England

From a bridge, to a barrage.
A completely different bridge

The bridge at the Whitewater Rafting Centre

If you saw my entry for the Weekly Photo Challenge this week, you might just have wondered what you would find if you crossed over that bridge. Come with me, and I’ll satisfy your curiosity.

You may remember that we started with this remarkable bridge

You may remember , I started with this remarkable bridge

The Infinity Bridge was constructed across the River Tees, at a cost of £15 million, and opened on 14th May 2009.  It was part of a massive regeneration project linking the river banks and providing a very pleasant environment for walking and cycling.  Full details are in the enclosed Wikipedia link, but a rather special feature is the sensory lighting system, which illuminates the bridge at night.  I have yet to play with this!

Footpaths stretch along both banks, leading in one direction to the town of Stockton.  The opposite direction leads to the Tees Barrage and eventually out to sea.  It can be quite an interesting bit of shoreline.  The Tees Barrage is used to control the flow of the river and to prevent flooding.  The waters beyond the barrage are permanently held at the level of an average high tide.   The Barrage, which opened on 22nd April, 1995, has a design life of 120 years!  It also incorporates a white water course,  a real crowd pleaser if an event coincides with a sunny day.

The Barrage always attracts the curious
And has many interesting angles
And curves
Like these.

And looking back from the Barrage, what can you see?

The Infiniity Bridge, of course

The Infinity Bridge, on the skyline, of course

Just look at that blue sky!

And just look at that blue sky!

Today all is calm on the White Water course

Today all is calm on the White Water course
Not a ripple disturbs the water.

Barely a ripple disturbs the water

But sometimes the Fire Brigade provide a little sport

But sometimes the Fire Brigade provide a little sport!

If nothing is happening on the white water, you can often find entertainment from the antics of the seals in the River Tees.  They seem as interested in the Barrage as are humans.  There is also a small nature trail, for a close up on the wildlife.  It can be a breezy spot though, so don’t forget to wear your warm jacket.  I did!

An object of great beauty
The Infinity Bridge, Stockton-on-Tees

The Infinity Bridge, Stockton-on-Tees

An object that tells a story was what Cheri asked for on the WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge.  I hadn’t intended to take part this week but, returning from a flying visit to a retail park this afternoon, I caught a glimpse of one of my favourite bridges, silhouetted against a wonderful sky.  “Can we stop for just a minute?”  I asked, and was off like a whirlwind, clutching the camera.

The “story” for me is always what is on the opposite shore.  I love the “invitation to cross” that a bridge always provides.  How about you?

And again

Again

And again!

And again!

Have you entered yet?  I’m off to read some of the other “stories”.

Six word Saturday

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Today I’ve chosen a Header Photo

And it has a nautical theme

With a nautical theme, you may notice.

Those offshore windmills will be turning

Those offshore windmills will definitely be turning today

Because it's a bright and breezy day

Because it’s bright and breezy (you could substitute the word “cold”)

One of these days I'll take you on the "Monkey trail"

One of these weeks I’ll take you on the “Monkey trail”

More properly known as the "Headland Story Trail"

More properly known as the “Headland Story Trail”

But it's a little cold for lingering today

But not today- it’s a little cold for lingering.

Much more suited to the marina

And much more suited to the calm of the marina

Maybe you remember that last week my Header was a plain, bold black?  During the week I’ve tinkered about a bit and come to a few conclusions.  In the main, I’m happy with the plain Header, because I usually start my post with a photo, and there’s more impact this way.  But for a post like this, where I start with a logo, I think a photo looks better.

This generates its own problems, because the writing on the Header is white, and I cannot change the colour unless I pay to customise it.  So, I need to use a fairly dark toned photo for the writing to show up.  This limits my choice a little, but I’ve enjoyed playing with the Headers, and I expect you’ll be seeing more.  I’ll have to change it with each post or it won’t match, and if you visit another of my posts after this one, that won’t match either! (for anyone missing my old Town Wall header photo, it’s now consigned to my Flickr photos, in the sidebar)

Next week, the problem of Menus and Categories.  Do many of you use them?  If not, how do you go about finding posts?

As often happens, I’m using my Six word Saturday in a slightly unconventional way.  But it’s interesting, isn’t it?  Well, I hope you think so.  Cate at Show My Face will have lots of variations on the theme, so don’t forget to click on the link or the logo to join in.

Just one last sunset!
Sea defences softened by sunset

Hartlepool sea defences, softened by the setting sun

All of my life I’ve been a diarist and a chronicler.  There’s nothing I like better than to tell a bit of a story.  And these days, to illustrate it with a photo or three.  How, and when, did it happen that my camera became an extension of my arm?  I don’t really know, but I do know that I love putting captions onto the images of my life.

So maybe it’s no surprise that, in blogging, I feel as if I’ve come home.  I’ve found an audience with whom I can share a smile (and the odd reflection).  I try to keep it light.  The world has enough sorrows.  But I’m happy to listen, to encourage, and to give and receive lots of hugs.  This walk around Hartlepool marina, as the sun sets, is my way of saying thank you, to all of you, for a wonderful year in your company.

I love the shape of the breakwater

I like the shape of our breakwater

Its arms stretch out in a great hug!

Its arms stretch out to the sea in a big hug!

The boatyard is gloriously backlit

The boatyard looks great, backlit by the sinking sun

And the Headland is within touching distance

And the Headland is just out of reach, in the distance.

The light just gilding St. Hilda's church

The light gently gilds St. Hilda’s church.

The boats are peaceful at their moorings

The boats are peaceful at their moorings.

But in the Hrabourmaster's Office, a surprise!

But who’s that, up by the Harbourmaster’s Office? He’s a surprise!

The boats are undisturbed by his presence

Those boats aren’t the least bit disturbed by his presence.

The deer seems to sniff the air

The deer seems to sniff the air

And then the sun goes, in a blaze of glory!

And then the sun sinks, in a blaze of glory!

This is the last Hartlepool sunset of 2013 that I’ll share with you.  On Thursday I’m up, well before the lark, and flying south to the Algarve.  Naturally the camera will be as excited as me, and we’ll do our best to bring you back some lovely images.

I hope the New Year will be kind to you, and thank you again, for sharing, and enriching, my world.

Six word Saturday

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Oh, the weather outside is frightful…

IMG_2191But I’m one of the lucky ones- safe and warm!  It must have been a horrendous Christmas for those who were flooded or without power.  Nothing to do but try to smile and carry on.

Here, it’s been a mixed bag.  I didn’t have much luck on the beach at Crimdon on Christmas Eve.

I should have kept my eye on those clouds!

I should have kept my eye on those clouds!

The blue was disappearing at an alarming rate!

The blue was disappearing at an alarming rate!

Our skies have been very mean and moody!

How about this for a mean and moody sky?

But I wanted to reach the end of the cove

But I wanted to reach the end of the cove

I think that might be far enough!

I think that might be far enough!

Time to make a break for it!

Time to make a run for it!

Of course, we got wet!

Of course, we got wet!

But 2 minutes later, it looked like this.

But two minutes later, it looked like this.

Then we had a decidedly frosty day- our first this Winter!  The park looked very pretty.

Crisp and clear!

Crisp and bright!

The wildlife pond was looking rather handsome

The wildlife pond was looking rather handsome

But cold!

(if cold)

And part of the pond was frozen.

And part of the pond was frozen

But I loved the drama of the light.

But I loved the dramatic light through the trees.

Since then the winds have been wild, but I have no reason at all to complain. I’m sitting tight with my little snowman friends.

Oh, the weather outside is frightful...

Oh, the weather outside is frightful…

Hope you’re having a peaceful time in these days between Christmas and the New Year.  I won’t be around for Six word Saturday for a week or two.  Keep Cate company, won’t you?  And a very happy New Year to you!

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A festive walk round Pooley Bridge
Winter sunshine? Well, maybe!

Winter sunshine? Well, maybe!

After all the hustle and bustle, it’s nice to get out and about again, isn’t it? Especially if the weather cooperates.  I can think of few nicer places to stretch your legs in the off season than Pooley Bridge, in England’s Lake District.

I was lucky enough to be there recently, and even though the day was grey, I managed to catch a hint of sunlight on the water.  Pooley Bridge sits on the River Eamont, at the head of Lake Ullswater.  The 7 mile-long lake slides off into the distance, and the temptation to follow is strong.  From the village you can walk round to the ferry point, or follow the lakeside path along the shore.

The path from the village leads over the bridge
and a nice old Pooley Bridge it is!
Crossing the bridge you can see right down the lake
Or look back at the tranquil riverside homes.
The ferry beckons in the distance

Subject to the weather, of course, the ferry sails all year.  A Round the Lake Pass gives you the option to hop on and hop off anywhere on the lake.  The villages of Howtown and Glenridding lie at the southern end.  If you time it right in December, you might even catch Santa and his Happy Elves on board.  For details see Ullswater Steamers.

You can head

The sign is so long

I had to photograph it in two halves!

I had to photograph it in two halves!

If you’re full of energy you can take the turn off in the village and head down to the lakeside path following the shore.

Soon the ferry is back in sight
And a couple of upturned boats
The jetty looks a little frail
But you the view from the pebbles is just fine.

The village is well supplied with pubs so  retrace your steps when you get hungry. The atmosphere in the “Sun Inn” (a natural choice for me!) was very convivial and the chicken curry quite spicy.  Just right for a December day.

Back into the village
The “Sun Inn” looks welcoming
And promises to be festive inside
And on the bar, the jolliest snowman beams through falling snow.

The waterproof jacket and pink scarf came too, but I was fortunate with the weather.  Enjoy your Christmas celebrations and don’t feel guilty about that naughty pud. You can walk it all off later.

Have a very Merry Christmas!

Six word Saturday

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Tis the season to be jolly!

IMG_1993And jolly I have been!  But I’m starting to run out of steam.  Yesterday evening was spent in the lovely company of the lady friends I have known since school days. We ate and we drank.  We laughed and we hugged.    As always, when together, we were jolly.  None of us knows what tomorrow may bring.  So I’m wishing you, as I wished them, a wonderful Christmas and the happiest of New Years.  Peace and love!

Almost time to climb that chimney, Santa!

Almost time to climb that chimney, Santa!

I seem too have a thing about reindeer this Christmas!

I seem to have a thing about reindeer this Christmas!

See what I mean?

See what I mean?

This one's another old friend.

This one’s an old, old friend

The decorations were so pretty!

And this one was among the finery at Chatsworth.

Tonight I’m just going to curl up in front of the TV to watch the final of “Strictly”.  As I have from the very beginning, I’m supporting Natalie, but it doesn’t really matter who wins.  I just watch and admire.

I may find time to pop in on your blogs, but if I miss anyone, go right ahead and be jolly without me.  And don’t forget Cate at Show My Face!

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A Grand Day Out!
Looking out from the Cascade

Looking out from the Cascade

I suspect that whatever your criteria for grand might be, Chatsworth House could fulfil it.  I honeymooned in the Peak District almost 25 years ago, and the memory of its grandeur and the beauty of the surroundings remains with me. The house sits in extensive grounds, with a wooded hill rising up behind it.  I returned, with my daughter Lisa, on a day unbelievably lovely for December.

Statuary is everywhere.
But first, into the Conservatory to search out some delicate blooms.
No idea what these might be?
And could these be melons?
Then up through the Kitchen garden
The arches pleasing to the eye
And the Sensory garden, with its reflective prism,
Then into the woodlands.

I noted from Wikipedia that during World War II the house was occupied by 300 schoolgirls, for six years.  The Duke felt that they might be easier on his home than the soldiers who would otherwise be billeted there.  I’m not so sure!  In any event, they grew vegetables in the Kitchen garden to contribute to the war effort, and skated on the Canal Pond when it froze over.

Eventually you arrive at the top of the Cascade

Eventually you arrive at the top of the Cascade

Bewitched by the dancing fountains

To be bewitched by the dancing fountains

And the suitably disguised Pump house

And the suitably disguised Pump house

Onwards and upwards to the Grotto next, where you can sit in the bandstand, mistress of all you survey.  A lady visitor was obviously much pleased with her surroundings, and I tried, in my halting French, to exchange a few words.

Five relaxed and carefree minutes in the bandstand.
Lisa had a strong affinity with the Maze
While I rather liked this romantic-looking gate
But the curves of the beech hedges were my favourites
Several busts gaze at each other across a glade
And another beech hedge leads to the Rock garden.
Then it’s back to modern art at the bottom of the Cascade.

And if you’re very good, you just might try

A cream tea!

A cream tea!

I don’t feel that I’ve really done the gardens justice.  Maybe it’s because I was so overwhelmed by the beauty of the house.  The “Narnia” Christmas theme made it very special.  I’ll be writing more about the house and its occupants later this week.

In the meantime, I hope you feel you’ve had a grand day out? (yes, I quite like Wallace and Gromit too)  I’m linking this post to Cheri’s Weekly Photo Challenge. Join me there?

Christmas in “Narnia”
Russet leaves for a russet lady!

Russet leaves for a russet lady!

My first surprise of the day.  Lisa swept towards me- “Mum, I’m here!”  The flowing locks were a dazzling tangerine orange.  “It was just time for a change. I was tired of the red!”  And it suited her.  She looked radiant and happy- a look I love to see.

The venue?  Chatsworth House in the beautiful Peak District.  Every year this glorious home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire is themed for Christmas. This year it’s “Narnia”and totally irresistible.  My daughter has been a lifelong fan of the book by C.S. Lewis and the numerous films, so I planned a Christmas treat, for both of us. It’s quite a distance from home and I’ve never been inside the house before.  For Lisa it was about an hour’s drive from Nottingham.  Me- I hopped on the coach!  After the hugs and kisses it was off to see the spectacular grounds.

There are more statues than you can shake a stick at!
And pieces of modern art too.
Bit big for my garden, Mum? But I love it!
A hot house exotic?

Sumptuous afternoon tea next, then the best bit!  Come with me to “Narnia”.

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There were dressing-up clothes for children in some areas, and of course, Lisa couldn’t resist!  A Christmas Trail, finding cuddly Aslans and clues along the way, was also meant to keep the children happy.  Guess who else enjoyed it?

This cape’s nearly big enough, Mum!
Sherry for you, “dear”?
She looks so like my Mum here!

Are you ready to be scared yet?  It’s time for the witch!

I was joking- she's much too pretty to be scarey!

I was joking- she’s much too pretty to be scarey!

Note the small Aslan, keeping her company.  Another clue for the Christmas Trail.  But now for the really sad part!

He's still breathing! It's going to be ok.

He’s still breathing!  It’s going to be ok.

Time for a feast!

Time for a celebratory feast!

All's well that ends well!

All’s well that ends well!

I hope you enjoyed my little trip to Narnia.  It was the best Christmas present I could ever have asked for.  And now, I really must get on with my Christmas preparations.  I haven’t even bought the tree yet!  But I’ve made a list.

Chatsworth House is the most delightful setting and I will be posting more about the house and gardens.  If you are anywhere in the vicinity, “Narnia” will be available till 23rd December.  The link will give you directions.  I can absolutely recommend it.

That last snippet of Autumn
Through a fence, lengthening shadows and a last hint of colour

Through a fence, lengthening shadows and the last hint of colour

The jacket and me went walking again today.  Goodness it was cold, but glorious, once I was striding along.  The village of West Auckland in County Durham is one I have often driven through but never before stopped in.  Our walk leader was born and bred there so this bright, late Autumn day seemed a good time to take a closer look.

The village green, with its claim to footballing fame

The village green, with its claim to footballing fame

I love that last vestige of colour in the trees
There was a curious horse or two along the way.
The shadows were long. Yes, that’s me!
A gurgling stream and a green bridge.
Those horses again!
A bare-looking tree and pebble beach
And the brightness of berries.

How strange that this quiet village should be a part of footballing history!  In 1909 West Auckland FC represented Great Britain in the inaugural World Cup competition in Torino, Italy.  A team largely made up of coal miners, they struggled to raise the finance for the trip.  Despite this they went on to beat Swiss team FC Winterthur 2-0 in the final, and even retained their title in 1911, beating Juventus 6-1!  Those were the days!

Me, I’m relishing any dry, bright days when I can get out and about.  Me and the warm jacket, that is!