Monday 11^th April (Falcon over the City)

Mr. Kite looked out of The Joint window onto a sunny and pleasant city. Later in the morning Mr. Kite watched a Peregrine Falcon fly low over the houses of Hampstead before circling and soaring high into the sky. Mr. Kite saw the bird disappear into the clear blue sky.

Later in the day Mr. Kite drove down to Dover where he enjoyed a tipple of Tetley tea.

Tuesday 12^th April (Bon Voyage)

Mr. Kite looked out of The Joint window onto a dark, clear and starry night. The air was still but a few gulls could be heard. Within minutes Mr. Kite and His Lady were on board a ship in the dark night setting sail for The Republic. Now sooner had they sat down in the café the anchor was lifted, the hawsers retracted and it was over ‘La Manche’.

At 0700 Mr. Kite were let into The Republic and drove past Lille, Paris and arrived at Sully-sur-Loire in the afternoon. Although Mr. Kite watches birds he tries not too when he is driving especially when in The Republic and on the wrong side of the road.

Now Mr. Kite is on a bird-watching trip so to enter into the spirit of the expedition Mr. Kite enjoyed a tipple of Pauwel Kwak whilst listening to the ‘song of a Nightingale’ on the banks of the Loire. Cheers from a contented Mr. Kite.

Wednesday 13^th April (Bon Jour)

Mr. Kite looked out of The Joint window onto the wonderful, magnificent and wide River Loire. The Kwak had done it’s trick and Mr. Kite noticed a pair of Mallards. Wood Pigeons, Chaffinch, Cormorants, Blackbirds, Blackcaps, Great Tits and Goldfinch could also be seen.

After a French breakfast of coffee and croissants Mr. Kite cycled upstream of the Loire towards Ouzouer-sur-Loire. On this warm and sunny morning Mr. Kite cycled slowly along the banks of the river listening to Nightingales sing whilst spotting Carrion Crows, Moorhens, Little Egret, Starling, Common Buzzard, Swallow and Collared Dove. Listening to a Cuckoo Mr. Kite noticed a bird that is rare in England but widespread in The Republic. This Robin sized black bird with a reddish and orange tail was a Black Redstart. This bird was flying from a barn roof to pluck food from the farmyard where a Pied Wagtail was also enjoying a meal.

In an adjacent field a Red Deer was walking along the hedgerow and in the middle a Red Fox was listening to rodent activity in the ground before pouncing onto a spot and digging out the occupant.

Mr. Kite eventually reached Domainiale Foret d’Orleans where this is an observatoire. Stopping for a while Mr. Kite watched a Cuckoo call from the top of tree; this fine grey male, with a barred chest, was seeking a mate. Nearby a Magpie sat and watched.

Now Mr. Kite had cycled to the obvservatoire to do a bit of ‘Osprey watching’ but when he got there the nesting tree was bare but a Great Crested Grebe and Pochard put in an appearance before a Heron sized Great White Egret waded out of the reed beds on it’s long yellow legs. Mr. Kite thinks a White Heron is a good description of this bird and it has that ‘dagger beak’ of it’s other family member.

Walking away from the hide Mr. Kite stopped to look at a Green Lizard basking in the sun. It’s eye was focused on Mr. Kite who just sat on a stump and watched it soak in the heat of the sun. Then an Osprey flew slowly overhead; glided awhile, then gave an ‘air test hover’ with flapping wings and then glided out of sight.

Mr. Kite returned to the campsite to spot a Sparrowhawk, House Sparrow, Sand Martin, Linnet, Little Ringed Plover, Dunnock and Greenshank.

After a great day in The Republic Mr. Kite sat on the banks of The Mighty Loire enjoying a tipple of Kronenburg 1664. Cheers from a relaxed Mr. Kite.

Thursday 14^th April (Follow that Bird)

Mr. Kite looked out of The Joint window to see blossom on the trees and the Loire flowing smoothly to the sea. Soon Mr. Kite was strolling through a nature reserve watching Long Tailed Tits, Jays, Jackdaws and Black-headed Gulls. The warm sunshine had brought out the butterflies and the smell of spring flowers filled the air.

A few hours later Mr. Kite was cycling along the banks of the Loire in search of birds that live on the small islands that are in the middle of the river. For this trip Mr. Kite had packed his telescope and soon he was putting it up to look at a noisy colony of Common Terns. With their black caps, long red beaks with black tips, grey wings and white bodies they were easily identified. A few took to the air to skim over the water trailing their forked streamers.

Sharing the island with the terns were a pair of very handsome Yellow-legged Gulls with shining white plumage. Mr. Kite continued his journey along the river until he noticed an Osprey gliding in the other direction. So Mr. Kite turned around and followed the Osprey along the river. Occasionally it stopped, hovered and searched for fish; it did this many times before it flew away from the river to search elsewhere.

On his return trip Mr. Kite stopped to look at Grey Wagtails, Mute Swans and a Greenfinch. After a tiring day walking, and cycling, along the Loire Mr. Kite kept the bird theme alive with a tipple of Wychwood Brewery Scarecrow Pale Ale. Cheers from a bird-watching Mr. Kite.

Friday 15^th April (More Ospreys)

Mr. Kite looked out of The Joint window to see Goldfinches feeding in a small tree and Nightingales could be heard in the nearby bushes. So Mr. Kite took his binoculars and went in search of a Nightingale. From within the shrubs, thorns, bushes and foliage could be heard the unique mixture of harsh sounds, rattles, warbles and other sounds. Soon a undistinguished brown bird appeared from within and sat on a branch and did it’s duty; sing like a Nightingale. Mr. Kite watched as it’s throat warbled and it’s throat pulsated to ‘belt out it’s loud song’.

Mr. Kite returned to The Joint for a French breakfast before cycling towards St. Benoit’s-sur-Loire. Now the aging Mr. Kite likes to sit down on his travels. Today with the spring sun beating down onto the dry green grass Mr. Kite sat on the banks of The Mighty and Magnificent River Loire. A flock of forty Cormorants flew over in a wragged, and uncoordinated, formation whilst a solitary Lapwing flew below.

Soon Mr. Kite heard the ‘witchity, witchity’ scratchy sound of a Common Whitethroat. From a bush over-hanging the river the grey head and white throat of the bird popped up and sang it’s song. Moving quickly around the bush, inside the bush and away from the bush the busy Common Whitethroat was active preparing for the breeding season.

Then two large birds appeared from behind the trees on the opposite bank; it was a pair of Ospreys. One then returned to the clump of trees but it’s partner landed on a dead tree by the river. Mr. Kite studied the perched bird; it’s black head stripe, yellow eye, white front and dark wings. After twenty minutes of river watching the Osprey went home.

Mr. Kite cycled along the Loire, around the town of St. Benoit’s-sur-Loire, saw Blue Tits and a Green Woodpecker before returning to the campsite to enjoy a tipple of Wychwood Hobgoblin on the banks of that great river; the Loire. Cheers from a thirsty Mr. Kite.

Saturday 16^th April (If you go down in the Woods today)

Mr. Kite looked out of The Joint window to see a Robin on the ground moving aside some dead leaves. It was a misty start to the day and The Mighty Loire was hidden.

Soon the warm sun had cleared away the mist and the sky was blue. Mr. Kite then cycled to the Foret d’Orleans. A Tufted Duck was on the river and near the forest a Skylarks climbed into the sun; Rooks pecked at the ground with their sharp silver beaks and a male Stonechat sat on a telegraph wire.

Sitting on a pile of logs Mr. Kite listened to Nightingales, Cuckoo’s and Common Buzzards avoiding the large wasps that droned past. Now these really were wasps; yellow, black, noisy and large. The wasps of The Republic are large. Suddenly two Hobbies streaked across the sky before dropping low and chasing insects. Being not too far away Mr. Kite could see the handsome black head pattern, white neck, black spots on chest and small rufous patch underneath. Timing their attacks to perfection this pair of birds accelerated to catch their prey before it had chance to reach the safety of the thick forest. In this clearing they sped about snatching insects in flight, eating them as they flew along before homing in on their next meal. This was a pretty spectacular piece of aerial feeding. Eventually the aerial display was over and the sky was empty.

Soon another bird emerged from over the trees and over the clearing. This bird was purposeful with a powerful fast flight. A small eagle with ‘white spotlights’ on it’s shoulders; and white wings with black on the trailing edges and tips soared overheads climbing into the clear blue sky. Using thermals it gained height quickly and circled looking for prey on the ground. This Booted Eagle soared, circled and quickly covered the area before flying out of sight.

Returned to the campsite Mr. Kite noticed the first bird family of the year. The Kwak had worked and a family of nine Mallards were swimming in The Mighty and Magnificent Loire. Now the Loire in a great place for Mr. Kite but a family of tasty Mallards chicks is a tempting meal for those Grey Herons.

Anyway Mr. Kite enjoyed a tipple of Kanterbrau on the banks of the river. Cheers to a family of Mallards and may they have a long and happy life on the banks of a mighty, magnificent and treacherous river.  

Sunday 17^th April (The Land of the Thousand Ponds)

Mr. Kite looked out of The Joint window onto the Loire. Soon Mr. Kite and His Lady would be leaving the Loire for La Brenne.

A few hours later Mr. Kite parked The Joint overlooking the fishing pond in Rosnay. Around the pond people were fishing, eating, drinking or just enjoying the warm spring sunshine. Soon Mr. Kite was cycling along the quiet roads in La Brenne past big ponds, small ponds and others; just dirty ponds.

Around Mr. Kite noticed Black-headed Gulls, Swallows, Mallard, Grey Herons, Coots, and Great Crested Grebes. In a field amongst a herd of brown cows Mr. Kite could see a group of Cattle Egrets. Some were showing their breeding plumage of buff plumes. These birds are often seen flying around in groups.

Continuing along the roads Mr. Kite spotted Carrion Crows, Gadwall, Stonechats, Little Egrets, Moorhens and overhead a Black Kite soared around in circles. On a small pond sat Pochard and Tufted Duck. Soon Mr. Kite spotted a Purple Heron wading near some reeds. These birds are easily disturbed so Mr. Kite stopped and watched the large, elegant and dark heron feed. The hedgerows contained Chaffinch, Blackbirds, Long-tailed Tits, Common Whitethroat and House Sparrows. Jackdaws, Wood Pigeons, Kestrels and Starling flew around. On the edge of a small pond a Little-ringed Plover searched for food.

Later in the afternoon Mr. Kite returned to The Joint and listened to a Nightingale singing a few metres away, and a Great Tit collect nesting material before enjoying a tipple of Kanterbrau. Cheers from a warm Mr. Kite.

Monday 18^th April (Nightingales sings All Through the Night)

Mr. Kite looked out of The Joint window into a clear blue sky. The Nightingale had sang all night and a Hoopoe could be heard ‘hoop, hoop, and hooping’ in the distance. Sitting in the warming air near the pond Mr. Kite could see Jays, Goldfinch and a Collared Dove. Now this campsite in Rosnay is very pleasant and clean. It also attracts immigrants in the form of other bird-watchers and as Mr. Kite sat drinking a cup of coffee Dutch, German, Belgian, French and English birders set out on their travels around The Land of a Thousands Ponds.

Soon Mr. Kite was pedaling along looking and listening to the sounds of the area. A small bird perched on the top of a tree attracted Mr. Kites attention. Soon this small brown bird with a speckled front took to the air and descended with legs down singing in a Canary like manner and landed on a bush. Mr. Kite stood and watched this Tree Pipit as it flew up, descended onto a bush about ten times.

Mr. Kite’s first stop of the day was the hide at Etangs Foucault. Today the pool was unusually quiet although Lapwings, Common Redshanks, Spotted Redshanks and Ruff could be seen. Mr. Kite cycled along the road and down a track to the other side of the pool. Sitting quietly on the ground Mr. Kite soon had the company of a large flock of Yellow Wagtails. Now Mr. Kite could not tell you the race or species of these vividly coloured migrants. As you would expect in The Land of a Thousands Ponds there is water and the pastures are green with luscious grass and bright yellow Dandelions. Today in this meadow there were lots and lots of yellow blobs; Dandelions and Yellow Wagtails.

The next hide visited by Mr. Kite was on the Cherine Reserve. Sitting in front of the hide on a log were five European Pond Tortoise absorbing the heat through their black shells. Birds were a bit scarce but Mr. Kite noticed a Pheasant, a Skylark and a Three-toed Treecreeper and listened to Reed Warblers in the reeds.

Mr. Kite then cycled to another hide on the reserve to watch the noisy colony of Black-headed Gulls but also spotted a Shoveler and a Black-winged Stilt walking in shallow water on it’s long legs. Then a pair of Short-toed Eagles glided low over the pool and continued on their way just as ‘an enormous number of Belgian Birders’ arrived.

Mr. Kite then cycled to Etang de la Sous and returned past Beauregard to Rosnay. Just a Mr. Kite arrived back at The Joint another ‘birder on a bike’ appeared and he and Mr. Kite had a birding conversation. This birder had spotted the same species as Mr. Kite including the two Short-toed Eagles.

Soon Mr. Kite was enjoying a tipple of Kronenburg 1664. Cheers

Wednesday 20th April (Bonjour)

Normal service to be resumed when the french keyboard has been mastered.

Sunday 10th April (Sun, a few Birds and Beer)

Mr. Kite looked out of The Joint window onto a clear blue sky and warm spring West Hampstead sunshine. Then a Grey Heron flew over the houses. Now this was going to be a lazy day in the garden of The Residence.

By mid-morning Mr. Kite was sitting in the garden bird-watching with a bottle of London Pride to quench the thirst. Feral Pigeons, Blue Tits, Great Tits, Magpie and a Wren were spotted. Being near Heathrow plenty of jets whinned overhead looking silver, blue and shiny against a cloudless sky.

The birds in West Hampstead were few but Mr. Kite supped Jennings Cumberland Ale, Jennings Sneck Lifter and more bottles of London Pride in the peaceful garden. Cheers from Mr. Kite.

Saturday 9th April (On the Move)

Mr. Kite looked out of The Joint window onto a fabulous spring morning. The sky was blue, and the warm sunshine could be felt inside The Joint, and the green grass was covered in a fine dew. A Song Thrush song from the top of a tree.

After a lazy start Mr. Kite and His Lady continued their migration and stopped in West Hampstead. Now Mr. Kite did not see many birds; a Magpie or two; a flock of Feral Pigeons. But Mr. Kite sat in The Residence garden surrounded by an arrray of trees, plants and shrubs with a few fluttering Great Tits and Blue Tits.

Today Mr. Kite and His Lady met up with family to celebrate a birthday. So a large pot of vegetable chilli was produced, mature cheese grated, rice boiled and Mr. Kite enjoyed an evening of eating, talking and of course drinking. Mr. Kite quaffed a tipple of Fullers Extra Special ESB Champion Ale, ate too much, drank too much and talked too much. Cheers from a chubby, flabby, larger than usual Mr. Kite.

Friday 8th April (Mr. Kite and His Lady Migrate)


Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window onto the green leaves of the Lime trees. Within days the buds have burst into life to form leaves with a whole summer in front of them to absorb carbon dioxide and bring more life to the tree. Mr. Kite will not see them again until July.

With spring progressing Mr. Kite is migrating south for the spring. Today Mr. Kite and His Lady are going on tour in The Joint to 'look, listen and watch' nature in all it's glory in other places; and see things they have not seen before. The first 'hop' is just sixty miles; and a one hour trip.

Now the short hop was in fact a two hour marathon amonbst lorries, buses and other travellers; but eventually Mr. Kite and His Lady arrived at Marston Camping and Caravan Park in warm spring sunshine. To cut along story short Mr. Kite listened to a few birds watched a Grea Tit; but in the evening Mr. Kite and His Lady listened to a Dixie Land concert followed by a tipple of Thwaites Original Bitter. Cheers from a sun-drenched thirsty holiday maker on his migatory travels south.

Wednesday 7th April (A Quiet Day in Spring)


Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window to see new green fresh leaves in the Lime trees lining the road.   The blossom is now a minority in the small fruit trees. Today was a quiet day for Mr. Kite and His Lady. They picked greenery, flowers and shoots from their garden to place on a Special Grave.

In the afternoon they walked up the Daffodil lined avenue towards the Church of St. Gregory the Great. Looking closely amongst the trees Mr. Kite noticed Primroses and occasionally a Cowslip. A male Blackbird sang as they placed the greenery on the Special Grave; and a Blue Tit chipped in from a spectacular Cherry tree in blossom. The warm sun looked down and the Earth absorbed the heat to bring on new life.

After an hour they went home and Mr. Kite drank a tipple of Tetley tea. Cha from a quiet Mr. Kite.

Wednesday 6th April (Well Sprung)


Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window to see that on the bushes and more trees there were more green leaves than colourful blossom. On the ground, under the trees, a carpet of petals; there job done.

After washing The Joint Mr. Kite cycled to Venus Pool in warm sunshine. Now spring was in full flight. Gulls courting; Lapwings and Oystercatchers sitting on eggs; Great Crested Grebes dancing; and Little Ringed Plovers finding nesting spots.

Mr. Kite enjoyed the views but was looking for a Yellow Wagtail. Although he searched for hours he did not spot one. Any way Mr. Kite went home and then to a meeting of birders where he listened to a interesting talk on bird-watching in Norfolk with lots of pictures of Norfolk birds. After a very pleasant day and evening Mr. Kite went home for a tipple of Becks. Cheers from a tired Mr. Kite.

Tuesday 5th April (Wind and Rain)


Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window to see that many of the buds on the Lime trees had burst into life with fresh green leaves uncurling. The birds have not yet started to build nests; or even look interested in starting a family in the large Limes.

With a grey sky, squally showers and a grim outlook Mr. Kite read the paper. Later in the day he looked into his back garden and decided to prune the Laurel tree and tidy up the area around it. A Blackbird was taking grass into some ivy near by. Five Canada Geese flew low of the garden honking in a 'v' formation. Blue Tits and Great Tits flew around the bushes and trees. On this dull windy threatening day only a few birds were on show.

After sprucing up the Laurel Mr. Kite sat by the warm fire and drank a tipple of Tetley tea. Tomorrow will be another day.

Monday 4th April (Tiny Bird in the Tree Top)


Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom into a grey sky and a more leaves growing on the Lime trees. More blossom littered the road as the breeze blew the petals from the bloom

Later in the morning Mr. Kite went bird-watching on Lodge Hill. Walking along the track through the trees Mr. Kite heard Chiffchaffs, Ravens and Chaffinch; and stopped to look at Coal Tits, Great Tits and a Greater-spotted Woodpecker. A few birds fluttered around the cones on the Pine trees. Now these were tiny birds in tall trees. In the dull light identification was difficult but eventually Mr. Kite could see a yellow crown in it's blackcap; this bird was a Goldcrest. This tiny, and colourful, bird is often seen in the tops of trees. Mr. Kite looks carefully at these birds just in case it is Firecrest with a stripe over it's eye. Amongst the cones Mr. Kite was hoping to find Crossbills but today his search was in vain.

Mr. Kite had a good few hours in the trees and walked to the top of the hill and looked out over the stunning Shropshire countryside. On his return from the hill Mr. Kite watched a Marsh Tit building a nest in a crevice between rocks on a stone wall.

In the cool breeze and gathering clouds Mr. Kite went home to enjoy a tipple of Tetley tea. Cha.

Sunday 3rd April (Will she, Wont she)

Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window and noticed that leaves are beginning to appear on the Lime trees growing by the roadside.  A few buds have sprouted their leaves and these are unfolded slowly and carefully; and not quite flat; they are still curled.

Today Mr. Kite planned a cycle ride up and down a few hills. So Mr. Kite set out towards the west in the direction of the Stiperstones but he noticed big grey clouds bubbling up over them. After being fooled by the weatherman on Friday, April Fools day, Mr. Kite was not going to take a chance and cycle miles only to rained upon. So he changed course and headed for Longnor Bridge.

Cycling slowly along into the wind the aging Mr. Kite was overtaken by five 'boy racing cyclist' wearing team colours. Now Mr. Kite likes a challenge so he pedaled quickly and joined the peleton for two miles before being dropped on the climb out of Cantlop Bridge.

Now Mr. Kite was going to Longnor Bridge to see a bird that can often be seen there. This bird is very pretty and obliging; a real sport that allows you to watch her. As Mr. Kite cycled along he wondered will she be there or wont she be there. Mr. Kite heart beat increased as he approached the bridge; to be let down by a bird is so disappointing and not good for the ego.

Mr. Kite slowly approached the bridge and peeped over the parapet; and there she was the Dipper, the Water Ousel, the Waterhen or Water Blackbird. Sitting on a log she was preening herself for the admiring Mr. Kite. Her straight slim beak was grooming her brown belly and black-brown wings and back. Bobbing about as she plucked and pulled her feathers she looked in shape like a Wren and the size of a Blackbird. Her dazzling white breast bib extended to her beck and contrasted with her chestnut brown head. The Dipper had strong black legs; so strong in fact that she only stood on one at a time. For twenty five minutes the Water Blackbird put every feather in place. Occasionally she would call but this was drowned out by the babbling brook. Looking perfect she fluttered away to another admirer; and Mr. Kite went home before the rain started.

Mr. Kite cycled along slowly with a tail wind and noticed that this year he had rode The Beast for more than one thousand miles. So after meeting a pretty bird Mr. Kite went home to quaff a tipple of bath ales Gem amber ale. Cheers from a satisfied Mr. Kite.

Saturday 2nd April (Peace at Polemere)


Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into the bare Lime trees. The buds were now showing their green-yellowish colour. As Mr. Kite looked around he could see pink petals being blown along the road. Now this is nature and life; some things are about to blossom, grow and develop and other parts have finished. Their life is over and it is now in the hands of their lagacies. The petals have left behind the buds that will develop into fruits.

Late morning Mr. Kite set out on The Beast to Polemere. Today the wind was strong and Mr. Kite had to keep pedaling to go forward. As he cycled along there were short bursts of warm spring sunshine. When Mr. Kite arrived at Polemere he found it a pleasant and calm place.

Jackdaws quietly fed in the surrounding fields; Canada Geese grazed on the grass on the waters edge; Mallard and Goosander slumbered in the sunshine on the waters edge; Tufted Duck, Widgeon, Teal and Moorhens swam around the pool courting; Shelducks kept their heads under water; a pair of Pied Wagtail flew around the pool. The only disruptive birds were the Coots who quarreled amongst themselves over territory and partners.

On the far side of the pool a Common Buzzard was plucking dead branches from a willow tree and building a monster sized nest. Just before Mr. Kite left the inhabitants of Polemere in peace a solitary Sand Martin flew over the pool before turning and dropping down to just above the water. Lowering it's head the bird flew along with it's beak in the water sipping Polemere Water. With such a peaceful scene Mr. Kite can only believe that Polemere Water has peaceful and placid constituents.

Mr. Kite cycled home along country lanes where he listened, and watched, Blackcaps tuning up for their springtime songs.

After a good day out Mr. Kite sipped Belgian Leffe Beer and was also peaceful and placid. Cheers from Mr. Kite and a good health to all responsible drinkers, including Sand Martins.

Friday 1st April (Fooled by the Weatherman)


Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a grey cloudy morning. The buds on the Lime trees were larger and almost bursting into leaves. Mr. Kite had a plan for today. The weather would be warm and sunny, according to the weatherman, just after lunch time. So Mr. Kite thought he would cycle to the Devil's Chair, sit in the sun and watch Red Grouse.

At eleven thirty Mr. Kite set out on his trip. The wind was strong so Mr. Kite pedaled and pedaled and pedaled. In the gale a few birds whizzed past him as he struggled to keep going. Every metre was a battle with the wind but Mr. Kite knew that soon the sun would appear and he would be bird-watching and sun-bathing.

But the clouds stayed grey, the sun did not appear and the air was cold. After seventeen miles Mr. Kite reached the spot where he intended to leave The Beast and walk to the rocks and relax, but the wind was gale force and Mr. Kite was not appropriately dressed; he was freezing.

At this point the wind was now behind him so he decided to return home under wind power. With skill and desperation Mr. Kite was blown towards home. Ravens croaked, a few Pheasants walked into the path of the speeding Mr. Kite. Now Mr. Kite did see one very exciting bird. Whizzing past a small tree on the moorland Mr. Kite noticed a silhouette in the tree. With Mr. Kite approaching the bird fluttered it's patterned wings; they were brown and red striped or speckled against a white back ground. This was a Merlin; a small swift and agile hunter. The bird dropped out of the tree and glided powerfully just above the ground. It's back was brown, it's wings pointed and it's tailed had five black bars. In a super glide with no flapping the bird clung to the contour of the hill and then dropped into the valley and out of sight.

To cut a long story short Mr. Kite soon reached home without much effort and sat by the fire and drank a tipple of Adnams Gunhill Full Flavoured Beer. Cheers from a wind swept and disheveled Mr. Kite