Poseurs

Sometimes I think Layla hasn't quite got the idea of this posing for photographs thing.

Wharfe Walk

We walked by the River Wharfe from Tadcaster last week. A really lovely day. The bridge was swept away during floods a few years ago, now it looks as though it has been there a thousand years.

Lizzy Line

Rowan is now in New York City working from her office there, and seeing more high school friends. She took the new Lizzy Line tube to Heathrow and took this impressive photo en route.

Bookshop

Rowan has a favourite bookshop on Blackstock Road where the staff give her recommendations. Danielle took this photo of her cradling the obligatory coffee now sold in bookshops.
 

Hawk Moth

High up on our neighbour's wall I spotted this hawk moth. It looks like it has adapted to its surroundings colour wise (this is a colour photo).

Maternal Duties

Danielle was also down to see Rowan at the weekend, the trip seemed to involve a lot of meals in hipster restaurants, and a version of the Cherry Orchard by Chekhov set in space. 

 

Rowan in London

Rowan had a friend from high school in the States staying with her in London. His family were very kind to Rowan when she was at the school, so it was nice for her to show Sam some good places in the capital (well, Camden Market).

Big Country

Use your imagination and this could be a bear fishing for salmon in Canada. OK, it is quite a stretch, dog looking for a treat in Yorkshire.
 

The Viaduct from the Nidd

So next day I walked with Layla along the Nidd, a fantastic place I had not visited before. Kingfishers darted, and the river was beautiful to see. Then the viaduct (see yesterday) loomed from between the beech trees. It is hard not to be continually amazed by Victorian engineers. Magnificent.

The Nidd from the Viaduct

Had a great ride on bridleways around Ripley last week. 110km it included a section on the old railway line between Ripley and Harrogate; this shot of the Nidd Gorge was taken from the high stone viaduct built for the line. Although I have ridden over it many many times, I have never seen it. I spotted a path down in the gorge so may give it a go.

Balloon Warning

This is the most scary thing in Layla's life at the moment. If she spots one in the garden she rushes inside. If she spots one on the moor, she returns home immediately (with or without her owner). Next weekend is the York Balloon Festival, a kilometre away from our house. Wish us all well.
 

Deep Dale

This shot is from Deep Dale in the wolds (named after its depth rather than the Preston North End football ground). 

It was a hot day with no wind. Kites and Buzzards soared in numbers above us. Layla chased pheasants then lay in the shade to recuperate (can you spot her?)

Still

It is a rare day to be on top of the wolds with not a breath of a wind. But that is how it was this week. Drax power station was busy sending steam skyward dead straight.

Cattle on the Moor

The cattle on the moor are a welcome sight every summer. By this time of year the cattle are less excitable, the dogs are tired of chasing and it is all a lot calmer.

New wood

We discovered a new wood to walk in. At Appleton Roebuck it has a strange other worldly feel about it.

Skosh 2

 

These are aubergine filled buns, very nice.

Skosh 1

We had our wedding anniversary meal at Skosh (the best restaurant in York) here is Danielle ready to demolish her gin, lime and elderflower cocktail. 

Beech time

Last shot from the Leeds walk. I love beech woods, there tends to be less undergrowth beneath the stately trees.

Art v Technique

Another shot from the walk in Leeds, this is where the bridleway goes under the ringroad, with more woods on the far side. I like this shot; depth, menace, mystery. I also took a version that shows what is in the light at the end of the tunnel. 

Although technically this second shot is the better, it is in reality not a patch on the first shot.

Lovely Leeds

I took Rowan to Leeds for a 7am exam start last week. Whilst she worked through the 5 hours of papers, I walked up the Meanwood Valley. It is really beautiful and amazing to find within a mile or two of the city centre.
 

The Interview pt3

We'll take that as a yes.

 

The Interview pt2

After the interview Layla is considering her options.

The Interview

On our 26th Wedding Anniversary Layla is interviewing us to see if we are still suitable foster parents for her.

 

Upstairs Life

Photo by Rowan. Layla stepping out, the man with the broken foot in the background.

Getting Arid

The peatlands are getting so dry that old stumps and reed roots are becoming exposed. I thought this shot might be a keeper, but it has not quite worked.