Kielder and salmon

We had a fine day yesterday so we muffled up, put the hood down and went off in the Honda to Kielder for the day. Wonderful to get fresh air at last. We've had so many days with the horrible heavy cloudiness that gives me a headache - something to do with atmospheric pressure, I believe - but this really blew the cobwebs away.

We stopped first the Tower Knowe complex and spent time in the exhibition space learning about how and why the dam was built, how the water is piped down to the three rivers of the north east - the Tyne, Wear and the Tees. The reservoir is very full, about the fullest I've ever scene. Right at the far end of the exhibits (or first, depending which way you go in!) was a collection of replica jewellery found on the site. Pictish knotwork, animal motifs, and goldwork not so far removed from the styles found at Sutton Hoo. Proof of how long the site has been occupied.

We drove to Kielder Castle, parked up and had a picnic lunch, then went off to find the Salmon Hatchery. The castle, once the Duke of Northumberland's hunting lodge, is now a visitor and information centre with a gift shop, art gallery and restaurant. The building itself is fun to explore. Loads and loads of things for kids to see, touch, hear and learn about wildlife and the environment.

Same for the Hatchery. We peered into the outdoor pool where, so the legend stated, 10,000 salmon lived. We couldn't see one, but then they are at the tiny stage, no longer than a thumb joint, and hide all day long in mesh designed to replicate the nooks and crannies available in a stream. Information galore on the king of fish for the uninitiated. Oh, and the freshwater mussels.

A walk along to the old viaduct where the railroad once ran and then out along the Bakethin shore. Had the place all to ourselves barring one man and his three dogs. But then there's plenty of room for the visitors to spread out and lose themselves. Lots of mountain bike riders around, zooming along the trails. All the way home with no need to put the hood up, and all that fresh air had us zonked out by eight thirty. Early to bed and fast asleep! Only regret? I forgot to take the camera. Never mind - there will be a next time. We didn't get to see any of the sculptures, or the observatory....

http://www.visitkielder.com/

Walking

I've been out walking most afternoons this week and found it rewarding. Not only did I sleep better, but found these two cuties peering over (or through, if you're not as tall as your friend) the gate.

The weather was bright and blustery - so much so that on Thursday I was all but blown back up the hill home! The land rises about 90 metres from the river bank to the town in a distance of about in 1000 metres. Or put another way, 292 feet in two thirds of a mile. Either way, it is along haul going up, and a breeze going down.

Each day the river was different. We explored where the Whittle Dene joins the Tyne, and traced it north. One day we saw five living salmon and three dead. The other days the numbers had changed, and the last day we saw only dead fish. I think it is so sad that once they've struggled all the way back to their home river to spawn, most of them die.

Since the Tyne is the best salmon fishing river in England, I should take more notice of what goes on. Perhaps I will next season. Right now only three or four fish a month enter the river, if past statistics are anything to go by. But this is the time when the little smolts, no longer than a man's hand are fighting their way out to sea.