4 December 2018

Milkiness

In spite of feeling "under the weather" with a sore throat and raised temperature, I nonetheless undertook a three hour walk this afternoon. 

Firstly, it involved a five minute drive out of the city. I deposited Clint upon a rough surfaced car park in the lee of Lady Canning's Plantation. It is very popular with dog walkers. But I don't own a dog, have never owned one and have no intention of ever owning one.

I set off along Houndkirk Road - an ancient track - the construction of which  preceded most of the paved roads that crisscross those moors. After a mile and a half, I left the old track and plodded eastwards along a side path that  heads over to The Burbage Valley. That's when I spotted those three friends in the top picture. They posed for me beneath a milky sun that was veiled in thin cloud.
I walked along the same ridge the three friends had just traversed and soon I was able to take the photograph shown above with the Hathersage Road twisting its way into the valley of The River Derwent. Across that valley you can the telecommunications mast on Sir William Hill.
Where the Hathersage road crosses Burbage Brook there's an odd rock formation that is known locally as The Toad's Mouth, I have driven past it a thousand times but because parking at that point is impossible I had never captured a picture of it until today. There it is above. It really does look like a toad doesn't it? I have no idea who carved the eye or when.

I was tempted to pop into "The Fox House" inn for a pot of tea but instead decided to press on, linking up once more with Houndkirk Road in fading light. I spotted an old milepost that would once have guided merchants and carriers. It's very worn now but you can still make out "Tideswell 9/ Buxton 16" - the mileage to  two of the most significant towns in North Derbyshire.
Because I had been feeling slightly poorly, I was relieved to finally see Clint's sleek silver chassis coming into view. He was snuggled up next to a muddy Land Rover and seemed more than disappointed when I interrupted his sly small talk. His engine growled petulantly as we headed back to the city.

21 comments:

  1. You are indeed a dedicated walker, Mr. P.!
    And what a beautiful walk. I do envy you with those paths and fields and ancient places.
    I think that rather than a toad, the rock formation looks like a fish. Perhaps that is because I live in a place with so much water. Whatever, I like it.

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    1. Do you know - I think you are right Madam Moon - it does look more like a fish!

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  2. Your pictures are wonderful! An overcast day can show a different kind of beauty. I love the old milepost and the history that must go with it. I tend to agree with Ms.Moon as I saw a fish jumping high out of the water in that one photo. Now I hope you will rest and take good care of yourself until you are feeling better!

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    1. Okay I will Nurse Bonnie... apart from a trip down to tonight's pub quiz. I think I will sleep well tonight.

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  3. What a wonderful toad/fish rock! :)

    You are an intrepid walker to be gadding about with a temperature! I hope you feel better soon.

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    1. The toad seems to be eating some grass or maybe he has whiskers!

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  4. tSometimes fresh air can help,us getting rid of a cold before it fully develops, but I don't think I would have walked for thee hours with a raised temperature.
    The friends on the ridge, what a great picture! I also am intrigued by the toad (or fish).

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    1. One cannot see the toad's eye from the road. Of the pictures I took today, the friends on the rock was by far my best. I knew it as soon as I checked it out on my computer.

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  5. Too cold outside for me today, after half an hour Rick and I were both ready to get back indoors in the warm.

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    1. Nesh! I shall have to remember that word, a perfect way to describe how I felt today. How's your cold?

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  6. Due to raised temperatures of another kind here, it's been far too hot to walk anywhere...let alone for three hours! To be honest, I would not be able to walk (hobble, walking stick in hand) for that long...and also, I have no burning desire to do so - even if I have been burning up from the heat.

    I hope you're feeling soon, Yorkie.

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    1. I certainly will be feeling soon Lee! Thanks for calling by. Why not put your head in the fridge for a few minutes?

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    2. I've actually thought of putting my whole self into the fridge, Yorkie...either that or get a hammock and hitch it over the refrigerated section of the local supermarket, and take up residence there.

      My cabin, since my landlord had all the trees that were shading it and its roof, lopped a couple of weeks ago is now completely without any shading whatsoever. Actually, this "cabin" is a tin shed that has been converted into a cabin...part of the interior...the main section is lined with pine tongue and groove...the rear section is unlined. As I've mentioned many time previously my humble abode is a very humble abode.

      Without exaggeration and no joking...the last few days...Sunday, in particular, I felt like I was inside a kerosene can in the middle of the Sahara Desert...it has been very distressing...not only for me, but for my two furry rascals, too.

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    3. Why the hell did that numbskull remove the trees?

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    4. It would take me too long to go into details, Yorkie...suffice to say...your description is spot on! :)

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  7. Getting out when you feel off is the best thing you can do.

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    1. I am pleased I could still find the motivation and the energy to get out Red.

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  8. ARE YOU CRAZY?! You shouldn't be out marching around the countryside when you have a temperature! Especially in misty "milky" weather.

    That being said, I love the photo of the "toad." He looks like he's chewing on something -- maybe tobacco?

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    1. Yes. I am crazy! "This cold night will turn us all to fools and madmen."

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  9. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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Mr Pudding welcomes all genuine comments - even those with which he disagrees. However, puerile or abusive comments from anonymous contributors will continue to be given the short shrift they deserve. Any spam comments that get through Google/Blogger defences will also be quickly deleted.

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