SOMERSET LEVELS 173 – ME IN THE MAGIC CARPARK

 

 

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Me in the Magic Carpark, on Tadham Moor; 27 Aug 2014.

Standing in the mouth of the Magic Carpark.  The ground under The FATman feels the strain, and the talking scales for weighing cattle say “One at a time, please.”.  

And why “Magic”?  Because, nearly 20 years ago, I suffered terrible losses, and this simple, unprepossessing little place played a very definite part in keeping me hanging on in there.  When visiting these flatlands I’m always here and, under the big Levels skies, I always feel its peace and calm.  Now, when my world is voluntarily contracting into west and southwest England, maybe this carpark, and that narrow road heading on up northwards, are my favourite places of all to be.

And that single track road stretching off northwards across Tealham Moor is Jack’s Drove, and there are Willows flanking it on the left, and Alders on the right.  The high ground in the distance is up around Wedmore – these highlands were islands when, not so long ago, the lowlands were covered by open water and marsh.

The tarmac cutting left-right across the frame is the single track Totney Drove.  The farmer has (unusually) tried to prevent access to the Magic Carpark, but some charitably minded soul has pulled down the multi coloured length of rope used for the purpose, which you can see, blue and orange, on the ground behind me.

The camera is balanced on its neckstrap, up on the roof of my car; and I’m in my “And what the bloody hell do you want?” stance.  Oh yes, and being here, we’re below sea level – and I can’t swim.

D800 with 12-24 Sigma at 24mm; 200 ISO; Color Efex Pro 4.
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