Tired legs. A little light rain. Wimbledon on the BBC.
Day three becomes a day of rest.
I’m finding something deep and reassuring in Haworth on this visit. As if the town is built on a well of feelings. And not just tragedies. Life bubbles up everywhere amid the tales of sickness, sadness and death.
I’ve been listening to some of that life. And recording.
So, this time, fewer words. And some listening along with the images.
First, standing beside the graveyard near the tower of the church where the entire Brontë family, apart from Anne, is buried. (Anne died and was buried in Scarborough.)
Our sun-baked walk on day two took us to the stream and the (rebuilt after a flood) bridge below the Brontë Falls. There we sat and listened to the stream. The birds chirrupping in the background, ahhh! Peace and tranquility.
On day three we ventured out of town (not very far) for a ride back in time …
Anyone who’s seen the film the Railway Children has seen a bit of this journey, though a different Tank Engine (and the station is not in my little video).
Here, filmed from the inside, some of the most comforting rhythms a boiler on wheels can make!
Out for supper to the pub. The White Lion needs a preservation order slapping on it. No prawn cocktails or black forest gateaux to be seen (the food is very good) but the interior is several steps back in time and actually rather … comforting.
Comforting. I think I’ve used that word before.
Reassuance, comfort, peace, tranquility… I found them here in Haworth.
The video didn’t work for this next lot.
I tried to record the background music, but all I got was clattering plates. So look at these stills and imagine Neil Diamond singing Cracklin’ Rosé 😉
And finally, back to the little house and the night life…
The birds which I thought were rooks are, I think, jackdaws. I saw one drinking from the gutter of the house opposite – and part of its head was grey.
I don’t have my bird book and refuse to consult the oracles of the ether. But, whatever they are, they like company.
As the sun wanes and the night waxes, I stand on our little terrace, watching. Listening to a sound that has no doubt been heard for many, many years by people who stood where I stand now.
The dark birds settle down for the night in the trees over the graveyard. And the bats begin their silent flights.
And when they are settled, the other winged ones sing.
Good night. I hope you enjoyed the listening.
MEMOIRS OF A HUSK 
Why yes … Yes! I did enjoy the listening, thank you! What a wonderful collection of videos you’ve shot; they really capture the spirit of the place. Thank you for whisking me off along with you (at least vicariously).
LikeLike
Any time! You’re most welcome.
Thanks for responding – and glad you liked them.
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Of course the train made me think of the Hogwarts Express. 😉 What’s the story behind the “steps” in the stream? The birds settling was fascinating.
LikeLike
Hi Sue, I love steam trains! We did travel on the line that they used for the Hogwarts train but the weekend we went they were having a diesel locomotive special event. Infuriating at first but it was actually fun (link to post if you’re interested… bit nerdy …) http://wp.me/p2vL4D-mr
Are there steps in the stream? I’ll have to take another look, haven’t heard anything about them … All I was interested in at that stage was sitting down for a while and absorbing.
I loved the birds. The way the song birds picked up after the jackdaws settled…
Thanks for reading – I’m back at ‘work’ and reading next week, have been keeping a low profile on social media otherwise and that includes reading other people’s blogs. Yorkshire has revived me.
LikeLiked by 2 people
When I was 11, one of my aunts escorted two of my sisters and me from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to San Diego, California by train. (2,200 miles, about 3,540 km) Of course it wasn’t a steam engine, but there was an observation car (2 levels high with a glass top) and a few tunnels that were more than 2 miles long. One went through part of the Rocky Mountains. That trip is still a highlight of my life.
I’m glad you’re feeling refreshed. It’s difficult to find the time to read everything that seems worthwhile.
LikeLike
Wow! That’s a trip I really envy. How wonderful of your aunt. I’d love to ride on the Rocky Mountains scenic train in Canada one of these days – but there are so many ‘I’d love to’ things and so often they are horribly expensive and we have to fit in (and pay for) everything else with trips to the USA and Zambia. I’m not complaining about that – lots of experiences I’d not have missed.
Than you, Sue, for sparing some of your time for reading my blog – I appreciate it. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome. It’s a blog worth every minute!
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just LOVED the whole series, especially of course the steam train and the jackdaws. Thank you for all that. Wanted to be there. Almost had me in tears.
LikeLike
John, thank you so much for this comment, it means a lot to me. Sometimes I feel that I have so few comments I’m not reaching anyone, I’m glad I am. Quality not quantity. And glad you liked the train ride! I may do a larger piece on Maid in Britain and will let you know if I do as it will have more pictures and another video probably. Thank you, again, M.
LikeLike
“As if the town is built on a well of feelings.” perfect phrase. There is a sense of a place of what was as well as what is.
(DId enjoy the listening)
LikeLike
Thank you, what was as well as what is, indeed, couldn’t have put it better myself! And glad you enjoyed listening. I love the sounds.
LikeLike