In the summer we'd completed The Gruffalo Trail at the same place so knew that it would be a hit with the First Boy, who loves any kind of treasure hunt. Cannock Chase is a beautiful spot.
As soon as I got there and caught the fresh scent of the pine trees and autumn leaves I felt my frazzled nerves melt away.
We took our new double pushchair for its first ride out with both boys in it. We got an Out 'n' About Nipper 360, and although it was a bit of an extravagance, seeing as the First Boy, at nearly 3.5 years, walks everywhere, I wanted to have one to use on longer walks when little legs give up, and it then takes ages to coax them to keep going.
I was concerned that it might not be supportive enough for a newborn, but with our new lambskin added, our littlest man was really snug and didn't stir for the entire walk.
The Second Boy enjoyed his short test drive too, and I enjoyed pushing it!
The trail itself G and I found quite disappointing after doing the first trail in the summer, as all of the characters were found at exactly the same points along the path. But this didn't bother our little explorer, who got very excited at each glimpse of a new shape in the trees.
We came to the enormous carved wooden Gruffalo at the end to squeals of excitement and then had a game of tag around him.
Another highlight for the First Boy was finding, in a little copse near the Gruffalo, a collection of little steps and hinged doors carved into tree trunks, with coins that people had pushed inside the doors. I would have also been fascinated by that as a little girl.
After a determined effort at completing the playground assault course, it began to get dark.
It was time to go home for tea, and another viewing of The Gruffalo's Child, which we have had on our digital recorder since last Christmas.
'The Gruffalo's Child was a little less bored
And the Gruffalo snored and snored and snored.'
I'm also linking up with Coombe Country Kids for this outdoorsy post.
Aww what a lovely afternoon! That tree is incredible, I love the steps and with the little doors it must feel like you've stumbled on a fairy secret!
ReplyDeleteThanks Carie! Yes, the trees with the doors and steps were magical. I wanted to shrink down to fairy size so I could explore it! x
DeleteI have heard lots about these Gruffalo trails, I think there is one in Essex too and I really want to try it as my eldest daughter is Gruffalo mad. It looks like a perfect family afternoon. Congrats on your new arrival too! x
ReplyDeleteThanks for the congrats, Katie. Yes, the Gruffalo trails really make an ordinary walk so much more fun. Anything where we have to search for hidden things is always a hit with my eldest (feel strange saying 'eldest'!) x
DeleteWhat a shame the animals were located in the same place again but at least First Boy didn't mind. Such a great link up with the Forestry Commission and the huge carved Gruffalo does look impressive. I am rather taken with the carved steps and little doors. I will be pinning this for our fairy garden. the pushchair looks great and perfect for woodland walks, I hope you have many more days like this with your lovely growing family. Thank you for sharing your outdoor adventure on Country Kids.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure to share my post with your blog. You can't beat a good walk in a forest, can you?! x
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