This is the first post I wrote on this blog on this date in 2005. Where have all those years gone?
Monday, March 14, 2005
Dabchicks Galore
We had a wonderful
walk today along the canal at Cromford. I always enjoy this walk and
seem to discover something new each time. Today we ventured under the
road bridge near the disused station and discovered the old catch pit
used to slow down or catch trains going too fast or derailed trains from
the quarry top. Beyond this is the 2½ mile walk up to Middleton Top
and we decided this was to be the next walk of discovery. Possibly
coming in from Middleton top down to the canal and back again. I just
love these areas of old industry where canals, rivers, railways and
roads meet, converge and cross over each other, now tranquil places
where once there was noise, smoke, sweat and energy. There is another
walk we do at Consall Forge that has the same impact but here the trains
run on the line between Cheddleton and Froghall on the Churnett Valley
Railway and if you are very lucky you sometimes see the steam trains.
The added bonus at Consall is the Black Lion Pub, very favorably sited
halfway round the walk. Anyway, I digress, back to Cromford. Of
course the draw at Cromford is the Mill café with its home made cakes
and scones or bowls of homemade soup always welcome after a long walk.
Up in the village itself is the Scarthin book shop, well worth a visit
with lots of lovely nooks and hidey holes where you can sit and look at
all the wonderful books. The highlight of today was the Dab Chicks or
little Grebes on the canal. They were having a super time, loads of
them all together, very noisy but sweet individuals dipping and diving
and generally giving loads of entertainment to the passers by. I guess
it must be the mating season.
No photographs in those days of course. I don't think I had a digital camera for a while. Things changed so much over the years.
Apologies for not bloggng recently. I haven't been too well. I have a couple of appointments coming up in the next two weeks so I'm hoping that I can find out what is wrong.
All for now. Take care everyone.
When you are feeling better, which I hope is very soon, you will have to go back to Cromford for another walk and let us know if it all looks just as beautiful after nearly 20 years. Where does the time go! 😊
ReplyDeleteThank you CK. It's always a joy to walk at Cromford and many things have changed for the better along the canal over the last few years:)
DeleteI am sorry you haven't been well recently Rosie - I have missed your blog posts and I hope they can find out what is wrong and you will soon be feeling better.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your blog anniversary and it was so interesting reading your first blog post and its lovely that I seem to remember you still walk around the Cromford canal area - I think that is where you have seen water voles?
Thank you RR. Yes, we do walk there, not as often as we used to and yes we did see a water vole there, I can't remember when it was but I'm sure Paul took a photo or two, I must try and find them. I don't think I took any as my camera wasn't a good one then:)
DeleteIt is lovely to see the constant in your interests Rosie: nature, wildlife, scenic walks, history and how they have stayed over the past 19 years. Of course refreshments, after a long walk. I am sorry to hear you haven't been well. Hopefully you will find out more after your appointments. X
ReplyDeleteThank you Simone. Yes, still that interest in being out in nature and in history too is still there although walks are far shorter and gentler now:)
DeleteThank you for making the efforts you do to bring such interesting blog posts. Sorry you aren't feeling good and hope all is well soon, and that you'll be able to enjoy longer walks, and spend time doing all the things you have always found pleasure in. Hugs xx Elaine
ReplyDeleteThank you Elaine:)
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