Frosty Morning
This morning was the beginning of a perfect winter day. I just had to get out, as I had a new lens to try. Let’s see how it works…
I wanted to find some frosty leaves to see what my macro lens was capable of. None here, the sun was doing its work
Last years seed pods were putting on a good show
These looked good against the background of rusty oak leaves
Some still frosted leaves could be found in freezing ditches
Glad I caught these colourful brambles before the sun caught me up
I think these were dog roses once. Still lovely though
This was certainly a day to be out. I think my camera did it’s job quite well.
Exploring Winchester
As someone who enjoys looking at other people’s pictures, I am a fairly keen member of Flickr. One of the very positive outcomes of this is my new-found friends belonging to a local group. So, we set off last Sunday on a photo-walk around Winchester. As soon as we arrived, so did the sun. It wasn’t expected, so the cameras were adjusted and the clicking began.
The Cathedral was as magnificent as I remembered. We didn’t go in, as the outside had so much to offer.
Gothic in appearance with ornate spires and some evil-looking gargoyles gaping down at us.
This lovely old tree, set in the Cathedral gardens was up for some hugging.
As we set off for The Great Hall, there were tempting doorways to explore. So much fun when you are with fellow camera geeks.
And there it was; King Arthur’s table.
I found this stunning gate as interesting. Such drama.
Back in town, looking for lunch, we came across a busker who caught our attention with his excellent songs. I thought he sounded like Eric Clapton….a bit.
A splendid day out. So glad we went. Could well have been on my Bucket List.
It’s Raining in London Town
Decided to pop into London to see the sights. However it rained, and rained. A warming curry was called for, so headed over to Brick Lane (where else?)
Not much evidence of Christmas down here, but the graffiti’s good
Brick Lane is lined with exotic little shops and restaurants. The smells are wonderful
At the end are the bagel bakeries, selling wonderful Jewish breads and of course…
Salt beef. I thought I was back in New York for a moment
After our curry, we fancied some ice cream
Benets of Brick Lane did the trick. Luscious recipes. My favourite being Bakewell tart ice cream. They also served home-made cakes to tempt us
These were somehow resisted. Out into the dark streets looking for some sparkle
There are shops selling hand-made everything here in Spitalfields
Some of the models have over done the dieting I thought.
As we moved nearer to the City the windows became more elegant, then the rain came
And we all hurried to get to the railway station
The Gherkin turned on its lights
And soon we were warm and cosy and fast asleep.
Happy Christmas!
Green and Pleasant Land
This really is a beautiful part of the world. I have been home for a week now. Working. My mind is still walking though.
Because the air is pure lichen grows freely here
These iron gates are featured all over the Cornish Coast. A sort of House Style. Aren’t they lovely…
Little streams leading to this sea. The water is clear enough to drink.
Little surprises hidden and waiting for viewing. Such an abundance of colour. Never get enough of this!
St Michael’s Mount
You can get on to St Michael’s Mount by boat at high tide and on foot across a causeway at low tide. Either way it is a wonderful sight, especially now with the gardens at their best
The National Trust has maintained the plants in keeping with the area, and the gardens are allowed to grow without looking too manicured
There are some exotic plants anyway in Cornwall, and the ones here were excellent
Someone had decided to make an art work of what might have been an insignificant building
I personally preferred the outside of St Michael’s Mount to the inside.
Worth a visit, and the crab sandwiches and cake at the NT tea shop are good.
Another Bank Holiday
Another perfect day to get out. This time, looking for orchids in the woods with friends. We started at their house and found a rare plant in a flower-pot ready to sprout:
First orchid spotted. Then there were many more. Most past their best. We seem to get excited about these little plants because they are so rare. And because we found them
We then moved on to a National Trust wood. Here we saw beautiful rhododendrons, even these were mainly past their best. But not this one:
Or this
A Very British Affair
Here in Surrey we all enjoyed the wedding. Quietly, and in a low key manner. As the Brits do.
Not much sign in the village that today was different from any other
Down on the Green there were some respectable Union Jacks at full mast
Some flags discreetly on display
However, there was some evidence that there were parties going on behind closed doors
There was a distinct smell in the air of food being incinerated in gardens
As I said it was all very British. We are not, so there were no such parties for us!!
The Woods
Today was just right. Sunny with a bit of wind to dry the washing. Enjoyable pottering ending with a walk in the woods.
It feels like the middle of summer, but it’s still April.
The cow parsley is just about out
These new ivy leaves will soon take a grip on this old tree.
A few sweet violets find enough sun to flower through the trees
Easter Yellow
The Rape seed is in bloom. Not a pleasant smell. Some say it isn’t fitting for the English landscape. I say it is:
The Bluebells are at their peak
This was a lovely evening stroll
On Easter Sunday, all was bright and yellow
Spring Flowers
The bluebells are out in the woods
The white bells are also making a show
These feathery things are out…whatever they are
Daisy the cat is out
But the best flower of all to come out today is………..
A sleepy little Poppy
Sunday Walk Around the Pond
Today I met a fellow photo-nut, and we clicked our way round Frensham Ponds.
The sun was out
The blossoms were out:
The little sail boats were out:
And all the people were out!
Lovely day.
South Downs Way
The South Downs is a chalky ridge spreading over 200 miles across the south east of England. Some of my favourite walks are there. Yesterday there were skylarks singing and wild flowers blooming.
You can walk the entire length of the South Downs Way, but it might take longer than the time we had.
This is a special breed of the area called…… South Down Sheep. No surprises there then.
Saw this lovely bird take off, when we disturbed his hunt for a little lunch. A falcon of some sort.
This cottage was lived in, but clearly not touched in decades. I thought it was charming, if needy.
A church that probably dates back to Norman times. Splendid!
The wild garlic is out and flowering
As are the primroses
Banks of them!
Five Views of London on the Greyest of Days
The sky was set for rain all day. It barely got light. Still, I went anyway for this camera walk, and saw more that could be expected. In fact it was a great light, and not one single flash was used.
Most were taken around Liverpool Street Station and into the City of London. There are more people with cameras than would normally be seen. Probably more than a hundred actually.
Love this soft edged giant. Very retro.
Today was all about reflections. On glass. In the rain. In windows. From cars and buses
Next week I will explore Nova Scotia, Canada. More to come………
Photo Walk
Decided to join a Photo Walk in London. Even though it was raining and cold, people were keen:
There were some seriously big bits of kit
Interesting leg wear
There must have been a hundred of us there
All looking for that one special shot:
I took advantage of this man’s special magic ball, and got my shot of the day.
Brighton Day Out
What ever time of year it is, Brighton feels festive. There is much colour in the streets.
The shops are busting with people. Spending is evident.
Buildings are elegant
And then there is the sea
There is an American Diner opposite the beach. Good food. Good fun
The Malt Milkshake is recommended
Beach Day
I just had to get out today. It’s dark when I go to work and dark when I get home. I needed light and I needed air. The seaside would do it. I chose my favourite beach. West Wittering. It’s unspoilt. It has one cafe who serves good toasted sandwiches and cakes. The coffee is rich and strong
It was sunny and windy. Perfect. I love what it does to the sea
And to dogs…….
The beach was full of colour and patterns
And light…….
A perfect breath of air. Just the ticket!
January Walk
I don’t expect to see much on a January walk. However, it’s still worth looking because there is always something unexpected:
An ancient London bus is a surprise in the middle of Surrey farm land. It was destined for Crystal Palace…
Don’t know where this one was going.
These sunflowers are long since dead. Still lovely though.
Bracket fungus thrives here
.What’s this? Someone’s has a flash of creativity with this old tree. Another unexpected event
Five Seaside Sights
There are aspects of the British seaside that you either love:
Or you don’t:
There’s no getting away from the pervasive smell of fish and chips, which you might love, or you might not:
Whatever you feel about the British seaside:
It is the British seaside……..and that’s just how it is!
A Day in the City
I lived and worked in London for many years. Today I went as a tourist. No agenda. No hurry. Just wandering around the City watching and snapping my camera. People were busy and hurrying. I was anonymous and felt delightfully invisible.
Just a few tourists braving the freezing riverside at Hayes Wharf.
Soon realised I needed I hat. Nothing there, would find something across London Bridge.
Decided against a riverboat trip. Too cold. I needed that hat.
He must be frozen
Love that gherkin, it appears from behind buildings and down streets
A good lunch stop. Had a steak sandwich and chips at the S&M cafe
Back on the streets I enjoy new buildings that have sprung up since I was there
And then I came across Postman’s Park. Still just as I remember. And look what was there!
Postman’s Park has a memorial to heroes. Their stories are displayed on decorated tiles. Moving but also lovely.
Following this girl as she might know a hat shop.
No Hat. But these are scattered all over the city. Jolly.
I loved the City. I loved the Day! Got home and remembered I forgot to get that hat……
