Losing the path, cuckoo spit and an exciting discovery

9th July. We saw 2 of the children's friends in the woods at Walkmill. We shared with them 'the other dip'and the Giant's bench which they loved. I took them on the route I did for the walking meditation. I explained about finding the deer path leading out of the clearing and it rejoining the larger path. This time though I wasn't the first person out of the clearing and in time it became clear we were finding the larger path no time soon! It took us quite a while to get through and rejoin a different larger path. I was conscious of the kids staying nearby and not getting separated. Walkmill isn't massive but it could still be an intense experience to be temporarily lost in it! Our journey off the beaten track showed us some of the tallest fox gloves I have ever seen (in the distance of one of the pics) Also our friend explained what cuckoo spit was. All these years I don't think I knew there was a creature inside. At home we watched a youtube video showing how the frog hopper nymph creates the bubbles from the sap of the plant it drinks and excretes. We hadn't walked past the pond as a family for ages. I had during the meditation the Saturday before and had noticed they have finished upgrading the paths! However, I hadnt noticed that someone has been making a stick house just off the path. The children were very excited and it adds a new fun landmark to our and many other people's walks through Walkmill.