For the time of year, I don’t think it can get much more English than this. At least, that was how I felt as I saw this vista in South Derbyshire, yesterday. I always get very thoughtful when I find scenes like this one; I think of so many young men from towns and villages, marching away to war, many of them never to return. Does anyone else feel this way?
At this time of year, although there are lots of wild fruits and berries, there are not so many other exciting plants to look at. This one, however, is of note – the silk tassel bush, or Garrya elliptica. Its stunning catkins last into the winter. Today, they caught my eye by the light of the morning sun.
I captured this only today. Autumn is definitely here. I have tried to use shallow depth of field in a symbolic way; the memory of summer is starting to blur, yet autumn has its own beauty – and it just might excel itself this year.
This weekend, the town of Duffield has had a festival. Lots of businesses and other people made models like scarecrows, to depict events in history. Here we have the baker from Pudding Lane, London, whose shop caught fire, starting the Great Fire of London.
If you asked me for one good reason (aside from the family considerations that most of us have) to stay in England, I would probably say “For its skies.” The ever-changing skies of England are especially noticeable around the equinoxes; perhaps due to the greater occurrence of high winds in the upper atmosphere. I took this picture only today – a day of a great mixture of weather. I’ve given you the shot as I took it – it hasn’t been edited, other than to scale the image for publication here.
I didn’t have anything very exciting to post this week, so I went for a walk this afternoon – and found this (and some other reflections. Truly, the most important photographic accessory is… a pair of eyes.
This morning, I happened to be awake early enough to see the sunrise, and it was a very pretty one. I also happened to have my camera very handy – these scenes change very quickly. I find there’s always something emotionally powerful in the dawn.
Most of you who drop in and view this blog will know about my fascination with reflections. I took this shot yesterday (Saturday) evening, at a nearby marina. The geometric effects created by the shapes of the boats and pontoon intrigued me. ‘Magic Hour’, the hour after sunset, always adds its own character to photos.
I recently visited this spot on the Kent coast. I was glad to find somewhere so peaceful and serene, yet interesting. All kinds of plants were growing in the pebbly beach. The view across the bay prompted me to ponder on what life must have been like in these places years ago. Altogether a relaxing visit.
Back to the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway again this week, for the Diesel weekend! Here, the Class 31 31206 prepares to ‘run round’ the train to be coupled to the other end, ready for the return journey from Duffield to Wirksworth.
