Taken at about 2,800 feet up. (You want that in metres – work it out!) I was very proud of Joe for having got up his first really substantial mountain. I also note, on this shot, quite how tall he is getting.
Today was one of those miraculous days of brightness after days of rain (and more forecast). Let’s not dwell on Virgin Trains’ inability to get me to the Lake District, as I had planned. I had to turn back at Preston. It didn’t matter. I went out walking at home instead, up Stoodley Pike and round to Cragg Vale. Windy, but spectacular day. See all the best photos from it on my Flickr site.
Few chances to take a good photo today until the sun began to go down. When you live in a valley the sun drops earlier than elsewhere and today the mast that is otherwise a minor blemish on the view marked the point at which it dipped below the horizon. Stonehenge – mobile communications mast – same thing? (From our house on Dec 28th each year, at least.)
And so this is Christmas…. we effected a transfer to the in-laws’ this morning. They live in Morecambe, a strange place, quite run down in many ways but located on a slice of genuine physical beauty, the bay to which it gives its name. I’m happy with this pic but I suffered for it – this was taken into the teeth of a vicious gale.
I don’t feel I’ve been here much lately. However, I’ve now got four weeks at home – more-or-less – so get used to photos of this place (and occasionally Manchester). On mornings like this, it’s no hardship – though the rest of the day was rather worse.
So called because all contestants were supposed to go round in a pair of novelty antlers and a flashing red nose. Except that anyone taking it remotely seriously, like these two guys (who finished 3rd and 4th I believe), ditched the accessories before they even started: though the guy in front does appear to still have the nose strapped to his forehead. Maybe it’s even still flashing.
It was damn cold today. And muddy. I know I am in no position to criticise, having spent Friday 3,000 feet up in the first snowdrifts of the winter, but you’ve got to be pretty dedicated to have run round 10km on this rather fierce December Sunday morning. Joe & I said ‘sod it’ after about 15 minutes and waited it out in the car. It was the wife (and assorted in-laws) who took the plaudits today.
Do I need to add any commentary, really?
I’ll just make an observation – don’t think the whole country is like this. In fact, this was about the only bit of the Lake District that was like this. There are several more photos up on the 214wainwrights blog, which will give you the full flavour.
Also, tomorrow’s the 100th day of this blog so there’ll be another ‘best of the rest’ selection going up.
Glorious day today. Even the Boy wanted to take a walk. No other comment necessary.
Air travel is not a mode of transport designed to deliver many pleasures, but there is a beauty to being above the clouds and seeing them tinged by the setting sun.
Hebden Bridge in autumn plumage. Definitely a good time of year to be here.
Being 42 