12z today - a ridge covers England, with light northerlies for Beenham (and partly cloudy skies). Conditions at 12z Sunday: Thickness, 547dam, temperature 11C (dewpoint 8C). Wind from the north, 13 MPH. Today's high, 12C, last night's low 9C. (source: MetO, the 12z GFS and NOAA).

The clocks went back today, not that it made much difference to me as I set out in the twilight on my weekly trip to Beenham. The roads were mainly clear, unlike the sky which looked leaden - despite "fog" signs on the M25 all that could be seen were low clouds.

I arrived at Beenham to find the gate locked and bolted, as per usual - and while I was getting my camera ready I noticed the European wolves had trotted up to the wooded part of their enclosure; no sooner had I admired them then they started howling. Once again I had my Psion to hand and I recorded a monster 13 minute clip before I ran out of memory - annoyingly, just before some ferocious growls as Latea got drubbed by the other two.

Alba (left) and Lunca howling - I was recording while taking this photo.

I learned something new by watching this fascinating display - wolves can make that strage "rallying" noise while chasing other at top speed through the woods, although goodness knows how they have enough breath to do it!

Anyway, the MP3 is here: http://www.medvale.fsnet.co.uk/oct31wolves.mp3 and there's rallying at roughly 6, 10 and 11 minutes, as well as right at the end. Be warned, it's an 8 meg download!

The wolves had been left out last night, so when John Denness (the senior for the day) came along there was no cleaning to do. There's always something to be done at the Trust though, and I busied myself by updating bits on the PCs in the Obs Room. Before long it was time to head off to the woods with Duma and Dakota for a members walk - and as you can see, the woods were pretty wet today.

The entrance to the woods, looking somewhat muddy.

I was on car watch duty and I admired the trees while I was there - there's a fair few that have turned yellow and orange now. When the Sun popped out it was quite warm - my car thermometer read 13C (so 11C actual) on the way to the woods. After an hour my replacements arrived and I was free to scoot into the woods, which were absolutely soaking! Despite the damp conditions the wolves still went in the water - here's Dakota:

Dakota in the lake - notice she's holding her tail up.

The walk was uneventful and as enjoyable as ever and all too soon it was time to head back to the Trust. John went in with the European wolves as he usually does and I snapped him tweaking Alba's tail - if I (or almost anyone else) tried doing that we'd probably end up being chomped. As John was around when Alba and the rest were cubs, he's got a special rapport and can get away with all sorts of things that would be dangerous were it anyone else.

Don't try this if you ever come to the Trust!

The guests eventually drifted away and that meant there was enough time before the sun set to get a walk around the fields. Today I ended up being lead by Duma and it was as enjoyable as ever - it's truly a privilege to be there. As usual, the wolves had a fence fight with Kodiak and Kenai and for once I was able to capture it on camera...

Duma (left) really wants to get to Kenai (right) and the feeling's more than mutual! The pull from the wolves is immense as you can imagine...

With D&D back in their enclosure it was time to head back home and the M3 and M25 were hellish. Conversely the Island was deserted...
All in all, another great day!

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