A little snow.

Dark, cold & wet.
We have snow again – where is global warming when you want it ? although I remember some years back that there was a scare (sorry serious in-depth report) that we could go into a mini ice age again. Skating on the River Thames and Ebenezer Scrooge or stepping out of the wardrobe and seeing a gas light.

Malvern Gas Lamps.

Anyone who has read or knows ‘The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe’ by C S Lewis, maybe interested in a little story about the Malvern gas lamps. Apparently, Lewis & some friends had been drinking in what is believed to have been the The Unicorn public house (Beer and all things drinkable, for those not familiar with the term) on the corner of Belle Vue Terrace Malvern. It had been snowing and on the journey home, Lewis is said to have been inspired by the sight of these lamps glowing in the falling snow, he is quoted as saying “that would make a very nice opening line to a book” The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe used that image as the children enter the realm of Narnia.

Both C S Lewis and J R R Tolkien regularly visited and walked in the Malvern Hills.

Many of the lamps have been restored and listed as historical items; so although at one point ‘Bean Counters’ decided they were costly & should be removed, common-sense prevailed and about 109 were saved.

I can find old doors anywhere.

I maybe in UK now but I can still find doors that appeal. This image is looking up at a side door: taken yesterday on a rather dull wet morning.

Great Malvern Priory c.1075-1540.

Tomb – Jebel Shams Plateau.

Water erosion of Jebel rocks.

Water erosion from when Oman had a far wetter climate.

Another dead tree.

This Juniper looks completely dead but; as can be seen behind, there is regeneration going on.

Stone Wolf trap – Jebel Shams.

Stone Wolf trap: Jebel Shams.

These traps are quite common on the Jebel but very few are in perfect working order. This one on the other hand would only need the front drop-stone lifting and supported by a stick: it would then be ready for the unfortunate wolf.

In case anyone is interested: it’s at about 9500ft & unfortunately for most people, in the restricted area.

Clouds over Wadi Sahtan.

Yesterdays cloud build-up over Wadi Sahtan – made from jebel Shams.