Canals and Mills

We recently had a few days away visiting some old friends across in Cheshire, a very beautiful part of the UK.  We stayed in a converted coach house surrounded by lovely walks and some frisky lambs.

The property was at Rainow and you can see more of it here.

This is the complex of holiday cottages to the right.
 

Just one  of the beautiful walks from our front door.

The light on these trees was just wonderful!

Jodrell Bank telescope at Alderley Edge, about 8 miles away, visible from the hill behind our cottage.

 

These cuddly rare breed sheep live in the field behind the cottages were very friendly.

As well as spending time with our friends we all went out to a local National Trust property.  Quarry Bank Mill was a cotton mill powered by an enormous water wheel.

We were lucky to visit on a beautiful Spring day when the rhododendrons were in flower.

And also this wonderful wisteria.
 

The gardens are extensive.

This amazing tree was growing right out of the cliff above the ornamental gardens.

Inspiring shapes and design potential pop up in all sorts of unlikely places.  

 This waterwheel was one of the most powerful in the country in its day.

Cobwebs in a window reminded me of waves in the sea.  

The modern answer to the water driven wheel is the water driven hydro-electric system behind my friend Ann and myself.  Ann moved to Cheshire just over two years ago and we really miss each other.

Just a couple of miles from our cottage was the Macclesfield Canal and DH and I took a leisurely walk along there on our last day in Cheshire.

Couldn't you see yourself in a studio at the bottom of this garden?
 

 We were told a woodpecker was nesting in the trees near this bridge and I did get a glimpse of it leaving the nest, but sadly no photo.

I was taken with this poem attached to the railings at Clarence Mill on the Macclesfield Canal.

Life has been very hectic lately, not least with creative happenings.  I've made several more infinity scarves and I've started on a pair of casual trousers for myself, more of which another time as I am still at the rough copy stage.  Today I've been across to a friend's house for a day playing with dye, again.   All the farbic is still sitting in its plastic bags brewing until tomorrow when I shall get round to rinsing it, or employ my resident rinser.  When it's all dry I'll show you the results.