Fells to the east, their tops breaking through mist A day of breath-taking beauty, calm and still, White mist lingers in valleys and, to the east, toward the Howgills, the tops peep through- like slivers of dark cloud. How welcome the sun after such a wet October and gloomy November days. The second lockdown of 2020 and I can walk only here, but here is marvellous. We may only meet outdoors but it's so warm and bright we relax into companionability, as we did in spring. So, at Thanks Giving, I celebrate the beauty of the natural world, and friendship.
In late November the sun creates long, dramatic shadows. Low in the sky, it gives a striking illuminating to the anthills so abundant on Helsington Barrows. Like an outbreak of The Plague. The Corona virus is less deadly, and less visible, that's one of the dangers as Christmas approaches and we'll come out of lockdown. Teenagers are often asymptomatic although they spread the virus, we are warned. Christmas looms and the risk from gatherings indoors, in confined and poorly ventilated spaces, is significant. Three families together- could be fifteen to twenty people. There are vaccines on the near horizon- that's the good news. But first, Christmas!!
But the day is so beautiful and we are privileged to be here.
But the day is so beautiful and we are privileged to be here.
This autumn lockdown is such a contrast to the first lockdown, in spring. Throughout, the weather was glorious. And being in lockdown was something so wholly unprecedented everyone was eager to tell their story, to share the experience of being here. Now, in November, the novelty is worn off. The days grow shorter and, until today, the weather has been unsettled and often gloomy. Several days last week when it never became truly light.
So, a transformation of sunlight.
So, a transformation of sunlight.
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