Tag Archives: England

Pictures, Thoughts

I’ve walked/driven over that bridge, now it’s gone

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If you actually know a place in the news it makes it much more real than if it’s a place you’ve never even heard of. I’ve been to Pooley Bridge twice, among other things to go on an Ullswater Steamer cruise. While there I crossed the bridge giving the village its name a couple of times, both in the car and on foot.

Picture of an old bridge over a river
Pooley Bridge in April 2012

Storm Desmond and the related rain has now destroyed the old bridge, built in 1764. Not to mention the flooding and misery it has brought to other parts of Cumbria. Carlisle (where I usually stay overnight on my journeys to Islay) has also been badly hit. I’m not sure of the exact area, but I believe one of the hotels where I sometimes stay is flooded as is the park where I go for my morning run.

As far as I know nobody has died and I hope it stays that way, at least people seem to be safe. Still, it will be a long hard slog for those impacted by the floods.

Video

Don’t mention the, erm,… Macbeth

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You started it…

Video

Jonathan Pie is the next big thing?

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I can’t remember how I came across him, but I first saw one of his videos a week or two ago. And was hooked. It seems his fame is spreading rapidly now, so you might want to check the Jonathan Pie YouTube Channel. His most famous video so far is probably this one (warning, some strong language if you have sensitive ears):

Pictures

Long Tailed Tits. And a distant Peregrine Falcon.

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Went on a walk around Hosehill Lake Nature Reserve near Theale today. Weather wasn’t as sunny as I had hoped, but it was still a nice autumn afternoon with the trees in good colour. There seemed to be a lot Long Tailed Tits around, so I tried to catch a few of them on picture. Not easy as they seem to be constantly on the move. Also spotted a Peregrine Falcon on a nearby electricity pylon. Unfortunately couldn’t get close enough before it flew away again. Hope you’ll enjoy some of the pictures I took:

Pictures

Green Woodpecker

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Went for a walk along the Kennet and Avon Canal near Theale today, between the canal and the sailing lake. Didn’t see an awful lot, the undisputed highlight was this Green Woodpecker briefly sitting on a branch in the open:

The light wasn’t great and I didn’t have enough time to put the camera on the monopod, but considering the circumstances I’m still fairly happy with the pictures.