Not 730 at 730 . . .

. . . although that was the plan. After 365 at 365, I didn’t really have a choice. However, the day dawned misty and the forecast said the mist was staying put, so climbing up for a view was not an option – there would be nothing to see!

Plan B – it had to be stones!
We would search out one of the last of Andy Goldsworthy’s Sheepfolds and one that we got close to on a previous occasion. So, on through several fields full of sheep and lambs, across a wooden bridge over a stream, through a bog, over several stiles and gates, a climb uphill and another climb uphill and eventually we arrived at . . . a pile of stones!

This sheepfold, Field Boulder Fold, near Mungrisdale, was carefully and skilfully made within a pile of stones and, not just stones, many are huge boulders. The pile is made up of stones pulled and gathered from the fields as they were ploughed or drained. At first glance all one sees is the stone pile, it is not until after further investigation that the perfect fold is found inside. If you go large, you could be clambering up the stones.

Very tricky to photograph, as I couldn’t quite get high enough to look over it, and of course the sky was absolutely nothing, there was little light and mist covered the fells. But there it is – blip number 730.

On the 1st of May 2012 I posted my first blip and here I am two years later – 730 blips, no gaps and no back blips. I started with the idea of keeping a journal of things that chronicled my life on a day by day basis and I thought it would make me use my new camera more. The social aspect took me totally by surprise and it still does amaze me, that I can have so many people I regard as friends and with whom I have such regular contact. It’s a wonderful community where, not only are pictures shared, but also thoughts, ideas, experiences, books, music, sadness and laughter. I have particularly appreciated having an audience for my pictures of, and research into, the history, art and things around where I live and where I travel, just as I have enjoyed reading about and looking at similar things around the world. What more wonderful way to learn about the world could there be than through the people who live in the different places!

And yes, I am continuing. I didn’t quite have the courage to take up the life membership offer, as I know a lot of people did, but I have certainly taken out and paid for another year of full membership, as I so want to support this wonderful site, helping to keep it running as well as it does in such a positive manner, and of course to keep it advert free.

Thanks to everyone who drops by, whether regularly or occasionally. With you all as companions, I go forward into another year of blipping.