Blue Skies in Norfolk

Summer finally arrived this week whilst we where in Norfolk, pictured here a boat moored on the beach at Cley next the sea looking towards Blakeney point.

Wooden Cross - The Cloisters, Fountains Abbey.

All Cistercian monasteries were built in remote locations, away from civilisation, so that the monks could concentrate on their severely religious way of life. Home comforts and decoration were forbidden, so Cistercian abbeys were simple and basic in their architecture, with no impressive towers or ornamentation, no painted glass, and wooden crosses in the church rather than the usual gold or silver. Fountains itself was founded by 13 monks from the Benedictine Abbey of St Mary at York, who had heard of the growing Cistercian Order and sought permission to start a monastery of their own. 

Bodnant Garden

Beautiful Bodnant, it has been a while since we have visited but since they now allow dogs on a Wednesday evenings it was great to be able to go around again. The gardens where looking wonderful and the evening light was perfect for flower photography.

Avocets

Another great day at Marshside watching this elegant birds.

Graceful Grebes

We spent an afternoon in the presence of these beautiful birds, so graceful and elegant.

Spring is in the Air

Spring was definitely in the air in Southport this week. The Avocets has arrived back outside the RSPB hide at Marshside.

Mary's Shell

Spring has arrived with some lovely sunny days this week. This is Mary's shell which is a large metal sculpture on the beach at Cleveley's and is part of 'Cleveleys Mythological Coastline' project depicted images and words fromGareth Thompson's book "The Sea Swallow" which tells the story of Mary. When Mary's father the fisherman is killed in a storm, Mary uncovers a terrible war between land and sea. To save her town from being swallowed by the waves, Mary must face the wild water that took her father and go on a journey like no other.