I HAVE loved animals since I was a child. To me they embody an innocence not unlike small children, which is probably why I feel so protective towards them.
Every now and again I witness something very special......
Being avid hill walkers, my husband Bob and I were taking a route from Trefriw up to Llyn Cowlyd.
It was a stunningly beautiful morning, one of those balmy days when you feel you are being caressed by the breeze.
We were half-way up a steep pathway when we noticed our dog Holly acting “sheepishly”. Looking round we spotted a young ram high on a bank staring at her with a fixed gaze.
I must stress that Holly is superb with sheep and has been taught from a young age not to even look at them, let alone chase them.
Anyway, thinking no more about the ram, we went on our way, admiring the spectacular views of Llyn Geirionydd in the distance.
A moment later I tripped over the dog, who was beside herself with fear. I looked around, astonished: the ram appeared to be actually stalking her.
We stood bemused as the ram jumped down the bank and began to dance around Holly before headbutting her square on the backside.
Holly had her tail well and truly between her legs and began to whimper.
“Oh stop being a coward,” I told her. “He only wants to play.”
The lamb, hearing Holly’s whimpers, stood back and looked at her in a quizzical manner. Then, deciding Holly was no fun at all, he ran off to his mother.
I was thrilled I’d captured the whole event on my camera.
After spending the entire day rambling up and around the hills above the lake, it was nearly dark when we descended the hill towards Trefriw.
The silhouette of sheep grazing on the horizon beneath an indigo sky (which was eating up what was left of the sunset) was breathtaking.
The night was cool as we made our way back through the forest, but the stars looked incredible.
Bob attached his new head lamp, a present from my sister at Christmas ( I only got a pair of walking socks!) to help him along the track. I had to make do with a tiny torch attached to my key ring.
I have to say there is something magical about the forest at night - in no way could you ever feel alone. It exudes a mystery missing from daytime - even if you can't see its nocturnal animals, you know they are there somewhere, lurking about in the dark.
Sometimes you hear the odd rustle in the undergrowth or catch a fleeting, ghostly glimpse of a barn owl.
But on this night there was only the stars for company - and what a show it was.
I thought about the sheep left up on the hillside and about our friend the ram. I hoped he would not be one of those destined for live exports.
I hope he enjoyed this beautiful day: please God let him have many more.
Okay, so to some of you my first blog must appear slushy or even overly sentimental - but must life be so orderly, even boring?
I consider myself a free spirit - glad that I can appreciate nature’s beauty.
There is magic out there - even for cynics! If only you would open up your eyes to let her in.
