You may remember I mentioned that Salcey Forest was absolutely heaving with people earlier this month. I found out why; the Tree Walk is now open. So today we went to see it for ourselves.

Salcey Forest is enjoying a renesance at the moment. At one time there was nothing there; not even loos. Then the loos arrived, then the Forest Cafe, then nice paths went in, and now there are bridges over ditches and the Tree Walk. We have watched the Tree Walk being built over a few months, and it opened on New Years Day. Essentially it's a ramp that rises up into the tree tops; the very last bit to take you above the tree tops is up some steps, but in some ways, being high up among the trees is the best bit.

I guess 'coz it's still a novelty there were a fair few people about again today, despite the rain; and just like last time we got stopped by just about every child. The Beasts were not overly impressed; they like to go somewhere, and of course this is just up to the top, take a look, then down again. Afterwards it was their bit.

Their bit is of course off the leads, and in and out of the trees, ditches and (especially) the puddles - of which there were many as it had been, and was, raining. This inevitably meant that the Beasts got just a bit muddy. And after the fun of Salcey there was the ignominy of being washed.

The greyhounds seem to accept being washed with an air of resigned acceptance: Kai on the other hand is a professional soap dodger, to the point that you get about as wet as he does.

After the wash there's the rub down with the towel, a treat, and drying off in front of the fire - mmmmmm, the smell of gently drying damp dog - followed by tea, and crash out.

Jack had managed to hurt one of his front paws while out. He didn't let on while we were at Salcey, but he'd cut between his pads. But even though he was limping around the house, he still had a wag. The wound was clean, and he's had a dose of paracetamol with tea, so all should be OK with a few days gentle exercise.