A glorious day today in North Yorkshire, it made me realise with a flutter that oooooooooooh Spring is not far away, yippeeee! We had no plans when we woke up, were waiting to look at the sky and allow the weather to dictate.
J suggested a trip to Ilkley park, to do what dozens of other families were doing, ie exercising their offspring in the fresh air.
The park is justifiably popular on sunny days, so many families, so many children. Lots of noise (I adore the collective sound of children hard at play, makes me happy deep down inside).
J and I took it in turns to accompany Little B, following him around as he did a circuit of the climbing frame, wooden train and roundabout. During my off-duty shifts, I sat my bottom on the sun warmed tarmac, leaned my back against the metal fence and thought how lovely it as to see shadows. How lovely it is to be treated to a sunshiney day!
After the playground, we ambled along the river that runs at the edge of the park to feed the ducks. Lots of memories floating in as I recalled the sweetest video clip we have of Little Man aged 18months chasing ducks in this exact spot.
I was entranced by the tree shadows spread out on the grass. I did some silly shadow things to entertain Little B here. I wiggled my arms a lot, it was fun, well he laughed anyhow.
After the park, we drove up out of town to the top of Ilkley Moor to eat a picnic lunch.
I adore it up here, the height of this place is mesmerising, you feel so close to the sky up here.
Ilkley looks like a model village spread out before us.
The rocks up here are truly spectacular. They are ginormous.
Their sheer size is almost too much to take in, leaves you feeling a bit breathless and giddy.
We had a lovely time today, It's just the sort of simple, spontaneous family outing that I love. Nothing complicated about park visits, picnics or enjoying natural landscapes. Cheap too, only some ice creams to buy.
I had some little daydreams about Connievan today, thinking that with the temperatures warming up a little, we might be able to wake her from hibernation quite soon. Now that is something to look forward to.
Hoping you've all enjoyed a lovely weekend, here's to a gorgeous week ahead for us all.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Lovely photos.looks likea lovely day was had by all!
Posted by: rosiehearts | March 11, 2012 at 08:46 PM
It's been a lovely day here in the South too - what a treat to feel the sun on your face. I wish I'd taken my camera out with me, but hopefully there'll be lots more sunny days on their way. Enjoy your week!
Posted by: Adaliza | March 11, 2012 at 08:47 PM
Quite excited to be first to comment.(Perhaps) Lovely post as usual. I do love all your photos. It's so nice to be able to keep such a good record of your life. I have a large draw full of photos and no idea when they were taken over the last 30 years, have. Have to guess how old my children are!
Posted by: Irene Porter | March 11, 2012 at 08:52 PM
ooooh that looks lovely! We had an exciting day of ... disconnecting the shower cables from the circuit box thingy. Woo!
x
Posted by: Heather | March 11, 2012 at 08:53 PM
Beautiful view from atop. And I love the look of the mossy rocks...very cool.
Posted by: Ana BC | March 11, 2012 at 09:15 PM
Lovely photos. Such a lovely part of the world. My son and family live up there as well.Anne
Posted by: Anne Williams | March 11, 2012 at 09:15 PM
Lovely day here in Teeside too. I remember that park from my childhood. One of my Mum's best friends from her college days in Ilkley lived on one of the streets that run down hill to it. We always used to visit the park when we went for a weekend visit. I used to love her house because it had a cellar and an attic like yours, so different from the 1960's boxes where we lived (and still live). I used to love going along the river too and playing on the pebble beaches. Happy days. Thanks for reminding me.
Posted by: Rachael Iddon | March 11, 2012 at 09:16 PM
I grew up in Silsden. I love when you post photos like todays on your blog. It's a little glimpse of a landscape I miss so much. I had many happy hours playing at the park in Ilkley.
Posted by: Lou | March 11, 2012 at 09:21 PM
Sounds like a great day out. I absolutely adore that shadowy tree picture ~ it truly is beautiful :O)xx
Posted by: Jackie | March 11, 2012 at 09:25 PM
Beautiful pictures!
Luv Jane XX
Posted by: Jane | March 11, 2012 at 09:27 PM
Is Ilkley the one mentioned in the old song about Ilkley Moor? My English grandmother used to sing it to us.
I am today sorting out patterns and wool for something to work on when I am in New Zealand - visiting family there this week . . . such happiness!
We are having autumn season now but the temp. will still be about 24C today; the nights are getting cooler though, lovely to pull up a quilt - summer has been so very long here in Woy Woy, Australia!
Posted by: Lily | March 11, 2012 at 09:31 PM
Happy is nice: so glad there is happiness to enjoy and be shared! Blessings Lucy!
Posted by: Jennie | March 11, 2012 at 09:39 PM
I just had to look on Google maps to find the street we used to stay on. It was Lister street. I really did love that house. Must visit Ilkley again soon. I have a pal in Addingham so at least I have an excuse.
Posted by: Rachael Iddon | March 11, 2012 at 09:48 PM
Simple pleasures x
Posted by: Deco Cat | March 11, 2012 at 09:58 PM
Bliss! It looks as though you all had a simply marvellous day. :)
Posted by: Seaweed & Raine | March 11, 2012 at 10:00 PM
I hope you all had hats on if you were going up Ilkley moor! Beautiful pictures. Looks like a lovely day!
Posted by: muffetly | March 11, 2012 at 10:10 PM
thank you so much for sharing the sun and scenery :)
you are like a lovelier version of enid blyton, your children must appreciate you loads - their lives are being filled with so many happy memories.
hugs xxx
sumea
Posted by: sumea | March 11, 2012 at 10:10 PM
What a fantastic shadow picture. Glad you had such a fun day. I love spontaneous fun - its always sweeter.
Posted by: Lily | March 11, 2012 at 10:12 PM
Just love that green rock - my favourite and my best! We've been springing around down here too.
Ellie
x
Posted by: Ellie | March 11, 2012 at 10:12 PM
Looks lovely. Love your shot of the tree shadow. Wasn't the weather great? It almost felt warm here in Leeds. We last went to Ilkley between Christmas and New Year - it was cold and grey. I think a Spring time visit is in order! xx
Posted by: Gillian | March 11, 2012 at 10:13 PM
Oh.. looks like the sunny days we had a few of this week made it around the world to you.. and now we're in for a week of rainy days! I'm working on my Teddy Bear #3 in mint green cotton.. only 3 more to go to get one done for each grandchild. Say, I'm doing a give-away for a pair of my sterling silver earrings if you want to pop over and leave a comment. I washed some of my alpaca that I was given.. a lovely silver grey. Can't wait for it to dry and try to spin it. ((hugs)), Teresa :-) from Oregon USA.
Posted by: Teresa Kasner | March 11, 2012 at 10:16 PM
What wonderful photos. It sounds like you had the perfect day!
Posted by: Jo-anne | March 11, 2012 at 10:16 PM
Gosh I love Yorkshire so much! <3
Posted by: Alice | March 11, 2012 at 10:22 PM
ooh the tree shadow looks like the picture on your newly done shelves! great effect
Posted by: maypole | March 11, 2012 at 10:40 PM
It was such a beautiful day today and I too was so glad to be able to get out too. Your photos definitely make me want to visit Yorkshire. I'm intrigued by your references to Connievan too! :)
Posted by: idiosyncratic eye | March 11, 2012 at 11:26 PM