I had hoped that my return to Tollymore with a sheep would be with Billy, but he caught orf in early October, and until he's completely healed I'm keeping him at home - orf is a virus that can spread to humans. But the leaves are changing and I remember spending autumn days at Tollymore in years past. It is a beautiful place. Reluctant to miss those autumn colours, I took Wee Matt.
Early walk snacking.
Slowly making our way to the forest.
The forecast had predicted a small chance of showers - we hadn't been there for fifteen minutes before the heavens opened and we had to take cover.
There was a pretty rainbow, though.
At last we reached one of the trails. My plan was not to go far, since Wee Matt is so inexperienced, and it was just as well. We ended up dodging more rain by standing under a bridge.
One thing I forgot to take into account that it was a few days before Halloween and the children were off school. We met so many people - but it was all good practise for Wee Matt, who wasn't scared at all.
We met several dogs as well, although I'm so busy watching the dog and Wee Matt, making sure that everyone is having a positive interaction, that I don't manage to get any photos usually. Wee Matt lost interest in this Golden Retriever just as I managed to line up the shot. Ah well!
Snacks on the way. Here Wee Matt is watching a group of children getting their photo taken on some steps.
Soon we were in the woods "properly".
It was beautiful.
Wee Matt spent a lot of time taking things in.
Ignoring some adoring fans.
We walked as far as the Hermitage before turning back the way we came. Getting up the hill again took longer than going down it. Wee Matt kept stopping.
Watching another child having her picture taken.
In the car park at last.
Watching more children and families.
Wee Matt was a very good boy! Hopefully we can get one more forest squeezed in before Billy's better and the leaves disappear completely.