Yesterday, I visited the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway again – the first time in a little while, because of various happenings claiming my time. Here, the Class 31 loco Devon diesel Society has completed a day’s work between Wirksworth and Duffield – and now it’s bedtime for this old (sorry, middle-aged) lady. Actually, she’s not quite 60, and looking quite well on it!
Ah, there’s nothing quite like the deep purr of a huge diesel engine coming over the early evening air…
Driving through the countryside, I took this shot today. I have to say, seeing these ripening blackberries gave me mixed feelings; sure, I like blackberries, but I don’t want summer to be over too soon. I haven’t had time to properly enjoy it, yet!
On a day out this week, I was able to make the most of the weather and time of year by visiting the Lea Rhododendron Gardens in Derbyshire. I love these flowers, and the profusion of different colours and varieties growing there is stunning. While some of them were past their very best, there were still lots of perfect blooms.
I find all flowers photogenic, but these are especially so. The name is derived from Greek words, and really just means ‘rose tree’ although they are completely different from what we think of as a rose. Many have flowers that are various shades of pink and red, it’s true, but there are lots of other colours as well.
I chose this shot because it shows the beautifully delicate nature of the petals; the whole display was a photographer’s paradise!
Today, in Derbyshire, it rained. That’s not always a bad thing. Misty rain adds a strange, almost surreal, depth to pictures, especially at certain times of the year. Tree shapes take on a depth caused by the relative distance of trees from the camera. When you are actually there, alone, you can experience a sense of quiet awe.
I took this shot only today. Out in the countryside, I happened to notice The way the sunlight was lighting up what appears to be a kind of clearing in this wooded area (this photo was taken from some distance away.) At this time of year, there are often interesting effects like this, due to the low angle of the sun’s rays.
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?
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.
I found this extremely rare Lea Francis P-type tourer yesterday (Saturday) at the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway’s classic vehicle weekend. Only 1,093 P-types were built, and only 97 remain in roadworthy condition! This one has not been ‘restored’ but simply maintained in good condition – I think it is all the better for that. In the vintage and classic vehicle fraternity, vehicles like this are termed ‘oily rags’!
Yesterday, I noticed these cormorant at Carsington Water, Derbyshire. However, it was only when checking this picture today that I realised that on the right of the group, one bird appears to be sitting on a nest!
Today’s photo is once again from the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. The loco you see here has just hauled a train from Duffield to Wirksworth; not only does she need to be replenished with coal, but also with water, which is happening here. Standing still, the boiler pressure climbs quickly, even with the firebox draught cut back, so here, a spectacular blow-off of steam was imminent!
