Byland Abbey Memories

A day of apprecation of my surroundings and the memories, we made when I rode out with Jack many moons ago. Jacks Dad ,Charlie, was riding out then too .He was 76 when he hung his stirrups up. Is it the time of year as the clocks go back,the nights pull in and the sights of atmospheric sights like this of Byland Abbey I took yesterday, makes me refelect on life as it was nearly 50 years ago .The views are the same ,the seasons unfurl abeit sometimes they just dont quite fit the pattern they did back then. We have some amazing sights at the moment of the leaves changing colour. The patchwork of fields turning brown as the farmers work well into the night, trying to beat the weather and get their winter crops in. Some are sprouting green as you see the straight drill marks that have planted seeds for next years harvest. As the daylight hours shorten, there is more chance of seeing the Northern Lights. And of course you can breakfast by the fire when you come to stay with us. Oh so beautiful , Majestically stood alone in the mist. The monks have departed and so have their flock, Apart from the pheasants and occasion woodcock. At night ,an owl will weave the ground Looking for a mouse, he looks keenly down. Sheltered from the wind and the troubles of the world Byland is there, for all to be found. Until then I enjoy the peace of the land. I am proud to recall the days of the past of those powerful horses trotting by so fast. There was Volters and Tilston and big Gypsy Dan Astride one of those magnificent beasts So privileged to be one of the string A memory for all who then climbed the Bank, to gallop on Wass Moor knee high in ling.