It was a cloudy start to the day this morning but I had pencilled in today for a trip out to Castle Howard with Meg & Gracie. It is always nice here and although we keep them both on the lead they get a good run out in addition to their daily walks around the Barff. It was about eleven o’clock when we arrived, the sun was shining and it turned out to be a lovely day, till late afternoon then it pelted down with rain but we were back home by then, so it didn’t really matter. Autumn is well under way, the leaves are turning into the russet gold colours and covering the lawns with a golden coloured blanket. As we walked through the courtyard and through the arch, we headed for the Walled garden. It is always a pleasant stroll through the gardens, the borders are always a picture and today was no exception. From the Walled garden we headed over to the Atlas Fountain, Meg and Gracie would have been in it given the chance but that is just the labs’ fascination of water. We continued our walk around the southern end of the south lake, the trees on the opposite terrace were just beginning to change colour and looked quite a picture as the sunlight picked out the yellows and reds against the fading green foliage. From the far end of the lake we headed over to the Temple of Four Winds and a short break to admire the views across the Howardian countryside. After five minutes or so we headed back to the house, I counted well over fifty Canada Geese on the Southern Lake, all making quite a noise as we walked past them.  As we reached the house we decided to have brunch outside on the lawn adjacent to the Fitzroy Restaurant, the sun was still shining and the light breeze was quite pleasant after our walk.  Meg and Grace settled by my chair and seemed quite content for another rest as I enjoyed a scone and pot of tea, needless to say I had to share it with them both! A very pleasant walk in lovely surroundings.