Tuesday 6 December 2011

Winter arrives.





It did not feel safe driving to Tesco for my weekly shopping today, so the farmer kindly volunteered to take me there. This means that I was able to take one or two photographs on the way back, so that you get a taste of what life is like this week in the Dales.

The photographs were all taken on the return journey. The top photograph shows Arkengarthdale in the far distance. There is much more snow up there because, of course, it is much higher than we are here. The next shot shows our Dale and the fields. There are sheep out - they easily find the grass through the covering of snow (they are also fed with sheep pellets although quite often at this time of the year they don't bother to eat them. The rooks love them!)
The third photograph shows the top road into our village. This is an old turnpike road - the Richmond to Lancaster Turnpike Road of long ago. It was along this road that the old cattle drovers used to drive the herds of cattle. The farm in the photograph - it straddles the road, the house one side and the buildings the other - is called 'Halfpenny House' from the days when the drovers paid to keep their cattle there overnight and have them fed and watered. The final photograph is of our village in the snow
The temperature has not risen above four degrees all day and now that the sun has gone down it is already freezing again, so the roads will become skating rinks. In the past three days there have been three accidents at the top of our lane - luckily no-one hurt but three cars completely written off. If you are in an icy, snowy area - take care.

15 comments:

Bovey Belle said...

Fascinating history. The snowy pictures made me feel cold just looking at them. Keep warm and keep safe.

Granny Sue said...

It's time, isn't it? No snow here yet. I enjoy the black-and-white effect of your photos. So lovely there!

mrsnesbitt said...

I am in for the night now....just warming up!

P.S. Not deep red.

Dartford Warbler said...

Beautiful snowy landscapes but not so good when you need to travel. Keep warm.

Titus said...

We look much like you, Weaver. Car doors stuck fast this morning, and a car transporter also stuck fast after a slide on the A76 between here and Dumfries.

Stay warm and safe.

Penny said...

I know the snow is a trial for you but to me the photos are lovely, reminds me of glorious skiing holidays. All so different to what we have here in Oz, as we head into heat.

Elizabeth said...

Looks hideously cold.
Loved your description below of your grandaughter's visit
and the Ovaltine!

George said...

The Yorkshire Dales are beautiful in any weather of any season, at least in my view. I must say, however, that those roads look a bit treacherous.

Pondside said...

That looks bone-chilling....a good day to stay home by the fire!

Arija said...

I would gladly exchange your snow for our heat. Heat is so enervating . . .

Cuby said...

What an interesting post. Delightful photos reminding me of a week one February many, many years ago when my husband and I spent a week in the Dales and the snow came down,so it was walking everywhere not out of choice but just because there was no choice !!

Anonymous said...

I would not have wanted to drive on roads like that either, glad you had a lift. Do take care up there.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Snow gone overnight but still horrible weather (see today's blog) Thanks for answering.

Heather said...

Winter really has arrived for you. Yorkshire looks beautiful in it's winter coat. Very lovely in a photo but not so good for working outside or travelling. Keep snug!

Carolyn H said...

I love your snow photos. Your storm and the one I had yesterday on this side of the Atlantic sound fairly similar. I had a flood warning and a winter storm warning at the same time. That doesn't happen every day.Today is milder and some of that wet snow has melted. But it is cold.