Croxby Pond in Lincolnshire - Fond Memories
Your host once again found himself swapping 4 wheels for 2 and sensible trousers for some far too tight for decency !
Destination Croxby Pond Plantation - method of transport -bicycle !
Another surprise of a day, meteorologically speaking, was not to be wasted so I put my best toe clip forward and set off with nothing but an ordinance survey map, bottle of water and a camera.
My chosen destination, legs and navigational skills permitting, was Croxby Pond - somewhere I’ve not visited in at least 25 years.
The memories flooded back as soon as I turned a corner and came into the lane below
The sublime country lane
The end of the road you see gives way to a step decline and looked almost as if it had been dressed for a film. Three rabbits sat in the road and a couple of pheasants were walking the hedgerow.
I was the only modern blot on the landscape (if I could be considered even remotely modern) and I was transported back to my boyhood.
It was along these lanes I wondered with my brother and parents on a regular basis. On the right is the woodland and nestled within the pond.
Paradise Lost
I walked the bike, in a Ray Mears type of way, along a heavily wooded pathway strangely knowing exactly which way to go and came to this clearing bathed in autumnal sunlight. The pictures lose something in the size reduction which is a shame but I hope you still get the idea and the feel of the place.
Fished by the legendary anglers PJ Collins and Richard Walker
The above is the lake as seen from the same angle. I personally never fished there but my father did as did Richard Walker one of the most important figures in coarse fishing
Nature taking over
Nature seems to have the upper hand over the angler here which is nice to see. Seeing the place as nature intended rather than over-zealous working parties may decree brought an invisible smile to my face.
I’m not sure who, if anybody, has the fishing rights here now or indeed what fish there are left.
Part of the magic is not knowing -what monster carp could be lurking beneath the depths - what predatorial pike lay in wait within the reed beds ?
The sun rose deep orange; its beams making the lake steam, nothing moved.
I was lost in a quiet world of grey, green and gold
This was a delightful day, retreading old ground and reliving old experiences all but forgotten, or so I thought, one sight of the country lane and they were as fresh and vivid as could be.
I’ve often thought it a mistake to retread old ground or try and relive past experiences but days like this give me cause to rethink the policy. Some places remain special simply because they always were special. Add to that memories of a happy, healthy and memorable childhood and places such as this are elevated even further.
I wonder how many children today will be able to look back on such special but simple days ?
Regards
A Nostalgic Rod
Little Brother said,
October 13, 2008 @ 9:55 pm
Rod,
What a great post, I must return. I loved those days, you can stick your Nintendo and give me that anytime. Great photos and a welcome blast from the past.
Nice one bro
LB
Jungle said,
July 17, 2011 @ 9:29 am
Hi, I wander if it possible to start a restoration project on Croxby lake/pond ?
I know it it would take much good will and practical effort but the results could be
a more sustainable lake and beautifull conservation area.
There are logistic problems sure,but i believe there is a way/method , to achieve this.
This is very special for me but an even bigger one for the wild life it supported.
Thanks
Chris Keyworth said,
July 17, 2011 @ 10:53 am
Hi if you can get the land owner on side i can get the volunteers through the BCTV and Humber INCA and im sure my own Group would put some hours in we all specialise in these sorts of projects..
Regards
Chris….
Rod said,
July 17, 2011 @ 7:33 pm
Jungle,
thanks for the comment and a warm welcome to the site - hope you’ll return.
I fully agree with you - it is a magical place, in fact I need to return and take some beter photographs
Regards
Rod