While the overnight gale continued to rant, rave, and spatter our windows we spent the morning continuing the decluttering prompted by our domestic refurbishment. I made considerable headway in dispensing with decades of paperwork.
Late this afternoon, when the wind and the rain desisted, we rewarded ourselves with a forest drive.
At the corner of Brock Hill Car Park serving the Rhinefield ornamental drive a victim of the recent winds, ripped from its rooting place and tossed onto picnic tables lay ready to join
others having earlier suffered similar fates to return to the soil from which they sprang.
A bitter wind made the temperature feel colder than the 3 degrees Centigrade that was recorded. The walkers lending scale to the giant redwoods around them were wrapped up well.
We have learned that robins abandon gardens for the forest during winter. They were much in evidence. This one dropped onto a fungus-bearing post.
From Rhinefield we progressed to pass Burley Manor where two groups of walkers caught the last of the sunlight as they crossed the lawn and its dying trees.
The skies were adopting gentle pastel shades, which strengthened by the time we reached
Picket Post, blessed with Jesus beams on the approach to sunset, more apparent across the moors alongside
Holmsley Passage.
This evening we dined on moist roast lamb; boiled new potatoes and the sweet variety roasted with parsnips; firm broccoli; tasty red cabbage; and tender runner beans; with mint sauce and meaty gravy. Jackie drank Hoegaarden while I drank Duck Point Merlot 2019.
First I saw the photos of those enormous trees and wondered what they were. Then, you mentioned ‘redwoods’ and I was properly confused. I associate redwoods with California, not England! Are they native there? If someone planted those, it would have had to have been some time ago. They’re not fast growers.
They were planted more than a century ago, Linda. Thank you very much
What a wonderful environment they create! And what a great place to be able to visit.
Just a few miles away
Ha.. I had exactly the same thought. I lived in the redwoods in CA and thought I was unique!!!!
There are Redwoods in New Zealand as well…
Love the somber skies and the fluffed-up robin. Sure shows the weather well.
Well spotted, Pat. Thanks very much
You captured so many beautiful photos, Derrick! I love the Jesus beams, always beautiful. The wind must have been speeds that we get here in the desert, up to 70mph are possible knocking trees over. I don’t know what the black think sticking up in the forest is.
It is a carved pine cone stood on a post. There are a few. Thanks a lot, John
Oh, OK, that makes sense with giant pines around it. Thanks Derrick.
Thanks very much, Gabriele
Those uprooted trees look like some sort of forest creatures. I love that little robin. (Ours are much bigger.) I wonder if your robin family will return to your garden in the spring.
I think they will, but none as tame as Nugget. Thanks very much, Merril
I love the name ‘Jesus beams’ — as an ex-weather forecaster, I call them ‘Crepuscular rays’ ! 😉
Yes – that is what they are, Kim. Thanks very much
Lovely fall shots of the forest. A good way to reward yourselves.
Thanks very much, Laurie
Those gales were frightening, so difficult to sleep. We woke up to snow this morning and tonight it’s freezing and icy. I’m so glad i don’t need to go anywhere.
Thanks a lot. Much worse for you, then, Sue. Stay upright.
I will try
Your photos of redwood forest trees are spectacular Derrick ..
Cheers, Ivor
Gorgeous series of photos
Thank you very much, Sheree
Your sky shots and Jesus beams are stunning today. 💞
Thank you very much, AnneMarie
We had very high winds today, but luckily no trees down. Nature has been rewarding you with some spectacular sunsets of late.
Thanks very much, Liz. And early enough for me to work on them before dinner 🙂
You’re welcome, Derrick.
I loved seeing Nugget’s chunky cousin! The sunset shots are stunning, Derrick!
Thanks very much, Jill
Your sense of humour shines through as much as the “Jesus beams” do. Fun 🙂
Thanks very much, Suzanne
I love your little English robins, Derrick. So cute compared to our big ones!
Thanks a lot, Barbara
Absolutely gorgeous photos! And that robin, so cute 🥰
Thank you very much, Ribana
Stunning sir. We had damage as well around the area. Definitely a storm not just high wind.
Yes – a named one, I think. Thanks a lot, Gary
You certainly were rewarded for all that paperwork! The redwood forest and golden sunset are beautiful beyond words. The dying trees have interesting shapes, like sculptures or monuments to the trees they were. Thank you for sharing these marvelous wonders!
Thank you very much, JoAnna.
Lovely pictures. Your robin is our rouge-gorge, right?
The images show the cold. I just came back from New York… Bl..dy cold… I’d forgotten what it was like. Maybe 20 years since I last was in “The North” at that time…
That’s right, Brian. I had heard how cold it gets in New York. Thanks a lot.
Powerful winds, yet trees prevail for the most part. Lovely captures of the nagestuc redwoods Derrick💛🙏💛
Thanks very much, Val X
Interesting tidbit about robins.
Thanks very much, Sherry. We learned that when Nugget disappeared. Sadly, he didn’t make it back in the following spring
I quite enjoyed the string of paintings produced by your photographic meandering in the forest. It must be an ancient forest, for far too many of its inhabitants are regularly returning to the earth they sprang from.
It seems to be two millennia. So not exactly New – neither fully a forest since many of the trees were cut down in the 16th century to be used for shipbuilding. Thanks a lot, Uma
And, then, just when I thought I could relax, you had an ‘l’ word pop into the scene. Oh well, it’s been a while. 🙂
As we dined, Yvonne, we wondered what you would make of it 🙂 I promise to be careful about my restaurant curry tonight. Thanks a lot.
I thank you.
Crepuscular rays = Jesus Beams … both are satisfying names for the same phenomenon. I first learned about crepuscular in relation to animals and have always loved that word (reminiscent of a caterpillar to my young ears!). While it is sad so many ancient trees reaching the end of their long lives, it is good to see they are cleared out of the way (if necessary) and left to return from whence they came. I assume there are younger trees in the forest that will take advantage of the light and spaces created by the departure of their companions.
What beautiful skies
Thanks very much, msw
I loved your beautiful skyscapes, thank you for Sharing.
Thank you, too, Carol
Love your photo of the robin. Those sunset scenery is beautiful.
Thank you very much, Arlene
It was windy yesterday morning but nothing like that. I think the latest bout of wind was to get the leaves off the trees. We have a larch tree and currently we are knee deep in the little yellow needles.
Thanks very much, John
The forest looks nice in the crisp air.
Thanks overmuch, GP
Are the trees at Burley Manor actually dying or giving up for the year. The oak (?) did look decidedly white.
Interesting info about robins. There is one that visits our garden at dusk, or at least sits on the fence. I must remember my camera this evening to see if I can get a shot.
The one nearest the camera will possibly sprout again next year. Thanks very much, Helen
Thank you, Derrick
Lovely photos, Derrick. My wife would love that walk. The trees are beautiful. Even above ground roots have their own magnificence. Sorry I missed dinner. We will be enjoying leftover turkey from Thursday’s Thanksgiving dinner. I might add a glass of white to accompany it. Thanks for your nice stories.
Thanks very much, Steve
Fabulous close up of the robin and stunning sunset photos, Derrick.
Thank you very much, Dolly
You are very welcome, Derrick.
It sounds like you were also pounded by storms as was Tootlepedal up in Langholm. The robin looks so cheery in spite of all! The sunset storm light photos are beautiful.
Thanks very much, Lavinia. It was much worse in Scotland
That is an impressive woodland. I am glad that the storm didn’t do to much damage.
Thanks very much, Tootlepedal
When I see robins anywhere, even in photos, I think of Nugget.
Lovely photos!
The sky photos grabbed me in and made me smile! 🙂
(((HUGS)))
Thank you so much, Carolyn X
Winter is upon us. Snow lies deep here in the east.
Thanks very much, Andrew. I can hardly remember deep snow