Chatsworth

Out of the car and running to explore.



The older two said that they were sheepdogs and went to round up some sheep :o)



collecting pine cones to throw into the river.
There is Chatsworth house. It is the seat of the Duke of Devonshire, and has been home to his family, the Cavendish family, since Bess of Hardwick settled at Chatsworth in 1549.
Standing on the east bank of the River Derwent, Chatsworth looks across to the low hills that divide the Derwent and Why valleys. The house is set in expansive parkland, and backed by wooded, Rocky hills rising to heather moorland and contains a unique collection of priceless paintings, furniture, Old Master drawings, neoclassical sculptures, books and other artifacts. Chatsworth has been selected as the United Kingdom's favourite country house several times.

It was very windy and Googs turned to me and said: "Mommy, I know why it is so windy, it's because the trees are waving their leaves so much" :o)

Look at the stalactites

Looking for fish
Going up Queen Mary's Bower. Unsubstantiated modern legend, which was embellished in the 19th century, suggests that the Bower was used as a raised and secure outdoor exercise ground by the captive Mary, Queen of Scots. She was prisoner under Bess's fourth husband, Lord Shrewsbury, and was held at Chatsworth 5 times between 1570 and 1581. It is this legend that has given the structure its modern name.

And on top there is grass!
It even has a moat! There were still some tents up from the summer festival .
Which meant even more to explore.


Walking around we found some old trucks and a tank that hadn't been picked up yet.


Having a look inside.


Yay a horse, the girls were happy.
oh how the kids love water.
We had some bread left over from lunch. The kids threw it over the bridge and watched the battle between the fish and the ducks.
I know not a very good picture but the splash shows the fishrunning free! and off they go to round up some more sheep.
Deer!
Having a rest on a boat.
Kiki and Googs found a massive snake to play on.
I was assured that it wouldn't eat me which is always good to know :o)

And of course we couldn't walk beside a river all day without going for a paddle.


Kiki made a friend, I think that it was more of a one way thing :o)
She collected long grass from the centre of the river, it was VERY important that I hold it for her while she went to play in the river, making sure, on strict instructions, that I didn't squash it in anyway.
Champ was determined to get the otherside of the river. The stones were slippery and it wasn't easy. He had to finally more further down the river to accomplish it.