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Visited Swallow Falls yesterday, a local beauty spot popular with tourists. I actually did something very brave that I am so proud of to get this shot.

When I was about 6 years old, we went to see the falls after some spectacular snow and icy weather. As we went there a lot, I knew my way down the steps to the falls. I ran ahead of my Mum and Dad down the steps, not hearing their shouts to wait. The falls were so full and powerful that they were actually flowing over the lowest viewing platform, and the spray had created a thick coating of ice on the steps leading down the last foot or so of un flooded steps. As I ws running, I hit the ice with some speed and slipped, skidding on my back towards the railings and the raging falls water. I was screaming my head off as you can imagine, and my Dad just got to me in time to yank the hood of my coat and stop me going into the water. Phew.

I have never ever gone anywhere near the falls in the icy weather ever since, and have been afraid ish even in the summer. BUT yesterday, we went on a cold frosty day, and as I looked down to the bottom I saw with horror that the lowest viewing platform was caked in solid ice!!! After having some health issues last month, I thought it was time I conqured that fear and so gritted my teeth and went down.......

I beat my fear and got some nice shots. This was me playing with the zoom to get even closer to the falls.

Thank you for looking, and all comments and advice are always welcome xx