Category Archives: U.K.Travel

Moody Monday…… well maybe not

Posted on by under David Oakes - Images, Everyday Life, Isle of Skye, Moody Monday, North West Scotland, Peace, postaday, Summer Solstice, Trivia, U.K.Travel

Disc One

Mid Summer, Isle of Skye, North West Scotland

Just before midnight yesterday, we crossed the Summer Solstice… so you might say that today is the first day of the rest of this year.

Yesterday, in anticipation of the Solstice, I posted an mid summers eve picture, shot 2 years ago.  So as we can still celebrate the Solstice, todays image is one shot on mid summers eve some 6 years earlier.  

The loan fisherman and I had stood silent, just watching the sun vanish beyond the horizon, waiting for midnight.  Despite the midges it was a magical moment.  I suspect that the afterglow remained to be subsumed by the dawn that would soon follow.  After all Scotland may not be the land of the midnight sun…..  but certainly the next best thing.  Not that I waited for the dawn…. sleep beckoned.

Please Remember ….

Stay Safe …. Be Kind…. Look After Each Other

21st June

(C) David Oakes 2021

 

Moody Monday…. The Old Man

Posted on by under David Oakes - Images, Everyday Life, Isle of Skye, Moody Monday, North West Scotland, Peace, postaday, Trivia, U.K.Travel

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The Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye, Scotland

Not every Monday is Moody.…. put this particular Monday afternoon was rather more than just moody.  It was also a great example of how quickly the weather, over the West Coast of Scotland and most definitely over the Islands, can change so quickly.  The morning had been so full of promise.  But then again, if it hadn’t changed we wouldn’t have witnessed the drama over the Old Man.

At the start of another week….please

Remember ….

Stay Safe …. Be Kind…. Look After Each Other

14th June

(C) David Oakes 2021

 

Moody Monday….. It might Rain

Posted on by under Borrowdale, Cumbria, David Oakes - Images, Everyday Life, Moody Monday, Peace, postaday, Trivia, U.K.Travel, Weather

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Borrowdale, Cumbria

The River Derwent flows through Borrowdale.  The backdrop is of the Borrowdale Fells and Castle Crag.

Significantly, nestling at the base of the Crags is the village of Grange…. reputedly the wettest place in England. I can certainly testify to a great many wet days tramping through the valley and across those fells.

It also brings back memories of regularly arriving back in Grange, soaking wet and with boots definitely muddy. Along with others equally as wet, we would arrive at the little Café in the middle of the village.  In those days it was run by an elderly lady called Miss Davis. Always a welcome for everyone… it also brings back memories of a very special aroma (no, not the wet soggy clothing) but of Toast and Baked Beans being cooked via Calor Gaz, a heady aromatic aroma.  Together with a mug of tea, it was a banquet fit for any King.

Some of those days where indeed moody, but always ended with a welcome, a laugh with strangers, and a warm feast.

We will make happy memories again, until then…

Please Remember ….

Stay Safe …. Be Kind…. Look After Each Other

7th June

(C) David Oakes 2021

Outstanding Coastline…..

Posted on by under David Oakes - Images, Everyday Life, Peace, postaday, Trivia, U.K.Travel

For a relatively small island, the UK has a dramatic coastline at its extremes.

Lands End, Cornwall with its view across to the Longships Lighthouse.  Not as remote as it looks, as Lands End has   seen the creation of a Tourist Centre and Shopping Complex.

Then we have the Old Man of Stoer on the West Highland Coast of Scotland.  Thankfully still remote, but still regularly discovered by Sea Cliff climbers (spot the climber on the stack)

North or South, there has always been an attraction of watching the sea’s breaking below the cliffs, that feeling of open space and perhaps journeys of discovery across those seas.

The days of discovery may well be restricted in these troubled times, but memories and dreams remain.

Whatever your dream…..

Please Remember ….

Stay Safe …. Be Kind…. Look After Each Other

5th June

(C) David Oakes 2021

  

A Day Out in the Lakes….. would be Just Grand

Posted on by under Cumbria, David Oakes - Images, DERWENT WATER, ENGLISH LAKE DISTRICT, Everyday Life, Peace, postaday, Trivia, U.K.Travel

Derwent Water

Victoria Bay, Derwent Water, The English Lake District, Cumbria

Saturday and a Bank Holiday Weekend, School Half Term Holidays in the week following.  In ‘normal times’ the Lake District would be overflowing with visitors, Day Trippers, Hikers, Climbers, Mountain Bikers, Campers and Caravanners, B&B in Farm Houses and Hotels with signs saying No Vacancies!.  

Covid restrictions have been eased and despite many folk acting with caution, I reckon this beach beside Derwent Water will not be as quiet as the tranquil view above.

We are also being cautious.  I think we wait to see just how the virus and variants subside, or not, over the next few weeks before we plan to be off to locations further afield.

Not that it stops us dreaming…. Oh, how I long to be walking along the shore, below the Pines, water lapping beside our steps, all with views of Skiddaw on the horizon.   

One day…but not just yet.

 

Please Remember ….

Stay Safe …. Be Kind…. Look After Each Other

29th May

(C) David Oakes 2021