Thursday 20 July 2017

A Day in the Country ...

 "These people have learned not from books, but in the fields, in the wood, on the river bank. Their teachers have been the birds themselves, when they sang to them, the sun when it left a glow of crimson behind it at setting, the very trees, and wild herbs."
―Anton Chekhov, "A Day in the Country
 
 
There is nothing I like more than a change of scenery preferably somewhere like a nature reserve.  So we crossed the border into Northamptonshire and visited the Tichmarsh Nature Reserve at Aldwincle.  It was just what I needed and lifted my spirits no end.  Somewhere like this with water and trees unusual insects and wildflowers brings me to my happy place where I suddenly feel calm and it makes my heart swell - just observing what is around me and drinking it all in - a day in the wild.  I have missed all this while I have been busy at home feeling stifled and claustrophobic - here, I am in my element.  I felt refreshed and renewed and just a little tired after a long walk.  And I think to myself - why didn't we do this sooner!
 
 







 
Until next time


Elaine




 
 
 

 
 


47 comments:

  1. A truly breathtaking adventure that must have been. There is nothing like a change of scenery-and in this case one that truly takes one's breath away. Lovely photos indeed and thanks for sharing!

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    1. Thank you so much - it was a very enjoyable day

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  2. Elaine, when I think of you, I think of you walking in nature. And gorgeous flowers.

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    1. Thank you Donna - I am happy to be thought of that way

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    1. Thank you Sarah I couldn't agree with you more

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  4. Rivers are sluggish and move at a thoughtful pace where I live. I do so miss the chatter of a swift stream. Yours looks just the thing. And I am certain Emily Dickinson would have done justice to your dragonflies and moths. Simply lovely.

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    1. Thank you - this river the Nene was very swift flowing I should imagine you would struggle to keep afloat if you fell I - glad you enjoyed the post

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  5. Lovely Elaine - the season is looking very advanced - harvesting is underway and blackberry picking time must be just around the corner.

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    1. Thanks Rosemary - summer seems to have deserted us for the moment but hopefully we still have a few weeks left

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  6. I love your photos of the damselflies and butterflies the blue hues are amazing. Looks like a wonderful place to walk and unwind and enjoy nature around you:)

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    1. It was a nice to get out into the Northamptonshire countryside for a change and a definite bonus to find those amazing creatures

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  7. A most enjoyable post and lovely pictures, especially the last one with the two butterflies. xx

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    1. Thanks Flighty - the trouble with trying to capture butterflies is that they never stay still long enough - luck was on our side that day

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  8. Oh Elaine .... what amazing photographs ......the first one is England personified and I love the dragonflies. Just beautiful. XXXX

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  9. what is the name of the plant with the green and purple globes in the 4th picture? They are lovely.

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    1. The plant is burdock there were some huge plants that looked pretty vicious and prickly apparently used to flavour beer before hops were used

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    2. Thank you for your reply Elaine.

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  10. It is refreshing to me just seeing your pictures.

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  11. What a fabulous day and great photos. I am in love with that quote - it's superb!! Ecotherapy is what teaches us how to live in harmony with our souls - we all need more of it! xx

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  12. That kind of wonderful day always does it for me too! The wild certainly soothes the soul. Love the butterfies, what a gorgeous, delicate shade of blue. Are they common blue? Fantastic dragonflies, we don't get those around here. Lovely pic of hubs going through the green arch...xxx

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    1. Sometimes we need to get away from the run of the mill don't we - it always works for me - a day full of little things that make you feel alive - I think the butterfly is a small blue and the damselflies are broad winged - they were a delight

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  13. Lovely post with grate photos..
    Amanda xx

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  14. Lovely photographs, our countryside is truly stunning x

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  15. A Day in the Country is centrally located on the Oxfordshire/ Northamptonshire borders, just 5 minutes from J10 of the M40 and 25 minutes from J15a of the M1. ... There are regular rail services to nearby Bicester and Banbury. ... Please note our postcode OX17 3AY is shared by three ...
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  16. That looks a wonderful day out! Sarah x

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  17. Hello Elaine. What a lovely walk. I love the hay bales in the pasture. We can see the same big round bales here on the Colorado prairie, but not with a castle in the background--and old, broken down barn perhaps. Your spirit must certainly be refreshed after enjoying the countryside. Love that you share with us.

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    1. Hello Ann
      Lovely to hear from you. The countryside around this area is lovely and very quaint villages. The castle is in fact a church without a steeple. It did indeed lift my spirits I love being out in the wild as you well know.

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  20. What a fabulous day out ...

    All the best Jan

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  21. Hello Elaine! I thought you had finished posting on your blog, but I had the idea of looking inb today and here you are! So pleased to see that you are still posting beautiful scenes from the country. My favourites are the first photo and the very last!
    Walking in nature certainly renews us, doesn't it?

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    1. Hello Sandra
      Thanks for stopping by - I am not posting regularly only when I have something to say - so my posts will be a little intermittent - but I thank you for your comment.

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  22. Beautiful images Elaine. I especially love the banded demoiselle and the blue butterflies. It has been such a beautiful summer this year, almost do not want it to end :)

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    1. Thank you Cheryl - I wish I could say the same about our summer - it stopped in June - I am keeping my fingers crossed for some nicer weather in August and September - but not holding my breath.

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  23. We are just back from Pensthorpe. Such a glorious place. I will search out the reserve you mention. Looks like our cup of tea. I recognise the allotments in your strap line photo. Mum and I visited ecently for the open gardens. All the best. Karen

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  24. Hello Karen
    Oh lucky you - I love Pensthorpe and have visited many times. I am sure you would enjoy Tichmarsh plenty to see in lovely surroundings. Yes the allotments at Smeeton I used to have two allotments there at one time till we moved away. Thanks for stopping by.

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