Sunday, 18 December 2011

Sundays slippy stroll.................................................... to Haydn's Pool

It was wet all day yesterday with sleet in the rain... and I was woken during the night by the sound of the gutters overflowing during another downpour.
I was delighted to get up this morning to see the rain had stopped.

By the time I was ready to go out the sky was blue and the sun was shining... but it was very cold.
I stayed local as the roads were icy and went to see how Haydn's Pool was getting along.

This lovely little Robin greeted me at the car park.

It was a bit treacherous underfoot so I kept to the grassy verges for a bit of grip.
The shadow is mine... I was going to delete this image but it does show off the low winter sun.

I used the steps up to Haydn's Pool..... the path was covered in ice.

Haydn's Pool was frozen..... a dry bed throughout the summer drought.
 Refilled just a few weeks ago... the rain of the past few days has increased the water levels.
After a summer of no water for the birds it's full...... but frozen over..... and not a bird in sight.

I left by the back door... there are 37 steps.
I counted them as I descended... 39 steps sounds better.
Witton Brook lies below and is the stream used to refilled the pool... it's quite steep.

Looking back up the steps from the path below.
  A flock of Redwings were enjoying the berries and lovely to see through my binoculars.
I only had my travel zoom (18-200mm) so no images to share.

My shadow was getting longer as I headed over towards Neumanns Flash.
Part II of my walk tomorrow.
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35 comments:

  1. Horst in Edmonton18 December 2011 at 19:17

    Here in Edmonton, Canada, we got a little rain then it turned to snow and is very slippery on the roads. Hopefully the sanders will be out today. Great photos of your walk, love the little Robin.

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  2. eileeninmd18 December 2011 at 19:21

    what a beautiful place for a stroll. But not an icy one, you are the brave one. The scenery and photos are lovely. Have a wonderful week and happy birding.

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  3. Andy18 December 2011 at 19:38

    I got vertigo from looking down the stairs! :)

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  4. TexWisGirl18 December 2011 at 20:04

    love the shadow shots! you should link in to Shadow Shot Sunday with these! :)

    brrr to the ice, though! we had sun here yesterday - about 60F. today is gray and overcast and 40s. not photo-taking weather.

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  5. Hilke Breder18 December 2011 at 20:16

    Super header photo, Andrew! Love your long shadow in the last photo! There ought to be a (spooky) story with that.

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  6. John @ Beans and I on the Loose18 December 2011 at 20:52

    Shadow shots are good. Always think twice before deleting them. I like your little robins more and more as you show them. Much cuter than our American Robins. It looks so very cold. I do not think I would fair to well in it. Have a nice week Andrew.

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  7. Bob Bushell18 December 2011 at 21:00

    Beautiful photos on your walk.

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  8. joo18 December 2011 at 21:15

    You had such a lovely walk, Andrew!

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  9. Gemma Wiseman18 December 2011 at 21:50

    Such a wonderful, scenic walk, so fresh after rain! I smiled about your water overflow! That was just our scenario last night on the Mornington Peninsula!

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  10. Kelly18 December 2011 at 21:52

    What a beautiful collection of photos! I love the robin and enjoyed your other post explaining about the bird in Mary Poppins. Yes, robins in the US are quite large!

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  11. Ms. Becky18 December 2011 at 21:52

    well thanks for the enjoyable little tour. I love your steps, and yes, 39 does sound better. that was one required movie for studying in my college film class. I love your shadow shots - you might think twice before deleting them. and I love the names of the spots you visited - Neumann's Flash, Haydn's Pool. lovely. thanks for stopping by my blog and saying hello, I truly appreciate that. happy day to you Andrew. careful on those steps now.

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  12. Beatrice P. Boyd18 December 2011 at 22:49

    Hello Andrews, thanks for stopping by our blog, The Frog & PenguINN. I enjoyed being outdoors on this walk with you today. After the nasty weather you lucked out and some great shots. We are hoping for a bit of snow and cold weather here but none is forecast (sadly).

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  13. LV18 December 2011 at 23:48

    You can keep that icy weather, but continue sending the beautiful outdoor scenes.

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  14. Saun19 December 2011 at 00:09

    Lovely pics!

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  15. jeanlivingsimple19 December 2011 at 00:24

    Beautiful captures!!!
    Merry Christmas my blogging friend who lives across the pond. Hugs!!!

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  16. Chubskulit Rose19 December 2011 at 01:53

    Gorgeous!

    My shadow entry. Thank you for supporting the new team of SSS. Happy holidays!

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  17. Linnea19 December 2011 at 02:23

    Love those long wintery shadows. What a pretty walk you went on. It's sure looks cold there in spite of the sunny skies. Enjoy the week!

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  18. Anonymous19 December 2011 at 02:36

    I enjoyed taking your walk through your photos - thank you :)

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  19. ADRIAN19 December 2011 at 04:33

    A grand wander......awful walking conditions I have some spikes. They are cheap and effective.

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  20. The Herald19 December 2011 at 08:59

    Thanks for taking us along on your (cold!)walk Andrew. Great pics...[;o)

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  21. Phil Slade19 December 2011 at 10:37

    Sunday was a nice day for a change Andrew and because it was so cold it kept the hordes indoors, as your ramble photos show.

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  22. Pantherka19 December 2011 at 10:48

    Andrew, beautiful photos of walks.

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  23. Brian King19 December 2011 at 14:54

    Beautiful photos, Andrew! I really like the colorful robin!

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  24. Unknown20 December 2011 at 19:12

    Great walk Andrew!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

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  25. mick20 December 2011 at 20:03

    Great photos and great description of your walk. I enjoy reading about the cold but am rather glad I am sitting in the heat and humidity of a southern summer!

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  26. Carole M.21 December 2011 at 01:21

    the delightful robin again; I admire how you're so enthused to get out amongst them regardless of the weather. I guess if you gave up in winter, that's a long time to wait it out and some kind of withdrawals would set in. Interesting to note the longer shadow in the final photograph. Look forward to the rest of your walk/photographs Andrew.

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  27. Nicole21 December 2011 at 04:28

    Cracking Robin photo! wow! I love to follow your way on your trail. I can almost smell the crispy winter air!

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  28. Nature Rambles21 December 2011 at 09:56

    Wonderful shot of the robin! Thank you for taking us on your walk through this beautiful area. Nice shadow shot!

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  29. Nature Rambles21 December 2011 at 09:56

    Wonderful shot of the robin! Thank you for taking us on your walk through this beautiful area. Nice shadow shot!

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  30. NatureFootstep21 December 2011 at 11:24

    a nice area to spend a day or two. :) I love that header shot you put up. :)

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  31. Arija21 December 2011 at 11:39

    A lovely cold walk and rather treacherous under foot. I hope you carry your phone wherever you go, it is dangerous when you are out alone. I even carry mine between our houses or hanging out the washing.
    Stay safe and have a vey

    Happy Christmas!!!

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  32. holdingmoments21 December 2011 at 11:57

    An enjoyable walk at your local Andrew.

    You 'shadow' shot immediately had me thinking how much that pathway reminded me of Summer Leys, in Northamptonshire.

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  33. Rambling Woods21 December 2011 at 18:43

    It's lovely even in the winter..the weather has been odd here..warm with rain to cold and sleet making it slippery to walk....I like the shadows..the long ones make me look thinner...lol...Happy Holidays...

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  34. Pat21 December 2011 at 20:21

    Lovely shot of the Robin!
    Your photos show us a beautiful place to roam.

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  35. Springman21 December 2011 at 23:59

    You are just filled with film references this week. The 39 Steps I liked much better too. Love Hitchcock!

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