Though our recent snows had almost all gone, it was bitingly cold when I set out across the rising moorland. Any puddles were iced over and soft ground had been hardened by frost. I was wearing my fingerless gloves which are useful for photography but I was wishing I had brought the lovely lined leather gloves that our Ian kindly gave me a few years back. For the first mile, I kept my hands in my pockets just for the extra warmth.
At first, the day was grey and still. Not the best day for photography but at least there was no rain or snow in the local forecast. Besides, not long after arriving at the rock buttress known as Crow Chin, the sky lightened and weak sunshine began to illuminate my surroundings quite nicely for an hour or so.
Thought I had not encountered anybody else, I could see the white triangulation pillar just up ahead. It was at this moment that a mountain biker rode past me with a pleasant, "Hello!".
I asked the young man if he would like me to take his photograph and then I could e-mail it to him. When he clambered down we shook hands. He told me his name was Lincoln - a very unusual forename in this country. He also said that he rides to High Neb every week of the year and always climbs up on the pillar but this was the first time he had ever had his picture taken there.
Between the life and the work falls the shadow.
ReplyDeleteExcellent photos. All your photos are excellent- how many do you take for each you post?
ReplyDeleteI know you want to keep warm, but beware of walking with your hands in your pocket/s. A friend fell over while walking and is about to have her second surgery on her wrist. If she'd had her hands out she would have been able to balance better and the surgeon said the injury would not have been as bad.
ReplyDeleteEach walk is different. This guy sounds like he was very pleasant.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous terrain and Lincoln seems like a very fine young man.
ReplyDeleteAt first I thought the sheep in the top photo had earrings on and then I realized it was the horns. I did think it odd for a sheep to have earrings:)
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a beautiful place to walk.
I'm guessing Lincoln must be very fit after biking up to the pillar every single week. Rock that lasts longer than 350 million years would be great to build a house from. A solid, long lasting house.
ReplyDeleteInsert appropriate 'Aw, the sheep is so cute', here.
ReplyDeleteIt is rather a shame that the triangulation pillar is not triangular.
Your good deed for the week was done, and Lincoln looks happy.
I am going to be a bit mean but arms akimbo person (note Titanic) we always used to grumble about people who climbed on stones. Of course triangulation pillars aren't included. So you had a satisfied customer with your photography.
ReplyDeleteJ has a point; walking with one's hands in one's pockets can make a big difference when one slips on slippery ground or trips over something. In winter, I nearly always walk with my hands in my pockets, because even with the warmest gloves I tend to get cold fingers. But most of my walks happen on tarmac paths without steep slopes, and as a very experienced walker, I am not at all given to stumbling or tripping over things - and I imagine it is pretty much the same for you.
ReplyDeleteThe photo of the sheep is beautiful. The sky brightened and you had an interesting encounter. A good walk, even if it was so cold.
I hope he likes his photo.
ReplyDeleteIt's always a good deed to offer picture taking for someone when they are alone. Lovely shot of Lincoln. I'm sure he appreciated it.
ReplyDeleteYou make a lot of acquaintances on your walks. Very brave of the cyclist to climb that pillar in such deserted landscape and of you too with your hands in your pockets with icy conditions below your feet.
ReplyDeleteI love all of your photos. The last one with Lincoln just amazes me that he could manage to get up on the perch. If I tried to do that, it wouldn't be a pretty sight!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good, if cold walk. A handsome sheep, you can always post more pictures of sheep.
ReplyDeleteYou know I do love a good sheep picture. And I like that good Lincoln picture too!
ReplyDeleteWow...your knowledge of Stanage Edge is immense and it's obviously a very special place to you. You could give an amazing walking tour!
ReplyDeleteI heartily approve of the sheep! You need to post more sheep photos. This message is brought to you by our local house-sheep union.
ReplyDeleteExtra warm gloves AND a mobile phone in your pocket is among the equipment I'd recommend... ;) I do agree fingerless gloves are good for photography but really warm fur mittens are much better for warming up in between...
ReplyDeleteWhat a hike! I just can't go for walks when it is so very cold. Love your photos!
ReplyDeleteThe sheep looks as though it's keeping it's beady eyes on you!
ReplyDeleteAn interesting encounter with Lincoln - I too hope he likes his photo. Next time you meet him ask him to take one of you on top of the same triangulation pillar!
I love it out that way, when me and my wife were just on the 'going out' stage we used to be out that way all the time. Sadly her mobility isn't great so walking isn't a thing for us now. Plus it's quite a trek from the east side but we do pop out occasionally.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great day out for you and for Lincoln too!
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