U Is For Undercover

Taken from inside the Bird Hide at Coombe Country Park.

It is a great retreat from the rain and wind as well as a perfect

observation spot to enjoy local nature.

For you real photographers out there...I did my best to get

something of the scenery.  Shooting in a dark room with bright

light outside is not part of my skill set just yet (as demonstrated more so below).

 I love visiting here :).

Participating in ABC Wednesday

To The Northwest

This photo was taken from Coventry Cathedral's Spire

looking at Holy Trinity Church Spire and beyond.

On top of the spire is an 8 foot high

stainless steel weather vane in the form of

a Dove of Peace.

I hope you have a peaceful weekend.

I am going to contemplate the purchase of a 

tripod and telephoto lens :).

Happy Birthday, Nadine!

Participating in Skywatch Friday

Port San Luis, California

A few more holiday snaps from our USA trip

last month.  Port San Luis, California, is

just off Pacific Coast Highway north of Pismo Beach.  

A gem of a spot to stop for a cup of coffee and a walk along 

Harford Pier (where these photos were taken).  

We got a show too!

The cloud trail (below) is a satellite launch from

Vandenburg Air Force Base nearby.

The noise - unbelievable!

In the papers it was described as 

'a Delta 4 heavy rocket launch.'

Mr LOL and I had a bit of bad luck yesterday.
We are both okay but quite shaken after a big truck
hit our car sending us into a motorway armco barrier at speed.
After a day in hospital, I can hardly believe that we
were able to walk out with no broken bones but feeling quite sore.
No car now so there is a little sorting out to do.  
For a little while I will post when I can and keep on looking
out for your blogs in the meantime.
Cheers!  Take care and be safe!

Another First

This is the first time I have seen a hot air balloon on the ground.

We were visiting family in Monks Kirby a couple of hours ago.

Our drive home takes us past Coombe Country Park.

It was my iPhone to the rescue again!

There were 12 people in the basket 

heading off for an hour's ride

across beautiful English countryside.

Coombe Abbey Hotel is in the distance

in the photograph below.

Have a chilled weekend all.  

I am going to do the same.  

I look forward to visiting your blogs over the weekend.

Participating in 

Skywatch Friday and Ein Stück Himmel.

O Is For Oak

Tree Series - Coombe Country Park

It is almost May and this tree still looks like a silhouette against the morning skies.  When we got up this morning the sun was out.  The plan - to get a shot with the sun shining on the tree.  Sunrise is behind me.  The reality - it clouded over by the time we got there 30 minutes later.  I will not be defeated.  Will try this tactic again next month when I check back to see how this tree looks then.  Here is the view in January.  

Hope your week is going well.  Have a look at more 'O' photos - ABC Wednesday.

Brandon Castle - What Remains

When I took this photo I was not sure if I was in Brandon or Wolston.  To my surprise I discovered that beyond that group of trees once stood medieval Brandon Castle.   Oh my goodness.  How exciting.  I will be doing a little reading about this site.  I wonder if I can get a closer look.

The photo was taken yesterday just after a very light dusting (as they call it here) of snow in below freezing temperatures. Horses live in this field and they are just out of sight to my left - sheltering.  The microscopic  speck on the horizon to the right is a sparrow hawk (says Mr. LOL).  I thought it was a helicopter.  But then I would have noticed that for sure when I was taking the photo.  A train was going pass just then too.  If you click on the photo you will see it.  

Tomorrow, I will swing around a little to the left to see those horses - one in particular.  I must say, I feel rather excited.  All in one day having snow and discovering a castle.  Fabulous!

Taking part, with pleasure, in Our World Tuesday.  Click this link for more photos from around the world.

Completely Exposed...

...those trees.  There is a lot of farmland around the perimeter of Coventry.  The trees you see here are on the top of a ridge and completely exposed to the rain, wind and (possibly on Sunday) snow that comes from any direction.

Have a look at more skies worldwide by following this link - Skywatch Friday.

Have a wonderful weekend all.  I am looking forward to our British Academy Awards show on Sunday night.  I feel totally prepared :).  Wonder if Adele will be singing the theme song from 'Skyfall' live on the show.

A Patch Of Blue

I went out for a very long walk today with Mr. LOL.  The snow is everywhere and for the most part the sky and the ground blend together.  The trees appear black and are mostly defined by lots more snow.  Happily, I saw some blue sky.  I am ready to see a whole bunch more.  Maybe tomorrow.  

Skywatch Friday - Been Here Before

I used a similar shot on a frosty morning last month.  This photo was taken about three weeks later (just before Christmas).  It is noticeably darker out yet this was taken at the same time of day on Ansty Golf Course.  I am looking forward to longer days with lots of sunshine (please).

For more photographs showing skies from around the world follow the link to Skywatch Friday.

Happy Weekend folks!  Have a good one and stay well.

Life in Coventry Today

This area between the City Centre and the train station warrants another photograph.  It really is great walking along this path. There is a bit of history that relates to the trough.  Maybe I can home in on that tomorrow.  Have a good day.

No Joking...Two Minutes From Coventry

Brandon Lane

These are untouched photographs.  I could not see the horses with my naked eye.  What a delight when I downloaded the photo on my PC.  Oh, (below) that is the mainline to London.  Off to the penultimate day of the Olympics 2012 for some, I expect.

Coombe Country Park, Coventry

This was taken around noon time today at Coombe Country Park, outside Coventry.  I have taken a few photos here......such a beautiful place.  This is a view across the lake on to fields filled with sheep.  It is a peaceful moment found between Christmas and New Year, 2011.

Dawn's Early Light - Ansty Golf Centre

This is an untouched photograph taken on 18th December, 2011, at 8 am.  The sky was sensational and the ground was frosty and cold.  It snowed about an hour later.

Goathland, England - Harry Potter and Heartbeat Country

Yes, this is the train station used in the first 'Harry Potter' film.  It is located in a village called Goathland.  Goathland was used in the filming of Heartbeat TV series.  The village is called Aidensfield in the TV series.

A 3 hour drive north from Coventry will take you to the Yorkshire Dales where this station, many beautiful villages and challenging driving conditions can be found.  Worth the visit but not in the deep of winter.

Road to Chipping Campden

A short 45 minute drive from Coventry to Chipping Campden will find you driving through beautiful countryside with views like this.  Chipping Campden is located in the Cotswolds, not far from Stratford Upon Avon.  It features a historic High Street that has been officially designated a conservation area to preserve it for years to come. 

Just 161 Miles Outside Coventry - Whitstable

We had a little drive to the seaside and found 2 particularly interesting spots.  Three rows of beach huts make up the Tankerton Bay Beach Huts' site.  The huts overlooking shingle beach and the North Sea.  Whitstable Castle is perched on the hill between the seaside town of Whitstable and the district of Tankerton.

Tankerton Bay Beach Huts (outside Whitstable, Kent, England)

Whitstable Castle grounds

Room With A View

This bird house is discreetly placed overlooking the Sowe River which runs along side Ernesford Grange School & Community College playing field.  PS  No one was in!

Monks Kirby - Which way to Coventry?

St Edith’s Church, a Grade I listed,

 was founded in the 11th century and dominates 

the landscape of the village of Monk's Kirby. 

Photo taken at the Village Green.

Sunshine And A Warm Breeze - Coombe Country Park

It is nearly 80ºF here in the middle of England. So off to Coombe Country Park just 5 miles east of Coventry city center. Photo taken inside 500 acre beautiful historic parkland.