WoW at Creswell Crags - Bird in Hand pub

Yet another smashing WoW day, there wasn't much light but Creswell Crags was most interesting.

Picture 1 is of the Meden River which flows through the gorge and I was attracted to the white blossom tree on the left bank.

The site is of great archaelogical importance because a recent discovery of cave-paintings of an earlier date than those at Lascaux in France. Although I can't find a current link for the work, it was reported in my ArtDaily newspaper about 6 months ago.

Personally I am always dumb-struck by the sophisticated artistic skill of the artists. So much power and grace (but of course they didn't have NEMPF judges making snide remarks - if they had. I suspect it would have been 'up yours' with the barbed spear).

I'm afraid you will have to open the links to see what I'm talking about because I run short of picture space. Even though there isn't any google-limit I am aware of some readers on dial-up and download time can be an issue.

Picture 2 is just a pleasant modern structure on the way from The Visitors' Centre to The Crags. It isn't an Ice-Age Bandstand so far as I am aware. It was a handy place for me to rest and an excuse to use mi' Sigma wide-angle.

On my limping return to the Visitors' Centre I was told that I could have been given a 'Radar key' to open gates so I could have driven there. A notice at the start would have been more use than at the end. Although the link describes the key in relation to toilets, they also open gates and things. I fully intend to apply for one and I am indebted to Kevin for drawing it to my attention.

The fearsome creature at Picture 3 was, obviously, in the Museum rather than wandering around. Until today I never realised that the Hyena was native to these shores. Just so long as some well intentioned berk doesn't suggest reintroduction; solely on the grounds of their irremediable ugliness.

We chip-cobbed (well chip-baguetted actually) at The Bird in Hand at Blidworth and all agreed on the excellence. A very 'well thought of' pub (we managed to get the window table. in the top picture - ace view) and an additional pull was a proper open-fire, even though we weren't near it. Pleasant landlord with a sense of humour. Poor Roy - he would have loved it. Back soon though Roy ! As soon as you are allowed to raise your knee higher than your hip I will pick you up and you can share my coffee where they put me, in the Car Park.

Comments..... Ray.... Thanks for the Hansen i.d. and also the link, which the Sports Desk will enjoy. Others were also successful but yours was first. Nice to have your comments these days. I tried to explain to Reg about RSS feeds, but failed. The problem was me not fully understanding what I was talking about, rather than his.

Jill.... our first April fools day spoof was the 'flying penguins' in the Telegraph. Like Rob, I'm afraid I can't bring myself to read Y's Daily Mail. She assures me she only has it for the sudoku and we fight over The Telegraph. The Mail has poached some good writers though, Max Hastings, Tom Uttley etc.

Bungus.... thanks for the latest episode of the Hospital saga - it speaks articulately for itself and doesn't really need anything from me.

Thanks also for the additions to the 'sayings list'. It was in boyhood I first encountered the story about the problems of word-of-mouth communication. Where "Send reinforcements, we are going to advance" became "send three and fourpence, we are going to a dance". I fear it wont outlast us though because of the currency change.

Flowers of ManchesterRob...... (we Xword puzzlers would identify the Mersey, Irwell, Medlock and Irk rivers, as Manchester flowers) - crazy lot that cryptic xword setters are.

The chaps this morning were delighted with your Yorkshire judging experience and just hope that your influence rubs off.

Thanks also for your continued shared manning of The Sports Desk.

I've rabbitted on far too long....(you can say that again...Ed.) so I'll stop right there. No quotation, no animated line.............just good night !

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p.s. to Reg. I have checked out all the links and they seem OK at this end. If one doesn't open though, I need to know.....