Judy at Wain Stones Bleaklow

The forecast suggested snow by 12:00. We parked at the top of the Snake Pass and headed for Bleaklow Head. We got as far as the Wain Stones but we headed back to avoid the snow. It was a strange walk as the there was a a strange contrast between the white of the snow and the approaching black clouds and the snow. As we came down the Snake Pass the snow started.

Photographs

How do you hot wire a helicopter?

We walked up to Cock Hill and on to Clough Head. We were surprised to find a helicopter by a large number of bags of heather seadlings that are being used to reseed eroded areas of the moor. You do not usually leave helicopters lying around.
(more…)

Our plan was to park in Litton and walk down Cressbrook Dale and into the part climbers know as Water-cum-jolly and back to Litton. Getting into the Dale on the side with the path foxed us. There was a river running down that required the removal of boots and socks and the rolling up of trousers if we were to cross to the side of the path. We declined this option, looked for alternatives and retraced our steps. The wind was gale force.

The photographs

walker taking a direct line up the hillside towards Hope cross

A heavy frost after a wet week led to a beautiful day, a clear blue sky and no wind. The jet trails made crosses in the sky and we walked for three hours up from Ashop river to Hope Cross and came back down by the side of the Ladybower reservoir. It was good to be alive.

Lynne and I took some photographs.

My mother correctly making the observation that a notice telling you to close a kissing gate is surplus to requirements!

We stayed in two holiday cottages on a farm in the village of Yarpole – close to Leominster. We were lucky with the weather getting out walking on most days.

The photographs are here

(more…)

Crowden Quarry in the very short interval when the sum came out

School had broken up for the Christmas holiday. Lynne was feeling ill and was still in bed. Judy and I went for a walk. We parked at Crowden and walked up to Laddow it was snowing or raining for most of the time.

I have added the photographs to the Stanage album

A view of Stanage Edge from close to the Trig point

Avoiding all opportunities to prepare for the coming seasonal festivities we went for a walk. There was no one at the car park at the popular end of Stanage. The reason for that was probably the time of year, the snow on the road and the weather – it could not decide whether to be sunny, snowy or rainy.

some photographs

Vannes – Gulf of Morbihan Brittany – click on image to see a larger version

We were here a few years ago and I took a photograph, that at the time, we thought it looked like a Victorian painting. Lynne decided to have a go at producing a picture from the photograph. This is the result.

Lynne on the pipes that cross Derwent Water before the visitor’s centre.

I have always wanted to cross here but never have. I went to check out their security. It advised that swimming was dangerous but nothing about crossing over the pipes. If Lynne and I could get around the fence then just about anyone can. I can now breathe slightly through my nose and after blowing it I can taste something for about 15 seconds. It was very very windy.

A family trip to Chatsworth House to view a Sotherby’s sale in the gardens. My parents were staying with us as they had just returned from a family holiday – flying to Manchester airport. Judy and Adee joined us.

The photographs

Cobweb Swallow’s wood early morning

On Saturday evening I fell asleep in front of MOD so I woke up early to a rich blue sky and no wind. We went for a walk before 9:00am. Lynne did not take the binoculars and therefore we saw a lot of birds. The highlight being a family of Peregrine Falcons prancing around the sky. We did the walk, extended it and then walked some more. The autumn colours were fabulous and we felt we would not want to be anywhere else.

Irma and Nuria (WIRE HEADS) 2010 Jaume Plensa

The weather did not look good for cycling or walking. Lynne and I went to the YSP and spent most of the time planning our retirement from paid employment. I decided not to take photographs as we had many things on our minds. I could not resist taking a few. On our return the sun was just setting as we came over the Woodhead pass and the light was exceptional.

The photographs

Red Scorpion fish – click on image to see him/her in full size

The photographs

Our fourth trip to Gozo we like the people and the diving, (more…)

Lynne and Judy close to Sheffield on our Bradfield ride

A ride close to Sheffield that we have done many times but not recently. Lynne and I both have knees that hurt after cycling but they have been relatively pain free recently. As I write this I can feel a dull ache in my left knee though this was probably caused by my attempt to stay away from a young man who was trying to overtake me on a hill – I will never learn the control necessary to ignore other cyclists. As we drove out with a perfect blue sky we saw frost for the first time this year.

(more…)

Conkers – Lynne has been attending her art class

Lynne, Judy and I went for a wet ride around Derwent reservoir. The talk was of a “soft day” that turned to mizzle and then drizzle. It was raining and we got wet. The reservoir is nearly empty and parts of the old village and field pattern could be seen.