I've spent many a day at the Lakes of St. Ives - just a short walk from where I live - this is where I discovered the beautifully hued - caramel browns and peach white - French Breed cows that looked after my Little Sheep. Sadly, after the recent floods, all of the cows, the herd that grazed across the river from my flat, including the French cows and Little Sheep were all removed by the farmers - for their safety of course. The French cows have been returned - but only half strong - maybe ten in all. Alas, no Little Sheep. I really miss that little guy. It's just not the same. Today, I'm posting quite a few photos of the Lakes in all seasons.
The richness of textures and layers of colours that one can capture with a camera look more like a painting instead of a photograph. Every earth colour imaginable is on display at this group of lovely lakes.
I think to catch a serene moment - a misty morning such as this one - with the sun trying to burn through to greet the day, is magical. I keep looking around for those little woodland fairies to appear !
It's very healing to walk around these lakes - a place where one can meditate, smell the musty scents of earth, grass and water. Every season dresses this enchanting area with a new set of varied and brilliant coloured clothing. Spring time is when the birds are most active, geared for courting and finding a mate. I have seen the most interesting squabbles between breeds - grey geese chasing ducks, swans chasing grey geese, Canada geese chasing all of them - these being the monarchs of the lakes. I love spying the shy and fuzzy newborns, swimming in little grouped flotillas - following the ever cautious Mum.
The photograph above -is looking down the path to the Lakes - I was amazed at the consistency of textures. I didn't manipulate the photo in any way - it looks almost like it's been painted.
This year, I hope to capture in photos, more variety of sweet singing birds that inhabit the Lakes. Although I don't know the names of all the birds I see, I'm getting really good at identifying them by the songs they sing. I will keep you posted if Little Sheep ever comes back to the Lakes. Goodness golly - I miss him !! You might enjoy going back to the very beginning of Prairie and having a read of the first three posts. There, you will see the history and first photos of Little Sheep and French cow giving him some sugar {aka} LOVE. Have a wonderful day !!