The 12 pics of 2012

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A look through a year of photographs and a selection box presented with the best (or, least worst) of each month:
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January.
The wonder of snow. How glorious it looks. Each tiny flake with a different crystaline structure to any other. Takes the mind back to childhood and the ‘proper’ winters we used to have – When snow were snow…
Snow is different nowadays, it’s the wrong sort. This wrong sort stops public transport in its tracks; It is genetically-modified snow. A new supersnow.
But it does look good.
The Hazel looks good too, a shame that the scent is lacking. I bought it when it was in flower and it had a good scent then. This was its first year in the ground, perhaps it will pick-up.
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February
This can be a horrible month for weather. 2012 was cold for the first half then warm for the second; and dry for the most part.
Thus it was that these jewels appeared… I love crocus and can always make room for more, and I will.
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March
Walking the dog is an added bonus. It decides things; on some days I would stay in, forego the benefits of a walk and have a cup of tea instead. The dog has other ideas, he wants out; No excuses.
I never regret the walks that ensue, sometimes one comes across vistas such as this… Five minutes, heading north-east, the forest begins to thin and gives way to farmland beyond. There are two routes; The long way is to the end of the forestry track then double back taking the upper path: The other way is to drift off to the left of the track and climb the hill following the vehicular access. Either way, the tracks will merge at around this point.
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April
Going out the other way, fir trees dominate. I much prefer this for dog safety.
I like to let him (doggie) run free, he is a whippet after all, he deserves a run. With him being a friendly sort, I attach his lead whenever I spot another walker to prevent his youthful exuberance swamping other canines who may not appreciate his joy. The deciduous sections of forest are littered with debris that can injure an errant dog. The modern method is to leave all those dropped branches and twigs; Let the debris from thinning out the forest remain for the natural wildlife. Which is fine, but you try explaining that to a dog.
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May
We quite like visitors, always keen to show off the virtues of forest life. So I have to wonder as to why we invariably take people out of the forest and into the hinterland to show them the joys of this place. Tintern Abbey. It should need no introduction, and for myself I simply introduce it as.. magical.
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June
If you like to see a wide horizon then I can reccomend the view from here… This is Lydney docks. These ancient stones – recently quarried – are a new, Millenium monument for a future age. Gazing across the Severn estuary, the horizon stretches across eye level and provides a wide sky.
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July
Meanwhile, other visitors are welcomed without reservation. This young Jay dropped in from time to time during the latter stages of summer. A delight to see such shy creatures, the first hint of movement and they are gone.
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August
Looking north over the hedge and across the valley.
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September
The Swallows began to gather early and within the first week of the month had vanished. Can’t say I blame them; The month was a washout. The one (top) seems to be pointing and saying, ’That’s the way we go’.
And he would be right, that way is south.
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October
Some days can be endless. Such was this day. We (dog and I) had ventured forth some hours earlier though it only seemed as but a few moments. It was one of those days.
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November
Another walk on another day. Further evidence of the edge of the forest being close by.
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December
As this is being written the month is not yet over. Nevertheless, pics have been taken – cue endless amounts of photos featuring trees; – So, not to disappoint.., As mentioned, walking the dog is beneficial in many ways.

A very Happy Christmas and prosperous New Year to one and all.

• 20 Dec, 2012
• 8 likes

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