Tuesday, April 02, 2013

Is it really April?

Yesterday we decided to walk at the RSPB's Coombes Valley Nature Reserve.  I realised as we were walking round, slipping in the ice and snow that not only was it Easter Monday but it was also April Fool's Day!  I decided that mother nature was playing a great April fool's joke on us by turning Spring back into bitter Winter.  I took lots of photos!  Photos that I would have been quite happy to be taking in December or January but in April? 

Here are just a few of the photos I took as we walked around

 As you can see the snow was melting back up on the hill

 I love the green moss covering the stones from the broken down wall

 I think they call these 'squeeze' stiles for obvious reasons!

  I slipped on one of these steps, luckily it wasn't too far to slip down, in an ungainly plop, as I ended up sitting on one of the steps.  I didn't hurt myself, thank goodness!
 Snow on the ground and bare trees in April! 

 No chance of a sit down, but then no matter, it was too cold to linger anywhere for very long

 The old cottage by the pool looked cold and desolate apparently redstarts nest in its walls in late spring and summer.

 We struggled in the snow up Buzzard Bank - little sprinkles of snow were falling as we walked.

No buzzards of course, who'd be out in this weather except us?  We were rewarded by the most beautiful view though.

21 comments:

  1. Gold star for actually getting wrapped up and going out there in this weather! Jane x

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    1. Thank you, Jane - it took some doing!:)

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  2. ....the moss covering the stones, the old cottage, and the fingerpost sign; can there be poetry in photos? I think so. Yes, I think so. These caught my attention and imagination today. Thanks.

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    1. Thank you, SAS, I'm glad you found inspiration in the photos:)

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  3. Gotta watch that snow and ice - be careful. Our snow finally melted and at this time of year, even if we get another snow or two or three or more, it will melt right off.

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    1. I was being so careful and then when I paid attention to something else, down I went - we had to laugh but I guess it could have been worse:)

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  4. Lovely photos, we had a walk here in the snow a few weeks ago and it was great! The weather does have an advantage as so many people don't bother going out in it so you get to enjoy places without lots of other visitors around!

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    1. We had the place to ourselves! We only passed on warden near the cottage and there was another one in the visitor's cente:)

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  5. Very brave! I did try yesterday, but the wind won the day.

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    1. It's the wind that's the killer isn't it? I find that the worst element to contend with:)

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  6. Oh for these sunny days, I'm desperate so even a few hours is nice.

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    1. Much better today - I actually hung some washing out and it dried! We are getting there at last:)

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  7. What lovely photos Rosie. As you say nothing like April more like mid winter. It MUST turn soon mustn't it? Have a good week
    Patricia x

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    1. I really hope so - we've had some sun today - still can't leave off the scarf and gloves though:)

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  8. At least you had a good walk despite the cold weather and the views look beautiful. Have a good week, Rosie!

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    1. Yes it was quite an invigorating walk! Hope you have a good week too:)

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  9. You had some lovely views on your walk, but I agree, it doesn't look like April. I think if we were to guess the month from your photographs in a "normal" year, we would guess a midwinter one.

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    1. It is a bit of a winter wonderland! I'm hoping for much warmer weather soon - I need to get in the garden:)

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  10. As you say Rosie, all rather beautiful scenes but in April? It snowed again today. Big fluffy white flakes. I am not even going to wait for Spring now. I am looking for Summer!!! x

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    1. I wonder if it will do that this year, go straight from bitterly cold to 'hot for this time of year' - crazy weather isn't it?

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  11. The carved seat covered in snow looks interesting. What a lot of snow you've had. Mx

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