Christmas in York

Today, I went into York with a friend to do a spot of Christmas shopping. I have been incredibly organised this year which is a first!

Once in York, we had a browse around the Christmas market to have an idea of the sort of things there was available. It didn't take long, there weren't many people around to squeeze past to look at a certain stall!

Nearing lunchtime, we thought it best to head to our favourite tea room on the Shambles to beat the hungry crowd.
The large all day English breakfast looked very appetising!

It was delicious! Especially the toast!

After a very large lunch, we investigated some of the other usual shops we were so familiar with, when we came across Coppergate. The hanging baubles suspended in the air from strings of lights looked magical.

Back on Parliament street, we continued with our shopping, and I'm pleased to say, I managed to buy most of my shopping  today!

Autumn at Potteric Carr

Still in the height of autumn but on the very edge of winter, a trip to Potteric Carr reflected just that. With the sharp bitter wind battering the reed beds, tucked away in the woods were the colours of autumn.

It was the opening day of the reserves new visitor centre. From the outside, it looks like a deluxe hide!
After a short walk round the woods, we warmed up with a coffee.

It is now a very lovely, bright cafe.

After my much needed coffee and my friends tea, we carried on with our walk.
arriving at one of the hides, outside the old Kingfisher cafe, we admired the autumn sun on the trees and the reeds.

After a couple of hours and a few more hides later, we arrived back at the cafe for some much needed lunch. The first thing to grab our attention was the sausage sandwich and a side of home cut chips.

Delicious!

Heading back out into the reserve, we realised how beautiful every pathway and every view was.

Autumn is such a colourful time of year.
Round Huxter Well Marsh, were some fun looking highland cows. The best wild lawn mower nature will ever have!

Running back to the visitor centre, we waited in the cold, dimming light for the starling murmuration to begin.
Whilst catching a glimpse of the sunlight dancing through the long grass.

The murmuration happened, much to our disappointment, in the lowering evening mist. Only parting shots of the starlings were seen but nothing, unfortunately, worth yelling about.

The mist created some wonderful sights though!