe distance and watched the stunned bird in anticipation. Thankfully within a couple of minutes he took flight, disappearing into the spindly branches of the surrounding silver birches.

Seeing the body of the dead robin that had't been so lucky was upsetting. I held the body in my hands for sometime, admiring its feather that were so perfectly aligned wit hone another. Getting so close to a bird like this is only really possible when it's dead, unless you are a bird ringer. It's a horrible thought but also quite a privilege to be able to be in contact with a small garden bird.

Maybe I'll leave the windows for another few (length of time removed to retain personal dignity) in honor of our much loved feathered friends. Bring back the webs!

Meet this cute little autumn hoglet we have rescued for the winter.

My step dad Ian and our next door neighbour, Rachel, were on a walk in Skipwith Common, close to our home in East Yorkshire, where Paddy pooch sniffed out the small, skinny baby hog. Knowing that small hogs seen in daylight is normally a concern, they brought him home.
We weighed the spikey ball and he (?) came in just under 250g. This useful website explained that hedgehogs should weigh at least 350g to survive the winter and that spotting one out in daylight is often a worrying sign.

Having read the fact sheet we decided the best place for the hoglet would be with an expert who knows exactly how to care for the cute beast. I rang the local hedgehog rescue and spoke to a lovely lady who explained she couldn’t take any more hedgehogs in. Apparently most hedgehog rescues have been inundated with hedgehogs this autumn. The lady patiently explained how I can care for the baby and offered to speak to me anytime I need advice.
He’s now living in a cage with a small heated box lined with a snuggly towel with an assortment of food options- tinned cat food, ferret biscuits and scrambled egg. He’s eating well so fingers crossed he will make it through to the end of April when he can be released. There’s a high probability he will be infected with lungworm which many wild hedgehogs contract and can be fatal. Hopefully now he’s warm and well fed he will fatten up nicely and survive the long winter in our cosy house.

If you find a small hedgehog out in the daylight at this time of year, it could be in danger. If you can,
take him home to weigh. If he's under 350g give your local hedgehog rescue a call. Be careful when picking them up; they wont bite but they are very spikey so use a jumper or similar to wrap around him. If he turns out to be a good weight it's worth calling the rescue still just to get a second option. If you can, release the hedgehog close to where you found him and in a safe area such as under a bush. If there are roads close by it will be better taking him into a garden with good access or into a wood or hedgerow close by.

Here's a useful map of the UK showing local hedgehog rescues.

Dying. It isn't a subject most people like to think about or discuss with their close friends and family, but it is a part of everyone's lives. We die, our family members die and our friends die. Death is a part of us all.

I may not want to think about it, but I do. A lot. It crosses my mind everyday that a loved one could slip away quickly without warning or a known reason. These thoughts cause me to worry and I get myself into a little panic. I heard recently that humans are the only animals capable of simulating possible future events by playing them out in our own minds. It's called 'episodic foresight'. 'The ability to project oneself into the future and mentally simulate situations and outcomes'(reference). I often find myself doing just this; playing out negative future scenarios in my mind almost to the point I start to physically react that it has actually happened/happening and I have to force myself to snap out of it.

Does anyone else do this?

Dying is something I believe we should talk about, but I find it hard. Not because I struggle to talk about my feelings but because it starts to bring on those thoughts which I try to block out. Thinking about death is a lonely feeling. I can only imagine it gets harder as we creep closer to the age of typical life expectancy. I can't imagine how I will deal with it then.

One subject I am vocal about is the cost of funerals. According to the 'Cost of Dying Report' by Sunlife, the average cost of dying is now £8,126 of which £3,693 is just the funeral. This figure is a 2.9% increase on 2014's figure. Shocking.

Even worse, the price varies greatly depending upon where you live/die. Living in Yorkshiremeans that dying this year would be cheaper for me than someone in Northumberland. Comforting? Not so sure.

I've made it clear to Dave that I don't want a fancy coffin that is just going to be destroyed- what's the point? I'll be dead so wont get to see it. A cardboard box if fine for me. And no flowers- they die anyway. No more death please!

I've always wanted to be buried rather than cremated (yep, contradicting the whole 'I'll be dead so it doesn't matter what happens to me' stance) because I'm terrified of the thought of burning. Being buried feels more natural. My flesh can feed the creepy-crawlies and tree could be planted on me or something. My bubble was busted when I learnt that burials cost more than cremations. Damn.

Adverts from life saving plan companies encourage people to save and plan their own funeral before they die, meaning they can have it 'exactly how they want it' and so their family don't have to worry about the costs and arrangements at such a difficult time. For me. the former point isn't relevant- I'll be dead. I understand that people with religious beliefs may think differently, so it's still a valid point.

When Dave and I got our Wills drawn up, I asked about including a part about our funeral wishes. We were advised to write a letter containing our wishes that will be kept with the legal Will document. We haven't done this yet. Now I know that getting buried costs more than getting burnt I may need some more time to think about my 'death wishes'.

Do you talk about death with your loved ones? I would like to hear how others remain positive while talking about this solemn subject.

Back in July I introduced Magnus the magpie here on The Thrifty Magpies Nest; a chick we hand reared form about two weeks old. He was such an ugly dinosaur-looking beast when he came to us wacky woodland dwellers.

Since that last post he has well and truly grown into a stunning bird. His tail feathers are now full length, and after a a very scratty period of going through his molt into adult plumage, he now has perfectly iridescent wing and tail feathers and a good strong, sharp beak.

This is Magnus looking like a sea zombie form Pirates of the Caribbean. He looked a right mess while molting a couple of months ago. The difference in the shape of his head is dramatic now that he has his full adult plumage.

His main diet is ferret food which is high in protein and has all the vitamins he needs. His favourite food is dried mealworms which is gulps down so quickly one would thing we don't feed him! Magpies are omnivorous meaning they eat meat, fruit and veg. A trait that has lead them to be a successful species in the wild. The average lifespan of wild magpie that has reached maturity is 3 years- shockingly short. However, in captivity they have been know to live as long as 21 years. Such a difference! This will be down to several factors including the struggle to find their own territory not currently occupied by a breeding pair and the long winters and competition for food. Although highly intelligent and adaptable they don't hold much fat meaning they must eat regularly.

Magnus lives in a huge aviary near the house which has plenty of room for him to fly around. There's also an indoor area where he can perch and play out of the poor weather and droughts. The aviary has been up for several years now and is in desperate need of a lick of paint. It's a lovely forest green colour which blends nicely into the surrounding woodland and the paint protects the wood from rotting. It was on our to-do list this summer but we didn't get around to it. It will be one of the first thing we do in the spring when the weather is less damp and cold.

Although Magnus comes out of the aviary to fly around from time to time, we chose to keep him housed, unlike the previous corvids we have had. We live in a farming community who persecute magpies so I fear for his safety. Being so tame would get him into trouble. Our neighbours know we have him but we had reports from people that a magpie we used to have flying free some years ago would visit their property some 3 miles away.

Magnus loves to play with object you have in your hand. If we have it, it must be good, and he want;s it too. Everything has to be held tightly or it will be swiftly taken in a swoosh and blur of black and white. Paper, brushes, earrings, food, coins, rubbish- everything. If he sees something he doesn't like, he will let you know by giving out a a very long, very load 'chh chh chh chh chaaaa haaaa'. In particular he hates spades and ladders. Inconveniently, these are two items that regularly pass his aviary. He also fights his own reflection. Some corvids have been proven to half self awareness, I'm, not so sure about Magnus though. This is a mid-action him attacking his reflection in the hallway.

Magnus magpie fighting reflection in mirror

Conveniently, he makes a pretty good 'watch-bird' too. If someone comes through the gate he whistles very loudly which we can hear in the house. He'd be pretty good at scaring intruders off if he was flying free. Having a magpie swoosh at you from nowhere makes most people jump. Even I jump out of my skin when he lands on my head from behind.

He loves to tease Paddy dog and the ferrets- both of which have different reactions to him. Poor Paddy cowers and disappears at the sight of Magnus, usually with Magnus in host pursuit, desperate to land on Paddy and pull his ears and tail. There ferrets, however, want to eat him. Meanwhile Magnus does a little dance backwards and forwards while trying to peak through the mesh at the ferrets.

Follow me on Instagram if you would like to see photos of Magnus the magpie (If I can get him to sit still long enough for a shot!)