Walking with Henry

What a lovely afternoon for a walk.

Henry thinks as he wanders through the woods.

In the trees

Wandering along the path

Having a breather

A swing!

Wheee....

...look at me

What a view.

Hmmm...seems someone has had a fire. 

Down the rope.

Down I go.

Ah, now this is the life.

Relaxing on the beach.

Admiring the view.

While listening to the waves lapping against the shore.

I wonder if I will see any boats?

I sit for a while...

...but don't see any.

I suppose I ought to think about continuing my walk.

Along the path I go.

A spot of rock climbing...if you look carefully you will see me.

Steady as I go.

Fortunately there are so good foot holds.

And places to put my hands to help me climb.

Almost at the top.

Cowslips

Aren't they pretty?

I feel so small against the expanse of the sea.

Oh what do we have here...

...an oil beetle

There she goes.

Looking across the fields I can see what looks like a number...

... not quite sure what it is, but there is definitely a circle and something else before it.

A final view and I can see some ships!

A very good afternoon walk.

 

Henry shows Peggy Sue some insect life in New Zealand

So what do you think of Nan & Pop's place Peggy Sue?  Henry asks.

It is lovely, replies Peggy Sue.  So warm!

Do you want me to show you round?  Henry asks.

Yes please.  Peggy Sue answers enthusiastically.

This is the fish pond, although there aren't any fish in it at the moment.  Nor frogs unfortunately.  Pop doesn't know why.  Henry tells Peggy Sue.

The lily is pretty.  Peggy Sue says to Henry.

It is a good size.  Henry agrees.  Do you want me to show you some other things?  But you got to promise you won't be too scared.

Sacred?  Peggy Sue asks.  Why would I be scared?  It is like paradise here.

Well...  Henry says...

Can you see up there?  It is a cicada shell.  Which is from an insect which is making all that loud noise you can here.  Mum says that it masks the usual sound in her ears that she says sounds like cicadas.

Peggy Sue gasps a little as she looks up.

Look here it is on my hand.  Don't worry there is no insect in there now, this is just the shell.  Henry reassures her and explains.

Here have a closer look, he says as he holds it out towards Peggy Sue.

Peggy Sue is not at all sure, but tries to be brave...but then....

Look, this is a bush weta.  Henry shows Peggy Sue another insect he has on his hand.  It is much bigger than a cicada and has longer legs and a larger body.

Peggy Sue tries to stifle a gasp...it looks quite a scary insect.

Honestly, there is nothing to worry about.  Henry tells her.

Look, it is just sitting here on  my hand.

Peggy Sue isn't convinced and Henry is a little puzzled as to why she can't quite share his love of insects.

It really won't hurt you.  Henry tells her.

Henry leaves her for a while to get over her shock and goes for a wander to see what else he could find.

Oh, another cicada shell!

Henry takes a closer look.

Hey Henry, what have you found.  Peggy Sue calls out as Henry looks around.

Another cicada shell.  Henry tells her.  Come and have a look.

Peggy Sue walks up the hill towards Henry.

She kneels down to have inspect Henry's find.

Oh yes I can see it,  she says.  

Not scary at all is it Peggy Sue?  Henry asks.

No, not really, and quite fascinating.  Peggy Sue agrees.

They have a look round to see if they can find a live one...

....they are successful and stand and watch it for a while making its chirping sound.