The Blue Carpet - a photo on Flickriver

The Blue Carpet

            Right, where were we up to again? Snowdrops? Did them - it was freezing and my knees didn't appreciate the adventure even if it was only in the garden. Daffodils? - yep; couple of months ago now. Wild Garlic? Went well eventually, after a couple of attempts. I really enjoyed that one once I'd worked out what I was doing. So what's next? Oh yes, Bluebells. I love those - wonderful blue carpets. Would have liked to have got them together with the Wild Garlic but April was very dry - didn't help at all. Bluebells it is then.

When people talk about visiting Cornwall, they don't generally mention Camborne. In truth, even those of us who live here don't often make a detour to visit this unloved, often mocked town whose halcyon days were two centuries ago when Ross Poldark and his mates were running the place. It sits at the western end of a small metropolis, Redruth to the east, and a collection of villages that have gradually sprawled across the landscape to fill the gaps in between. Tourists might notice the road signs directing them to Camborne, Pool and Redruth as they hasten towards the coastal resorts, but they don't generally stop here. Even by Cornish standards the area is deprived. The local chippy near us is fantastic though. What more do you need?

Perhaps this general ignorance of the area by the incoming masses is the reason why this woodland, just on the other side of Camborne remains so peaceful whenever I visit. It probably also helps that it doesn't have a name as far as I can tell. For years I thought I'd been visiting Pendarves Wood until it was pointed out to me one morning that I'd been coming to the wrong place, which is one of the happiest accidents imaginable. There are a number of woodlands in the area that are well known by walkers and photographers alike, especially in bluebell season, but hardly anyone comes here and I like it that way. It's the most wonderful space in which to watch, listen and relax after a day at work. And for a few brief weeks each spring, the floor turns blue.

The last week has brought some rain after an extended dry spell, and at last the reluctant bluebells have come to life. I was here last weekend on a very wet and windy Saturday afternoon when everyone else appeared to have opted for Hot Chocolate and Netflix. The bold limes of the new Beech leaves were so bright that they almost shone in contrast to the bluebells on the ground and I was convinced I'd be coming home with a shot worthy of sharing with you. But something wasn't quite working (probably my editing) and I decided to return for a sunny evening when the light would filter through the trees and bring the scene to life. Yesterday evening brought the conditions I'd been waiting for. I returned to the composition that had caught my eye and tried again. When I look at the result I can almost hear birdsong in the air.

It may be the last time I photograph the bluebells this spring as they can't have long to go, although this was just one of a number of shots that made me happy as I downloaded the raw files onto my computer. There's something about the way nature puts colours together like this that just seems to work. There may be another post from here while it's still just about seasonal. 

Sea thrift next. And then poppies. Heather after that. 
Eventually everything will turn red, orange, gold and brown and the shutters will go crazy everywhere. It's like an annual floral circuit isn't it? Have a great weekend everyone.

Taken in: UK / England / Camborne / Camborne (show map)

Taken on: May 13, 2021

Tags:

cornwall

camborne

flowers

nature

kernow

wood

woodland

outdoor

spring

wilderness

forest

colour

sigma

sigma art

trees « less

Sets appears in: • Book - Landscape • Trees more » • Pendarves Wood « less

Groups appears in: • Cornwall • Nature and Photography more » • Flickr Social Club • Photography Week • Amateur Photographer Magazine • Flickr Social « less

Camera: Canon EOS 80D, f/6.3, 1/30 sec, 18mm, ISO 500 (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	Canon EOS 80D
Lens:	18-35mm
Aperture:	f/6.3
Exposure Time:	0.033 sec (1/30)
Focal Length:	18mm
ISO:	500
Exposure Bias:	0 EV
Flash:	Off, Did not fire
Exposure Program:	Aperture-priority AE
Exposure Mode:	Auto
Metering Mode:	Partial
White Balance:	Auto
Color Space:	sRGB
Software:	Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic 10.2 (Windows)
Show full info

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