It has been rather a sleepy, sluggish, day today. The effect of the virus is diminishing, but departing with some reluctance.
Again I concentrated on scanning colour slides. These were the last 22 from my honeymoon with Jackie in March 1968. They were taken on a short trip across to Leith Hill, the highest point in Southeast England, set within the beautiful Surrey Hills. Its gothic tower, built in 1765, and now owned by the National Trust, rises majestically above the surrounding hills and from the top you can see sweeping views towards London in the north and the English Channel in the south.
With its ancient woods and views across open heathland, the area has been popular with visitors since Victorian times.
Within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) the hill is home to an abundant wildlife. It’s also designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
On the higher land in this beautifully crisp early spring day we brought one source of warmth with us, and found another. The car blanket was our contribution, and we came across yet another fire, this time a bonfire consuming the work of the woodmen.
Jackie’s delicious sausage casserole, its sauce enhanced by three quarters of a bottle of Albai that I had opened three weeks earlier and not been able to drink, served with mashed potato and swede, and a melange of fried leaks and carrots, was what we dined on this evening. Jackie drank Kingfisher and I consumed more of the chianti.
The first slide is so beautiful. You have captured that moment so well. Jackie makes a wonderful muse. 🙂
Thank you Sam – I can but agree
Ha! You’d better. 🙂
You might like: http://derrickjknight.com/2012/07/15/portrait-of-a-lady/
Cook, gardener and model. Is there no end to Jackie’s talents?
She also driver, and a very talented artist, although it is difficult to get her to pick that up again. Very many thanks, Quercus.
I’m not surprised she has no time for art!
🙂
I came back to see the radiant Jackie in her younger beauty! I hope you tell her I was impressed at how romantic she looks! ❤❤ Honeymoon glow upon every inch of her!
Many thanks, indeed
Derek, this is a beautiful post about a beautiful place.
Your writing and images are poetry.
Leith Hill is a special place for me, too – as for so many, I’m sure…
I will enjoy ‘following’ you – thank you!
Emma.
Thanks very much for following this up and replying, Emma
Jackie was simply gorgeous!
She was indeed, Dolly. Thanks very much
Of course, she still is, My pleasure, Derrick.
🙂
Really beautiful photos, Derrick, especially of the lovely Jackie – though I suggest she made your job easier.