Victoria Cave, King's Scar

Victoria Cave was originally a small opening in King's Scar known as the Fox Holes. In 1837 Michael Horner followed a dog through the opening and discovered a series of chambers. The artefacts discovered inside let to a full scale excavation, enlarging the entrance to it's present size.

The excavation revealed the story of the cave through the ages. 120000 years ago the cave had been a hyena den. Towards the end of the last ice age the cave was a place of refuge for hunter-gatherers and in Romano-British times the cave was used as a shrine.

CaveMaps.org has a detailed map of Victoria Cave. :-)

Lost in the Mist...

I was hoping to explore the cliffs above Bivi Cave but a sudden change in the weather put a stop to my plans. :-( Luckily I always carry a map and compass otherwise I could have ended up anywhere!

Inside Bivi Cave

Here's a closer look at Bivi Cave which is close to the footpath from Settle to the Attermire area.

There's a great view from inside Bivi Cave looking towards Sugar Loaf Hill. The cave is only a couple of metres deep so technically it's classed as a rock shelter.

Bivi Cave, Attermire

In Walks in Limestone Country, Wainwright describes Bivi Cave as a small cave so snug and dry a refugé in wet weather that one regrets going past on a fine day.

Personally I think the nearby Spider Cave is a much better place to shelter. :-)

More Spring Flowers: Primroses

I didn't have to go far to find these primroses, they were hiding away in a shady area of the garden. Now I just need to find some daffodils to complete my collection of Spring flowers :-)

Snowdrops - Spring is Here

There are crocuses, daffodils and snowdrops in the garden and we've just had three fantastic sunny days. It can only mean one thing, Spring is finally here :-)

Mystery Nature Photo (Pollen)

On Saturday I issued a challenge to identify a mystery photo. Thanks for taking part and thanks for all the great guesses, some of which are quite entertaining! Chuck from Secondary Roads was the first to recognise the pollen. Then Sheila from A Postcard a Day identified the flower as a crocus. Nice work :-)

Heading Downstream

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a duck, drifting slowly downstream without a care in the world?

Common Blackbird

I've never been much good at taking photos of birds, so I'm always happy for a bit of help from nature. In winter the trees leave nowhere for the birds to hide and eventually I manage to catch a picture or two. I spotted this blackbird this morning while exploring the site of Sleaford Castle.

Grey Squirrel

This squirrel seemed surprised to see me. He regarded me curiously for a moment then scurried off to the nearest tree. Thankfully he hesitated long enough for me to snap a couple of photos.