Ride 3

 

The open cast mine at St Aidan's flooded in 1988 when the river Aire broke its bank. That was the end of the mine and the start of a nature reserve that has just come into full use. I cycled through it on a bridleway that adds a great loop to my old Tour d'Elmet route.

Ride 2

 

Further on the route comes to the old line from Garforth to the nearby pits. It is a well used greenway; such a great transformation from industry to community resource.

Ride 1

With my broken foot and covid and the heat, getting out on my bike has been restricted this year. This week I went a 100km ride around the tracks of Elmet. I totally forgot about my foot which gave me no gyp. It is still hindering effective walking but this is a step (intended) in the right direction.

It was beautiful to be out in the sun all day. This is on the old railway line which used to serve the Royal Ordinance Factory at Thorp Arch.
 

Cooling the Dog

In the hot weather you have to make sure the dog is able to keep cool. 

Does Layla like the paddling pool provided by Danielle? She does not. 

Does she prefer the shade provided by the fern at the front door? She does.

London Life

Rowan took this shot of the canal at St Pancras. I really like it, love the reflection in the water of the gas holders.

The Post Match Meal

After the ceremony the three of us went out for a meal at the Star Inn the City in York. A great meal, with Rowan in charge of the photos.

On Stage

Here is the moment Danielle got her Masters from the Chancellor at the University. Danielle has worked with him for a while, as she is part of the University Court. He had no idea she was a student there. So that is genuine surprise on his face.

Masters

Danielle received her Masters from University of York Management School this week. Rowan came up to see the ceremony. A positive uplifting event.

The Cardoon is Coming

The cardoon pops up from scratch each year, heading for 3 metres tall it is an impressive thing.
 

Clear Water

Down on the Pocklington canal the water is beautifully clear. This shot did not quite do what I was hoping for, but not too bad.

Garden Life 2

The BBQ came out, the tuna was grilled, the wine was chilled. Our courtyard was the ideal place to eat.

Garden Life 1

It has been hot this last couple of weeks. Even Danielle has taken to the shade, Layla needs no invitation.

 

Mallorca 2

And here is another shot on film. 

Mallorca 1

A shot from Rowan's holiday in Mallorca. One of her friends took the shot on film (rather her than me) which gives it a nice feel.

 

Le Tour en Yorkshire

Just before I got Covid I met Edward for a coffee at the Perky Peacock. He had found this (rather strange) photo of me 8 years ago when we all went to watch the Tour de France in Yorkshire. Rowan was just about to leave to go to high school in the US, it seems an age ago. A great day.

Part 2

From the canal walk, the lush flowers and vegetation is at its best.

Back up North

After London Urban, it was back to Yorkshire Bucolic this week. This is the Pocklington Canal in the lower Derwent Valley. A great place to walk the dog, she can wallow in the water whenever she gets hot (which is most of the time in this weather)

Flat Move

Rowan and Orla move flat later this month, to a great looking place off Essex Road in Islington. Should be good.
 

London 4

Saturday Rowan and I met up with Victor at Coal Drops Yard in Kings Cross. Great to see him after a long while. We have plans for a music/photography/poetry collaboration for next year.
 

London 3

 I was greeted by a fox in Mark and Mandy's garden on Saturday morning. They told me that there is a family of four who live there ... not sure I would like that. We have one which is bad enough (as far as Layla is concerned that is). This shot was taken by Mandy. Aren't they meant to be nocturnal?

When I got back from London, Danielle had tested positive for Covid, by Tuesday evening I had it as well. So this week our house is a plague house. Danielle is over it now, and I hope to follow soon.

London 2

 

I met up with Rowan and Mark to watch the first stage of the Tour in Look Mum No Hands (a cycling cafe in Old Street), then we were joined by Mandy for a pub and pasta in Old Street (Rowan's old stomping ground). Shoes are Mandy's for Mark's nephews wedding.

London 1

I was down in London last week. A real surprise to find that Veggie Prets is now a thing; this one is in Soho. I have been vegetarian for over 30 years, so to finally see it going properly mainstream is a real nice surprise.

Leeds 3

Jo and Ashley have a new dog, a lovely affectionate spaniel who just wants to be cuddled. A lot.

Leeds 2

 

When Jo applied to get a German passport following the folly of Brexit, she opened the door to a lot of history. Her father was a refugee from Nazi Germany in the 30s. Her paternal grandparents committed suicide during the war, rather than be sent to the death camps. The letters she has found are going to form the basis of the book.

The photo is of the accordion that her father brought with him from Germany when he fled. It is a beautiful thing. Hohner still make the best blues harmonicas.

Leeds 1

My friend in Leeds, Joanna, wanted some advice on publishing a book. So I took the train to Horsforth, then walked through typical Leeds woodland. The railway infrastructure never fails to impress and astound. This magnificent tunnel is for a footpath, nothing more.

 

Home Life

Danielle and Layla in the kitchen. New lens on the camera, time to try it out.

Mallorca

Rowan is just back from Mallorca where she went on holiday with five friends from Warwick. I have never been, but it does look good. Here she is on an old tramway that runs between towns.