Outdoor Discoveries

Not so inactive

One thing that I cannot contradict is that it has been quiet on here for a while. An inspiring summer and my starting a new job both have had their part to play in that state of affairs. Even so, that isn't to say that I have been failing to get out and about. One such escapade was my spending an afternoon cycling from Macclesfield to Chester while managing to avoid passing through towns like Knutsford and Northwich as I went.

The August bank holiday weekend saw me heading to Aberdeen after not having visited the city since I attended a conference there the week following the death of Diana, Princess of Wales. With a mixed weather forecast, a spot of urban exploration inspired by thoughts of making better photos than I did all those years ago. That was to get me a wetting at times but I succeeded in satisfying my wish regardless. It wasn't an entirely urban weekend because I ventured out to Braemar for the very first time and I reached the top of Morrone/Morven, enjoy sunlit vistas when they came between the hefty showers; those died away to leave a bright and dry if cool evening that foretold the coming of autumn.

Last week's Indian Summer had me cycling to and from work with the return journeys plying lanes around Mobberley and Great Warford. In fact, I am left why I left those around the latter unexplored for as long as I have when they make for very relaxing cycling and are not so narrow either. Yesterday had me sampling them too and it might have been the same today if I had more confidence in the day staying dry. In hindsight, the cycling option might have been the better one given that the A34 was packed because the M6 was shut and no rain fell anyway.

Leaves are changing colour and the lighting of the countryside is becoming more pleasing for photography. Depending on the weather, that leaves further scope for outdoor outings. To make use of any opportunities that come, I need not to be tied up indoors though there are photos to be added to online gallery and possible blog postings to be written. This is not a bad time of year to be savouring when there can be so many delights on offer. Going into hibernation now would be a waste.