West Yorkshire

[xoxoxoBruce]

Sounds like an interesting weekend.

[Sundae]

Winter may (still) be coming in Westeros, but in Otley it's definitely Spring.
Today was far more windy and cooler than forecast, but it is only April after all. And the feeling of having a False Spring has passed.

[Sundae]

So what can I do for free today?
I know, walk up to the Easter Cross.
I probably should have put a long-sleeved top on under a thicker jacket, but I hate to go back up two flights of dark stairs once I'm already in the fresh air, so I decided the walking would warm me up. It did. Could have done with a hat though.

The cross is at Surprise Point. which is the highest point on the Chevin - which I've found out since last year actually refers to the hill, which progresses in lumps and bumps, but is all of a piece really. The forest, which is what most people here mean when they say the Chevin, is actually Chevin Forest. So that's cleared that up.

Off up the steep road. Stopped a couple three times to catch my breath and have a sip of water, but all in all it was far shorter and a lot less steep than I remember. Better fitness and weight loss I think - even hauling five less lbs has to make a difference and I think it's probably nearer 20 since the last time I went up there.

The turnoff for Surprise Point came surprisingly quickly, and I walked up a very slightly muddy bridleway. I was in trainers this time though, not flipflops! And the incline is far gentler than the road; you've done most of the climb by the time you get to the start of the lane.

First the Easter Cross. It's supposed to be viewed from the town, so the front is more attractive than the back. But a photo from the front requires moving down slightly further and even then the area behind is either simply sky or the carpark, including icecream van. I wanted Otley in the background, however distant.

[Sundae]

The fields on top of the Chevin were full of lapwings (commonly called peewits), with their strange swooping flight. Although I have been aware of their work, it's the first time I've seen them. Noisy, but beautiful.

I did say it was windy, right? Me at Surprise Point, just to the left of the cross. The surprise being that I actually got out of the flat and did it rather then feeling sorry for myself inside.

[Sundae]

I decided to come back via Jacob's Ladder again.
Because it scared me so much last time. See above re lighter and fitter. I also seem to be braver (and death shall have no dominion...) because it seems miles shorter and although I can't claim I ran down it, I felt no terror. Then again I did keep my eyes on my feet and my mind on what I was going to do afterwards. Sometimes I think having done something once, you know you can do it again, so the sting is taken out of it.

No shakes either, except the slight tremble of someone who does not regularly stalk down a hillside on a set of stairs. And I was hungry too.

Ask my thighs how much fitter I really am on Sunday and Monday. That's when I think I'll know!

[Lamplighter]

I did say it was windy, right? Me at Surprise Point...

That is maybe the best pic I've seen of you, Sundae... lively... happy ... interested.



.

[Carruthers]

Interesting that the Lapwings were so plentiful. They're as rare as hen's teeth around here.

Have you seen any Red Kites on your travels? They were first released on the Harewood Estate in 1999 and have made a successful comeback.
I was just wondering if they have moved out as far as Otley?

[xoxoxoBruce]

Must be fun to watch a whole herd of these.

[Sundae]

Back off up the Chevin today, to take advantage of the cooler air under the trees.
Because it was supposed to get up to 18C (64F) here and up to 23 (73)where the 'rents live. This is hot by my standards, and certainly not usual for April.

The day looked like it would fulfil the promise, so I did my little chores around town, but by the time I came back to the flat the sky was grey and it looked more like rain than anything. There was also a chill wind. So even though I would be exercising, I put on my heavy denim jacket and some trainers before I set off. I had been contemplating flip flops.

I decided to go up Jacob's Ladder this time, because even though it's hard, it's more direct and more enjoyable than going by road. Blimey it was tough. A couple of pauses and quite a bit of water. It was worth it to feel I'd really cracked that obstacle though, physically and mentally.

I headed left to the bridleway, across the road and into the forest proper.
Still chilly. Not cold, but the wind was ceaseless even under the trees.
I took the left hand path, which I haven't before, and of course it brought me out on the rockier, more exposed side of the forest. Windier still! I'm like the Paul Whitehouse "bugger" character sometimes. But it was good to see a new view.

There are boulders which jut out over the edge of the hill, and as I was walking towards one, a man just strolled down, hopped onto one, walked right to the edge and checked the terrain against his map. I don't think I could ever have that insouciance around heights. But hey, I'm sober. Feel the fear and do it anyway.

I walked like someone with brittle bones down to a stone. Sat on it facing away from the drop, and slowly edged backwards into the centre, then slowly rotated. I was all I could do to lift my hand to get a photo. But I did it, and I'm pleased I did.

- Me on my rock.
- The view without my face in.

[Sundae]

My rock. To show how brave I was.
Ready or not, here comes the drop...

[Sundae]

After a good old stretch of the legs round oe of the forest walks I made my way back to Jacob's Ladder, the top of which is close to one of the fields thronged with plovers the other day. I saw a couple, but the phone simply doesn't take detailed enough pictures to pick them out. Instead I'll show you their field with the presumably delightful hostelry across it (no, I didn't). The Royalty Inn. I'll bet you can't get a seat inside or out on fair weather days in the Summer holidays. But then I bet it's a bleak place in Winter too.

Just a bit more of the trek. I've done my duty photographing it now. It will simply be mentioned in despatches occasionally. Even with a packed lunch it's a heck of a lot cheaper than going to the gym. I was out for a good three hours, shifting my bones about today.

[Sundae]

Back down the Ladder, easier even than last time, I was able to look out at Otley lying below me.

The High Street from the opposite end I usually take photos from.

[Lola Bunny]

Sounds like it was a wonderful 3 hours. Nice sceneries and fresh air. I wish I could've joined you.

[Lamplighter]

Originally Posted by Lola Bunny

Sounds like it was a wonderful 3 hours. Nice sceneries and fresh air. I wish I could've joined you.

I think we did !

Very nice pics and commentary.

[Griff]

What a lovely place. Thanks for introducing us.