Sunday, March 23, 2008

Cross Words and Crosswinds

An unholy row erupted in 664AD between Roman and Celtic Christians about exactly when the Resurrection should be celebrated. A compromise was reached, and the 'Synod of Whitby' as it is known, gave us the movable feast of Easter. Religion is not my strongest suit, but the Brotherhoods of Bernicia did us no great favours this year - it is the coldest, wettest most unpredictable Easter I have ever known! The Easter cross outside St Oswalds Church, Lythe (above) , looks oddly unseasonal against the night sky and driving snow.

The weather however didn't stop the crowds flocking to Whitby, and yesterday armies of tourists in hoodies, hats and coats of many colours sought respite in cosy cafes, cheery Inns or curiousity shops. The wind across Whitby Swing Bridge brought involuntary tears to the eyes and claimed the lives of at least two bags of fish & chips!























Later at Sandsend the wind had eased somewhat, but it seems that, for some at least, it was all too much. The dejected duck (right) seems to have had enough of the weather and his dillydallying friends and has decided to await the 'Second Coming' of the X56 bus... Happy Easter everyone!

(Apart from brightness and contrast corrections, all photos in my diary are unretouched or manipulated in any way)

5 comments:

Becky said...

Have enjoyed your photos of Blighty - as well as your blog - jolly informative too! I didn't know Captain Cook sailed from Whitby. Not only did he help discover the country I'm living in but my family are holidaying in Whitby later this year! Is that fate? I should cocoa...!!!

Waldo said...
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Waldo said...

Thanks Becky. Yes it seems that everywhere around here lays claim to some kind of Cook connection - 'Captain Cook ate/slept/brushed his teeth here'! His ship HMS Endeavour sailed from Whitby on its famous voyage down under. A replica of the ship was built in Australia and sailed to Whitby many times - although I gather that it has now been retired and is a floating museum - in Freemantle I believe. I'm sure your family will enjoy holidaying here - planty of history and beautiful countryside all around.

Anonymous said...

Just discovered your blog and really love your way with words and interesting photography. I'm living in New Zealand, but originally from the UK, and still miss so much of my home country - so I'll be sure to drop by your blog again to get my 'fix' of all things British! Cheers, Sarah

Waldo said...

Cheers Becky! Of course there is much that has changed, but underneath all the nonsense the same old England is still here! Thank you for posting your comment and come back soon!