At last I've had a chance to get out of Nottingham and explore the lovely English countryside once more. My days lately have been very interesting and very busy, but have centered around work for the church. However, last Saturday I escaped the city to drive about an hour away with friends to Clumber Park, a magnificent former estate that's now a National Trust property boasting miles of wilderness walking and cycling trails. It was also a chance to try out the truly wonderful new waterproof hiking boots that my father bought for me after I described to him the muddy, boggy English fields.
The day was gloomy to start with and then rainy, but by the time we arrived at the park the sun was beginning to break through. By that time it was already 3:30 p.m., however, and the sun was beginning to set, but the falling, filtered light made for some beautiful and ethereal photos.
This weekend I'm heading down to Cornwall (the county on England's southern tip) for a short holiday and in three weeks' time I'm off to Istanbul for a week, so expect more travel photos soon!
The landscape really was this magical.
It's a small country with very tall trees.
The river and lake made everything more beautiful.
Jonny and George lead the way.
The puddles are no match for my new boots!
I find a powerful beauty in bare tree trunks, especially at twilight.
The outlines of Clumber Chapel, a miniature Gothic cathedral, are startling at nightfall.
What a beautiful place, the landscape was really amazing. The trees, river, everything is great. Hope to see Clumber Park in real. I really wanted to spend the whole week in these place.