Just Lucky

Blacka Moor lovers who get up early are lucky. Many days do not quite produce the feast of natural beauty that we saw today but when it comes it is worth the struggle to get out of bed.

Cloud early meant that the magic woods had a slightly threatening look, an effect added to by the distant roars of The Baron coming over the moor.

The group could just be made out on the slope, the other side of the bog. Frequently his head came up and another fearful challenge penetrated the calm.

A rival stag was the cause of this demonstration  He has been hovering around for several days but, large as he is, he's no match for the dominance of The Baron.

Another younger stag was a bit further off. His rudimentary antlers mean he's no serious contender.

The clouds parted a bit allowing the sun to reveal the elegance of the hinds and their young.

Looking back as we left, the scene on the hilltop showed us why this place is marked out for natural beauty not that cursed 'working landscape' spuriously labelled 'cherished'. Which reminds me that another reason we are lucky just now is that there are no farm animals around. Would that this could be permanent. Working landscape indeed.