Discovering another 10 o'clock in the day

Friday morning's always a shock - we have to be out of the villa at 10, which is usually the time we're just thinking about getting up. We managed to stagger out of bed, and made several trips to the recycling bins - not sure where all the empty bottles had come from. Certainly wasn't much to take home.

We were out bang on time, and went to the village for breakfast - everything from a full english to croque madame to eggs benedict was consumed. With lots of strong coffee.

Then went for a last walk round the lake, where a heron landed right in front of us. It had been really cold, and the small lakes and streams were frozen over, but no snow. We'd been quite looking forward to snow - last time we'd been here we'd sat in the hot tub in snow, and the forest does look magical when it's white. Ended up in the bird hide again - I seem to have spent a lot of this week either handling, watching or photographing birds.  It's a very peaceful and pleasant way to spend time, and good to see so many species being encouraged.

Got a picture of two woodpeckers together, and a whole stack of siskins on the nyjer feeder. Apparently only a small number of species are attracted to nyjer feeders including goldfinches, redpolls and siskins. Bought one for the garden as we think we've seen a goldfinch so want to try and attract it back. A final coffee together in the country club and a group shot by the lake and it was time to leave. A great week with some good friends - can't wait to come again soon.