Hatfield in the North

Not really my thing, but this shot of cobwebs in the morning light on Hatfield Moors I quite like.

After the Fire

The moorland fire on Hatfield Moors over two years ago, is quickly being repaired by nature. There are still patches though that remind you of the devastation fire can quickly cause.

And the Rains Came

After the drought the waters are returning to Hatfield Moors, it is a joy to see things being reinvigorated. Saw a great white egret cruising around looking happy too.

Meantime Danielle has had a wisdom tooth removed, infection, antibiotics and much discomfort.

Down By the River

Up top is the clatter of drinkers spilling out of Yates Wine Lodge; but down below is the hidden entry to a nether world. It is what makes York intriguing.

On the Trail

Taken on Rievaulx Moor a few weeks back. Not sure if it is a pine, but it is definitely lonesome.

On the Bridge

Clara, Rosalind and Sarah on Ouse Bridge in York.

 

Family Visit

Niece Sarah came up to stay for the weekend with Rosalind and Clara. Great kids and a busy time. 

State Visit

Rowan made a flying visit last weekend. Always good to see her, a view shared by the dog. We all walked by the river Wharfe at Tadcaster.

Take 2

This is a more abstract version of the same image as yesterday. I am not sure which one to go with still. Most probably the first one.

Take 1

On Stickle Tarn beneath Stickle Pike (a lovely miniature mountain between the Duddon and Coniston) I found reeds. I am not sure which is the best shot I have, but it could be this one. I like the bendy black reflections upon the water surface. Not sure about it though, might be too gloomy.

Fording the Stream

On our last full day in the Lakes we walked in Broughton Moor forest. A really great place. We used the bridge, the dog took the ford. The stepping stones were beneath the water.

The Engine

And here is the engine that pulled our train, running round the coaches at Lakeside station. Nothing like the smell of burning coal, oil and steam.

Steamed Up

There was of course a wet day or two on our week in the Lakes. So we went on the Lakeside and Haverthwaite steam railway which I had never visited, despite living near it and being in the area countless times. It was very enjoyable.

Time Moves On

1976, me with Sheba

2022, me with Layla

Same location, between Wrynose and Hard Knott passes. 

Cottage

Our cottage was one of the white buildings in the middle distance. The Duddon valley really is a beautiful place.

Evening Walk

We went an evening walk, the sun setting down behind the western fells towards the Irish Sea. Peaceful. We walked back down to the cottage through a field with a big bull in it.

Visitors

Sister Ro and Pete came over from Kendal to see us on Monday, went a great walk and fish and chips in the pub in Seathwaite. Photo courtesy of Ro.

Sands

After Birkrigg we went down for a sheep-free run about on the sands of Morecambe Bay. I spent much of my childhood exploring the sands, the quicksand and the tidal bores when I was at school in Arnside on the other side of the bay.
 

Hoad

Sunday we went to my favourite place; Birkrigg Common just south of Ulverston. This is the view from the limestone common across the Hoad monument towards the mountains.

Bridge

This is the bridge from which I took the video, a really beautiful construction and very welcome as a way of crossing that torrent.

Deluge

We were in the Duddon Valley for a week in a self catering cottage. It is a part of the Lakes I know best of all, and is impossible not to love. Even when the weather was how it was this week: a deluge that only the Lakes can deliver. When it had cleared the Duddon was in full spate charging down the valley. Our cottage was called Duddon View and for a while it was all too appropriate as the water levels rose. This video was taken on a walk through the woods, felt far more dramatic than normal.

Soothing

Luckily some of the ditches still had cool clear water in them for one hot, mucky dog.

Dried Out

 The summer drought has left the moors severely water depleted. The peat in the centre of this shot would normally be a lake; not a deep lake but about half a metre or so of water. Today it is completely dried out. I look forward to it getting back to normal.

Marsh Harrier

Walking on Thorne Moors last week was the usual uplifting experience. I saw a marsh harrier up close, by the time I had my camera ready it was flying high above me and scrape it had been in. Can you spot it in this photo?

Cloud

Or in reality, a cloud formation above the semis of Acomb, taken from our garden.

Lake

 A crater lake that uplifts the soul.