Sunset over Boston

We go to many fantastic places in the UK, hoping for picturesque landscapes, sunsets, sunrises etc. Very rarely do these happen (maybe we should specialise in rain and grey clouds). Upon arriving in Boston after a thoroughly miserable grey day the sky was set ablaze by one of the greatest sunsets we'd ever seen. Over some pylons and a damp, brown field. Still, you have to make the most of what you get. These shots taken handheld over a hedge by the side of a field.

The sky on fire over Boston

The sun sets behind Wythes Lane

December Portraits

A few portraits of christmas present wrapping and Gillian in her radiant party dress, all home made.

Lake District (from March)

Yeah, better late than never. We also went to the Lakes in March. It also was almost impossible to get out, this time because of blizzards. Ever get the feeling you're fighting a losing battle? Anyway, we were part way round when it started so we just had to get on with it, snapping shots along the way.

Slate Wall

Langdale Pikes

Langdale Pikes and Langdale Valley

Langdale Pikes

Gill braving the high winds

The Blizzard Descends

Langdale Pikes from Blea Tarn

Bank Vole

Langdale Pikes from Blea Tarn (Panorama)

Langdale Pikes (Panorama)

Moore Reserve

A sunny, frosty morning so a quick trip to Moore Reserve to brush the cobwebs off our birding gear. Lots of lovely sun but most of it low and shaded by all the trees so the reserve was quite dim. First hide full of photographers (only place with any sun) and no room left. They stayed there all day. Getting a little fed up of the sheer number of photographers around these days, ironic as that may be. Feeding station in deep shade so didn't wait for very long. Lots of gulls on the main lagoon, and a trio of Little Grebe feeding in front. Water Rail seen later on a little island before zipping off into the reeds.

Gulls in a flap about something

Little Grebe with fish

Little Grebe

Little Grebe

Little Grebe

Tufted Duck

Langdale

We struggled to get out any more while we were in the Lakes, constant rain and showers. We tried a brief walk around Langdale but ended up getting soaked in a downpour (which ended by the time we got back to the house, of course). Had to grab a few shots between downpours but nothing much in lots of cloud.

"Mousey" (actually a Bank Vole)

Lichen on dry stone wall

Slater's Bridge

Langdale Pikes

Langdale Pikes

Langdale Pikes at dusk

Grizedale Forest

The weather predicted a dry morning and a wet afternoon so a morning's stroll around Grizedale Forest. Although mostly dry it was very dull and misty so not much to see apart from one mushroom.

Grizedale Forest route

Fly Agaric

Fly Agaric

Fly Agaric

Fly Agaric

Just before the rain came down a quick shot of the forest.

Path through Grizedale Forest

Bracken changing colour

Ambleside

A rest day and some shopping around Ambleside. As usual a detour through the Apple Pie Eating House and a picnic lunch in the park. Also as usual we were attended by bold Robins and shifty Crows.

Our Robin chum

Robin

Carrion Crow investigating the table

Carrion Crow and Crumbs

Carrion Crow keeping an eye out for suspicious picnickers with cameras

Buttermere and Haystacks

Up at 5am so we can make the most of what will probably be the only good weather we'll get this week.  Taking a very long drive round to Buttermere for sun-up we only just make it, with the sun rising as we get down to the water's edge.

Buttermere and Haystacks elevation

Buttermere and Haystacks route

Sunrise over Buttermere

Sunrise over Buttermere

Sun shining behind Fleetwith Pike

Buttermere

Sunlit trees on the edge of Buttermere

Sunshine behind Fleetwith Pike

Waterfall by Buttermere

Path by Buttermere

Buttermere (and Crummock Water behind)

Tarn by the summit of Haystacks

Tarn by the summit of Haystacks

Distant view of Buttermere and Crummock Water

Buttermere and Crummock Water

Waterfall by Fleetwith Pike

Buttermere and Fleetwith Pike in the afternoon

The tunnel on the east bank of Buttermere (no giant spiders battled)