Autumn Blues

We've enjoyed the most glorious, feel-good autumn day here in my patch, a real stunner. We woke up to frost and ice and below-freezing temperatures, but with a clear blue sky and the promise of sunshine we decided that there was nothing else for it but to get out there and make the most of it. Can't say Little B was overly enthusiastic about getting dressed and heading out into the chilly morning but as he is only seven years old we can still pull the do-as-you-are-told parental override. Little Lady was much more enthusiastic and I love that she now enjoys walking in the countryside as much as J and I do.

We chose to head up into the Dales and walk around Grimwith Reservoir - we were last here on a warm, still grey day at the end of August so I was keen to see what a frosty, autumn reservoir jaunt would look and feel like. Turns out it looks and feels very beautiful - the blues of water and sky were absolutely breathtaking. At one point a motor boat sped past, sending the most mesmerising ripples moving out across the still surface of the water and causing a flock of birds to go squawking up into the blue sky.

The colours of the landscape surprised me in how rich and vibrant they looked, despite the multiple shades of brown. Everything looked like it was glowing with happiness, content in sleepy autumn mode. We stopped half way around for a breather and a spot of elevenses, which was the most enjoyable thing. I'd had the idea to make up two flasks to bring with us - fresh coffee for J and I, and milky hot chocolate for the Little People, gosh it was so so good! Little B was making the most appreciative noises as he slurped from his plastic mug, truly loving every single mouthful. We had homemade oaty biscuits and a little bit of chocolate too, and I really think that has set the bar now for cold weather walking. It made a big difference to the feel-good of the whole walk - you can't beat a spot of sunny, al fresco elevenses. 

By the time we arrived back at the car the weather was changing and the water was looking more grey than blue. We definitely saw the best of the day, and I am so glad we got out to soak up all that glorious autumn blue....

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 

 

 

 

Comments

[Arlene]

I just love your photos Lucy. As much as I love nature, what I super duper love are photos where there are man-made items IN nature... such as your reservoir shots or the stone wall photo. These speak to me and make me yearn for a different life. One where there isn't so much city but a nice compromise of both humans and nature. Where we add to the landscape rather than destroy it.

Thanks for your lovely post and I am so pleased your walk ended up being such a happy time for you and your family.

[Caz]

Brrrrr! Beautiful....but looks chilly! Maybe you need a blanket!

[Crafty Cath]

I do love the photos you take. Who'd have thought a concrete water station could look so appealing! But it does!! Looks chilly but serene :)

[Claire Mitchell]

We were there in summer when the Heather was in bloom. Absolutely stunning.

[Nina]

Although those blues are gorgeous, you can somehow tell they are the blues of a cold, autumnal morning, and not the start of a scorching summers day. I much prefer the former for my walks.

[kazzy]

such beauty in all your photo's and the blues of the sky to the water and the moor's in between~ I live on the edge of the Dartmoor national park and its very similar looking...I love capturing the light through the changes in the seasons~ sometimes it can get so misty, stormy and dramatic and within half an hour it can be bright blue skies and all is calm...thats the beauty of the moor's...I've mad e a come back to my old blog and love capturing the seasonal change... ;) x

[Anne Hennessy]

Beautiful and so inspiring

[Linne]

Isn't it nice that so many people live vicariously through your post? I do live in a fairly rural area, but there is nothing scenic close enough to walk to. Thanks so much for sharing your walks with us. The colours were wonderful, too, and how nice that the white stuff hasn't really arrived. Have a wonderful week, Lucy. ~ Linne

[CJ]

Oh it's been fabulous out there hasn't it. My littlest boy wasn't happy to be going out for a walk today either, but of course he loved it once he was out there. The refreshments sound excellent, they make all the difference I think! CJ xx

[One-oh-four]

Making me feel guilty - at 11 o'clock I was still in my PJs! Looks like it was a lovely morning xx

[Jenny]

Lovely blues Lucy. I have been taking photos too of the beautiful blue skies love Jenny xx

[DeLynn]

As a lover of blue, I so enjoyed your pictures!! 😊

[margaret laurie]

Thank-you for bringing the countryside to me when I can't be there x

[Susan Smith]

Good on you for making the most of the day with a bracing walk & warming cuppa. Thanks for the lovely photos. We have always taken a thermos nearly everywhere we go & our current "Union Jack" one was purchased whilst in UK in 2014 & came home with us. Have a good week & take care.

[Lovely Lady]

Grimwith Reservoir is one of my favourite places; been there on really windy, cold days and nice late summer days! If you have not been there, I can recommend The Coldstones Cut, near Patelybridge.

[Elsie]

I love reading about your rambles through the countryside. Wish I had someone to ramble with. It's a beautiful, bright sunny day here in northern Illinois, too.

[Teresa Kasner]

I so admire you and your family for getting out and about on a sunny autumn day! As a sailor I adored seeing the regatta going on. I wonder what kind of sailboats they use? Thanks for sharing these invigorating and spectacular images! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

[Tinke]

Those blue's and greens <3

[[email protected]]

<3 <3 <3 The best part of any day is often reading your blog...
Oh how I wish my family and I lived a life at the slower paces enjoyed in your town...
While YES we do take things at our own speed, the loveliness of North Yorkshire is so much more diverse than where we live... though we do live on a lovely little island.... its a much faster and more commercial pace.

[Ellen D.]

When I saw the blog post title, I thought, Oh no, she is feeling sad! But then I saw the beautiful pictures and read your happy story. Made me smile today! Thanks!!

[Charlotte.]

Beautiful pictures. Sounds like a good way to make special memories.