Looking closer

As the clocks went back this weekend we were all treated to that precious extra hour in bed. But the flip side is that the nights are with us far sooner now, and being able to enjoy those dwindling hours of daylight is becoming more of a luxury. Long gone are the carefree days whereby we could just decide to go for a walk and not pay any heed to the time. Now we have to consider where we might be when it gets dark, will we need a torch, are we sure of the direction?

When some dear friends came to visit at the weekend Mr K and I wanted to show them our new favourite walk - the Aston to Burston loop. 

By the time we set off along the canal we were already losing the light.

Looking to the left over to the marina.

And to the right over the fields.

I loved this seat - I wonder who made it?

And the back of this grand house with it's walled garden.

Up to the stile.

Then looking back across the bridge to that glorious red tree  - I can't remember the name, can you?

Over the fields now toward the river.

Looking down through the last of the brightly coloured leaves.

 The sun sinking behind the treeline.

And the birds gathering across the lake.

Stark silhouettes.

Last time we were here the hay bales were waiting for collection.

Now the earth is resting until the spring.

The hedges have been pleached.

But by now the light had almost gone and it was almost impossible to keep taking pictures.

One final treat though as we headed home was this pond. I'd never noticed it before - perhaps lush summer growth had obscured the view - but now it seemed calm and magical.

Although the colours have all but faded this was a wonderful walk. Perhaps we appreciate the colours that are left all the more. We have to look a little more closely but the appreciation is ten fold.

By the time we returned home it was pitch black. We lit the fire and tucked in to our home made apple cake and fresh coffee. We were pretty tired by then but were left with ruddy cheeks, muddy boots and lovely memories.

Jane

xxx

P.S. I've had some great responses to my request for spooky stories but would love to hear more in time for Hallowe'en. If you think you could contribute take a look at my post here - I'll look forward to hearing from yoooooooooou...........