Is it really Spring ???

The annals say that spring is now here and we should rejoice in its glory !!

The truth is that weeks, nay months, of near constant rain and wind have created a morass of muddy, waterlogged, tracks surrounding lakes which in turn that have been overflowing constantly since refilling after the netting last December. I cannot remember a wetter period in the 20 years that we have owned the property. Winds of gale force have battered us at regular intervals over the winter, felling tree’s and branches both in and around the lakes which in turn creates so much work in the clearing and logging. It has not been easy with conditions at times meaning that vehicles cannot be worked around the land and the paths are no better than muddy streams. Difficult conditions at best.

Occasionally we are blessed with the arrival of the sun bursting through the clouds, bathing the lakes in bright sunlight, and suddenly the world is a better place. The birds start singing, buds can be seen on the tree’s and the early spring flowers glow in the warmth of the suns rays. The mud clinging to our boots seems such a small issue and we begin to enjoy the work we are doing and, for a brief period, forget the depression felt as we previously toiled in the rain and mud.

The kingfishers are very active around the place and the buzzards call echoes along the valley as they establish their territory’s in anticipation of the breeding season to come. Woodpeckers are also very vocal at this time, both calling and tapping away as they try and attract a mate. Several times we have heard the plaintive call of great skeins of cranes flying north. If lucky we also see them lazily beating their wings as they follow family members in the same arrow head formation that can be seen with migrating geese. A wonderful sight. In recent days there have been prolific hatches of buzzers on both lakes. The clouds of flies are evident over the lakes and rafts of shucks are washed up in the downwind margins. A sure sign that spring proper is just around the corner.

This morning Jimmy has started on the re-build of Island swim and should have it completed in nice oak posts and boards by evening. All of us have been working hard on the clearing of fallen and felled tree’s for some weeks now and for the past week have been blessed with the help of our old mates, Dave, Chris and Martin. The back of the work has now been broken and we are confident that by the time our first anglers arrive in a couple of weeks all will be ship shape. More than 20 ton of chippings are being laid on the tracks and this morning 10 ton of gravel arrived so that we can freshen up the swims. Ian and Martin have also done a wonderful job building the new shower facilities in the mill house. They are looking really top grade and once finished I will post pictures for you.

Some fishing has been done, mainly at night, by the lads and occasionally a fish is winkled out. Cold water has meant fishing is rather slow however everyone has caught with the best fish being a 50lb plus mirror in superb condition to Ian. Dave and Chris have returned home now but Martin and Ian will be with us for a few more days so I am hoping that more nice fish may be banked.

Everyone is working very hard to ensure all is top notch for our fishing guests this year. Jimmy, as usual, has put in a big shift and Lottie has also worked hard around the lakes so with the welcome help of the lads we should be ready for a great season ahead.

Happy days !!