First Visit to Grizedale
A fleeting visit to Grizedale Forest..
The sun shone, the work was done and a lungful of fresh air cried out to be had. Ten minutes later and I found myself in the heart of Grizedale Forest in the English Lake District. This is an area full of promise, huge trees stand tall and proud amongst the undulating landscape which offers narrow, twisting pathways high up into the forests with beautiful views far across the Southern Lakes.
It was a remarkably bright, sunny March day. Too bright for decent photographs but I shall return when I can pick my time better. The trees around here are quite remarkable, weird and wonderful trunks spiraling into the skies whilst younger saplings are fenced off to protect them from the wild deer.
I have been told by a local police officer that this is a great place for photographing birds and other wildlife, he is responsible for crimes against wildlife in the area and told me that poaching was especially rife at the moment and the market for illegal, cheap wild venison particularly buoyant.
An early morning visit is a must and I shall make that a mission of mine, I managed to get a shot or three of this fellow who was making a lot of noise for my benefit…
I do feel very fortunate to have such an amazing choice of walks so close to the places where I live and work. I was recently approached about an executive chef position in South East Asia based in a country I have many fond memories of but despite the attractive package on offer I just couldn’t imagine a life away from the English countryside. For all of the places I have been fortunate enough to visit nothing has the effect on me that the green, green grass of home has. I suppose that applies to all of us.
Miles,
Your bird photos are spectacular. Seriously, you should be putting a book together (in your 5 minutes a day of spare time) of your own. By the way, stop teasing your readers. Whose book are you reading? Come on, you can tell us. Maybe we should all read it — we could be a blogging critique/proofreading group of sorts.
Yesterday was Mother’s Day? Interesting. Ours is in May. It sounds as though your mum did a good job! Rod is your brother, right? Older or younger brother? May I ask who number 3 is and where that one fits into the mix?
Yes, I will admit to being nosey. Actually, let’s call it curious. That has a better “ring” to it.
Wonderful post, Miles and although it’s windy, cold, and snowing lightly here, your lovely country photos are a nice way to start my day (even though it’s only 4:25 AM).
Melissa
March 23, 2009 @ 10:23 am
Miles,
Grizedale looks like wonderful walking terraine with lots to explore.
Presumably for your bird photography, it is easier to catch them before the trees are in leaf?
Hard to believe that there are still poachers around, simply dreadful.
Elsie
March 23, 2009 @ 2:54 pm
Melissa,
You keep telling me off for doing too much but I don’t get up at 4.25am!
Have been really enjoying the series on Yellowstone, it’s quite incredible how vast it is. I didn’t realise.
You’ll have to wait for the book info, it’ll be worth it though…
Miles
March 23, 2009 @ 10:57 pm
Miles,
It’s great that you know where you are happiest right now. Mind you, if we could transport the street food from SE Asia to Britain I’d be happy!
Marvellous photos again. I’ve been to The Lakes so many times, yet I’ve been to so few of the places you’ve blogged about (at least since I’ve been reading). That just goes to show how much more it has to offer.
GDave
March 24, 2009 @ 1:53 am
GDave,
It’s an amazing area isn’t it? There’s always something new to look at and I love the changing seasons there.
As for Asian street food, I do miss that!
Miles
March 24, 2009 @ 7:33 am
Miles and the Other Denizens of the UK,
Color me green with envy!!!
March 24, 2009 @ 5:18 pm
Annie,
!!!
Your wish is my command. Here’s a picture of a green coloured Annie……………………..
Miles
March 24, 2009 @ 10:33 pm
Oh so funny!!!
March 25, 2009 @ 12:02 am
That bird picture is amazing miles.
March 25, 2009 @ 9:39 pm
Sharon,
Thanks! They seem to love having their photo taken-they’re very vain
Miles
March 25, 2009 @ 10:14 pm