
Maybe an idyllic winter view of Wensleydale, but there is a backstory...
We had holidayed at the farm for years - several times a year. It suited us and the dogs - away from it all; no near neighbours, miles out of the nearest village; surrounded by fields for the dogs to wander in and chase the many rabbits. Unfortunately, however, the remoteness of the farm was also our downfall
The photo was taken the day after The Beast from the East struck in late February 2018, and we were 'snowed-in'. The lane leading down to Gayle was impassable, with 8-foot high drifts blocking the way. The owner of the farm as on holiday abroad. The farm road was considered as Private, and so was off the route of the council gritters etc. We were marooned.
A local farmer eventually dug us out, using his tractor, with his wife shovelling rock salt out of the bucket at the front of the tractor. The melting snow froze over every night
Eventually, the farm road was considered clear and 'safe', but I will always remember the farmer's advice as we set off - "stick it in first and close your eyes"
Gayle, Wensleydale, The Yorkshire Dales, North Yorkshire, UK
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