The cold spell we’ve had in the last couple couple of weeks seems to have caught those in charge of the countries transport infrastructure by surprise.  Preparations clearly hadn’t been made properly, and a plan for dealing with some reasonably heavy snow and ice seemed to be largely absent in many areas. The media went into overdrive of course, delivering us political finger pointing for the lack of preparedness, and delivering  some beautiful images of the country under a pristine blanket of pure white. I took a few snaps outside the front door on a particularly cold morning and they can be seen here. Last year the country almost stopped after heavy snow, just as it did this year, if it happens again next year I’m sure we can expect the same. Actually I think we can expect worse,  the cuts in spending that won’t come until after the election are bound to include cuts to the money local authorites have at their disposal, about a year from now they’ll be really kicking in. Putting public services out to the cheapest tender  inevitably leads to service contracts that don’t include handling too much out of the ordinary, extreme weather seems a distant and unlikely prospect,  so it’s cheaper not worry about it.

But enough of that, what of the beauty! Instead of fretting about not getting from A to B I allowed myself to soak up the beautiful landscapes that the snow brought to us. The town and countryside looked wonderful, and what sheer fun was to be had by sledgers and snowman builders alike. Driving became exciting again, requiring upmost attention and timely application of the handbrake in that car park full of virgin snow.

A leaf encased in ice.

It’s easy to forget the natural beauty such weather brings, and instead stress about the disruption it causes. But it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate this visual feast, before it melts away.  So here I post just a few pictures, which come the balmy days of summer, will remind me of a cold chill, wet feet, and those magnificent landscapes.

Stanborough Lakes frozen!