A stormy afternoon in Ely

Today I had a rare day to myself. I had an appointment at one o’clock and I grabbed the camera on my way out. It’s very rare that I actually walk round the city I live in and just take photos. It’s usually an afterthought, snapped on my iPhone. Inspired by Tigerlilly Quinn’s Style in the City post, I’d been hoping to snap some pretty, spring-like shots of my small city, but the weather was having none of it! Ely doesn’t really scream ‘style’ either – at least not in the quirky, colourful sense. However, it does have bags of history – so, if old mossy stones float your stylistic boat, step this way…

The weather has been crazy here for the last few days – howling winds and storms. When I set off the sky was bright and blue. By the time I emerged again from my appointment, forty-five minutes later, it had turned an ominous grey and the wind was whipping the clouds to and fro. I was near the river, so headed down there first – hat firmly on now, regretting my fancy pink coat choice. Dark and moody riverside shots were not quite what I had in mind, but here’s what caught my eye:

After a bit, I turned away from the river and started to walk back towards Cherry Hill Park, which in turn leads to the Cathedral. The eel sculpture was looking particularly grim today…

 

I’d barely made it thought the gates of the park, when a huge hailstorm started. I dashed for cover under one of the big, old trees, and sheltered until the worst was over. In typically spectacular fashion, the hail soon stopped and the sun burst forth once more. I left my tree and dashed over to the Cathedral before the sunshine vanished again. What a contrast…

After passing the cathedral, I walked to Palace Green to take a photo of this beautiful house – surely the most photographed in Ely?

Sadly the High Street, didn’t offer much inspiration today – especially as the sky was darkening once more. Here’s the only interesting thing that caught my eye – the store room above one of Ely’s innumerable charity shops…

I’m back home now, mug of tea in hand, listening to howling wind again. Soon, the boys will be back – but for now I am enjoying a moment’s calm.