Wednesday 19 January 2011

A Lovely Day.






Now that I am no longer allowed to drive for myself, the combination of a day out as a passenger plus a beautiful late Winter sun and I am on cloud eight and a half at least.

We were meeting friends for lunch at Ingleton at the head of the Ribble valley - about half way from where we live and Windermere, where they live. Roughly an hour's drive for each of us.

I have been on this road five or six times in the last year and each time I have posted a blog about it, saying that I wanted to show you Ingleborough (one of the Three Peaks) and each time it has been shrouded in cloud. Yesterday there was a breeze and the sun shone - that is until we got within a couple of miles of Ingleborough, when the cloud came down and lo and behold the peak was once more covered in cloud. So the photograph you see is of cloud where Ingleborough stands. Sorry about that!

After cheese toasties and naughty puddings we said our goodbyes and set off back home. Approaching the Ribble head viaduct, which I have posted a few times before but which is such a magnificent structure that it merits multiple postings anyway, we spotted a train crossing. I took the shot, which I show you above. Sorry it is so far away but, obviously, if I had waited until we were nearer then the train would have crossed and disappeared.

There seem to be lots of road works around us at the present time. I would like to think that it is repairing the pot holes caused by the recent bad weather, but I don't think that is the case. However, we had to make several detours around more isolated villages and what did we see? This magnificent cockerel - cock of the walk there is no doubt - strolling across the road at his own pace, so that we had to wait for him. His wife sat sunning herself at the bottom of the wall and obligingly stayed there while I wound down the window and took her photograph. What a magnificent pair - I do hope they have chicks.

Home again and a trip to our local supermarket after tea. I was expecting it to be very quiet but no such luck. It was full of young families, mum, dad and children, obviously doing their shopping after work. The fact that we were surprised by this I suppose just goes to show that maybe we don't quite live in the modern world.

The picture of the sheep grazing below the limestone edge is taken in this area, where there are plenty of limestone outcrops - This kind of ridge up here in the Dales is called a Scar.

today's aros: deep low cloud, deep blue sky, deep watery valleys - a perfect combination.

21 comments:

mrsnesbitt said...

We know this road well Pat as we travel this way when we are heading over to the Isle of Man We have customers too in Ingleton. A small world eh! We have had many picnics near the viaduct!

Dartford Warbler said...

Your post brought back happy memories for me too. Walks at Ingleton when the boys were young, Traveling over the Ribble Viaduct by train, on a day out to Appleby. Standing with small boys beneath the viaduct and waving to a steam train passing overhead.

That cockerel is a fine figure of a fowl. Such colours!

Dave King said...

Promise next time to show us the mist, then there will be none to be seen, just the peak shining in the sun!

Elisabeth said...

There's something about this life you depict in words and photos, Weaver -Pat, that makes me feel strangely jealous. Maybe it's the countryside peacefulness.

Robin Mac said...

Wonderful post as usual, bringing the countryside into our homes on the other side of the world. You are lucky to live in a very beautiful part of Britain. Cheers

Heather said...

Another lovely trip Pat, and through such wonderful scenery. The cockerel is very handsome and the viaduct is amazing. Cheese toasties are one of my favourites and a naughty pudding always goes down well.

jeanette from everton terrace said...

I so love your images of the countryside, making me VERY excited for my trip to England in May. I got a giggle when you mentioned cheese toasties. I was right back in my Nana's kitchen waiting for mine :)

izzy said...

Just love the openness to air- I miss it.
we have so many trees where I live-it is wonderful to go up on an open hilltop.
Thanks!

Golden West said...

Another glorious day and a wonderful journey to join along - thanks for taking us!

Eryl said...

Such a gorgeous part of the world, I must get down there this summer.

I love your train picture, that tiny sliver of orange amongst the tweedy greens and browns.

Jo said...

I adore your posts and your great perspective on life.

The photos are all gorgeous, except for those in post below on the fridge in the lane. Hah! Thanks for posting them, though...so fun to follow you around your world!

Bovey Belle said...

What lovely views and I can see why you enjoyed your day out so much!

angryparsnip said...

What a great photo of the Ribble Head Viaduct. I enlarged the photo and I agree, what a magnificent structure, the train was a fun pop of color.

cheers, parsnip

Anonymous said...

What a fine day in glorious weather, - hope this weather comes to us when it leaves your place ;-)
Interesting that you have the word "Scar" for the mountain ridges. We use the same word, - skar - for a lower area, or pass, between two peaks. The corresponding verb, "skjere", means to cut. So skar is something that has been cut.

bibbitybob said...

Thank you for your comment, what you said made perfect sense and was exactly what I was explaining to Mr BB earlier today (about price per hour not being a sensible way to work out price). Definitely some food for thought!

Mary said...

Lovely countryside even (or perhaps especially) dressed in Winter hues. The train shot is great in closeup, and that's a handsome rooster. Hope the flooding is not serious in your area. How far are you from the Lake District - Watermillock, Ullswater area?

Love your expression 'naughty puddings'. Sticky Toffee perhaps?
Mary

ChrisJ said...

So please tell me what cheese toasties are. Is it cheese on toast? I love anything with cheese. What a beautiful day you had.

Hildred said...

Glad you had such a nice day Weaver, - lunch out with friends is a real treat and I love the pictures of the chickens you met on the way. We had lovely blue skies here, too, and sunshine. I woke early in the morning and the air looked golden outside from the setting moon, - as you noted, sunny days and dusty windows are not conducive to a complacent housewife!

Unknown said...

Everytiem I read your blog and look at your photos I realise how much I miss the Yorkshire countryside. Thanks for sharing.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Thank you for the comments. I am glad the viaduct picture enlarged well.

Jinksy said...

Oh, my goodness- why did the chicken cross the road? LOL