9th February 2014 Windy Warwick 16

Out at last! Not been a good week at all with a lot of rain and wind. This is only the second time out so, consequently, the weekly target has not been anywhere near achieved.  It is still very windy today, so limiting the route to the old favourite, Newbold Comyn circuit in Leamington.

Myton Fields

Out through Warwick and found that the strong wind, from the SW, was not too bad. There was not many places where it was full in the face. Stopped off at Myton Fields Warwick, on the banks of the River Avon, and this shot is looking downstream towards Warwick Castle.  The bank has overflown a bit but not too much. Or as the media would say, "The river has burst its banks".

Court Street Arches

A very sensible way of using the space left by the arches that support the rail line through town. These arches have been converted into small units, very well appointed, and used by local businesses. Ample parking, very close to the centre of town. This is not a new idea, there are others in the area that have been used for perhaps over a century now. These are by far the tidiest though.

Welches Meadow Leamington.

Sitting alongside the River Leam, this meadow floods regularly during the winter. My father told me that, as a child, he could recall this being flooded deliberately by the landowner during the winter months so that he could charge the townsfolk a small entrance fee to skate on the 'lake' when it froze.
It is now managed by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and has a good variety of butterflies and dragonflies during the summer months. Can't wait to see 'em!

Spirit of Wendy

This sculptured tree trunk is outside the Royal Spa Centre, a theatre in the centre of Leamington. It is dedicated to a lady called Wendy Jackson who worked at the theatre for many years before dieing of a heart attack aged 52yrs. Her friends and colleagues contributed towards the cost of a local sculptor transforming the stump of a cedar tree into a celebration of her life. I could see a cat, a lily, a wine glass on there, as well as a shapely leg dangling down at the bottom.

A bit blustery out there but the rain kept off. Just over 16 miles today, 53 for the week, well short of the 100 target.