I've been meaning to stop by the peat bank for a long time now. It's actually been a couple of years since we last cut any peat. I think it would have been the summer of 2013. I knew there was still some down there, uncollected and I wanted to check it out.
Saturday afternoon was sunny and pleasantly warm, and James was up for an outing, but not too far, he said. A perfect opportunity for a trip down to the moor.
There was some peat stacked up, and stray blocks lying around. James busied himself collecting them up and inspecting the bank. I guess we have enough for a few fires there, so we'll get them bagged up soon, and bring them home for the winter.
It was such a glorious autumn afternoon and we spent ages exploring our wee bit of the moor - marvelling at all the mosses and plants growing there, and just enjoying the colours of the season. "Why do we not come here all the time?" asked James. Indeed... I just hope he feels the same in a few years time when he's strong enough to wield that tarisker!
You really did capture the beauty of the season, stunning.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous place, it looks like you could walk for miles. The smell of peat on a fire is one of my most favourite smells and winter is worth it for that aroma alone.
ReplyDeleteLovely!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures, as always - you have a talent and an eye for a good shot xxx
ReplyDeleteHow gorgeous. Did you see any sun dew? I have never seen it on the moor, but I believe it is there. Sending you and James much love. X
ReplyDeleteHi Christine - I never have seen any here, but it must be somewhere x
DeleteWhat a lovely thought - collecting peat turfs from the moor. I have had peat fires in W Ireland and remember the lovely smell. I have spent the day stacking logs. I love Autumn, the colours, the fires and stew! The photo of the landscape with your son on the gate is gorgeous. Ali x
ReplyDeleteHow special. Your post reminds me of the woman you told me (in Earthlines I think?) about who wrote about her family summers on the moor, and the intimate way they knew the landscape. x
ReplyDeleteI remember that in the first Earthlines. It was Alice Starmore's recollection of the sheilings. I don't think I could come close to that article, but thanks xxx
DeleteSuch a stunning place you call home, just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures, Enjoy your autumn
ReplyDeleteAhhh such stunning colours! Thank you for posting. So often we think of leaves as the colours of autumn, but it just shows that it pays to look a little closer...
ReplyDeleteSo peaceful, such beautiful photos! We chopped wood for our winter fires on Saturday -- I've read about burning peat, but I've never *met* anyone who actually did. Fascinating!
ReplyDeleteGlad you and James enjoyed such a lovely day together. :)
Hello Lisa, and lot of people here still cut peat - it's one of those seasonal tasks xx
DeleteWhat a beautiful collection of colors and texture you have captured! Love your part of the world....
ReplyDeleteAs I scrolled through this post, I kept sighing with wonder at the beauty of the place you share with us.
ReplyDeleteCan you imagine that I have never actually been in the presence of a peat fire. I've read of them in fiction and non-fiction for ages, but truly do not know what the scent is like. I wonder what James would make of that?
I send you all lots of love. xo
Hello Frances- it's not a fierce fire, but warming - it's indescribable, the smell - like earthy woodsmoke maybe. Xxx
Deletebeautiful photos and your son is getting taller!! won't be long when he's helping about :)
ReplyDeletei wish we could make it over to your island too, it's so SO beautiful jacqui. i would love to help collect the peat!
ReplyDeleteMe too, Lori, but hopefully we will make it down. There are lots of trees on Skye, so not so much peat cutting. xxx
DeleteSweet autumn post and beautiful pictures. How lovely to have a son that enjoys these outings with you.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos, I love the ones of the gate and view, the one with your lad is very atmospheric, I always take photos of the coloured mosses when I'm out in the hills. Hope you are keeping well, I'm catching up on blog reading tonight :)
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone, it is such a stunning place on a day like this - it's hard not to get a good shot xxx
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful photos. The last shot is absolutely brilliant and needs to be framed and up on your wall!!! : ) xoxo
ReplyDelete~ Wendy
http://Crickleberrycottage.blogspot.com/