Snowdrop time

During the past two weeks snowdrops have appeared in growing numbers beneath hedgerows, in woodlands and on the verges beside the bridle way.  They will be with us for the next few weeks.

What joy these small flowers  brings at this time of the year!  With remarkable resilience the snowdrop forces its way through frozen earth, through matted ivies, nettles,  decaying leaves and fallen branches to produce a carpet of pure white.

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Abstract ‘Out of Japan’

‘Sheep may safely graze’

This picture was taken two days ago  –  in the mid-January sunshine!  It is a quiet pastoral scene but, in about a month’s time these ewes, – together with around 350 of their ‘sisters’  – will be giving birth.  It will be a hectic time for farmer Mark and his assistant.

Abstract ‘Winter journey’

 

 

Season’s Greetings

SEASON’S  GREETINGS  to all, and especially to regular viewers of this site.  I greatly appreciate your visits and hope you continue to enjoy what you find here.  I wish you good health, happiness and peace in our time.

 

 

Cromwell’s Castle

 

The strategic importance of the channel between Tresco and Bryher in theIsles of Scilly in the defence of the British Isles has been recognised across the centuries.  In 1550, during the reign of Edward VI a small artillery fortress  was built on the high ground of Tresco.  Its purpose was to defend the harbour of New Grimsby.  At the beginning of the Civil War it was garrisoned by Royalist troops.  It later became known as King Charles’s Castle.

However, the site of the fortress was considered unsuitable and when the Parliamentarians gained power a new artillery tower was built on the rocky shore in 1651.  Its purpose was to defend against all threats  –  notably, at that time, from the Dutch.

(See also:  https://lagill6.wordpress.com/2018/11/01/room-with-a-view/)

Room with a view

 

During our recent holiday on Tresco, one of the Isles of Scilly, we were fortunate to have accommodation that looked out across the channel separating Tresco from Bryher.   The crossing of the channel at the times of the Spring tides was shown in an earlier post.  (See    https://lagill6.wordpress.com/2018/10/23/spring-tide-adventurers/)

The first photo shows the view from the lounge  The second and third were taken from the patio and show the views to the left and right.   In the second photo it is just possible to see the top of the steps leading from the patio to the beach/