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Memories from late spring 1991 and visiting Polesden Lacy, Surrey when I was based down there for a period and this is the Cottage near Great Bookham which I really loved visiting.

Winter Sun

Winter can be a great time to be out either if like this weekend gone it had its challenges such as storms so I wasn't out much yesterday as flying debris isn't good for Cubs or anyone else really.

On the other hand around here the Winter Sun is really lovely bringing out strong colours and fine detail in say tree trunks and just for being out feeling it on your skin as you watch the birds and squirrels.

 

The seasons march on

 

It's been a rough weekend here with strong winds and rather a lot of rain about with partial flooding in places here so I've had to pick my moments to get out exploring.

We are on the march towards Winter, with the winds seeing off a good deal of the foilage in the last week or so but in the woods, the trees are made of hardier stuff.

This one looked great in the low sun in the morning while watching the birds and looking at insect life.

Post storm entry

 

The last few days have been very stormy here with us being on Amber alert on Friday and while out on Saturday, my duffle coat was very wet on the surface while running some errands as you do.

Temperatures dropped to two degrees from first thing and if one looked closely, you could see white sleet in with the rain.

I find tree structures interesting and this is one I saw a few days back on the edge of the woods on day with sunshine.

Out in the wood

 

To say it has been pretty cold is something of an understatement being very well wrapped up  from top to bottom but let it be said it takes a lot to stop me being out exploring even facing down bad experiences from the past.

On a very frosty and icy Thursday morning I ventured out taking my time walking given I'm not very steady on my feet coming out of one near miss losing my balance to get to the woods.

That was because I could hear a lot of birdsong from all over and while making my way there saw a good number of birds about.

I saw these two pigeons and steadying myself and the camera, I took this picture on a very sunny morning.

Winter announces itself

The weekend was one of very low temperatures and considerable snowfall so much so that for the first time in ages I needed to wear my thick track pants and thickest gloves that is usually awkward for using the camera with not least the need to semi press the shutter release to engage the auto focussing.

I went out into the woods although getting about with my walking abilities was not easy due to the ice rather than the powdery snow which was fine.

Here the fallen branches got light coating even if everything else in wood has well covered.

More Cubbing 2021 style

 On what has been sadly a weekend of much reflection across the country, nonetheless I felt it appropriate to continue with last weeks exploring and posts.

The preferred way to hold a camera, providing it has a viewfinder for the most stability and hence sharpish images involves cradling it against your face, using a camera reliant totally on the screen means tucking your elbows well in while holding it straight while hoping for the best!

I was out exploring the woods which is more challenging with the light but with the colours of the Fall around well worth it using a spot of fill in flash as needed.

The majesty of trees in the fall against brilliant sunshine is a great sight to behold as as here a few leaves have utterly fallen.

Meanwhile near the woods that golden autumnal sun illuminates these leaves well as you feel invigorated for your exploration.

Cubbing Autumn 2020 style

Rovering, exploring call it what you want, it's all a part of scouting and so this week gone I was out exploring the woodlands near where I live

As we enter the wood from a residential area, you can see how denuded the top of the tree is looking very stark.

Further along though and you see the colourful tree canopies where often you can see and hear the local birds during the daytime.

Here you can see the interesting shapes of the branches as they throw out from the trunk and the glistening sun kissed foliage.

The thing I love most of all about the autumn is the riot of deep crisp colour and here you can see just how some of the foliage has changed to a copper colour.

It is just magical.

Something we see a lot of at this time of year is Acorns that are collected and stored by the resident squirrels which I have seen a fair bit of this year.