villages

Which way next?

IMG_7976 My stepping stones were much admired in last week’s Which Way post so I thought I’d share with you another idyllic and very English scene in the North Yorkshire village of Lealholm.  I don’t take many photos of people but this little family setting really made me smile.  Join me in the gallery.

Lealholm has the prettiest little bridge
And, of course, those stepping stones.
Here we have my husband looking downstream
At an intrepid youngster.
I love the patience of “big sis” and the determined little fella.
It’s a lovely tranquil spot.

Innocent pleasures!  It’s nice to see they’re still around.

I thought I’d take part in Cee’s Which Way Challenge again this week because it will be fortnightly from now on.  Alternate weeks will be a black and white photo challenge, and that’s a whole different ball game.

Which-Way-Banner1

It’s show time!
Ingenious! The eyes flash as you approach it.

Ingenious! The eyes flash as you approach it.

It must be Summer because it’s annual scarecrow festival time again in two of our local villages.  Last year Elwick truly excelled themselves with a Royal Jubilee theme.  Can a year have passed so quickly?  This year we’re indulging Midsummer Madness.

I timed it very nicely on Sunday morning because within seconds of returning home it was bouncing with rain.  Summer, Wimbledon fortnight (sorry Rafa), rain on your strawberries- it’s all one!

Welcome to Elwick!
The theme this year was Midsummer Madness.- here he is!
And that’s “his” foot you can see round the corner!
Almost every planter has one of these.
But there’s only one caterpillar!
Some ladies sat aloof on a bench
But Bertie Bassett was right there on the village green
And the Spotted Cow’s always in the thick of things
Snowmen at the beach- that’s definitely madness!
A hula-hula girl- that’s more like it.
The village shop went a little crazy!
And every scarecrow festival needs a pink pig, right?
The village shop was selling these little guys
And gals!
It’s a pretty village, don’t you think?
With its own Queen of the Fairies- Titania
The school’s entry featured Bottom, of course
And Puck!
While over the road things were going swimmingly!
Note the umbrella pointing to the sign.
Looking at those clouds it’s nearly time to run!

And that’s just half the story, because the two villages compete.  In the interests of fairness I went to Castle Eden on Monday.  It was a grey, surly day and some of the scarecrows had had a good soaking from the downpour.  But the village spirit was still in evidence.

Cricket, anyone?
Another Bottom?
And Madness gets in everywhere!
It’s a smaller village than Elwick
But still has a lively sense of humour!
And a splash of colour here and there
Guess who?
I really like this old row of houses
With a more traditional scarecrow
Add a touch of whimsy
Barbecue time, or Christmas? I’m not sure.
But definitely not a beach day!

A good effort by both, I think you’ll agree?  Next year we’ll plan the weather better.  If you click on the galleries you’ll get my guided commentary.  All part of the service! (with a smile)  And if you still haven’t had enough of scarecrows, you can click the Royal Jubilee link for a look back at last year’s sumptuousness.

A Winter’s walk around Staindrop

Don’t all shout “where?” at once!  You know I like a wander, even if it is dull and grey.  Actually I was blessed with the occasional ray of sunshine, but don’t blink too quickly, or you’ll miss it.

You may have seen my post on Barnard Castle, a lovely riverside spot.  Whenever we drive out that way we pass through the viillage of Staindrop, and curiosity impelled me to have a closer look.  Nearby is stately Raby Castle, with its massive deer park.  Sorry- no deer photos!  They were either feeling shy or sheltering beneath distant trees.

If you click on the first photo, you’ll get the guided commentary.  Bye for now!

Staindrop village
Just a few Christmas wreaths are left on the doors
And very nice doors they are, too!
Often attached to lovely old houses
All clustered around a village green
And there’s a stream you can follow
Prettier in Summer, of course
And it leads to the local stately home
And very stately it is
With it’s own gate house
And a row of estate cottages
Those clouds are looming larger!
Could be a good time to leave

Sunday Post : Village

Jakesprinter’s theme for this week is Village.  How nearly impossible to choose just one.

The villages closest to my heart are the storm tossed fishing villages of the north east coast of England.  Battling the elements, they shiver beneath crumbling cliffs and cling fast to steep-sided gullies.  Erosion is a daily concern.  Yet visit these same villages on a calm summer’s day, and all is serenity.  Not a hint of turmoil, or the toll that the sea has taken.

I love them with a passion, for their sheer beauty, and for the tenacity that holds them there.  I never feel quite so free as when walking the clifftops, nor so peaceful as when rambling through their maze of streets and the miracle of their survival.

Looking down on Robin Hood’s Bay

Climbing the hill out of the village

And a little up the coast, Runswick Bay.

And Staithes.

And even sad Skinningrove, watched over by it’s wooden fishermen.

Can you see what draws me to them?

Thank you again, Jake, for your amazing graphics, and the wonderful opportunity you provide for us to share our treasures.  To join Jake’s challenge simply click on Jake’s magical dragon logo, or, if you prefer, here.