Evenings were designed for being spent outdoors. It's a fabulous feeling to wander at sunset and watch the light spread all over the sky and landscape in funny hues before fading to darkness.


A bench encrusted in lichen.




Deer grazing in the distance.



A barn owl putting on a show. What a treat.


Are you up for evening wanders?

Take care,
Sophie

Last year was full of revelations and revolutions. One of my favourite things to do was to take a drive around the country lanes in the passenger seat. C loves driving and I like not having to drive so this suits us well. Armed with my camera it was an exciting time to appreciate the evening sky, sunset and the wildlife which we may have been lucky enough to encounter. While I would love to get about on foot as well, by car can take us to places others seem not to go. The discovery of wildflower strips, tucked away footpaths, unexpected viewpoints, seeing a sparrowhawk, a barn owl hunting, deer grazing or guinea fowl going round in circles within their little clan... it was all good. Yes, I'm an early bird; mornings are my favourite part of the day but evenings have a hazy charm like a dream just starting up before sleep.
Just last night we took a fantastic trip out and saw an inspiring few sights
 The oil seed rape is just about to turn the landscape bright yellow, the first few fronds are in bloom.

We came across a mini swathe, a swathelet of cowslips which is terribly exciting as I saw just one plant the whole of last year. Aren't they brilliant?





 A buzzard flew off from the ground and took flight. It was huge.
 A deer made a getaway through the crop.
 Primroses everywhere now.
 Above, wild strawberries! What a find. Below, I think it's wood anemone! How lovely!



 Shepherd's purse? And daisies.

Violets in the grass.
Quite perfect.
Take care,
Sophie

There's something great about being away which makes you throw the usual set of timings out the window. Dinner? Who needs to be cooking when you could be out walking down a winding country lane enjoying the last of the evening sun? The quiet, peaceful air calls you outside to perambulate and take in new sights and sounds. Certain magic lingers whilst on holiday, don't you think? It's exciting to go out in the last few hours of daylight and just relish in the last glowing rays of the sun.

The luxury of staying in a landscape far removed from that which we are used to is something I took great joy in. The view of far off mountains, dry stone walls and herds of sheep grazing is so far removed from our usual environment it just takes my breath away for a moment. Lake District, I think I love you.

Sophie

The sky has the ability to fascinate me even with the merest wisp of cloud; this particular evening in June was the perfect example of such an occasion. The hot sun was beating down while threads of vapour hung motionlessly against the pure blue backdrop, beautiful.

The lush green grasses grow fast and strong.

If you're going to be walking any of the Norfolk trails this year, you might be interested in taking part in the Norfolk Trails Photography Competition which is up and running already until 1^st November.

Sophie