Hope Valley

Good morning, friends. My 2017 reading is off to a slow start, though the one book I did finish — Adrienne Rich’s Diving Into the Wreck — was important to me. I normally read a lot in January, especially during the first few days when I’m still on holiday. Part of the reason why that didn’t happen this year is that I went to the Peak District with M and a friend of ours, for New Year’s day and my birthday. On the second day of the year we went on a pre-dawn hike up the mountains, so we could watch the sun rise over a place called (I promise I’m not making this up) Hope Valley. I’d been to the area before, but I loved visiting again at a different time of year, when it looks completely different. I always forget how much I enjoy being outdoors in winter — or at least the relatively mild version of it we get here — especially when it’s sunny and cold.
As I said a few days ago, I’m under no illusion that the year ahead will be anything but challenging, but I think remembering this trip is going to sustain me. A few photos:















The weather wasn’t as nice the following day, but walking the hills in the mist was still beautiful:







I’ll be back soon with reading news, I hope. Also, I need to show you the books I go for Christmas and my birthday. How’s 2017 treating you so far? I hope you’re all well and taking good care of yourselves.
As I said a few days ago, I’m under no illusion that the year ahead will be anything but challenging, but I think remembering this trip is going to sustain me. A few photos:
















The weather wasn’t as nice the following day, but walking the hills in the mist was still beautiful:







Gorgeous views and perfect way to start the new year and to celebrate a birthday.
ReplyDeleteLooks awesome! Great way to start the new year!
ReplyDeleteWhat a magnificant place and a wonderful beginning to a new year and to hold inside you as the weeks pass. Thanks for taking us with you by sharing your pics, Ana!
ReplyDeleteLove those pictures! great way to start the year
ReplyDeleteSeriously, what a lovely, breathtaking, sustaining way to start the year. Oh how I wish I could have been there with you...
ReplyDeleteYour trip looks wonderful! Very austere but in a super attractive way. I can't wait to see all what books you got for Christmas and your birthday! I got shockingly few books for Christmas, but luckily some B&N gift cards came my way as well, so I have that to look forward to.
ReplyDeleteJanuary has started off slow for me too, reading-wise. But I think I've finally found a book I can sink my teeth into. Happy birthday!
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful! This season in Seattle has been unseasonably cold and so I literally haven't been out anywhere at all. I just hit the halfway point in my first paper book of the year but am almost done with my second audiobook (a relisten of The Raven Boys!). I'm spending a lot of time right now going back through my hundreds of CDs and getting everything onto our server in preparation for putting it all in the cloud somewhere. It's been good for my stress levels to focus on so many songs and albums that represent different times in my life. :)
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to be able to walk in such surroundings! I'm still working on being able to walk short distances for the most necessary things, and adjust my worldview to the understanding that the rest of my life is going to be punctuated by knee surgeries.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos! It is far too cold where I live right now to spend any time outdoors so I am completely jealous!
ReplyDeleteBeing around nature and seeing such beautiful skies and hills, well you can't help but feel hope right? I've been reading about nature lately and it is a great way to welcome the new year. Thank you for sharing the beautiful pics!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures and I hope indeed that it does sustain you throughout the year.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful <3
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos. I especially love that first one. There is something special about walks on mild winter days. There are a few that spring to mind in my memory. Being in nature does have a restorative effect that lasts longer than the actual time spent there, and I am reminded that I need to take more time to put those experiences in my life.
ReplyDeleteThat looks amazing - a great way to spend a birthday! Happy 2017 and may it bring better things.
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