Washing up bowl pond

Inspired to finally act by all the posts on Twitter and other channels I have created a washing up bowl pond in the garden.

I have been thinking about putting in a larger pond for ages but couldn't work out the where to position it... will it get the right amount of sunlight, will I still be able to get to the flowerbeds, will I be able to cut the grass.

The best position is in a small patch of grass that has a natural dip in it so water will run into the pond. I have put the washing up bowl pond in this spot so that this could be enlarged at a later date.

The only questions now are will anything turn up and use the pond and how am I going to to do the washing up!

The chosen spot

The bowl waiting for the hole.

The bowl in place

Completed pond with plants from existing raised pond and a sloping rock

Closer view of pond on day one.

The foreman checks on the completed job. 

Going back to Knoydart in April 2015

A grey day on the Isle of Eigg

As forecast, Tuesday was much cloudier than previous days in the week. We set off just after 9A.M. for the 60 minute trip to Eigg. No whale sightings on the way over but the dramatic volcanic scenery of Eigg was spectacular as we approached. 

I haven't mentioned Steve yet. He is a local from Eigg who crews on the Mary Doune. He also has a minibus, which was very useful to get us from harbour up to the Northern side of the island, so we could go to the singing sands beach (The sands squeak when you drag your feet across them). The beach has some very weird formations of rocks and eroded cliffs so we spent sometime exploring and taking photos.

Once finished here we headed to the second beach of the day, at the Bay of Laig, a short walk down the Island. There were more dramatic formations on the beach, ideal for pottering about and taking pictures. 

Steve picked us up again at about 4 P.M. and took us back to the harbour for a cup of tea in the Eigg tea shop in Galmisdale Bay.

A bouncy trip back for most of the way as the wind and current between Eigg, Rum and Skye was getting up. Once nearer Doune the sea calmed down considerably and we had a smooth run back home.

Dinner
Artichoke and Celery Soup
Haddock with Pesto and Chilli sauce
Blackcurrant & Apple Pavlova

Skye, Elgol & Loch Coruisk

Elgol  & Loch Coruisk

A bright day with few clouds about as we set off , just after 9 A.M. for the trip to Elgol. On the way over we spotted a small basking shark (only about 3 metres!) which was slowly hoovering up the plankton. Once at Elgol a sharp climb up to the public conveniences and a take away cup of tea before heading to the beach to photos of the views across to the Cullin mountains on Skye.
The second leg of the trip was across the bay to Loch Coruisk. A spectacular loch nestled in the mountains, with views out to sea and lots of Common Seals basking on the rocks.

A few red deer were visible on the skyline so I took a few shots in an attempt to get some silhouettes.

When we arrived back at the lodge there were two Red deer stags within a hundred yards!





Dinner
Crab (caught in the sea in front of the accommodation).
Pork, squash, mash
Orange & Lemon Ice cream
Local Cheeses
50 Year Wedding Anniversary Wedding Coffee cake  (two other guests were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary so Martin made them a cake)

Sandaig Islands in the rain(but with an Otter)

Up early, just after six, to walk to the next bay to look for otters. A calm morning with rain forecast for later, the tide was low so all seemed ideal for a sighting. There was a Red Deer stag on the grass just outside the lodge when we awoke!  I did see a head pop up just off shore but later on saw a grey seal so it may have been that, rather than an otter. After about an hour gave up and went for breakfast.

Headed north from Doune to go to Sandaig Islands, famous as being the spot the Ring of Bright Water otter lived with Gavin Maxwell. We went ashore by dinghy piloted by Steve and spent a couple of hours exploring. Once back on the boat, courtesy of Steve again, we had a cup of tea then spotted an real live otter fishing. It hung around for a good while so everyone tried to take the perfect shot. The distance was a bit too far for most of the time but he/she did oblige by coming onto the rocks close by to finish the fish lunch.

The rain then started to hammer down so we upped anchor and headed to Inverie, to visit the most remote pub in Great Britain.

Knoydart here I come (again).

Just after over three years ago (that’s July 2010) I went to Doune Knoydart, on the West coast of Scotland. This was for a week of photography with the John Lewis photography club. Well, I am off there again. Like last time I am travelling from London on the Caledonian Sleeper from Euston to Fort William then on the West Highland Line to Mallaig. The group will be meeting up there to get onto the Mary Doune boat to Doune on the Knoydart Peninsula.

There are some familiar faces on the trip from 2010 (Anne and Abby) and some people I know from other photography club trips  (Hella Lipper, Kimberley Plumridge and Peter Warne). I will put a complete list of names in the blog once I know them all!

The later date of the trip could make quite a difference to the wildlife we see, as many  of the seabirds will have left their nesting sites for the ocean. However, I did notice an update from Skomer Island, just yesterday, which was reporting the Shearwater chicks still on the island and preparing to leave. So, there maybe some first flight shenanigans to watch and photograph from the Scottish colonies

Other wildlife that may be about could be seals, dolphins and whales on the water and who knows the Red deer rut may be getting under way on land. If we are very lucky then Otters and Golden Eagles might turn up.

The train has been underway for just under an hour (departed at 21:15) so I may go for a wander, there is only one way to go as I am in the front carriage, then tuck in for the night. Breakfast has been booked and will be available in the lounge car from 07:00.

Flickr Tags: Photography,jlppc,September,Scotland,Knoydart,travel,train

Sunday - Stop Mucking about

Isle of Muck

An hour & a half trip to the Isle of Muck. One of the smaller Inner Hebrides. We were dropped off at the pier and headed inland. Being a Sunday the tea Shop was closed, and the island very quiet.

Walked around to Gannach and beyond to the renovated stone cottage with turf roof and the shell beaches (beaches which are covered in small shells). Spent plenty of time taking scenic shots of the views across to Eigg and Rum. On the way back we headed across to the beach on the South side, a scenic spot, but just like any other beach, it was heavily littered with plastic washed in from the sea. There were bottles, crates and even traffic bollards!

After a few abortive attempts for a short cut back we returned to Gannach and then on the road back to the boat for a cuppa and the journey back to Doune.

Dinner
Peanut Homus
Venison Salami
Sherry Trifle

End of the first day.

Breakfast at 8 in the lounge car, much like a aircraft meal but with better scenery! The train arrived on time at Fort William which left just over two hours to spend in town before the 12:12 train to Mallaig. Wandered along the high street and bought a few bits in Mountain Warehouse. Two pairs of Merino socks on two for one offer and a head torch, bargain!  Then had a coffee and flapjack in Ossains, where I had lunch in 2010.
It was noticeable how many shops had gone out of business since my last visit.

Back to the station and retrieved luggage from the left luggage lockers. Once the train came in found Abby and Tina and in bright sunshine we made the trip to Mallaig; along the world's most scenic railway route.

Once in town had lunch (Haddock in Oats and Breadcrumb, with chips and peas) in the Steam Inn.

After lunch we bumped into our skipper and slowly the group congregated by the Mary Doune.

At about 5 PM we headed on the 15 minute trip from Maillaig to Doune.

Dinner
Beetroot & tomato soup
Poached salmon
Chocolate Orange pudding

Sunny Morning in Stroude

A very sunny Sunday so I went for a walk around Stroude to catch some late autumn colour. The walk was quite successful and along the way I spotted Roe Deer, a fox, green woodpecker and red kite.
I was using a wide angle lens so the wildlife had to take second place to the landscape and trees.

 The slight frost overnight left a lot of dew on the grass and undergrowth. This did make the ground very wet underfoot so wellies and waterproof trousers were needed.

Sparkling dew

 The shot I had in mind at this location didn't quite work out as the sun was in the wrong position. Looking at the map I don't think it would ever be right unless the sun rises in the North! It still made a pleasing picture.

Still reflection

 The colours of the leaves had lost some of their early autumn punch but the clear blue sky did allow for good colour contrast.

Yellow on Blue

Under the tree canopy I looked for fungi but there were very few to be seen. NOt to be outdone I took this shot looking back toward the sun.

Shady Birch Trees

As the morning warmed up I noticed lots of dragonflies pairing up and darting about the waters edge. They were moving very quickly so were had to get in frame, here is one of the better shots. Looking online they seem likely to be Ruddy Darter!

Ruddy Darters

As I was about to put the camera away and head home I spotted a Red Kite circling above.

Red Kite

All in all a most pleasant walk on a warm, sunny Sunday. 

Deer Rut in Richmond Park

Deer rut in Richmond Park - An Iain Green Photography day. http://www.naturebygreen.com/

Following on the training days I have done at WWT Barnes with Iain Green I decided to go to one of the guided days in Richmond Park to photograph the deer rut. This is a regular event run by Iain and one of his photos from here features on the cover of his book. (Which incidentally I won in the intermediate photography day last year).

We a group  of four and Iain) met at 07:45 on a dull day and immediately saw a small herd of red deer with a large stag keeping order. There was a minor challenge from a smaller stag but a few bellows and a trot towards him from the 'boss' soon put paid to that. The London skyline was just about visible but it was quite murky.

The morning brightened slightly but the skies remained overcast and later on the rain returned. Despite this there were plenty of deer to see and much bellowing echoing across the park.

There was plenty of autumn colour in the trees and bracken, it just needed a bright blue sky to really make the colours stand out.

As the light was low I took advantage of the longer shutter speed to try a zoom burst of the leaves.

We came across several types of fungi were growing up in the grass and dead tree trunks.

The walk finished at 2 P.M. and shortly after that the rain really came down hard so I was glad to be back in the car.

Ashford Camera Club AGM 2012

The ACC AGM took place on 2nd October. Along with the usual AGM business the themed competition was held. The theme, set at last year's AGM, was Red. Everyone can submit up to four pictures and members vote for their favourites using tokens.

I submitted four pictures this year.
The first was a Guelder Rose berry taken at the London WWT centre at Barnes.

Guelder Rose

 The next two were taken on Brownsea Island. The first is one of the mad chickens (they run right up to you and then slowly strut along in front whilst making low, slightly menacing, chicken calls.

Chicken Stare

The third pictures is of a Red squirrel feeding at the National Trust feeder on Brownsea Island.

Red Squirrel

and finally, some Chinese Lanterns from Chinese New Year in London.

Chinese Lanterns

There were a lot of photos submitted (all as prints) and the votes were well spread. I received a vote for Chicken Stare and Guelder Rose berry. The winning print was of the Field of Rememberance focussing on just the crosses and dominant red poppies.

Next year's theme is Humour.

ACC Q3 DPI Competition 2012

Following the summer break the Ashford Camera Club is back in session. The digital projected image competition for quarter 3 is on 25th September. (I haven't been entering any prints so far this year).

The two images I have submitted are shown below. The judges comments will follow, unless they are really poor in which case I might remove this post!

General category:  Prospect Cottage

This is Derek Jarman's cottage in Dungeness, Kent. The model is Gill.

Score 9.5/10. The judge liked the composition including the low angle which brought in the strong colours of the flowers. The exposure of the black cottage was good and the interest in the sky helped add to the picture. The young lady, who appeared to be looking at something out of frame, was placed well.

Nature Category: Eagle Eye

This was taken at the English School of Falconry. The bird is a juvenile Bald Eagle and so is yet to gain the characteristic white plumage of a mature adult Bald Eagle.

Score 9.5/10. Good composition with the bird looking into the frame. The blurred background helped concentrate on the bird which showed sharp detail in the eye and feathers. The half point was lost on the overexposed beak. Annoyingly, I noticed this when reviewing my pictures for the competition but it was too late to resubmit! 

BBC Countryfile Photographic Competition 2012

I have two photographs to submit to the annual BBC Countryfile Competiton. The closing date is Sunday, 22nd July. Full details can be found here..http://www.countryfile.com/countryside/2012-countryfile-photographic-competition.

The entries are of a running pony in the New Forest and a pair of Cornish Sheep.

Nigel Wilson Travel Photography Weekend

I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend learning about all sorts of photography with a group from the JLP photography club and Nigel Wilson. http://www.photographycourses.org.uk/about.php

The Saturday was classroom based and included reviewing our previously submitted pictures, one we were happy with and one were weren't, and discussion about what makes a good photograph.

This is the picture I was happy with, the walker in the red top gives a real focus of attention to the picture and then the eye is drawn down the Long Walk to Windsor Castle.

The picture I was disappointed with was a great subject but I couldn't work out a good composition.

Improvements could be to get higher to see more of the benches or crop the image and convert to black and white; like this...

The main thrust of the session was the thinking that should go into the photographs. "Everyone can take a photograph, not everyone can make one".

On the Sunday we met a location, which cannot be disclosed, to put into practice all that  we had been discussing. What with all the new ideas and a Saturday evening to inspire me I was all set for a good morning of photography. Unfortunately it poured with rain for a lot of the time but good waterproofs and plenty of confidence that my camera wouldn't leak kept me going. The venue was challenging as there was too much to photograph and the time just flew by.

Once back at the classroom we had to pick five pictures from the shoot and present back to the group. The standard, from all the group, was very good and showed we had picked up lots of tips and ideas from the Saturday.

A really good course that improved my understanding of photography and taught me plenty of new ideas too.

Wraysbury on a Sunday morning

As is my wont on a Sunday morning, I took a walk around the old gravel pits and woods close to Wraysbury. The sun was shining but the forecast was for rain later in the day so I wanted to make the most of it. The temperature was quite pleasant so I hoped to see newly emerged butterflies and possibly even damsel flies.
On my circular route I took a more wooded path than normal, I usually keep close to the water. This produced several male Orange tips (only the males have orange tips!) a Speckled Wood and two Brimstone. There was also a small white one which may have been  'Small White' or a female Orange tip (who don't have orange tips!).

Orange Tip

Speckled Wood

Along by the reservoir banks the sheep and lambs were keeping their distance so I couldn't get any particularly good shots but I did try to get a 'little lamb lost' shot.

It is always worth a look for Peregrine Falcons on the electricity pylon close to the rail crossing but no luck this time. In fact it is usually during the winter when they show up here. Hopefully, they are off rearing some young aerial hunters. One thing hoping they wouldn't be too close was a male chaffinch.

Chaffinch

One final weird sighting was a cluster of toadstools growing out of a dead tree trunk - strange for spring but a result of the recent wet weather?

Toadstools in Spring

All in all a very good couple of hours and a good way to spend the best weather of the day.

I was using my Canon 450D with 70-200mm lens.

ACC Q1 DPI Competition 2012

Now I am in the advanced class I need to ensure the best quality pictures! I have not submitted a portrait photograph as I do not have anything up to scratch.

General category - Faded Prospect. derelict cottage at New Romney in Kent on the South coast. The judge wasn't keen on the lack of colour in the house and didn't have much else good to say about the picture. 7/10

Nature category - Barbary Macaques ( Gibraltar apes ) The judge thought the pose was good but suggested we didn't need to see the whole of the adult animal and a tighter crop may have been better. 8/10.
Subsequently, there has been what can almost be called email hoo ha about the standard of the judge and his inconsistencies. Oh well it is only a bit of fun.

ACC Q1 Print Competition 2012

Owning to techical difficulties on my printer (user fault as the 'remove this sticker' was still on the ink cartridge!) I couldn't produce any prints for the first competition of the year. Now I am in the advanced class they pictures need to be top notch to do well - no reason why they shouldn't be :-)

ACC Q3 DPI Competition

General - Spirit of Ecstasy. Taken at the Egham Royal Show 2010. Scored 9.5 points. The judge liked the composition and the amount of the car in view, particularly as it was suitably out of focus. Also, the colors with the blue bonnet of the Rolls and the reds reflected in the chrome (which is in fact my reflection).

Portrait - Enjoying a Beer. Taken in Mayrhofen. One of the few people portraits I have and it scored 9. Good points being the the out of focus background and composition although let down slightly but the loss of elbows and the base of the beer glass.

Nature - Grey Squirrel. Taken at Brompton Cemetery. Scored 10. Sharp detail in the squirrel, well placed in the photograph and a non distracting, out of focus, background.

ACC Q3 Print Competition

A successful evening at the third quarter, print competition. The judge held all three of my photos back for further consideration. Next week sees the third quarter digital projection competition. Should be interesting as the intermediate standard in the club is very good!

General - Abandoned Boat. Taken in Bideford, September 2011. Scored 9.5. Only let down by insufficient space around the boat. This was not a crop but the full picture so I should have stood further away to take it.

Portrait - Smile! Taken at ACC studio session. Scored 9.5. Let down by the reflection in the glasses. I did notice this but did not know how to remove it in photoshop.

Nature - Golden Pheasant. Taken in Kew Gardens. Scored 10.

Scavenger Hunt Report

Well it was a hot day. London was buzzing with tourists enjoying the sights and the weather. Team Slik met at the London eye and on the stroke of 11A.M. we headed off on our chosen route to take pictures to solve the cryptic clues and 'collect' as many places from the Monopoly board (without straying out of the defined area for the hunt).

Our route took us past quintessential sights, starting at the London eye over the Thames, with the Houses of Parliament in clear view. Up Nothumberland Avenue to Trafalgar square, the Strand and onto Pall Mall. We had a stop in the crypt of St Martins in the Fields for a drink and light bite to eat then onwards up Charing Cross Road through Leicester Square, Covent Garden, Oxford Street, Regent Street, Soho and our final destination the Crown and Two Chairmen in Dean Street.

Glad to report that out team was first back with all the questions answered. There was time to try to cool off and have a drink (including the 'perfectly drawn pint' which was one of the images we had to capture). There was a great selection of images and prizes awarded for best overall collection and best shot of the Essence of London.

On the way home I called into the National Portrait Gallery for a quick look at some of the portrait phototography they had on show - I have to say there weren't many that really grabbed my attention!