The first autumn that we lived in Bath we thought that we would go and see the autumn foliage at the nearby Westonbirt Arboretum, but by the time we got round to it all the leaves were on the ground. The same thing happened last year.
On the basis of ‘third time lucky’ we decided to have another go this year. We discussed it last week but felt that a few more days would improve the colours so we waited. Yesterday was dry but overcast but today looked promising and with a weather front coming in from the Atlantic tomorrow could be too late. So off we went.
To our surprise (!) everyone else had the same idea. Not really unexpected as autumn is the peak season at the Arboretum; car park was already full when we got there so we were in the overspill which was actually nearer the entrance. Long queues to get in but no matter as it was gorgeous by then so we enjoyed warm sunshine.
We walked around in the sunshine with Maude investigating every nook and cranny and made our way to the Japanese Acer collection for the specially bright colours and where we found a bench to sit in the sun for a while.
A clear blue sky and bright sunshine meant perfect conditions for seeing the colours and it would have been easy to take far too many photographs, but here are a few.
And we were home in time for lunch.
20 October 2015
The Sixwheeler Chronicles 
Glorious colours!! And it doesn’t even look cold :)
It was glorious, warm and sunny. We think all the grandparents in Somerset were there.
I have occasionally visited Westonbirt Arboretum for the last 45 years. I preferred it in the old days when it was not over-organised and you could wander at whim in virtual solitude. My last visit was with family including young grandson at Christmas time a few years ago and it was like a theme park.
Yes, I’m afraid it can be a bit like that. Timing is everything and mid week helps. Plus bright sunshine and a clear blue sky. We’re lucky as it’s only about 25 minutes from us.
Thanks for commenting. On 5 Jun 2016 12:08, “The Sixwheeler Chronicles” wrote:
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