We made our way up the steps 
(and, as we did, it did not go unnoticed that it seems to take both me and the dog considerably longer these days than it used to!)
…until we reached “The Top of The World”!
– No, really, that’s what it’s called!
Because from up there, on a good day, you can see some amazing views of the Shire.
At the top we disturbed a flock of finches…
Disturbing the finches at the Top of The World
Goldfinch
Goldfinch
Greenfinch
They had been feasting on the seed heads, produced by all those beautiful meadow flowers, which adorn the heathland throughout the summer.
Of which, now, only the Knapweed and Ragwort were still in flower
Knapweed
Knapweed
Ragwort
I confess that I was disappointed by the lack of Butterflies. But it was late in the afternoon by the time we got there, and it was not that warm, so I shouldn’t really have been that surprised.
Instead I was rewarded by another of natures wonders. For high above in those blue skies of late summer, the Swallows still filled the air with their screams, and they seemed to dance as they swooped and dived above our heads.
As I watched I couldn’t help thinking how they appeared to be simply revelling in the sheer joy of their flight, as they chased the myriad of bugs that they caught and ate on the wing.
Aeolian Whispers 