Setting out with stile

This is (I think) a British Standard wooden step stile with 4 rails to provide a higher barrier against livestock! Having said that, the field on the other side of this stile was definitely planted with some kind of crop, though I can't remember what!

I like stiles; all kinds! They always make me think of walks and days out and countryside and holidays and fresh air and boots and friends and rhythm. A gate is a barrier, while a stile is an opportunity; calling to me to come, climb over, set out on a journey, discover what's round the next corner.

I love the analogy of life as a journey. As we travel, new horizons are revealed, circumstances change, people journey with us for greater or shorter distances. Nothing is static for long. Life is much more fluid. My hope is that I will, ultimately, journey in such a way that I can echo the words of Paul the Apostle:

I have run the good race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4 v 7

I must be in a literary mood at the moment, because here is another quote to close. It's really referring to stepping out of your own front door, but I always associate it with stiles and footpaths.

The road goes ever on and on,

Down from the door where it began.

Now far ahead the road has gone

And I must follow if I can,

Pursuing it with eager feet

Until it joins some larger way

Where many paths and errands meet.

And whither then? I cannot say.

The Lord of the Rings. J.R.R.Tolkein Vol 1: The Fellowship of the Ring - Bilbo's song.

Beacon

Breedon Hill is south of Derby, just over the border into Leicestershire. It can be seen from miles around; including the M1, various high points in Derby and parts of my house. On top of Breedon Hill is a beacon, obviously positioned here because of its visibility.

Traditionally, beacons were used as a means of warning a populace about times of war or impending danger, but even in history, they have also been used in celebration. Breedon is part of the National Chain of Beacons which are lit to celebrate events considered to be significant to us as a nation. The next beacon to the south is atop the appropriately named Beacon Hill, while to the north it is on Crich Hill, where there is also a famous war memorial; Crich Stand. Both of these beacons can be seen from Breedon on a clear night. The last lighting of the chain was on October 21st 2005, to mark the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar.

This was a great sea battle fought off Cape Trafalgar on the southern Spanish coast. Britain and France had been at war with each other for some time. In 1802 a truce was signed. It didn't last and in 1804 Napoleon set out to invade Britain. The French-Spanish Armada comprising 33 ships was led by Vice-Admiral Villeneuve, under the authority of Napoleon Bonaparte. It was met by the English fleet of 27 ships commanded by Admiral Horatio Nelson. The outcome of the battle was a resounding victory for Britain with most of the Armada being captured or destroyed, but it came at the cost of Nelson's life, as a French marksman spotted and shot him.

Nelson's death sparked a period of national mourning (shades of Princess Diana). He was given a state funeral, buried in a tomb in St Paul's Cathedral and the famous 171' column was erected in 1843. The statue of Nelson atop that column is 18' tall, so I guess that he could still be considered to be a figure somewhat larger than life.

I'm sorry to say that I have not seen the Breedon beacon lit, but the concept of a chain of beacons has always been one to bring goose pimples; whether of fear or excitement, I am never quite sure. And so, a few literary references to close:

From Clee to heaven the beacon burns,

The shires have seen it plain,

From north and south the sign returns
And beacons burn again.

Look left, look right, the hills are bright,
The dales are light between,
Because 'tis fifty years to-night
That God has saved the Queen.

1887 A. E. Housman from A Shropshire Lad.
 
"What is that?" cried Pippin suddenly, clutching at Gandalf's cloak. "Look! Fire, red fire! Are there dragons in this land? Look, there is another!"
For answer Gandalf cried aloud to his horse, "On Shadowfax! We must hasten. Time is short. See! The beacons of Gondor are alight, calling for aid. War is kindled. See, there is fire on Amon Din, and flame on Eilenach; and there they go speeding west: Nardol, Erelas, Min-Rimmon, Calenhad, and the Halifirien on the borders of Rohan."

From The Lord Of the Rings: J.R.R. Tolkein Vol 3 The Return of the King - ch. Minas Tirith

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

John 1 v 5 The Bible: New Living Translation 2007

Tangled branches, semi-silhouetted

No work today! Woohoo! Instead, I went for a lovely walk with a couple of friends.We had a great time enjoying the sunshine and the scenery and putting the world to rights.

Part of our walk took us through Breedon golf course. Now it's quite exposed up there, so the whole of the course is edged with ruler-straight lines of poplar trees. There used to be a line of poplars across the road from my house when I was growing up, so they have always been a tree with good associations. Plus, I love the height and shape, especially when they are planted in such neat rows. They take on a certain orderly splendour all of their own. And so, I took a photo.

But then, my friend, being a creative-cookie, suggested I stand at the foot of one of the trees and take a photo looking upward; so I did! And I'm really pleased with the result! I love the tangle of branches, semi-silhouetted against the brightness of the morning sky. Good call! :)

Back of The Pack

The present Scotsmans Pack is not the original. This one dates from around 1900. Around the back is a patio area bordered by a stream which flows over this small waterfall. Although a little chilly for sitting out on the day we were here, I imagine it would be very pleasant of a summers evening.

The Pack

Just over a week ago, I came here to meet a friend for lunch. It had been snowing the previous day, but had cleared just enough to make the journey look interesting without affecting my ability to travel.

This is my friend's local hostelry, and a very good one it is too. The Pack, as it is known locally, is in the village of Hathersage in the Hope Valley towards the north of Derbyshire. It is a beautiful area which is popular with walkers, but also attracts climbers who come to try their skills on the gritstone 'Edges' above the village. This is where the White and Dark Peaks collide.

Hathersage is probably most famous for its association with Little John, who is reputedly buried in the churchyard at St Michael's, but it also has connections with Jane Eyre. After visiting Hathersage in 1845, Charlotte Bronte selected it as the model of her village 'Norton' She also chose the local family name of Eyre for her heroine; and the roof from which Mrs Rochester jumped to her death, crowns the Elizabethan manor house, North Lees Hall.

The Pack itself is situated on one of the old trading tracks which connected Derbyshire to Sheffield and further afield. As such, it was a regular port of call for travellers, and for the Scottish Packmen, who sold their tweeds to local farmers. Hence the name.

If the Packmen were served food as tasty as ours, I would imagine they would trade in the area frequently.

May contain crocus >:(

This little fella and I had a bit of a falling out earlier!

Now I do like squirrels. http://h-little-sealed-packages.blogspot.com/2010/02/take-away-food.html   I don't mind when they dig holes in my garden; they are usually very good at filling them in again. I don't mind when they nibble at the fruit on the apple tree in the autumn; there's plenty for all. I don't even mind them trying to break into the bird feeders; mainly because it hasn't worked! BUT, I was rather peeved as I arrived back from Sainsbury's this morning, to see this cheeky little tyke bound up my garden path, break the yellow head off one of my newly opened crocuses, sit bolt upright and begin to tuck in.

He didn't tuck in for long! He took one look at the speed with which I was emerging through the patio door and ran for his life!

Irrepressible as ever though, three hours later, here he is, ears pricked up, twinkle in his eye, helping himself to peanuts as if nothing had happened. And he's welcome!

Meanwhile, I got the wished for bright yellow sunshine and my crocuses have responded beautifully.

http://h-little-sealed-packages.blogspot.com/2010/02/yellow.html

Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Sant

Y Ddraig Goch - The Red Dragon

Just in case you hadn't realised, today is the Feast of Saint David, the patron saint of Wales, so today's blog has a slightly Welsh feel.

David was a Celtic monk, abbot and bishop, who was amongst the first of those to spread the message of Christianity among the pagan tribes of Wales. He was born towards the end of the 5th century (around 100 years after the Roman departure from Britain) in Capel Non on the coast of South West Wales (near the present day city of St David, which grew from the monastery which he founded).

He travelled widely throughout Wales, but is also believed to have visited Cornwall and Brittany. Many miracles are credited to him, the most famous of which is said to have occured in Llanddewi Brefi at a synod to debate his suitability for appointment as Archbishop of Wales. The crowd at the back being unable to hear, he is said to have spread his handkerchief on the ground and stood on it, causing the land to rise into a small hill thereby allowing all to see and hear his message. Not surprisingly, he was made Archbishop very shortly thereafter!

1st March was chosen to celebrate his day because it is believed to be the anniversary of his death in 859.

Before anyone races to educate me (always a good thing!)... Although it is the national flag of Wales, the Red Dragon is not actually the flag of St David. His flag usually appears as a gold cross on a black background and will be widely used during celebrations today. My Red Dragon was snapped flying over the crennellated parapet of the gate tower of Harlech castle (above), which I have seen many times, but actually entered for the first time last summer.

Most of my Welsh wanderings have been northern and to me, the real attraction of Wales is the juxtaposition of the mountains and the sea; much enhanced by dual language signage!

Abermaw

Dydd Gwyl Dewi hapus!