Impressions in the woods

A still day with no wind meant that the reflections in the River Wharfe at Bolton Abbey were beautiful: crystal clear. With a telephoto lens focussed closer, they softened and became quite impressionistic, suggesting mysterious depths, although in truth the water level at this spot isn't deep. I've seen fly fishermen right in the middle of the river. 

Meadowsweet is in full bloom, its frothy flower heads reminiscent of the spume of waves, a ripple of sea foam running through the pasture. As its name suggests, it has a sweet fragrance and was once used in houses, scattered across the floor to scent the air.  It's said that Queen Elizabeth I preferred it to straw in her royal chambers.