Just photos – no particular theme
Monday: returning from Shrewsbury, we’ll pass the Cound road end. It’s cold, but it’s dry – we’ll stretch our legs around the quiet lanes. Someone’s lit a bonfire, but apart from those bright flames, there’s very little light this afternoon. No winter sunset skies today.
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=356010&Y=304045&A=Y&Z=120
First outing of the new year (blame the weather!). It continues to be cold, but at least it’s dry today. Last week’s snow still lies on the (slightly) higher ground around Church Preen, which adds a little something to the photos. The light certainly isn’t going to help today, though for a few moments the sun tries to break through. By 3pm the light’s gone, and soon after, we’re heading for home.
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=355085&Y=298270&A=Y&Z=120
A local walk and few photos to mark 2020’s last gasp – next time the sun clears the horizon it will be 2021. If it’s past midnight when you read this: Happy New Year! (“Let’s hope it’s a good one”)
We thought we’d seen the last of the sunshine when it became overcast and grey around lunchtime – but as the sun went down, the sky cleared. It was still pretty cold though. Nevertheless, a pleasant afternoon for a wander through Linley Brook, up to Willey and back past Lower Pool and the Smithies.
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=367620&Y=297945&A=Y&Z=120
Late afternoon: it’s stopped snowing and the day’s looking brighter – but not for long. We’re walking down the lower lane at Shirlett, and as we walk back, though the sky is clearing, the light is going. It’s too cold to stand and watch the sunset. Instead, turn through 180° and see the last full moon of the year rising.
The weather’s continuing with its bleak midwinter theme – today it’s the snow’s turn. We open the curtains this morning to whiteness, and soon it’s snowing again – snow on snow.
After lunch things are looking more encouraging. There’s a couple of inches on the car, but that’s not a problem: we’re walking. It may be familiar ground, but the snowfall has given it a different perspective.
It’s the ‘Tally-Ho‘ walk again – in reverse. We walked this way on late October, on a day when we were doing our best to dodge the showers. Today, after storm Bella has passed, it’s beautiful weather – the wind’s dropped and it’s cold, bright and clear.
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=353835&Y=285540&A=Y&Z=120
Before Bella – a boxing day stroll along Shirlett Lane. It’s windy, and there’s rain on the way.
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=365660&Y=298545&A=Y&Z=120
Christmas morning – there’s been quite a frost. It’s not every day you can trip over the mud on the roads. The frost has added interest to the puddles and the dead leaves. It’s not a bleak midwinter though – the sunshine is warming and welcome.
View OS map in Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=367470&Y=298250&A=Y&Z=120
A walk down to the river, partly to see how high the waters have risen, and partly to make the most of a cold but beautifully-sunny morning. Yes, it’s high – but not on the Wharfage yet. Yes, there are others about down there, but not too many – they’re easily avoided. The bridge has been a deep red since its recent renovation, but today it resembles silver filigree.
Nearing home, a hour or so later, the sunshine has gone – it’s a grey day. Tomorrow it’s – Merry Christmas everyone!
