Bradfield to Aldworth

The last time we did this ride was in March this year, when the average temperature was 4.4 degrees c and we came across a BMW which was stuck in a flooded area of the road. This time it was was warm and generally sunny, although the light did deteriorate at times (annoyingly when we went on a detour to the ridges in the hope of some decent landscape scenes).

Here is the route. Our tea stop was at Yattenden, where they serve tea properly from a pot, with tea leaves and use china cups. And, importantly, an excellent selection of cakes.

The light and conditions seemed to suggest monochrome, although there are a couple in glorious colour.

Gate and field near Lower Basildon

Another Gate & Field near Lower Basildon

The Bell at Aldworth - A great old traditional pub, sadly we we too early to get a drink.

From the Ridgeway, near Aldworth

From an old Railway bridge near Hampstead Norreys. The tracks are now gone, but the graphic quality of the field gives a hint to its former use.

Some interesting light in woodland at Frilsham.

More interesting light looking down a private driveway in Frilsham. I tried this in Mono, but felt that colour worked better.

I don't do Wildlife, because it's an area of Photography that requires a lot of patience and specialist equipment. Why am I showing this? Because on this route we often come across a Falconer called Ray Prior. When we see him we stop for a chat. Today he was handling this Harris Hawk. Apart from his bird of prey displays (more recently at the Newbury Show) he also has a collection of small vehicles which he shows at events over the summer.