Standish woods, bluebells and beech leaves

I've been at my desk for most of the day ringing around to do research and writing up reports. It has been raining for much of that time.

After Helena got home and her patient had left we watched a bit of Pointless together which is always a good way to unwind. But after it had finished I went back to work. I suddenly looked out of the window and there was more light in the sky, some of which was looking a little blue. I went to the front window and saw that the cloud cover had thinned and retreated and the setting sun in the west was casting a better light.

I went downstairs and asked Helena if she wanted to come up to see the bluebells in Standish woods, but she decided not to as her mind was on cooking supper. So I swiftly gathered my things and drove the four miles back up to the edge of the Cotswold hills which I had visited yesterday, and went to the place John that had told me was looking stunning. He walks there from his house with his dog.

By the time I'd arrived and delved into the wood the light was receding and I wasn't sure what results I would get. I tried a variety of shots and two lenses without looking at the results at all, hoping for the best. It is definitely one of the best displays of bluebells and wild garlic in many years in these ancient woodlands. I haven't tried photographing bluebells before, so I wasn't at all sure what to look for. All I could think of was to record the swathe of blue receding into the distance with the weak light penetrating down through the just opening new leaves of the trees.

I have promised to go back soon with Helena at another time of day too. There are acres and acres of these woodlands with different slopes and even some old earthworks hidden away amongst the vegetation. I am sure we will explore, following the trails and looking for interesting vistas, but there will be no avoiding the blues.