Much cuter than a trig.....

Not a trig, but still a run with a sense of adventure.

After our dying calf escapades recently, we were happy to set off on the same track and plan for an uninterrupted circuit of the Otawa lower loop.

Less than 2k from the car, I hear something moving through the scrub.  This isn't unusual, and I sometimes catch a glimpse of a rabbit or pheasant, although more often it freezes or disappears before I work out what it is.  This time, the little creature neither freezes nor disappears, and keeps time alongside for a good 5+ metres.  Curious, I stop and turn to see the most gorgeous fluffy grey kitten come bounding out of the scrub.  Followed shortly by 3, 5, 6, no make that 8 brothers and sisters.

I immediately fall in love with a grey and white tabby.  There are a few black ones, grey, a creamy gold, a very distinct black with greyish stripes............  I must start running with my camera.

After standing dumbfounded, then being enthralled by the little furballs, we can't think of any other option than to continue with our run.  Clare's big dog, and my recently adopted three legged grouchy cat, are unlikely to be as impressed as we are.  We jog down the hill, followed by two happy grey kittens.  Back up the hill to deposit them with the crew, we turn and race away.  I'm a few steps in front of Clare, who stares straight ahead and pretends she can't see the kitten which has decided she looks like a good mum.  It's a close race for a while, but her longer legs see her draw ahead and we stop a couple of corners away, where we can still hear him wailing!

We had to run home by another route to avoid a repeat, luckily running in to the farmer.  He agreed they had probably been dumped and showed a softer touch than us in planning to go and collect them.  Hopefully they are re-homed.  I spent the rest of the running trying to work out how I could have my little grey friend.......