We went back up to the South Downs at Harting yesterday to pick sloes for Gin. The Weather was wonderful and the views terrific over towards the North Downs (I’m already thinking I could walk or cycle that one sometime). The hawthorns and dog roses were in full fruit and looking spectacular in the evening light.
I had bought 3 litres of Gin in Sainsburys a few days before, I spoke to a woman as I was making my selection who stared hard at me. I’d forgotten I was still sporting the bruised mouth from my fall, she probably thought I had a problem!
The sloes were rather thin on the ground, I’m guessing the dry weather played a part this year and in fact, the bushes that had more shade seemed to have faired better which meant going into the thorn thickets. Anyway a few hours of picking we had just about enough.
I made sloe gin for the first time last year and it was delicious. I froze the sloes last night to make them easier to prick! Its so easy to make, I wonder why I’d not made it before last year. It will make excellent gifts for Christmas if I don’t drink it when its ready. Maybe I do have a problem!
Anyway walking in the Peak district soon I hope.
The Travelling Bee 