Friday, February 06, 2009

Much better by moonlight

I slip out of the hall into the comfort and quiet of my car, leave the village and head up the road. The lane which climbs up Marton Mountain is a thin dark slick - a little worse for wear after this winter's weather - but clear of frost and snow. 'Between-land' this - the valley below is cold but green while above, the small mountain kingdom of Trelystan has been transformed - for a few days only - into a magical land.

And never more magical than by moonlight. Under a dark starry sky the landscape is luminous and stark. Snow has fallen, lies still and brightens the night-time. Up on the top I stop a while and kill the lights the better to see the white fields and black tracery of hedgrows under the dark mass of Badnage Wood. There are no grey shades tonight.
I follow the lane between walls of snow. We've had very little snow really but drifts have blown and twisted into fantastic billowing shapes. Tonight, in front of me someone may well have strewn diamonds; the frost glitters and twinkles and lights my way home - which is warm and welcoming and a good place to be.

9 comments:

Pam said...

Lovely! You are such a great picture-taker. I meant photographer. Please excuse me, had my first glass of wine in 10 months!
:-)

Fennie said...

Amazing, isn't it? Lovely pictures. The snow and crisp clear hard frost, twinkling and glistening in the moonlight and that wonderful warm enveloping satisfying crunch as your boots step on to it.

bodran... said...

Natures snow sculptures are the best, lovely photo xx

muddyboots said...

fantastic snow photos!

Nikki - Notes of Life said...

Blimey, it has drifted up there! It's melting here now, although I've heard we're due a bit more on Sunday evening.

Cait O'Connor said...

Divine pics Mountainear. Remind me of ice cream, I almost want to put a spoon in them. I am desperate to get out and take photos but have a kidney infection and dare not get cold.

Pondside said...

Nature is the most brillian artist.
It's amazing that these photos were taken at night.

Lindsay said...

Know what you mean about snow seen in the moonlight. Woke up last night and looked out to a wonderful world of luminous snow. Caught glimpse of Mr. Fox slinking along - he looked hungry.

LITTLE BROWN DOG said...

Those drifts are truly spectacular, Mountainear. Gorgeous descriptions, too.