Thursday 5th February

Another day for walking rather than cycling, though the main roads were not too bad. I walked over the Downland to the Peregrine Watch, then back again, missing out Sea Walls. Unlike the pristine snow of Tuesday morning there were patches of mud, grass and snow, and a jumble of footprints. The population of Bristol were out rolling huge snowballs and building statues and snow people. My favorite was a statue of a couple embracing, the sculptor stands beside his creation - he was from University Close - the University had the afternoon off for a Union Meeting.
At the Peregrine Watch. It was very difficult to see if there were any birds in the Leigh Woods trees. With all the leaves down, and snow on the ground between the trees the woodland floor dominates the view. All the little glades stand out from the surrounding trees.
Now, if it flies like a pigeon, and looks much like a pigeon, even through cold glasses and watery eyes, then why was it chasing a Seagull? Maybe we have some rabid pigeons out over the river ...

There were many huge balls of snow, very dirty from the mud they had collected, and leaving large tracks on the grass. Some of the snowman-artwork was very clever, several igloos, one with a shopping trolley balanced on it, and I'm told there was a dragon over by Blackboy Hill. There were also a few phallic creations! No imagination some people. I did like this quartet of snow people.

The Seven Young Sisters and their three Maiden Aunts in the snow.

Tuesday 3rd February

Snow! There was a large snowman beside Ladies Mile. For once I was up early, walking through quiet back streets to the Downs to see the sunrise. Then a walk over the snow to Sea Walls from the Granny Down, passing the Water Tower and back via Redland Green was about my limit without becoming frozen. The playground loved by my grandsons looked very cold - although they seem to be enjoying the snow up in Sheffield. There were very few birds around, certainly no Redshank on the estuary mud, one Rook (you can just see his grey beak) was picking through the snow as I walked towards Sea Walls.

The trees beside the Water Tower on Stoke Road. Just before sunrise.

Sunrise. A clear blue sky made the sunrise a spectacular event.


Reflections off the windows of the house by Sea Walls. A rather forlorn Rook! Enlarge the picture (by clicking) and you can see his large grey beak.

Black Rocks, Sea Walls. No climbers today.

Blackboy Hill. The sun was getting higher by the time I crossed the Down beside the Dumps.


Joseph and William enjoying the snow in their back garden in Sheffield. The last time we had snow like this in Bristol 'Mum' was not much older than Joseph! I remember that it was very cold in Ashton Court, 1980 perhaps?

Redland Park The children's playground.

... and the snow returned again with a vengeance on Thursday night ...