England

Jo’s Monday walk : Seaham ‘Tommy’

Sculpture Eleven O One, known by the locals as ‘Tommy’

It’s a far cry from the cliff tops of the Algarve to the Green above the cliffs in former mining town, Seaham, but that’s where our walk will take us this week. The campaign to keep Tommy in place has attracted national attention, and I needed to see him for myself.

Built out of special corten steel by local sculptor, Ray Lonsdale, Eleven O One is so named for the armistice which came into effect at 11am on November 11, 1918. His air of total bone weariness and despair makes you want to throw an arm around him. Originally intended to be in place for just 3 months, Tommy has touched so many hearts that donations have almost raised the £85,000 needed to keep him.

I’ve taken you to Seaham before, though not on my Monday walks. It has a long seafront and a pretty little marina. Come with me and I’ll show you a bit more.

I’m starting at the car park at the far end of the front

And walking back along it towards the lighthouse

Pausing to admire the many rock pools

There’s a lot of cloud today

So the sea isn’t quite at it’s twinkly best

But it’s still a place where the starfish like to play!

For the moment we will bypass the Green, where a crowd gathers to have a photo taken with Tommy. I will come back when it’s quieter, to lay a hand on his knee and try to console him. Instead, we will drop down into the marina, not looking quite so pretty today with heavy skies.

Boats can always snare my attention

With a waft of flowers to cheer them up

And a few noble weeds

Can you see the birds nesting on the back wall?

I always like to have a few boat shots!

This reflective one is my favourite

There are good views out to the lighthouse from the cafe that sits above the marina, and the RNLI have an excellent museum, showcasing the lifeboat, if you have time to browse.

Leaving the marina, I look out to the lighthouse

And back across the bay, at Seaham , above the cliffs

There are miles of cliff tops so you can extend the walk as far as you want. There are parking facilities at both ends of the seafront and also by the Green. A lower promenade takes you closer to the beach, or you can check out the craft shops and sample local cuisine if that appeals more. But now it’s time to return to Tommy.

Too tired for thought

The eternal weapon in his hand

Rations and the cares of the world on his back

Sunk in despair

Tommy’s story

If only it were over!

Could anything be more sad?

Time I shared with you some brilliant walks from last week. You can click on the logo above or my Jo’s Monday walks page for details of how to join in. You’re always very welcome.

First up we have Elaine, fresh from the Three Peaks Challenge on Saturday. I think she’s earned a rest this week! :

walking The Ridgeway from Tring Station to Wendover

Drake has been a loyal supporter since I started my walks. Come with us to lovely Strasbourg :

Age do charm

Jude always has an eye for a beautiful garden and this week is no exception :

Garden Portrait: Glenwhan Gardens

The Alcazar in Seville is a special place, especially when seen through Amy’s lens :

Jo’s Monday Walk: the Alcázar Gardens

You need a strong stomach for Sue’s post this week. Deep fried Oreos? After you! :

http://traveltalesoflife.com/2014/07/11/chocolate-dipped-bacon-and-scorpion-pizza-eating-at-the-calgary-stampede-a-wild-ride/

Happy walking folks! I hope to see you next week.

Six word Saturday

Have you climbed a vertical pier?

The Vertical Pier, at Redcar

Its setting on the waterfront is quite dramatic at sunset

With only the wind farm for company

And the odd boat or two

But when the lights come on, there's a hint of magic

But when the lights come on, there’s just a hint of magic

Sadly I wasn’t there long enough to see it fully lit, nor to climb the tower. At £1.6 million it hardly represents value for money, but it is definitely different. Part of a regeneration programme to breathe new life into this North Yorkshire town, it’s not so much a pier as a viewing platform, with 360 degree views of Redcar.

Renamed the Redcar Beacon, following a public vote, the tower has free admission and cafe facilities on the ground floor. What was I doing in Redcar? Attending an open evening for a friend’s latest venture. If you happen to be passing, say ‘hello’ to The Clock Gallery. There are some great photos on show.

What are you up to this weekend? If you have some spare time, why not visit Cate at Show My Face, and play Six Word Saturday? Have a good week!

1Day 1World Project: 9.00-10.00pm

Approaching Hart Village as night falls

I’ve followed this project almost from it’s beginnings and every week I mean to join in. We’ve had a couple of lovely sunsets this week but I was bored with my usual ‘back bedroom window’ scenario. Trouble is, most of my days are pretty busy and I can rarely summon the energy for an evening stroll.

It seems such a waste when those Summer nights will be shortening soon. So, I grabbed my jacket and off I went, up the hill in search of a sunset.

The sun’s last rays were just gilding this statue, at the Golf Club

I scurried up the hill, which is quite steep (another reason I don’t do evening strolls), desperate to reach the top before the light faded. Cars swept past me, racing for home, or the pub.

That glow on the horizon urged me on

I was on the edge of the village- almost there!

But still I couldn’t find the vantage point I really wanted, and those sweeping views I had in mind. I raced up through the village, nodding to the occasional dog walker. Past St. Mary Magdalene’s lovely church and into Butts Lane, I started to look at my watch. Time in the allotted slot was ticking away. I’ve never been very good with deadlines!

But then I thought to myself, ‘does it really matter?’ Here I am, out in the world with my camera, doing what I love best. Lucky to be alive.

And the sheep seemed to concur!

You’ve seen these sheep already today, on Paula’s Thursday’s Special. They were very interested in what I was up to, lurking on the outskirts of Hart Village.

I peeped in through the farmyard gates

And admired the sign

And then it was time to head for home, tired but happy. I had already walked to Hart earlier in the day for a t’ai chi class, and retraced my walk for Christine on the return journey. Thankfully, my days are not always so hectic.

I glanced in at the village pub, half tempted

But I didn’t fancy the walk back to town in the dark. A quiet glass of wine at home would be my reward, and it was all downhill on the return journey.

Admiring the fish-shaped clouds

I cannot claim that this was a typical evening, but I enjoyed it very much. I hope that you did too. The photos were all taken between 9.00 and 10.00pm.

Lisa’s 1 Day 1 World Project is an interesting one. Why not follow the links and join in?

A walk for Christine

Christine and Stuart, happy on their holidays

Like many of you, I felt like I had been punched in the stomach, reading Stuart’s brave post this morning. His lovely wife, Christine, ended their 45 years together in his arms. Tears are not far away but I need to write this post. Losing a friend is terrible, but losing a partner, thankfully, is unimaginable till it happens to you.

I know that Christine would want us to celebrate her life, and I’m doing that in the only way I know how. This morning I took a walk in our English countryside, with Christine looking over my shoulder. So often she has done just that, here on my blog. She loved the beauty of nature.

The sheep were indulging their usual antics

And against a garden wall, the sweet peas were climbing

Following the footpath out of the village

I followed the footpath out of the village

And down the lane, peering in the hedgerows

For little beauties such as this

And this

And gossamer drifts, like these

The elder flowers have been prolific this year

There’s a farmyard smell or two

It's not all beauty when you look over the farmer's wall!

And it’s not always pretty when you look over the farmer’s wall

But there’s beauty enough if you look for it

And, like Christine, I always do

The insects always seem to find it, too

It comes in all shapes and sizes

And is not always so easy to capture

However could I have imagined, when I woke up this morning, that I’d be writing this post? Was it only Monday we last exchanged greetings and she left me a link to Glastonbury Tor? I can only be thankful for her friendship, and regret that we missed each other by just a day on her recent holiday. I’m so glad that she had that happy time.

Such a wealth of memories Stuart has to look back on. I know him very little, and of his drawings, only through Christine. But what a thoughtful and amazing partner to have said goodbye, on her behalf, as he did this morning. My thoughts are with him and the family she so loved. She was a warm and caring person, who touched my life and that of many others. Whenever I take this English walk now, I know who I’ll be thinking of.

Just one last English rose, for Christine

Six word Saturday

Jo’s Monday walk and some scarecrows

It’s scarecrow time again in the villages

And the ladybird came to the Ugly Bug Ball

‘Let us crawl, let us crawl…’

It’s quite a horsey kind of village

Which can be exhausting, at times!

What a beautiful garden for a swim!

Naturally, we’re all set for the Tour de France

Is this a disappointed spectator?

Or is she keeping her eye on the children?

Or is she just keeping her eye on the children?

I thought that was big sister’s job!

But it wouldn't be an English village without a patriotic gnome

It wouldn’t be an English village without a patriotic gnome, now would it?

The scarecrows ‘speak for themselves’ , but I thought I would take this opportunity to introduce my Monday walks page. I’ve been posting Jo’s Monday walks since March and they’ve had a wonderful response. I’m very grateful for all your support, and thought it was time I constructed a page to explain a few details. A click on my new logo will take you to the page.

Speaking of logos, you won’t forget to visit Cate at Show My Face, will you? She’ll be waiting expectantly for your Six word Saturdays. Whether you’re chasing scarecrows, out walking or just relaxing at home, I hope you have a happy Saturday.

Six word Saturday

Forget the football- enjoy the knitting!

No prizes for identifying Japan! Lovely, isn’t she?

Ooh, la, la! The French, they are irresistible, ‘non’?

Spain? He’s fell over!

Ivory Coast has a cute frog!

And a very cute elephant!

No foul play, please!

Greece seem to have brought along a gladiator to help! Or a Trojan?

They grow an awful lot of coffee in …

And beef in Argentina (sorry- Ana says it’s Uruguay, and she would know!)

This guy seems to have crashed the party!

He has his eye on the sweet senorita!

Another lovely lady hails from Ghana

While some of us are awfully laid back! (here are Ana’s Argentinians)

And some have very noisy supporters (don’t they, Paula?)

Some even have their own transport! Must have been an omen.

How about a hot dog, for after the match?

Ecuador has a lynx, or is he a wolf?

And a pretty lady friend!

And a puma seems to have crashed the party!

Such an alert-looking puma!

But this must be the ultimate accessory!

But for me, this is the ultimate accessory! The Russian dolls are gorgeous.

You’ve guessed it! Back in England, I’ve been hanging around on Saltburn pier again, and haven’t they done a grand job? You might remember my yarn bombing post from last year, and I just had to go and see what they had made of the World Cup. You don’t have to be a football supporter to love these. Pick a winner?

Apologies to any I’ve left out (or got wrong!). I’m not sure that all 32 were there. Hope I’ve managed to raise a Saturday smile or two.

Don’t forget to share your Six word Saturday with Cate at Show My Face.

Follow the herring

A coat for a boat

I really shouldn’t be here this evening but today I found a “must share”. The ‘Follow the Herring’ exhibition of knitting and crafts is travelling down the east coast of England and today I caught a preview in Hartlepool Art Gallery.

How do you knit a coat for a boat? The coble boat, made by the North East Maritime Trust, will be at the centre of each exhibition, brought to life with locally made artwork.

The waves, beneath the boat

A travelling show, ‘Get up and Tie your Fingers’, uses the background of the 1881 Eyemouth Fishing Disaster to tell the story of the ‘herring lassies’ who followed the fishing fleets down the coast to meet the catch at each port of call. With knives at the ready and strips of cloths tied around their thumbs and forefingers to protect from the blades, they gutted, salted, and barrelled the ‘silver darlings’, the bountiful herring that were destined for markets across the world. Sometimes at the cost of their menfolk’s lives.

Knitted sail detail

The herring!

A friendly gull

Safety first!

The wave of herring

A wooden ‘wave’ has been constructed and at each venue a section of local handiwork is added. The exhibition set off from Musselburgh in Scotland and the shoal will be beautifully and creatively increased by the time it reaches Hastings on 3rd July.

Departing from Musselburgh

More details about the exhibition and the show can be found on this link to The Customs House.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Sea glass window contributed by students at Catcote Academy

An amazing collection of work, isn’t it? You can even download a ‘Follow the herring’ knitting pattern and join in on the website.

But my favourite exhibit has to be the boat

My favourite exhibit just has to be the coble

I probably won’t be able to respond to many of your comments until I return from the Algarve next week. The laptop is going into rehab, but I thought that this was a nice way to leave you.

Jo’s Monday walk : Sheepwash and the Moors

Got any sheep you want washing? Here's the place!

Got any sheep you need washing? This is the place!

And now, as they say, for something completely different. In more senses than one because some of you will know that this isn’t the walk I originally intended taking you on this week. Fortunately, I have walks to spare! I’ll tell you the story first, before we head to Sheepwash.

Last Monday I was at Carlton-in-Cleveland with my walking friends. The area is pretty steep and, as it half-promised to be a warm day, I decided to take water with me in my newly acquired, hands-free, sling over the shoulder, cool bag. Foolishly I slipped my camera inside, without any cover or protection. When I came to extract it an hour later, it felt a little moist. Keen to get snapping, I gave it a swift rub with a tissue and off I went. The brave and obedient camera performed as usual for the first few shots, then suddenly it ‘locked up’. When I looked at it properly, the screen was all misted. The poor soul had drowned!

In these kind of circumstances (yes, I am pretty careless!) I normally hand the camera to Michael, and with a bit of ‘tutting’ he resuscitates it. Not this time! We took turns at snuggling it in our pockets, hoping to dry it out and breathe new life into it. Quite understandably, the camera refused to respond. I have to say that it ruined my walk, through magnificent countryside, but just maybe I’ve been taught a lesson. With love and affection (and a warm seat on the radiator) the camera finally came back to life the following day. Will I ever learn!

I hope you like my substitute walk, from Sheepwash. I haven’t ever actually seen a sheep being washed in the stream, but that is where the name derives from. Cod Beck is a small tributary of the River Swale and the picturesque area known as Sheepwash is a popular picnic spot.

The National Trust has its priorities right in this area!

As the walkers set off, I crouched in the grass to inspect this little beauty

Soon we are climbing up the hillside, away from the road

The countryside falls away below us

And we’re walking on the Cleveland Way

Sheepwash is situated just outside the pretty North Yorkshire village of Osmotherley. From the village centre, take North End and continue on to Quarry Lane, passing Cod Beck reservoir on the way. There are a couple of parking bays, just beyond Sheepwash.

North Yorkshire is a superb place for walking. The Lyke Wake Walk starts on the moors above Osmotherley and ends down the coast at Ravenscar. Bill Cowley, a local farmer, claimed that you could walk these 40 miles on heather all the way, except for crossing a couple of roads. For me, there is no finer sight than the vast sweep of purple heather in Summer. Osmotherley is also on the 110 mile long Cleveland Way, from Helmsley to Filey, just skirting the Moors.

A solitary sheep keeps his distance across the field- no sheep wash for him!

The waymarked trail leads off across the moors

With runnels to help the rains to drain away

And interesting whorls beneath your feet

The grasses a tapestry of colours

A tree, braving the elements, alone

It’s a bit of a steep haul up the trail but you can always stop to admire the view. A bench awaits for the weary, or you can continue on through the gate, and turn left. It’s downhill from here.

The gate at the top of the hill

The name says it all. That’s Michael, caught on the phone, in the background

The path drops back down towards Quarry Lane, with views over Cod Beck reservoir, our next destination. Cross straight over the road and take the path down to your right. There’s a caravan park at the bottom which always looks inviting, but we continue over the bridge and then left through the trees, which brings you out at the reservoir. But first, the waterfall!

I always pause to look at the waterfall on Cod Beck

Cod Beck chuckles as it races down the steps

Two shiny red canoes! A rarity at the reservoir

Today they have company- it’s a school trip

But the goslings don’t appear to mind

The gorse is plentiful too

With just a few mallows at the water’s edge

Walking the length of the reservoir will bring you back to Sheepwash. Maybe you’ll stop for a picnic, or return to Osmotherley for something more substantial at one of the village’s three pubs. It depends a little on the weather. Today was perfect!

I hope you enjoyed walking with me. I like a bit of company so if you have a walk you’d like to share, please do join in. All you need to do is leave a link in the Comments below this post, or if you prefer, link to any of my walks from your own post. Normally I will round all the links up and post them at the bottom of next week’s walk, so everyone gets a chance to see them. Next Monday I’ll be in the Algarve and I won’t have any technical stuff with me (just the camera, if I’m lucky!) so there’ll be no walk posted. Sorry! I’ll try to add your links to this week’s post before I go, but any I miss I’ll add to the following week.

I already have a superb selection of walks from last week, so put the kettle on and let’s go armchair walking! First we have Paula, at lovely Lake Lugano :

http://bopaula.wordpress.com/2014/05/26/a-walk-around-a-lake-for-jo/

Then Sue, slightly crazy in Calgary! :

http://traveltalesoflife.com/2014/05/26/hazards-of-spring-running-beavers-geese-and-killer-bunnies/

And Drake, in the serenity of Samso :

http://ledrakenoir.wordpress.com/2014/05/27/sunshine-walking/

Cardinal is in Jerusalem- a place I’d love to visit! :

http://artishorseshit.wordpress.com/2014/05/26/elephant-0987/

http://cardinalguzman.wordpress.com/2014/06/02/follow-the-arrow/

Beautiful and British, stately homes with Elaine :

http://elainemcnulty.wordpress.com/2014/05/27/woburn-abbey-deer-park-and-gardens/

Pauline takes us ‘down under’ :

http://pommepal.wordpress.com/2014/05/27/mullewa-meander-walking-with-jo/

And Jude, in leafy green Ludlow :

http://smallbluegreenwords.wordpress.com/2014/05/28/priors-halton-loop/

And from this week’s walkers, we have Paula again, feeling energetic in London, this time :

http://bopaula.wordpress.com/2014/06/02/first-impressions-of-london/

And Drake is taking me to the cemetery. But don’t worry, it’s by a lovely route! :

http://ledrakenoir.wordpress.com/2014/06/02/the-shade-of-the-history/

If you’ve ever wanted to see the fabulous Lost gardens of Heligan, Jude has the shots! :

http://smallbluegreenflowers.wordpress.com/2014/06/02/garden-portrait-the-lost-gardens-of-heligan-part-i/

I’m blessed this week. My travelling Australian friend, Christine, has joined in from the Alpujarras in Spain :

http://dadirridreaming.wordpress.com/2014/06/03/walk-around-berchules/

Yvette can tell you all about olive oil! :

http://priorhouse.wordpress.com/2014/06/03/monday-walk-with-jo-olive-oil-and-flower-walk-by/

And wow! I am so honoured. Madhu has been walking in Bologna, in the rain too! :

http://theurgetowander.com/2014/06/02/bologna-a-walk-in-the-rain/

Happy walking folks! Take care till next time.

Jo’s Monday walk : Nesbitt Dene

Thorpe Bulmer Farm

This week I’m going to take you for a simple little stroll from Hart Village, through Nesbitt Dene and back again. Hart is only 2km north of Hartlepool, and if I’m not walking on a beach, the chances are I’ll be somewhere near this village. It’s not very big, but has 2 pubs, a village hall (where I do t’ai chi on Wednesday mornings) and a lovely little church. More of this later. Time to put on the walking shoes.

From the main street, a public footpath sign directs you through a gap in the housing, down to a little stream and round to St. Mary Magdalene’s Church. Sometimes it’s open and you can take a look inside, but if the sky is blue we’ll keep on striding. A right turn onto Butts Lane will lead you out of the village, towards farm land. You’ll usually pass a nosy sheep or two on the way.

Today they look like teddy bears and are busy 'tucking in'.

These two look like teddy bears, busy ‘tucking in’.

There’s an old barn, of course

And sometimes hay ‘rolls’ in the fields.

The sea is over on your right, across the fields

The sea is over on your right,in the distance

The road heads gently up an incline, and you should carry on until you see Thorpe Bulmer Farm ahead of you. It’s a large white building and not easy to miss. When you reach the farm a path splits off to the left, taking you around the side of the farm to the lovely view in the top picture.

I was surprised by the bright yellow of the seats by the duck pond. Last year they were a more soothing duck egg blue. Either way, the ducks don’t seem to mind, and wouldn’t it be a nice spot to recline? But not for us! We’re going to the woods.

The leaves are unfurling nicely and there are hens in the farmyard

The leaves are unfurling nicely, and soon there will be a canopy of green

But the woods are still breathing quietly

But the woods are still a little sparse, and breathing quietly

Wood anemones flourish

Pine cones litter the path

And a twinkling or two might catch your eye

And celandines sparkle amid the green

Following the path to the side of the farm, you very soon come to the woods, on your right. There are a number of paths leading through them, crossing a little stream, and back out again. Take the steps down and over the bridge, then continue straight ahead.

Emerging from the dene you will see Nesbitt Hall across the fields ahead of you. It is a Grade ll listed building, dating from 1697. Keep it on your left hand side and follow the edge of the field.

Nesbitt Hall, and a lot of clouds!

The fields are full of rape seed at the minute

And great heaps of rolled hay

With rusty old bits of farming equipment

Not good for pollen sufferers, I’m afraid! Take the path to your right, away from the Hall, and continue downhill, back into Nesbitt Dene and the woods.

I cannot resist a blossom shot along the way

Or even two!

And then you’re back beneath the feathery trees

Beside a stream, primulas thrive, liking the mossy surround

Beside a stream, primulas thrive, liking their mossy surroundings

The trees, reflecting in the shallow water

Then you are climbing back out of the dene and retracing your steps to Hart Village. Here you might want to linger in the churchyard. Or try one of the village pubs. I can personally recommend ‘The White Hart’. If you have driven to the village there is a car park conveniently beside the church, signed Butts Lane.

St. Mary Magdalene’s and the churchyard

Inside the church, a peaceful scene

I can guarantee you peace for a week or so, because I’m heading off to Poland tomorrow. I hope to have time to respond to your comments before I go, but if I miss anyone, my apologies in advance. I’m hoping you’ll join in and share a favourite walk with me. If not this week, then maybe when I return? You have a little extra ‘think time’.

As usual, you can leave a link to your walk post in my comments, or you can link back to me from the post. I really don’t mind, and any day of the week will do. It would be lovely to have some walks to cheer me up when I return. I’ll try to entertain you with a Polish walk in exchange. Seem fair? Great! I’ll see you then. Take care in the meantime!

Just got time for some shares before I go. Don’t miss Amy’s lovely River Walk :

https://shareandconnect.wordpress.com/2014/04/28/jos-monday-walk-river-walk/

And Yvette, being zany 🙂

http://priorhouse.wordpress.com/2014/04/28/monday-walk-with-jo-street-shots-bread-and-jim-gaffigan-clip/

And you simply can’t miss Sonel taking a Mantis for a walk, in her own inimitable style!

http://sonelcorner.wordpress.com/2014/04/28/jos-monday-walk-a-walk-with-mantis/

Bluebell woods, anyone? Thanks, Elaine!

http://elainemcnulty.wordpress.com/2014/04/29/tiptoe-through-the-bluebells-with-me/

Six word Saturday

What a year for blossom trees!

Great clusters of pinkness!

That almost take your breath away

So delicate and yet so profuse

The darker pinks, more sparing of their favours

The darker pinks are a little more restrained

But happy to flirt with their showy neighbours

But happy to flirt with their showier neighbours!

I never tire of looking up

There are still a few delicate, restful whites around

And even a flash of black with the white!

Aren’t the little black ones simply gorgeous?

Just one more splash of colour!

I’ve gone a little blossom crazy because next week I go to Poland, and I know that when I come back they’ll mostly have vanished. Isn’t this the most beautiful time of year?

I won’t be posting 6WS next week, and I have just one more Monday walk to take before I’m gone. You can catch me there if you like, or even join in, if you have a walk you’d like to share.

Meantime, have a happy and colourful weekend, and don’t forget to visit Cate at Show My Face to post your Six word Saturday.

restlessjo

Roaming, at home and abroad

England

Jo’s Monday walk : Seaham ‘Tommy’

Six word Saturday

Have you climbed a vertical pier?

1Day 1World Project: 9.00-10.00pm

A walk for Christine

Six word Saturday

Jo’s Monday walk and some scarecrows

Six word Saturday

Forget the football- enjoy the knitting!

Follow the herring

Jo’s Monday walk : Sheepwash and the Moors

Jo’s Monday walk : Nesbitt Dene

Six word Saturday

What a year for blossom trees!

Share this:javascript:void(0);return false;

Have you climbed a vertical pier?

Share this:javascript:void(0);return false;

Share this:javascript:void(0);return false;

Share this:javascript:void(0);return false;

Jo’s Monday walk and some scarecrows

Share this:javascript:void(0);return false;

Forget the football- enjoy the knitting!

Share this:javascript:void(0);return false;

Share this:javascript:void(0);return false;

Share this:javascript:void(0);return false;

Share this:javascript:void(0);return false;

What a year for blossom trees!

Share this:javascript:void(0);return false;