Caldbeck to Hesket ...a riverside walk.

This is a walk we do quite regularly, especially in the spring. Although the spring flowers are well over - it is still to be recommended! 

Slow worm! 

So lovely to see...

A silage scalping.

The river is 'running' low. 

Not very pretty, but nice to find some new patches of toothwort.

Rhagium bifasciatum ..a lovely long horn beetle. 

Spring Gentians - Fused Glass Wave

So now to reurn to the period 10th - 19th June when I didn't have time or inclination to blog! So I'm putting htis blog as today but the other two blogs associated with Teesdale will hopefully appear in the correct chronological place - and I should be able to include links! Here they are click here for the walk and here for the flowers.

One of my favourite fused glass waves is this recent piece. Whether it is because of the subject matter, deign or place I'm not sure! 

Well at least we found one out! 

The wave with sugar limestone behind it -  the limestone has been baked by the intrusion of the Whin Sill and is very friable and like sugar when it weathers. 

I wanted to capture the dark sky and strong sunlight ..the only problem being the wind - this is one of many photographs...

One of many out-takes! 

Cumbria Life

I don't really do advertising and promotion - but Cumbria Life have done me proud! 

The Fells are turning purple.

A quick meander up Dodd; we dodged the showers! 

Maryport

Whilst we were in Maryport - a trip to the dune slacks. The season is progressing rapidy with the Pyramidal orchids being in full bloom and the Purlple Broomrapes going over. The Bee orchids still have their last top floret out but will be over in a day or too. No signs of any Small Blues either. So some nice general photos....

Purple Broomrapes.

The slack. 

Pyramidal orchids. 

Bloody Crane's-bill.

Across to Criffel.

Summer flowers. 

Mountain Avens

Not living in Teesdale any longer, this is an absolute pilgrimage. Although we were late in the year, there were still many flowers out ...

Upper Teesdale Flora

As promised - more on our Upper Teesdale walk (pilgrimage). 

Meloncholy Thistle and Wood Crane's-bill.

Shrubby Cinquefoil, Hoary Rockrose and Alpine Bistort.

Early Marsh Orchid, Scottish Asphodel and Mountain Avens.

Hoary Whitlow Grass.

Common Spotted- orchids.

Early Marsh Orchid. 

Upper Teesdale

A hot but glorious walk from Bowlees along the Tees and up onto Cronkley Fell. Splendid flowers and views....more blogs to come! 

Low Force.

Looking downstream...

Classic hay meadows.

High Force.

One of two Dark Green Fritillaries we saw. 

A hunkered down Red Grouse chick - very difficult to spot.

Looking down the Green Trod. 

Mountain Avens in amongst Hoary Rockrose. 

Bank-side orchids - Common Spotted-orchids.

Marsh Marigolds

With so much to do and see at this time of year there has been little time for 'my' art; yes there have been commissions and cards to make etc, but this was the result of some me-time. I'll only have to wait ten months to photogrpah it next to real flowers in its correct habitat; in the meantime my lawn will have to do! 

Before firing.