England

Castle Howard at Christmas

From the moment I walked into Castle Howard, I knew that I was in for something very special. Lozenges of light filtered down the Grand Staircase, from the 74-paned skylight overhead. It was almost like walking on hallowed ground. Yet I knew that the Howard family were a very real presence, in this home that brims with history.

On Monday I took you for a walk in the magnificent grounds, and I promised you a little more colour than my grey skies. Do you recognise the Mausoleum in this painting?

The passages and hallways are full of exquisite works of art. Rarely have I seen so much wealth and beauty accumulated under one roof. Furniture and porcelain collections are lavishly distributed throughout the house, and there are guides on hand, more than happy to engage with you and share the tales that surround each piece.

Around all this is woven the magic of a classical Christmas. I will take you through the house in the order that it was revealed, with great pride, to me.

The Grand Staircase

And the first of many sculptures

Remarkable cabinetry

The mahogony cabinet, housing over 300 pieces of china, including Sevres

And the first of many Christmas trees

With the most magnificent of peacocks!

The Howards have lived almost continuously in this house ever since it was built by Charles Howard, 3rd Earl of Carlisle, at the beginning of the 18th century. The current residents are the Hon. Simon Howard and his wife Rebecca, with their twins.

The Antique Passage leads to the first of the bedrooms

Lady Georgiana’s bedroom, with many family portraits

And another pretty tree!

You couldn’t accuse the house of being understated. It’s very much a case of ‘if you’ve got it, flaunt it’, but with beautiful elegance.

How about this for a mirrored fireplace?

Or this beautifully marbled one?

Adornments are everywhere

Whimsically pretty

And full of smiles

Or ferociously savage!

Impressive it may be, but all this is but a prelude to the main feature. The Great Hall is likely to provoke at least an intake of breath! Astonishing to think that the lovely dome which crowns it crashed to the floor during the great fire of 1940. The details of the ongoing restoration are contained in the ‘Brideshead Restored’ exhibition in High South.

The 70ft high restored dome in the Great Hall

The High South stairs offer dramatic glimpses of the Great Hall through the arches.

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I am only halfway through my tour of this magnificent house and, as I don’t want eyes to glaze over, I propose to stop here. I hope you’ll return with me. There is still much opulence to be enjoyed, including the Chapel, with stained glass by William Morris.

If you’d like to see Castle Howard in all its Christmas finery, you have until 21st December. Just time, isn’t there? Full details are on the website.

Six word Saturday

Let it snow! Let it snow!

Especially on a Christmas chalet!

Or a trendy Christmas tree

The tree ornaments would like some too

And Santa, naturally!

Not to mention the Gingerbread Men

Aren’t these modern ornaments smart?

Nice for the trendier home!

But this is the one that won my heart

Is there any more to say?

I’ve resisted turning on the WordPress snow till now, but why resist any longer? I think it’s definitely coming! I’d better start shopping.

Have a merry weekend, then wrap up warm for my walk on Monday. I wonder if Cate’s done all her shopping yet? Visit her on Six word Saturday to find out.

Young at heart

I’m fa-a–ll-ing!

One of the highlights of my December is always a visit to the windows of Fenwick’s department store in Newcastle-on-Tyne. Doesn’t it just bring out the child? This year’s theme is Alice.

Drink me!

What’s happening?

Now I’m too big!

Much too big!

It’s not always easy to get your nose pressed up against the windows, but I did what I could. After all, you’ve got to leave space for the children!

You’re a very fine looking caterpillar!

Couldn’t you please just tell me, which way?

Of course there’s room! There’s plenty of room!

Sit down, girl! Let’s have cake!

Wake UP, Dormouse!

Who’s your favourite character? I was always a little in love with the White Rabbit. The husband says it’s because I’m always late! Well, maybe just a little…

Croquet, your Majesty? I don’t believe I do.

Oh, not ‘off with his head!’

He IS such a handsome rabbit!

But thank goodness, it was all a dream!

All’s well that ends well for another year, and many children, both young and old, will be royally entertained. You won’t be surprised to know that this is my Christmas entry for Dawn’s Lingering Look at Windows.

When Paula announced that her theme for this week was Young– well, what’s a youngster going to do? You will join me in visiting them both, won’t you? We can stay young together.

Jo’s Monday walk : Ray Wood and Polar Bear walk

Cherub fountain in the Rose Garden, Castle Howard

Some of you may remember that around this time last year I met my daughter for a Grand Day Out, at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire? The house was beautifully decorated for Christmas, and I would have loved to do the same this year. Instead I had to settle for a visit to another of England’s beautiful historic homes, Castle Howard in Yorkshire. It’s every bit as fine as Chatsworth, but I had to substitute a husband for a daughter. Fortunately, he doesn’t mind a walk in beautiful gardens.

The more observant among you will have noticed a reference to a Polar Bear Walk. Now don’t get too excited- I didn’t find any! Which was a source of disappointment as it was certainly cold enough for them. Set within 1,000 acres of beautiful landscape in the Howardian Hills, the house is described by Lonely Planet as ‘one of the world’s top ten greatest mansions’. That’s quite a claim! Come with me and see what you think.

The rose garden was looking sadly bare

So it was time to go hunting for polar bears

The zigzag of trees climbing the slope was referred to on the map as Polar Bear Walk. It didn’t seem too much to expect, but I could see neither hide nor hair of one. Nor could I find an explanation of the name. Oh, well!

There was a nice view across the lake.

The sky was an unrelenting shade of gloom but, undaunted, and in the interests of getting warmed up, a scramble up Polar Bear Walk was called for. It leads to the Reservoir in Ray Wood. A reservoir of sorts has existed in these woods since the 18th century. Filled from a nearby stream, it supplies the two main fountains in the grounds below, using the force of gravity to drive the fountain jets.

The Reservoir

With 25 acres of woodland, many of the trees and shrubs in Ray Wood are original species, brought from around the world by the great plant hunters of the 19th and 20th centuries. The acidic soil supports a variety of thriving rhododendrons- one of my favourite plants.

Isn’t this bark beautiful?

Playing hide and seek- still no polar bears!

The characters on the plinth are only visible when the water level drops

But look what I managed to spot- in December!

And a statue or two

I loitered for quite a while, watching some grey squirrels frolic. They kept a playful eye on me, and easily managed to stay out of camera shot. I always have that kind of relationship with squirrels! Consulting the map I’d picked up at reception, it was time to leave the woods and press on to the Temple of the Four Winds. Would this be as draughty as it sounds?

It was certainly a little bleak on this grey old day

Originally known as the Temple of Diana, it was designed by Vanbrugh, but remained unfinished at the time of his death in 1726. Ten years later the interiors were finally decorated by the stuccoist Franceso Vassalli. The temple was used as a place for reading and refreshment, and beneath it is a cellar where servants prepared food for the family. The temple can be entered on one of the free guided tours, which take place between March and October.

It’s quite a vantage point, isn’t it?

Even set against such grey skies!

There are a number of monuments within the estate, and heading down to the gently curving New River Bridge, the Mausoleum becomes visible on the horizon. Designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor, it stands 90 feet tall and is supported by a colonnade of 20 pillars.

The Mausoleum, on the horizon

And in a little more detail

The bulrushes don’t seem to mind the mist

Statuary dot the grounds and it’s a shame that the sky is not brighter because they really don’t look their best. The forecast was for a little blueness between 2 and 3 o’clock. ‘A little’ was all I saw. The following day dawned bright and blue, but I was elsewhere.

A shepherd boy with his lute

A watchful swan

I almost missed this fugitive from the woods!

Hercules tenderly cradles his son

Visible from the house and by far the grandest sculpture in the grounds, the Atlas Fountain is beautiful. The 3rd Earl of Carlisle, now interred within the Mausoleum, started the creation of the waterways which give the estate its character. There are lakes on both sides of the house, and in Summer you might even go boating on the Great Lake.

The Atlas Fountain, with its patina of age

Atlas holding up the world

And in reflection

The sculptures in the shallow water

I hope you enjoyed the walk, despite the dreary skies. I did, but I’m pretty sure that I will be back to join a guided walk in the Spring, when the rhododendrons are in full bloom.

The Castle Howard website is full of information, including details of how to get there. The photos show it at its glorious best. Later in the week I’ll be taking you inside the house and I can promise you a lot more colour.

You might need the kettle on for a ‘warm up’, then sit back and enjoy the walks I have to share. Details of how to join in are on my Jo’s Monday walks page. Many thanks to all my contributors, far and wide. It wouldn’t be the same without you.

Shall we start in paradise, with Jude?

Home and Away

Here’s a different, but still lovely, shoreline with Drake :

Walk the line, the coastline

Next stop, Toronto, for a ‘mum’ show! :

The sport of Mums

Then a hop ‘down the way’, to Dallas, to enjoy Amy’s beautiful photography :

The Dallas Arboretum

It’s snowing on Gilly’s blog, but not in her world! :

It may be December, but…

In Switzerland you have a good chance of snow! And idyllic scenery- thanks Rosemay!

Weggis by the Lake

Did you ever think you’d get chance to visit Mount Krakatoa? No- me neither! Amazing, Noe!

Mount Krakatoa

And, just to put you all to shame, here’s my lovely mate, Cathy, in China. Don’t miss it!

5 hour trip to the Longji Rice Terraces

Hope to see you all later in the week. Have a good one!

Jo’s Monday walk : the marina

Shadows lengthen in Hartlepool marina

I’ve been scrolling back through my Monday walks, trying to decide where to take you next. I still have a few, unshared, Algarve memories, but I think today we’ll just have a peaceful stroll around our marina. I’m continuing my hassle free mood. The Christmas rush will arrive soon enough.

Though the last few days here have been damp and dreary, last weekend the sunsets were liquid and beautiful. Perfect for a stroll! Dusk comes early at this time of year and, with the sun so low in the sky, the light and shade has a magic all its own.

The view from Jackson’s Landing

Looking down towards the marina

The colours reflect so well in the still water

The colours reflect so well in the calm water

The sun bounces from the flats to the water

The sun bounces off the apartments

And then fades!

You’ve probably noticed, I can always loiter by boats. And with the sun descending into a liquid pool, the temptation is even greater. I succumb every time!

The sun, lending highlights to the boats

The sun paints highlights on the boats

Lovingly caressing the red

Then sinking gently towards the water

Magical, isn’t it?

I struggle to tear myself away!

Light is a deceptive thing because, as I look back, the boats appear still well lit. I look towards the sea, and wonder if I might make it to the sea wall in the time remaining before sunset.

Looking back across the marina

Beyond the lock gates, two overgrown, ramshackle piers reach out to meet their mate across the water. There is a poignancy to them, with their neglected grassy tufts. The new sea defense walls make them look very shabby, but it’s atmospheric out there, with the evening shadows.

The poppy tribute in the marina

The lock gates

And beyond!

The new sea defense

And the old pier

Can you see the fishermen, huddled against the rocks?

A last dazzle of sunlight

A cycle path leads around the back of the apartment blocks, and back to Jackson’s landing, where we started out. A smokey haze rests on the water as the final clouds drift up and away.

Dying light!

I hope you enjoyed my very local stroll this week. No place like home? I’ve had the saddest weekend and would like to extend huge thanks to my blogging friends. They’re always there when I need them. Spending time on this post helped a little to distract me from the sudden and tragic death of a dear friend and neighbour in the Algarve.

If you’d like to join me on a walk, short or long, you’d be more than welcome. The logo above will take you to my Jo’s Monday walks page. Meanwhile, many thanks for all these great contributions. Time to put the kettle on, and enjoy.

Jude’s having a great time in Australia! Check this out :

Dee Why Lagoon

Colline’s walk couldn’t be more different! Brrrh! 🙂

A Walk through the Park

Drake’s a little early with his Christmas walk, but he’s off travelling soon :

Early Christmas walk

Texan beauty is what we’ve come to expect from Amy. You won’t be disappointed!

Enchanted Rock

Always nice to welcome someone new, especially on a waterfall walk :

Handstands and Hiking

And loiter in some mysterious woods in Germany. Thanks, Tobias!

Home Range II

Or you could go admiring clocks with Elena :

Where is Solothurn?

You know Yvette’s always fun! How about a train ride this week?

Triple Crossing Train Tracks

While Jill’s taking us where the trees are green :

Eastwoodhill- a tree lover’s sanctuary

Have a great week of walking! I hope your weather’s good.

Jo’s Monday walk : Nottingham Castle

Just what you'd expect from the entrance to a castle

Just what you’d expect from the entrance to an ancient castle

We’re not going to do too much walking in Nottingham this week. Up to the castle to check out the view, of course, but after that I might treat you to a half in ‘Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem’. It’s an interesting old place!

I know Nottingham quite well, because it’s my daughter’s home, but it’s years since I’ve been to the castle. As in many parts of the country this year, there was a war-related exhibition- ‘Trent to Trenches’. But first, we must climb up to the castle. It’s not too steep and we can go slowly through the gardens, or even sit on a bench for a while.

Naturally, Robin’s hanging out there!

Semprevirens form a display in the border

With a thrust or two of Cordeline

There’s a lovely summer house, with a bench or two for lingering

And I even spied an owl on guard duty!

Once you reach Castle Rock, there’s a large viewing terrace with patio tables and chairs. Another invitation to linger, with perhaps a pot of coffee and croissants.

The day I was there, we were constantly accosted by a swarm of ladybirds! I have never seen the like. Red and yellow ones, both, were on the tables and thronging the doorway to the museum. I didn’t manage a photo because I was too busy rescuing them and guiding them on a better flight path. I can only surmise the warm weather had brought them out to play.

The view from Castle Rock

The views are expansive

Overlooking ‘Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem’ below.

Time for a little history. Nottingham Castle sits on a natural promontory, known as Castle Rock, with cliffs up to 40 metres high. Back in the Middle Ages it was a major fortress and royal residence. As all good castles are, it was strategically located, near to a crossing of the River Trent. Close to the royal hunting grounds at Tideswell and Sherwood, it once even had its own deer park. Whilst Richard the Lionheart was away on his Third Crusade, it is thought that the castle was left derelict ,and was occupied by the Sheriff of Nottingham. In the legends of Robin Hood, the castle often features in showdowns between the Sheriff and this popular outlaw.

Sadly the castle went into decline, and was largely demolished in 1649. A mansion was built on the site, but this was burnt out by rioters in 1831. The story of this and much of the castle’s intriguing history is told in the Castle Museum, opened in 1878- the first municipal art gallery in the UK outside of London. Just before we step inside, let’s admire the elegant pebble mosaics set into the courtyard.

I don’t intend to linger too long in the museum. We each have our own pace and interests. Let me just give you a small sample of what you might find inside.

Beautiful and original wrought iron gates

From around the county

Exquisite glassware

And extraordinary chess pieces

Regimental silverware

War memorabilia

And uniforms

Several galleries were given over to the exhibition, documenting life in Nottinghamshire during the wars. Even in black and white I found many of the images harrowing, and moved swiftly downstairs to learn of the castle’s history. I won’t spoil it for you by giving away too many details but it is an atmospheric space, and a story well told.

You must be about ready for that half I promised you? We’ll wander down the hill, past the place that was once a thriving Lace Market. ‘Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem‘, dating back to 1189, must be one of the most unusual pubs I’ve ever been in. It is set into the cliff face and is famous for its caves. The rooms are unusual shapes, some with holes in the ceiling. There was once a brewery in the lower caverns and there’s a route from there up into Nottingham Castle. You can actually book a tour of the cellars, which are part of Nottingham’s extensive cave network. Affectionately known as ‘The Trip’, the name derives from a ‘trip’, meaning a stop or resting place on a journey.

The former Lace Market

The cliff face

‘The Trip’

Looking up!

One of the smallest rooms

What a strange ceiling!!

But look! A friendly face. Cheers, Lisa!

As always, I have included links for those who would like more information, or might be near enough to visit. I hope you enjoyed meandering around Nottingham Castle with me. Not too strenuous, was it?

I’m ready to put the kettle on now and enjoy the great contributions I’ve received to Jo’s Monday walk this week. If you have a walk you’d like to share, do please join in. For details, just click on the link or on my logo. Many thanks to all my walkers this week.

Firstly, Noe takes us back to South Sulawesi. The scenery is quite amazing! :

West coast of Gusung Island 2

And for something completely different, how about Glasgow Necropolis, with Violet Sky :

City of the Dead

Amy has saved us some delicious remnants of Autumn foliage :

Lost Maples

While Drake is busy, just being himself, in Liverpool :

Walking Sculptures

And, all the way from Australia, we have Jude joining us again. A bit special! :

A walk in the Blue Mountains

That’s it till next Monday. Have a great week and happy walking to you all!

Six word Saturday

“Reasons to be joyful- one…two…”

My lovely friend Sherri gave me my six words this week. I was still busy thinking along the ‘Joy is‘ lines when she left me this comment- ‘I now have Ian Drury’s famous words ringing through my mind ‘Reasons to be cheerful, one, two, three…’ ‘ Sherri always manages to make you feel good, even when she’s not feeling great herself. And I love the song!

The joy continued as I walked down the road. When did I last see so much colour, still in the trees at the end of November? It really is beautiful. How can it fail to lift the spirits?

Sunshine after the rain

Beautiful, isn’t it?

Even the ones lying in puddles are pretty!

And then you have lovely mopheads of hydrangea

During the week, I provided huge novelty value for a gentleman walking his dog in our local cemetery. I wasn’t visiting a grave, but passing through on my way into town. This old cemetery has a huge swathe of trees and I deemed it a fine opportunity to test out the camera function on my new smartphone. My face must have been a picture as I repeatedly produced ‘selfies’ of me scowling into the phone, totally incapable of switching to landscape mode, or whatever it’s called!

Eventually I ‘cracked it’, but the dog was not amused. He and his master had by then completed several circuits of the cemetery, each time the dog having a little snarl at my heels. I must have looked like a grave robber! I smiled apologetically at his owner, waving the ‘camera’. He then ventured near enough to point out a nice wood sculpture, just in case I’d missed it. When I’ve sorted out processing, I might be able to share some of the photos with you, but that’s definitely for another week! Meantime, let’s enjoy a Festival of leaves. It’s the last week for entries.

A few more damp leaves

Some clinging on!

Some not!

Who knows for how much longer?

But the beech hedges are lovely, aren’t they?

More joy when I bumped into a friend that I haven’t seen for the longest time. Following radical back surgery, he was looking great! One last little treat- I bought myself a bunch of tiny rosebuds for just £2. They’re beaming away at me from the hearth- red, lemon and peach. So- let’s have it! What brings you joy?

In all of this, I have to spare a thought for our American friends, fighting freezing temperatures and snow. In parts of Australia they have the opposite problem, sweltering heat! All in all, it’s not looking too bad to be here in England right now. If you can find time, don’t forget to say hello to Cate at Show My Face. Without her, what would I do with my Six word Saturday?

Joy is… so many things!

High tide!

I’m torn this week! I have several reasons to be joyful. Is that allowed, do you think?

The first one is that I have finally caught up with returning visits to my blog, after a week’s absence. That is pure delight, never mind joy! If I’ve missed anybody, will you give me a gentle nudge, please?

The second? I can, more or less, operate my new phone. Doing a dance for joy right now!

The third is the bit I’m going to share with you today. In a generally gloomy week, we had a little pocket of sunshine in which I popped out to do a few jobs. They just happened to be in the direction of Hartlepool Headland, and it was high tide. Pure, unadulterated joy!

Whoosh goes the sea, against the pier!

And against the sea wall!

This solitary chap was being a bit daring!

But he got away with it!

For me there are few things more joyful than watching the sea demonstrate its might on a sunny afternoon. I crouched beside the sea wall, excited as a child as the pier took hit after hit. Of course, I should have rested the camera on the wall and stayed put till I got that perfect shot. But so delighted was I at the great claps of spray flying around me that I totally forgot to stay still. The results are as you see. But I had such fun!

You have to love it!

It would have been so easy to get wet!

But I somehow avoided it

Gorgeous, isn’t it?

I had another reason to be joyful, but I’d better save that till next week, don’t you think? Can I overdose on joy?

If you’d like to share a little more, please visit Kan. Her Joy is series is just that. A joy!

Jo’s Monday walk : a Durham footpath

Interesting reflections

Often I walk with company, and that’s very nice, but occasionally I get to do a bit of wandering on my own- just me and the camera. Nobody tapping their toes impatiently while I explore all the angles- ‘what IS she looking at?’ You might know the feeling. My husband travels quite a lot locally, visiting customers, and sometimes I go along ‘for the ride’. Durham is a favourite place.

The River Wear twines itself through the city, towing me along behind it. My sense of direction is abysmal but, with a river to hold on to, I stand a fighting chance. A bright Autumnal day was just the excuse I needed for an unfettered wander. I’ll let you look over my shoulder, shall I?

The river bank is a little overgrown in places

I’m starting off at Shincliffe Bridge, by “The Rose Tree” pub, on the A177 road, on the outskirts of Durham. There’s a path either side of the bridge and I linger for a while, contemplating which direction to take. I cross over the bridge and am lured by a footpath that I don’t know. It follows the river so there’s a good chance I’ll end up in the centre of Durham.

I don’t get very far when I spot some wildflowers by the path. The sun is strong for October so I spend some time trying to get a shot that I like. I catch curious looks from the occasional jogger. Two ladies, strolling, confirm that I can cross over a bridge further along. Subsidence and falling trees has closed some of the footpath off, but I already knew this.

Sycamore wings

This will have to do!

Or maybe this shot?

It has some paler friends too

A broken tree captures my sympathy

And those flowers again, in white

A peaceful stretch of river

And a ‘pop’ of yellow

After a while I come to the bridge which I must cross over. Now I’m on more familiar territory. There’s a large modern sports facility here, used sometimes for football training by Hartlepool FC. (ssh, sensitive subject- no comments please!)

Approaching the bridge

The treads are made of logs

Looking back across the river

Safely over the bridge, the path follows the river on the other bank, through dappled leafy shade. Frequent splashes of oars can be heard as the local rowing teams spin and twirl in the water, to the harsh calls of the cox. The odd, solitary oarsman glides past too.

This strange creature is ‘working out’ by the river

Dappled shade

Heave! Heave!

Solitary struggles

I cross over a path which leads to the boat club (members only), and shortcut across a field strewn with the remnants of Autumn. The wider expanse of river beckons.

Lingering Autumn

The river widens at this point, heading towards Durham centre

The bandstand

I take a seat in the bandstand. I have been carrying with me, since my visit to Nottingham, a postcard destined for Viveka in Sweden. I exchanged addresses with this lovely lady some time ago, and now I receive ‘surprises’ in the post. (one of which was a Paris t-shirt in black and gold! I don’t know anyone more generous than Viveka) I have always loved postcards and having one land on my doormat gladdens my heart. Now it’s my turn to reciprocate. There’s a post office in town and what nicer place to sit and write?

On towards the centre and another bridge

Along the riverbank to yet another bridge!

Durham Castle, beautifully framed

The path follows the river to the bridge with the green railings, shown above. (Baths Bridge) I cross over, approaching the boat hire beneath Elvet Bridge. This is a popular spot and, in Summer, paintings of the castle and many other Durham views adorn the nearby walls. You might want to pause here for something to eat, or a row on the river. There are plenty of places to eat in Durham, catering to all tastes and wallets.

I pause to admire all the boat names

Especially Shirley!

I’m going to continue into the centre, to post my card. Before I go, I’d better give you instructions on how to get back to the start point, hadn’t I?

Climb the steps up onto Elvet Bridge and cross over it. Turn right onto New Elvet, passing the Royal County Hotel, and continue uphill to Hallgarth St. Following Hallgarth will bring you to a roundabout with a junction signed A177. About 15 minute’s walk in this direction will bring you back to Shincliffe Bridge, where I began. I hope you enjoyed our wander.

Next Monday I will be in the Algarve, but I intend to schedule a walk, just so you don’t forget me. I can’t guarantee that I will be able to respond to your comments, as this will necessitate a visit to an internet cafe. Not something I often do, but Anazu does have a connection. Please just link to my post as usual, if you have a walk to share. My Jo’s Monday walk page will give you the details, and I will respond to you as soon as I possibly can. Meantime, let’s put that kettle on and settle in for some more great reads.

I don’t receive many walks from South Sulawesi! Many thanks for this treat, and welcome Noe :

Walking around Tinabo Island

Jerusalem and Cardinal seem to go together. This is very beautiful night photography :

Jerusalem

Combine good company with superb night time shots in Bologna, with Paula :

Music and lights of Bologna

There are lots of things that Drake knows. How to entertain has always been one of them :

Knowing its Autumn

Fall in Canada! Wouldn’t you love to share it with Colline? :

Familiar Streets

Climbing hills and hopping over stiles in Dorset. Can this really be Jude? :

Pilsdon Pen

More beautiful Autumn colour and a little shared knowledge, from Violet Sky :

A tree walk

Close up and personal with Milkweed Bugs? I don’t like bugs much, but I do love Amy’s company

Milkweed Bug walk

And finally, stop off at the market on the way to the beach with Pauline. You may need a sunhat!

A walk along beautiful Burleigh Beach

I hope you enjoy these walks as much as I did. Many thanks to all my lovely contributors. Happy walking! See you soon.

Six word Saturday

At last I found number 13!

Just watching the waves

Back in April I introduced you to the Hartlepool Story Trail. It seems a long time ago and I’ve strolled on the Headland many times since then. This has been an unbelievably mild October! A little wild and windy at times but I really haven’t wanted to be indoors. So, on Tuesday, when the wind was blowing me inside out but the skies were bright, I battled the Headland again.

The sturdy town wall

Finding shelter

Whirling around!

Even the birds are sheltering

And the boats too, of course!

It’s always more sheltered beside the Town Wall and so, after a brisk walk beside the sea, I headed for relative calm. How is it that you can always find something if you’re not looking for it? There, staring me in the face, was the elusive no. 13! How many times must I have walked past it, unknowing? Or has somebody been playing tricks with me and ‘spooked’ it away? It is Halloween soon, you know.

Would you believe I missed it?

It’s not a pretty thing, but it’s titled ‘Lifeboats Gallantry’ and on closer inspection I read that it pays tribute to the many acts of gallantry of our local lifeboat men. I’m so glad I finally found it.

Happy Six Word Saturday! I won’t be taking part next week. With any luck I’ll be at A garden fair at Estoi Palace in the Algarve on Saturday. But I’ll be taking you for another Jo’s Monday walk before I go. Don’t forget to visit Cate at Show My Face, will you? And enjoy your weekend!

restlessjo

Roaming, at home and abroad

England

Castle Howard at Christmas

Six word Saturday

Let it snow! Let it snow!

Young at heart

Jo’s Monday walk : Ray Wood and Polar Bear walk

Jo’s Monday walk : the marina

Jo’s Monday walk : Nottingham Castle

Six word Saturday

“Reasons to be joyful- one…two…”

Joy is… so many things!

Jo’s Monday walk : a Durham footpath

Six word Saturday

At last I found number 13!

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Let it snow! Let it snow!

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“Reasons to be joyful- one…two…”

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At last I found number 13!

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