IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF (30/10/10)

We have moved , not far, to an area that inspired John Sell Cotman, Turner, Walter Scott, Dickens, Puff Daddy and Johnny Rotten. Okay you spoil sports, forget the last two.

We went out for a stroll, almost a walk at three miles to get inspiration from some real artists. I didn’t though we did have a good walk………..dogs seemed to enjoy it. Loads of pheasant to annoy and sadly one to despatch as it had been shot and couldn’t fly. We met a couple of game keepers and I had a word. They do their best to clear up after a shoot but even the dogs can miss the odd flying wounded.

I really can’t make my mind up over hunting shooting and fishing, I tend to think the good outweighs the bad but I really don’t like the corporate days out that these shoots depend on. They do however provide a vast income which by and large is ploughed back into the rural environment. Do away with that and start charging ramblers………it is not going to happen! Irresponsible walkers and their canine companions do as much damage as the shoots and put sod all back other than litter. I know my dogs run amok but only through autumn and winter. During nesting time they are on a lead. Or under control, with Terriers the lead is the only option.

Enough. Bet you want to know where we are. I’m sitting on a fence!

Greta Bridge by John Sell Cotman………Bet you thought I painted it………………NO!…………..

   Greta Bridge by Adrian………….My balustrades are better than his. It is a wonderful bridge but I can’t get at it. It’s a wellies and waders job, touching the forelock job.

     Balustrades still okay and the bridge over the river Greta leads to this…………….

   The pub where Charles Dickens wrote Nicholas Nickleby. I thought he was just a superb novelist………..damned handy with a brush and candy pink paint……a man of many talents.

On we wander to the Meeting of the Waters………..

Where the Greta meets the Tees. A spectacular place but you will have to take my word for it or be patient. I fully intend coming back wet suited and wellied and getting down and dirty here, in my case, down and clean. It is a stunning bit of river or stunning bit of two rivers.

I’ll leave you to enjoy your weekend with the only good shot of the day and it is a hop skip and a jump from my front window.

    I tell fibs as well………..The inspiration that all the notables drew on, their muse even, was the A66………….

     

That’s all.