Watery Walk: the Alder tree

Rain, rain, high winds, rain....then sunshine and a bitter north wind. The quality of the light was astonishing, made me think of pre-raphaelite paintings that I used to view, aged 14, in Birmingham Art Gallery. I have managed to capture that in 1 or 2 pictures below.

Mill House: very high water level!

Full mill Race

Mill pond with roaring waters heading straight towards an alder tree.

Alder growing in the mill pond. Alder is water-loving and was revered by the ancients because when cut it appears to bleed.
It was esteemed sacred by the Druids who made alder whistles that 'whistled up the wind'. Witches were said to conjure up the forces of the north wind: appropriate for today with that bitter northerly wind! Alder's ruling planet is Venus. It has the ability to reduce inflammation and to heal emotions. 

Mill Bridge and fields beyond. What a sky!

Ancient and broken willow and other trees partially submerged when the mill pond broke its banks.

Geese enjoying the new lake, previously a field.

River Stour has breached its banks. Love the reflections!