Today I spent the day in North Yorkshire and called in at Fen Bog Nature Reserve for a leisurely walk around the reserve. Fen Bog runs alongside the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and is set in an idyllic valley surrounded by beautiful countryside.
My main target species was the Small pearl-bordered fritillary butterfly, and it didn't take long to find one. In total, I saw four individuals.
As I was looking for the butterflies, a constant stream of old steam trains passed by on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. The sight and sound of them brought back some very special memories. It reminded me of my mother and father bringing me here on holiday 50 years ago, when they took us on this very railway.
Where does the time go? I can remember it all so clearly, and yet it doesn't feel that long ago at all. Standing there today, watching the trains and enjoying the peaceful surroundings, it felt as though those childhood memories were only yesterday.
View from the North Yorkshire moors looking towards Whitby
After I had finished my walk, I called in at Whitby and treated myself to a nice bag of fish and chips.
It would have been rude to visit this famous seaside town and not have a proper fish supper.
I then made my way home, stopping at another site where I was delighted to find more than ten Chimney sweeper moths flying around by the side of the road. It was a wonderful way to end the day.
Chimney sweeper It was one of those special days that I will always remember. A day that had everything: beautiful scenery, wonderful wildlife, and happy memories from childhood.
Sometimes, the simplest days turn out to be the most memorable. Today was certainly one of those days.