After a couple too many shandies this weekend I thought I'd try and take the dog out for some slightly longer runs than normal this week. Both days have been broken cloud and showers but really spectacular. I kind of wish I'd taken my camera but then again sometimes it's nice to enjoy a scene without one.
For example on Monday I sat on one of my favourite spots, a stone in a field just off the Pennine Bridleway above Malcoff. It is just the right size to sit on and admire the expansive view of Chapel, Eccles Pike and Chinley Churn whilst the dog can have a sniff about and wait for any jelly babies or other treats i can find in my pockets. I'm not sure if you should feed dogs sweets but half a jelly baby can't be too bad can it?
The lower hills around Chapel looked very green especially in the mixture of bright light and shadow caused by the broken cloud. The moors of Combs Moss were dark brown and backed by a heavy black cloud lurking behind them. This cloud was the remainder of a shower that had just passed meaning the ground was sodden. Every blade of grass was individually reflecting the strong sunlight. In fact it was like the exposure was turned up too high and everything had a bright metallic sheen. There was also the faint sound of water draining off everywhere, although this was drowned out to an extent by the strong wind blowing across the field. The wind was strong but I enjoyed it as it was creating blowing patterns across the grass and carrying the numerous small birds about in wild swooping loops as they called to each other.
By now the dog looked very relaxed so I decided to set off down the long field again towards home. This annoyed her and she started chewing on my leg as she does in times of great injustice. I didn't mind though as my commute home was a distant memory and I felt very glad to live where I do.
