Hellebore, my friend,
Tilting up your Winter smile.
Stay with me, till Spring?
Use your imagination, said Jude. I really didn’t need to. They were just waiting for me to notice them, so I could enter the Winter Garden challenge this week. My Lazy Poet friend Gilly found some too. We now have a chorus of hellebore!
It’s almost like a watercolour, isn’t it? The light was so beautiful on that late December day in Teesdale, and the sense of freedom was intoxicating. The days on either side of it had sheeted with rain, and there was little doubt in my mind that the Tees would be in full spate. Where better to head than spectacular High Force waterfall, situated within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Beauty?
From the car parking at High Force, you can walk down to view the falls and then follow the river downstream to Low Force, pictured in my first photo. A sign at the top of the path grabbed my attention- a reminder that the power of nature is nothing new at all.
High Force formed where the River Tees crosses the Whin Sill– a hard layer of igneous rock. The waterfall itself is comprised of three different types of rock. The upper band is whinstone, or dolerite- a hard igneous rock which is slow to erode. The lower section is carboniferous limestone- much softer and easily worn away. Between the two, carboniferous sandstone was baked hard when Whin Sill was molten 295 million years ago. This combination means that the waterfall is slowly moving upstream as the rock wears away.
I had no sense of this, as I stood there, enveloped in a world of water. The temporary fine weather, and the respite between Christmas and New Year, had brought the crowds to gaze in wonder. I edged as close as I could, happy to worship alongside them.
As I walked back up the path, the rocks streamed with water, and the frailty of the trees was visible all around me. It’s many years since I was last at High Force, and I had to ask myself why. The countryside is so beautiful!
Looking at the map in the car park, I followed the river along to Bowlees Visitor Centre, and my attention was caught by a short walk to Gibson’s Cave. Something new to me! My husband knew from the glint in my eye that this was my next target.
I was delighted to find that the somewhat muddy path followed a tributary of the river, and that there were more waterfalls in store.
The route bypasses abandoned Bowlees Quarry and I stopped to read the signs. It was too wet underfoot to do more.
The drystone walls and even the fences were covered in spongy, green moss, but it was the bed of the river that captivated. The rock formation was unlike anything I’d seen before- an intricate scratching of patterns .
You can see the path, running alongside the falls. It was a little slippy in places and I had to scramble through a fallen tree, but the end was in sight- Gibson’s Cave. But who was Gibson? A ‘lovable rogue’, apparently.
Did you read the explanation of the patterns on the river bed? Layers of grey limestone, sandstone and dark shale, in a tropical sea about 330 million years ago. Quite incredible! And Gibson? A happy, 16th century outlaw.
That wasn’t the end of my adventures for the day, but I think that it’s a good point at which to stop. The Bowlees Visitor Centre is nearby and, if you’re lucky, it might be open. Cake, or something more substantial?
Next week we’ll carry on to Low Force. It’s just as lovely, so I hope that you can join me.
First things first- let’s put the kettle on and get settled for a good read. Huge thanks to my lovely contributors! If you have a walk you’d like to share I’m always happy to have you along. Details of how to join in are on my Jo’s Monday walk page. Just click on the logo above.
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Let’s start with Debbie, and some beautiful views of Edinburgh :
Jackie is still enjoying Mexico!
And Amy takes me to a beach I remember from long ago :
Monday Walk : Clearwater Beach
There’s one thing my friend Drake has for sure!
Independent Mind (And a love of beautiful places too)
Back to the rain forest with Lee Ann for two super walks, in quite different places!
MacRitchie Trails Rainforest Walk
Anyone ready for a snowy walk yet? Not too much snow, I promise!
Alone in the Snow : Mynydd Mawr
Surely one of the prettiest walks from the festive season! Many thanks, Jude :
Meanwhile, Richard is topical (and maybe a bit windswept!) :
There’s more to Boscastle than floods
And Denzil is eating blackberries :
Masbourg : How Green is my Valley
If you had a garden like Pauline’s, you would never mind coming home :
That’s it for another week! My walking group will be out today, weather permitting. First walk together after the New Year, and we’re sticking to footpaths- no boggy fields! Take care of yourselves!
Something that I seem to have in common with my Polish family is a love for the sea. My cousin Grażyna and husband, Jarek, have their own boat on the Norfolk Broads. Remember Tilting at Windmills? Mostly smooth sailing, but when my uncle Włodek came to England for the first time, with his lovely lady, Weronika, they were keen to stroll beside the bracing North Sea. The fact that it was a cool, heavily overcast day did not deter them, so long as the rain kept off.
You could be forgiven for thinking that the above photos were taken in black and white. Not so! With whoops of delight we watched the sea pitch and twirl, as it put on a grand display, just for us. It was spellbinding!
The statue in the square seemed to be vainly imploring the waves. Somewhere warm and dry was called for and the Museum of Hartlepool, with its maritime theme, fitted the bill perfectly. An exhibition dedicated to the bombardment of Hartlepool in 1914, and featuring the iconic poppies, was a welcome bonus, as was the gaslit cafe on the paddle steamer PSS Wingfield Castle.
Three German warships attacked our town on the morning of December 16th, 1914. The attack left 130 people dead and more than 500 injured.
It was almost closing time so, after kawa and herbata, we trooped happily back to ours for food.
That was my week. How about yours? Have you got six words to share with Cate at Show My Face? I’ll be back on Monday, with a different kind of watery walk. Hope to see you then. Have a good weekend!
Newstead Abbey in Nottinghamshire is the perfect setting for a Victorian period drama. Yet I was unprepared for the small characters chattering excitedly in the grounds. The Abbey itself, formerly the home of poet Lord Byron, was closed to visitors, but I had come seeking fresh air and a stroll in the lovely grounds. I had company, and naturally my daughter was fittingly dressed for the occasion. To the manor born, without a doubt.
A long drive sweeps up to the house, thick with rhododendrons and camelia. There are over 300 acres of parkland and gardens, and cars can park quite near to the house. Let’s save a little energy and sashay straight into the gardens. A former monastic residence, the priory dates back to 1274. I showcased the house and the Byron connection on a previous visit (and got to meet Santa!) if you’d like to know more.
The Garden Lake swells out in front of the house, and you can walk all around it. The lakes, ponds and cascades that ornament these gardens are fed by the River Leen. Pass by the unappetisingly named Monk’s Stew Pond (probably once a fishpond for the monks) to delve into the Fernery.
The grotto has an interior made from Derbyshire tufa, whilst some of the old carved stones used in the Fernery probably came from the ruins of the priory church. Built into the wall with the alcove were terracotta stands, for the display of potted ferns.
Bright berries gleam from the foliage and a drift of lemon whispers its presence in among the shrubs. For all that this is a garden in winter, there is no lack of interest. The rolling hedges are clipped pleasingly to the eye. It’s so easy to meander among them, beguiled by shapes and shadows.
The formal shapes of the Rose Garden and Small Walled Garden invite closer inspection. Both were once part of a two and a half acre kitchen garden. In heated glasshouses, now demolished, grapes, melons, peaches and winter cucumbers were grown. Even in a mild December, roses were few, but I liked the quirky mesh gardeners who kept us company.
A willow sculpture catches my eye, complete with bench. Too late for THAT challenge, I’m afraid!
Behind the house, the Great Garden is a formal garden of terraced walks descending to a large rectangular pond. Two swans splashed each other playfully, just out of range of my camera. The adjacent French and Spanish gardens are among my favourites. Every Spring in the 1830s and 40s the gardener laid fresh red and white sand, in intricate patterns, directly onto the soil in the French Garden. It was affectionately known as the ’embroidery garden’.
The Boatswain’s Monument sits mournfully at the centre of the lawn, Byron’s tribute to his beloved Newfoundland dog. The inscription speaks of ‘Beauty without Vanity, Strength without Insolence, Courage without Ferocity, and all the Virtues of Man without his vices’.
Are you beginning to flag yet? I believe the tearooms are open. Muffins and gingerbread latte, before or after we tackle the lake?
The shadows are lengthening and there’s a hint of chill in the air. Ominous clouds dot the sky so we won’t linger much longer. It’s not the time of year to view the yellow water lily, wild angelica, water forget-me-not, corn mint and the many species that surround the Garden Lake, but it is still undeniably beautiful, don’t you think?
The Japanese garden with its lovely cascades is looking a little bedraggled, but we can still cross the stepping stones to admire the lanterns. There’s one more feature I’ve left deliberately till the end, and someone’s waiting there to say goodbye. Accompany me to the waterfall?
The gift shop, with its pretty things, was calling to my daughter. We lingered just a shade too long, and came out into a deluge of a different kind! Brollies aloft, we scurried to the car. The day ended with a magical double rainbow and I felt truly blessed. I hope you have enjoyed our company today. (and that of the children from Woodthorpe school)
The Newstead Abbey website includes a detailed garden tour, which you might like to follow, plus details of how to get there.
You may already know that Jude has chosen to abandon her benches. Sigh! The challenge has run for a highly successful year, but it’s time to move on. My Winter garden, though not quite what she was hoping for, is my first contribution to the new challenge. I’ll definitely have to be honing my skills (or trying!) Her first post is a stunner, but I won’t spoil it for you. Go and look!
Meanwhile, it’s time to get the kettle on and share a few more walks. I hope that all of you, walkers or not, have enjoyed their Christmas break. Many thanks for all your contributions but, more importantly, your friendship. Join me whenever you like. Details are on my Jo’s Monday walk page, or the logo above.
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First, come beach combing with Drake on the lovely little Danish island, Samsø :
There’s a certain fascination about a lighthouse, isn’t there?
Jackie was still ‘down Mexico way’, hopefully enjoying the sunshine :
Let me introduce you to a Slovenian Girl abroad, in Switzerland. Such pretty photos!
And a lovely lady in another good-looking place. Please welcome Mitza to my walks :
A walk through Hamburg in Winter
Debbie has found a nice little beach, somewhere you might not expect :
While Jaspa would have me galloping this week!
Best. Crossing. Ever!- Santiago, Chile
This next isn’t a walk, and might be better suited to Jude’s Garden challenge, but I want to share it with you, courtesy of Debra :
Huntington Botanical Gardens and El Nino Watch 2016
Some people can just always be relied on! Walk with Gilly. She’s a sweetheart!
Brisbane and the rainforest is my final destination. Thanks Lee Ann!
Moran Falls – Sculpture by Nature
That’s it for now! Breathes big sigh! If I’m slow responding this week it’s because I have Polish family visiting for a few days (including a very special uncle) but normality (ha!) will be restored on Thursday. Take care till then!
P.S Those lovely ladies at Monday Escapes are back if you have 5 minutes to wish them Happy New Year.
Just me, having a little fun and silliness with some glasses! I hope you had a good Christmas. It’s all a memory now, isn’t it? Not blurred around the edges- honestly! I only had a couple.
It’s Saturday again and time to find six words to describe your week. Have you been going round in Circles? I sometimes think I have!
It’s that ‘betwixt and between’, Christmas time and the New Year. The weather has been atrocious in so many places and some people will be spending it mopping up and repairing their homes. I haven’t managed too much walking lately myself, but I do still have some happy memories to share. Shall we take a little salt marsh stroll in the Eastern Algarve? Nothing too strenuous! At day’s end, we can even linger by the beach awhile.
The sky is blue, and that’s a good start! I’ve taken you to Fuseta before. It’s a little off the beaten track, but beloved by campers for the beachfront camp site. New development unkindly overshadows the distinctive fishermen’s homes. Prime location is key, after all, but the fishermen pursue their livelihood as they always did. The settlement dates back to 1572, and the fishing boats still cluster together in the mouth of the Rio Tronoco.
Approximately 10km east of Olhão, you turn off the E125 and follow the narrow road, over the railway tracks and down past the river mouth to the shore. Except in high Summer you will find ample parking beside the camp site. With the sea on your left, walk between the fishermen’s houses and the new apartment blocks facing the sea. The salt marshes open out where the road ends.
It’s a distinctive landscape, and habitat for all kinds of birds. I’ve grown to love it’s oft times, unkempt appearance when the tide is low. Spears of sunlight glinting on high water will reward my patience later. Coots bob gently on the surface, while their longer-legged friends peck, and choose.
Paths lead between the salt pans but you would be ill advised to follow any that are not obviously well trodden. Cyclists zip past, some with a smile and a wave. Looking back, houses randomly dot the marsh borders, and in the distance the new builds gleam, whitely.
You can follow the cycle track all the way to Olhao if you wish, but I did promise you a shorter walk, so I’m meandering back, on the main path across the marshes. I know of a good bench or three, where you can watch the locals play boules and still keep an eye on the sea.
You’ll be wanting a stop at the beach cafe, but I might just tempt you to a stroll along the river mouth first? You know I like a boat or two!
It’s a little ragged around the edges, but Fuseta is a real and honest place, with a working population. I hope you enjoyed accompanying me on my stroll. Shall we head back to that cafe now? I hear there’s cake!
I’ve had a great time walking with you all this year. Thank you for the support. It has been amazing! I worry sometimes that the formula is growing stale. I know that I will carry on walking and sharing, because I love it, but I would hate for you to be bored. You can say so, politely, in the comments, if you wish. I promise not to take offense. For now, I’m going to put that kettle on.
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Not many shares this week, as you’ve all been busy with Christmas! Hopefully you’ll find time to read just a few excellent ones. Many thanks to my contributors! My Jo’s Monday walk page gives details of how to join in.
Drake’s post was wonderfully Christmassy! Happy New Year to you, sir!
Over at Junkboat Travels they were making a proper holiday of it :
Why not visit Jaspa’s favourite city? You may be in for a surprise :
Secret Itineraries Tour, Doge’s Palace, Venice
One of my joys on Christmas morning was this precious gift from Meg. Please don’t miss it!
Eurobodalla beaches : Wasp Head
And my lovely friend Gilly proves that murky weather doesn’t have to make you miserable :
Please do join me on Jo’s Monday walk next week, when I’ll be celebrating the launch of Jude’s new Garden Photography Challenge. I have a rather nice English garden to share. But first, I’d like to wish you a very happy and healthy New Year, and lots of walking!
Down at the beach bar we have Santa and a lady friend, and a cute little tree.
Aside from the main town square, not a lot of money is spent on decoration, and Christmas is no worse for that. A simple crib scene adorns a few street corners. There is little money to spare, and food banks were operating in the supermarkets in late December.
The council are keen to attract further tourism to Tavira, and they are spending money on infrastructure. The natural assets and the sunshine are there for all to see, but down at Quatro Aguas major improvements are underway. Jude might enjoy these brand new Benches.
Maybe she’ll get to sit on them one day. The view’s not bad….
Meantime, it’s Saturday and I hope you’re not too full of Christmas pudding to take a little stroll with me. I’m not sure if Cate is playing Six Word Saturday this week. It’s Boxing Day and that’s confusing, isn’t it? Hope to see you all on Monday!
A dilemma this week! Whether to take you back to those blue Algarve skies, or stay with reality, here in the UK? Ever the escapist, I’ve opted to leave reality on hold, just a little while longer. Vaqueiros is another of those pretty hill villages in the Eastern Algarve. A quirky little walk, this time I had the company of my walking friends, so no need to worry about angry dogs.
Again, the drive up into the hills from Tavira was a test for the driver, but pure delight for the passenger. Before coming to the Algarve I would never have expected to find hairpin bends and smoke coloured hills. Every twist and turn looks down across another tiny village, or out across a lovely panorama. With each bend I want to shout ‘stop the car’, and leap out with my camera. But, of course, that isn’t a practical option, and the dedicated walkers in our group would have been less than impressed. Coffee stops, however, are mandatory, and we congregate outside a miniscule cafe in Vaqueiros. I’m eye to eye with a languid grey cat, sitting comfortably atop a heap of beer crates. Raising my camera appears to be the signal for a sprint start. Another wasted photo opportunity! Nothing for it but to start walking.
Vaqueiros is one of the villages along the Via Algarviana, a 300km walking and biking trail which crosses the Algarve. The walk today is a circular route of just 13km. In late November the sun is shining brightly but walkers are scarce. The olive trees are laden with fruits, soon to be harvested. Our route takes us out of the village, joining a gently rising track. Gnarled olive trees and umbrella pines are our chief companions.
Can you see Michael, in the deep shade, at the rear of the group of walkers? They are quite fit and walk at a decent pace. I’m always hanging back, looking for an interesting shot. Unless I get engrossed in conversation, which can sometimes happen. I try to maintain a balance between enjoying my companions and the landscape.
Red and yellow markers indicate that we are still following a trail, but we mostly rely on our group leader. An Algarve resident, he has been walking these hills for many years. His well-muscled legs handle the ups and downs with ease. Some of us are not so lucky! Along the route we come upon a couple of fords, but water levels are notoriously low this year. The rain came all in one week and everywhere is tinder dry.
A cluster of hens are happy in the shade.
I mentioned at the beginning that this is a quirky walk. Up in these hills you unexpectedly come upon the remains of a theme park. ‘Parque Mineiro’ was a misguided idea which never actually came to fruition. Copper was once mined in this area and was presumably the inspiration behind the theme park. I wasn’t at all prepared for the sight of a little yellow train, and yet there it was, intact and still sitting on the rails.
I’m sorry to disappoint, but there isn’t a cake stop on this walk. Groans all round! The village doesn’t have one and in fact we took a picnic with us. We ended up back at Vaqueiros, outside the same little cafe. The lads helped to empty those beer crates while my tumbler of red cost but 40 cents!
It’s a lovely part of the world. This promotional video of the Via Algarviana is a nice introduction. There is a board near the cafe which shows way-marked trails, should you ever get that far.
And that’s my walking done till after Christmas, so may I take this opportunity to wish all of you a happy and healthy Christmas (yes, you are allowed cake! You can walk it off afterwards). Time to put that kettle on!
A last round-up before Christmas. Huge thanks to all of you who’ve followed along, up hill and down dale. I’ve enjoyed your company so much, and thank you for helping to keep me trim. Join me any time you like. Details are on my Jo’s Monday walk page.
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Quick off the mark last week, Drake was in thoughtful mood :
Lovely to have Debbie back in our midst again!
A Winter Stroll on Beach Street
Lots of you seem to know my weaknesses now! Many thanks, Elaine :
It’s round up time with Amy. Pick a favourite?
A Walk through my Monday Walks
I shall make it to Water of Leith one day- trust me, Anabel!
Edinburgh- everything is going to be alright
Still walking in circles with Geoff!
The Capital Ring : Richmond to Greenford, via Osterley
Violet shows us how beautiful Christmas in small town Ontario can be :
Then we can hop across the water to cosmopolitan Toronto :
You might have missed this one last week? I did! Apologies!
Jaspa takes us to South America again. Such a beautiful cathedral!
Trujillo’s Colonial Heart, Peru
Walk homewards with Ruth? You won’t regret it :
And isn’t it always a pleasure to spend time with Pauline and Jack?
Gilly lives in a lovely part of the world. She’s lovely too!
Hope to see some of you next week, if you’re not too busy entertaining and having fun. I’ll be looking forward to a bit of fresh air in that gap between Christmas and New Year. Off I go, to wrap presents. I still have some to buy! Take good care till I see you again, and have a wonderful time with your loved ones.
Capturing fading light seems to have been one of my preoccupations on my recent trip to the Algarve. I always have difficulty keeping these things to myself, so I was happy when Paula requested Backlit images on Thursday’s Special.
Fronds of palm, backlit
Shadows creeping silently
Whispering of night
A strong subject in the foreground is what’s required, so I’ve included the one above, which I don’t like so much, and a couple of fishermen, taken much earlier in the day. I rather like the fishermen. They were much too busy to notice me.
As always, Paula does it with style and a very special Thursday photo. My lovely friend Gilly is always here on a Thursday, too- her Lazy Poet’s haiku is simply too good to miss.
I really shouldn’t be loitering here because I’ve still much to do. See you!
Time spent with my daughter almost always involves cake and pretty things, and this week was no exception. The shops were all a-twinkle and we gazed our fill. A brisk walk through the park was rewarded with hot chocolate. A shopping session required something a little more substantial.
The Christmas market was fun but I never did find one of those angels. I tried on a hat and thought about playing ‘hook a reindeer’, but I hung on to my Winter Pimms instead. The Helter Skelter did look tempting though.
No doubt about it, Christmas has come to Nottingham. I hope your preparations are going better than mine. I have a naked Christmas tree in the corner. Time to get my fairy out and find her some friends. It won’t be quite so grand as this.
Just one more weekend to go. Enjoy this one, and don’t forget to pop in on Cate with your six words. See you on Monday, when we’ll get out for a walk together to blow all those cares away. See you then!
restlessjo 
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