Groot Again
A landscape photography blog by Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire based landscape photographer Rob Thorley Photography.
I wasn’t planning on visiting Groot again so soon and especially in these “uninspiring” conditions, but if you’ve read my previous blog from a recent trip to The Roaches you’ll probably understand why I’m here. For those that haven’t read it check out Snow Day at The Roaches . . . you don’t want to miss out. :-) . . . but if that’s too much of an ask however what it boils down to is basically getting the shot whilst you can.
A few days ago I’d visited The Roaches only to find an area I wanted to photograph fenced off due to erosion. The erorison had been caused by the public, their hobbies, and their pets. The Roaches is a very popular Peak District location, so it was only a matter of time before something like this would happen. Reading the explanation on the sign it was pretty evident that it was going to be a considerable time before the fences came down (if ever). Whilst I was reading between the lines I could see a very similar scenario developing on Cannock Chase with this majestic ancient oak tree, and location, so it was simply a case of getting out, and getting a shot whilst I could.
As majestic as this ancient oak tree is I wasn’t inspired with Groot today. The conditions were poor, and I was definitely just going through the motions. If I’m honest I think I prefer the iPhone snaps I got last time I visited the location. You can check those out in the Human Tree blog post.
Seeing as I was here I decided to wander back over the hill and visit the stepping stones at Sherbrook Valley as they were only a couple of minutes away. I don’t recall visiting them before and I’d certainly not photographed them.
I’m not really sure how today went if I’m honest. I suppose it was a result as I achieved what I set out to do, but it was one of those days where I wasn’t satisfied with my photography.
You can view more images from Cannock Chase, and my gallery of other nature subjects.