From the photographer, (c) David Rodgers, 28 January 2012:
After storms and snow on Friday the forecast for last Saturday was most encouraging with unbroken sun. Sadly, as seems to be the norm the weathermen seemed to forget to say that bulk of the north would suffer from high cloud and in the Eden valley and lower elevations towards Carlisle, thick (although patchy) fog!
After some weeks of photographic inactivity for me, coupled with apathy (broken only by the steam-hauled Royal Train on the dullest day of the year), the object was to have a day out in the Cumbrian Fells and also photograph double-headed Black 5s Nos. 44871 and 45407 working from Manchester to Carlisle and return, out via Shap and return via Settle.
The journey through Lancashire was, for once, a pleasure with clear blue skies and crisp, frosty landscapes and no breeze..... until Preston when we encountered the dreaded high cloud that took the edge off any photography.
IMG_0983 and 0986 were taken near Lambrigg on the upper stretch of Grayrigg bank on the West Coast mainline. Following the previous days weather, I was expecting to be standing in a snowy field but .... (typical weather forecasters). The distant snow-capped mountains are in the Lake District and Lune Gorge.
A leisurely journey north was punctuated by totally unforecast thick fog. But nevertheless a group of us had a most enjoyable pub lunch at Armathwaite sat in front of a roaring fire. Sadly, on returning to the car, the mood quickly changed as the fog was still everywhere. Occasionally glimpses of clear sky but be seen but it was not to be. By this time the brain had completely switched off and all thoughts were on finding the quickest route to the motorway and home when a phone call was received to say that the sky was clear at Kirkby Stephen. A long slow journey on the minor road from Appleby following a gritting wagon (it was a little icy) eventually found us at Kirkby Stephen and the promised clear sky had evaporated as the fog had returned. By this time the train was only 10 minutes away so I took the first turning towards the line at Wharton Dykes.
IMG_0988 and 0989. Amazingly the fog was clearing and you could see Mallerstang covered in snow. Whilst trying to park the car the fog came down again and I could barely see the line. Just as quickly the train burst out of the cutting south of Kirkby Stephen station and the light was acceptable too although it was touch and go as the camera wasn't switched on!
A day which held much promise but fell somewhat short, yet one which still offered some outstanding effects for the those in the right place at the right time (not me)!
Pictures Copyright (c) 2012, David Rodgers.
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