I went for another cycle ride to Bosham this morning, following a different route along some quiet country lanes. The last time I drove along this road was just before Christmas when there was a thick layer of ice on the road – not a pleasant prospect when there’s a six foot deep ditch on either side of a very bendy road not much wider than the car! Today it was a much more enjoyable experience, although I was aware of some threatening clouds in the distance. I stopped to take some photos of a dead tree, which I presume has been struck by lightning at some point. I timed my arrival well as the sun was just peeping out between the clouds, producing a rather nice silhouette effect. Once I got to Bosham I stopped off at the tea rooms for a cuppa and I was joined by Jack, a local ginger cat who can often be found saying hello to the tourists. He was feeling much more chilled out today, giving himself a thorough wash before settling down to snooze on a chair beside me, allowing me to take a couple of photos of him before he dozed off. Before coming home I cycled down to the quay where I found some great rusty chains – there’s something about these textures I can’t resist. I then pedalled back home, just ahead of a wall of black clouds which dropped their contents very soon after I got inside – perfect timing!

Wow....I just love old dead tree shots like that!!! Very atmospheric presentation, Helen!! Soft shot of Jack...and the color/texture of the chains is great, too! lookagain · 2011-08-18: 08:56

Wonderful set! Makes me want to call into work, stay home and burrow under the covers. Love that tree in the first and the cozy kitty. liveandletlive · 2011-08-18: 09:03

The photo of the cat is very sweet. But the tree is absolutely incomparable. Really wonderful. iso400 · 2011-08-18: 09:07

Great!! Kitty is sweet and wonderful! AllieOska · 2011-08-18: 09:20

love the shot of Jack, perfect!!! great texture on the chains and rust, and of course awesome silhouette urmysunshine · 2011-08-18: 09:38

love that tree sigh slowpete · 2011-08-18: 10:01

Great shots , jack looks very satisfied , I like those rusty chains too. MoMac · 2011-08-18: 12:10

Ah! This set make me want to be a snoozing cat on a rainy day - dreaming about rusty metal!!! Ah.... sweet dreams! danrav · 2011-08-18: 12:48

Solitary trees are just about my favorite subject, Helen! Very nicely captured. And I agree about the texture and color of the rusted chain - irresistible! lgnelson · 2011-08-18: 15:02

Wonderful set, Helen! ????? · 2011-08-18: 17:08

A great set Helen and last one is brillant josy63 · 2011-08-18: 17:53

each shot is just splendid, but you know I'm leaning towards the kitty shot :-))) although I'm also partial to B&W's... great set! and yes, the rusted chain is really nice as well. KatysPassionata · 2011-08-18: 21:25

I agree with all comments from Katlover !! Davorka · 2011-08-19: 00:55

beautiful set! i ike the dof on pic2! tomie · 2011-08-19: 02:49

#1 is really stunning. Keeper for sure:) ????? · 2011-08-19: 05:05

Wonderful set, Helen - the trea is almost mystic.... Eiram · 2011-08-19: 05:34

another nice set. I went swimming yesterday but the rain caught me on the walk home. Lynda · 2011-08-19: 09:09

Very nice shots. I love them all! okvalle · 2011-08-19: 09:20

Great shots!! Love the cat!! What can I say he is orange! :) SheriJ · 2011-08-19: 14:55

Great shots! wildduck · 2011-08-19: 14:57

Really great set! I love the tree in #1 and the rusty chain. I love rust (except on my car!) lukesmom · 2011-08-19: 20:45

Very nice set love all of them mystic1 · 2011-08-19: 22:16

First shot is, even though it radiates loneliness and desolation, is my favorite in this nice set. Lovely cat!!! Ryana · 2011-08-20: 15:27

lovely silhouette! im crazy for the first shot ofyouandme · 2011-08-23: 14:39

Great set, I love the cat shot! Melusine · 2011-08-23: 15:08

Tagged: tree monochrome bw silhouette cat fishourne bosham chain rust