Delightful Dragonflies

For crying out load, how on earth is this possible? Here at Cobleland we have been watching the dragonflies emerging from their nymph cases - amazing! But how does such a large Gold Ringed Dragonfly come out of its case only half its size, telescopic abilities I suppose? They climb out of the River Forth and camoflage themselves on a nearby tree, then over a few hours transform and emerge from something really gruesome and blossom into an amazing dragonfly. Nature never ceases to amaze me.

The nymphs live in the water for a few years, eating small fish with it's 'Alien' type snapping jaws and then break out the back. Apparantly the film 'Alien' is based on this 'tiger of the insect world. I can see how, luckily they don't feed on us, but in prehistoric times their wingspan was 2 metres and flew at 40mph!

I just love it when the bluebells are out. Luckily, I still haven't heard them ringing, otherwise I wouldn't be here. Instead I would be playing with the faeries in their faery realm!

Here's a busy little chap making his new home in our ranger tent. Sadly, we had to relocate him to the bug hotel, otherwise he would only have been swatted by now.

Fishy Goings On...

We tested our new mountain bike route that we will hopefully start doing as part of our ranger activities at Cobleland. Our friends, Emma and Blair came with us and we saw some interesting fishy things along the way in the Loch Ard Forest.

Interesting sculptures along the way....

To end the day, we went out for a nice meal in The Forth Inn, at Aberfoyle. We met up with Calum, from work to bid Emma farewell as she and Blair left for pastures new in Fife.

Here's Emma with one of her leaving presents, I think her favourite, a nice pair of boobie earings.

First Raft Race of the Camping Season

Here is Cameron, our regular weekend visitor to the campsite, winning the first raft race of the camping season at Cobleland campsite. His raft, 'The Determinator' was much larger than Will's raft 'Wilson' of course, and understandably was really chuffed to win. How will the rafts evolve and who will be the reining champion by the end of the season......?

Oops, Cameron was a silly billy in the ranger's tent walking into the tent pole - again, he he he!

Cobleland Bug Hotel

Just finished the finishing touches to Cobleland's bug hotel. It also now has a do not disturb sign - bugs sleeping, in the hope that any peskie young campers are not tempted to 'disturb'!

Natural beauty tips

Mmm, new tasty wood sorrel is out, tastes just like apple skin. Great at clearing up rashes too apparantly.

The violets are out too - ladies used to infuse them in goats milk as a facial wash making them so beautiful, even a Prince would not be able to resist them!

May Pollen

Blackthorn blossom is everywhere and this lovely peocock butterfly is enjoying the sunshine.