Cloud Hunter

2012-01-28T01:09:00.000Z

I am still alive, and I am still taking lots of photos. In fact I'm taking one photo a day (in theory) for a year.

You can find my daily updates and ramblings Here

Or if you prefer, you can add the RSS feed to a reader....

http://www.blipfoto.com/rss/HRGibbon

The Mull Of Galloway Lighthouse

Well There Goes Another One...

2012-01-28T00:12:00.000Z

Well, that's another year over. I'm sure they go faster than they used to. It was only five minutes since we were ringing in 2011, now we're 27 days into 2012! I am still alive out here. I'm also very ashamed that I haven't written anything since December the 4th!

My last entry here was written, sat in the freezing cold, waiting for the Roger Albert Clark to make it's entry at Carlisle Racecourse.

Carlisle Racecourse

It arrived, with a flurry of activity.

The Roger Albert Clark is about This year seemed quieter, there didn't seem as much activity. Though I think that was because there didn't seem to be as many spectators/people milling about in the service area.

Gwyndaf Evans and John Millington

Maybe the lack of snow had something to do with it. There was more than enough mud around to make up for it. You had to plan your journey round the service area, as to avoid the large areas of swampy mud. This year I wanted to try something different. Instead of the people, I was more interested in the machines. It was "All about the cars."

For example, below is Guy Smith and Patrick Walsh's Ford Escort MkI, being worked on by the mechanics.

Guy Smith/ Patrick Walsh

David Stokes' Escort RS 1600, after he'd just come back in to service, was a hive of activity. No wonder, them both being the British Historic Rally Champions.

David Stokes / Guy Weaver

Another always popular area at service is around the Lancia Stratos of Steve Perez.

Steve Perez / Paul Spooner

There had been a clear and cold night Sunday night, so no one was quite expecting the amount of snow that appeared in Kershope the next morning.

Bob Bean / Malcolm Smithson

Speeds were low on the whole with most crews wanting to get to the end. Though it was evident that some were still pushing hard!

Alan Hughes / Ken Bills

Gwyndaf Evans / John Millington

Some of the spectators decided to put the "spare time" to good use....

By the time all the cars had gone through and we were informed the second run through wasn't going to happen, my feet where well and truly frozen - my toe was actually frozen in position and I couldn't move it!

But I'm not really complaining. It's all part of the fun!

Waiting...

2011-12-04T18:18:00.001Z

Sat here in the freezing cold, I sometimes wonder if I'm mad? No, cancel that, I wonder if we're all mad.
It's quarter to 6 on a Sunday night. The temperature is around 1°C if we're lucky and the service area is a swamp.
On the other hand though, there is a buzz in the air. You can just sense that something is going to happen. Like a great big complex machine about to whir into life. Generators are being fired up. Tools are being arranged for quick access. Official looking people in high-vis jackets are running around.

Something is about to happen......

Photos from last year.

Let's Jump On The (Pumpkin) Bandwagon

2011-10-31T23:07:00.000Z

Halloween in our house has never been a particularly "big event". I did once or twice dress up and attempt to extract sweets from the few neighbours that we had. Trick or treating doesn't really work when you live in a rural location.

So I've never bothered doing anything like, say... carving a pumpkin.

Until today.

I think I must be one of a large number of people to have lost their pumpkin virginity this Halloween.

This is my attempt....

Say "cheese"...

Even the "Hound of Hell" came to say hello to him.

One Month Later....

2011-10-25T23:14:00.000+01:00

Well it's been a heck of a long time since I wrote anything constructive on here.
In that time I've had my first taste if RallyX (and seriously liked it!), the pups have doubled in size, the season has started again...and multiple other stuff that I'll remember after I've posted this!

Might as well start with the RallyX at Knockhill. The OH has been telling me that he was going to take me to watch the RallyX for ages. I never thought we'd get there, but it was mainly thanks to one of my Facebook friends, who is an extremely talented photographer/videographer and all round media guru who kept posting all sorts of wonderful stuff about rallyX, which I kept showing to the OH and asking "When are we going to get there then?"

Steve Hill

David Binks

It was seriously good to watch. There was plenty of power-sliding mixed in with odd "moment" and a few "offs" too. Looking forward to the next time now!

Ian Biagi

RX180 in action

Then we have the ever growing pups... soon to be going back. :(

Alice

Ambush

We also saw George Bowman on his journey along Hadrian's Wall. The Bowmans and the Sutherland family from Canada, were travelling from Newcastle to Carlisle by Stagecoach to raise money for the Great North Air Ambulance.

There's a coch comin' in!

Border Union

That's about all I can think of... I think I may have to start writing things down when they happen!

Which Way Milky Way?

2011-09-28T23:37:00.000+01:00

Just a quick post as I have no time whatsoever for blogging at the moment. Deadlines, requests, pets, parents and other people are all higher priority that writing a blog post. So it's short and sweet.

Following on from the trees under the full moon the other week, on our way home we decided to stop and have another go at getting a bit deeper into the galaxy, but with out feet still firmly on the ground.

It was quite interesting looking up at the newly refurbished fingerpost and seeing satellites whizzing overhead. It was like old navigation techniques meet new.

The Beagle and the Butterfly

2011-09-16T17:21:00.000+01:00

Yesterday we had one of those lovely (and rare) September days where the sun shines, the birds sing and the butterflies appear from nowhere.

The garden was full of Small Tortoiseshell Butterflies (Aglais urticae). The pups were fascinated by them. They were constantly trying to catch them...

They didn't even get half near catching them. They flew off at the first sniff.

Ambush didn't fair any better than Alice.

At least it kept them out of mischief!

The Mysterious Case Of A Camera In The Night-time

2011-09-15T17:47:00.000+01:00

Last night I had a go at doing something that I've been wanting to do for ages... Night time long exposures...

The red is from the OH's brake lights!! Though I think it doesn't look too bad!

One thing that I think didn't help, was the fact there was quite a large moon. So the sky was very bright. All in all, I'm quite pleased how they turned out though for a first attempt. :) Will have to have another go when there is no moon.

They Grow Up So Quick

2011-09-13T23:12:00.001+01:00

You kinda forget, or at least you don't notice, how quickly they grow up.

One minute they are little, fat bundles of fur, scared of everything.

Then the next thing you know, they're turning into proper fine looking hounds.

They grow up so darned quick!

"Love and Marriage"

2011-09-10T14:00:00.000+01:00

"Go together like a horse and carriage..."

My lovely friend Laura married her super cooled physics fiancé last Saturday in a small church in North Cumbria. They have been living over in France for the past year and a bit, as Liam, her new husband, was working on something extremely complicated involving...errr...physics stuff. Liam popped the question at the start of February this year and Laura and her mum planned and organised everything, down to the letter, mainly via the power of Skype. There were a few, and from what I gathered, hectic visits home for fittings, etc. but otherwise, it was all planned up in the ether between England and France.

When they both eventually returned to the UK, it was then up to Laura's friends to organise a final farewell to Miss Laura "Granny" Bowcock. Not one for going "Out on the lash", we had to do something more genteel for Laura's "Hen Do" or as it became better known the "Hen Don't"! So afternoon tea was planned at a hotel in the Lake District and posh frocks were donned and small, crust-less sandwiches were scoffed, along with a mountain of scones!

"Hen Don't" in the Lakes

Laura and Liam were married at St Mary's Church, Wreay. A fantastic little church, full of magical carvings and symbolism. For example the marble Pine cones that you can see in the photo below are symbolic of eternal life (I didn't know that until I read about it on their website!). I can see why Laura chose it. A really special church.

"You May Kiss The Bride"

Just Married

Confetti Take Two

Then on to Dalston Hall for the reception, drinks and canapés, magic tricks and more photos, the wedding breakfast and then the speeches.

Listening to her father's speech.

The celebrations continued on into the evening with Ceilidh dancing- that even got the OH and I onto the dance floor! I think I need a bit more practise at "Stripping the willow" though!!

A good way to work off the wedding breakfast!

It was a fantastic day and the OH and I were very honoured to have been part of it. :) (And we had a bloomin good time too!)

"Oh I do like to be beside the seaside.."

2011-08-23T12:08:00.001+01:00

The puppies education continued on Sunday, when they went to the beach!

Not that the beach is going to feature much in their future, but it's all experience.

Posing

It was also a good place to allow them off the leads and have a run about, without fear of disappearing off into the bushes or onto any busy roads.

Hound on the run

They also learnt that shells were not to be eaten, and that seaweed, stones and sand were also not intended for consumption. Thankfully there were no dead fish/birds to roll in either.

"You can't see me" ... "Oh yes we can!"

It seemed a good spot to introduce them to going through water.


Terrible Trio

Not keen at first, they soon learnt that it wasn't that scary!

"Wait for me!"

Though Ambush did learn some of the "pitfalls" of coastal exploration....

"Help!"

I think they had an interesting day out. There certainly weren't many noises coming from the travel crate on the way home!

Thought for the week!

2011-08-19T18:26:00.000+01:00

The more I see of people... the more I love the puppies.

Vale of Rydal Show

2011-08-13T23:22:00.001+01:00

Thursday was one of my favourite events of the year.

The Vale of Rydal sheepdog trials and hound show. It is held in the heart of the lake district at Rydal park. It must be without a doubt, one of the most beautiful locations for a hound show... Ever!!

Sunshine last year

This year we took the puppies with us. It was their first time travelling any real distance, and their first time out to a show or anywhere with a large amount of people / dogs/ noise/ hounds/ and general bustle.

To say they coped well with it all would be an understatement. They weren't sure at first, but they soon got into the swing of things. I think I was more nervous having them with us, than they were being there!

Every few steps people stopped us and asked about them and stroked them and wanted photos of them- or photos taken with them!!

All this attention was fine, but it didn't make for ease of movement around the show. It all adds to their confidence though, for example, they now know that a generator isn't going to eat them!

All this learning and socialisation was fine and I'm very pleased we took them. The only down side- for me- was that it meant not taking a single photo while at the show and only actually seeing one class of hounds being judged!

Never mind, it was still a lovely day out- much better than I'd expected as we set off in the pouring rain, infact it seemed like the only part of Cumbria with no rain, was the show field!

On our way home we stopped by Thirlmere and the heavens opened again... so a quick walk and then home.


Ambush

The Emergeny Mobile Medical Unit

2011-08-08T15:25:00.002+01:00

Anyone that is involved in motorsport knows that it can be dangerous.
It can be dangerous for the spectators -those flying rocks hurt!
It can be dangerous for the competitors -being in a flying car can hurt!
It can be dangerous for the marshals and officials that are there to try and make sure that none of the above gets hurt!

Danger!

But then again, walking out of your front door to go to work can be dangerous.
Heck, putting your socks on in the morning can be dangerous - don't dress at the top of the stairs people!

It's just one of those things you have to live with.

In motorsport we are very lucky, on events there are people there ready and waiting to help "if the worst happens". At Spadeadam MC's club night on Thursday, we were honoured to be able to watch a demonstration by a team of those life savers.

The Emergency Mobile Medical Unit (or EMMU for short) are the people that you want to see through your cracked windscreen, while you're hanging from your harness, upside down in a ditch. A dedicated and highly trained team of volunteers that know exactly what to pinch, bend, cut or leave.....on the vehicle!

These are the folk that not only know how to get you out safely, but how to get you out quick too!

With their large and rather scary looking tools (see below), they can quickly create access to allow for safe "extraction" from the vehicle, or better access to provide a patient with in-car treatment.

As we didn't want to wait until some unfortunate person happened to have an "off", so that we could see the team working "up close and personal", a volunteer was needed.

Enter the old, knackered and very dead Skoda that was, up until a few months ago, a SMC club autotest car.

Greased Lightning...

With a nip here and a cut there...

...and some help from a few SMC members, young and old...

...the old Skoda becomes.... errr.....

.... well ventilated?

On a more serious note, it was amazing to see how quickly and efficiently this EMMU team worked on the car. If I were a competitor, heading out onto a stage, I'd feel a lot better knowing these guys and girls were close by. Founded 30 years ago, there are three units that are trained and equipped to deal with a number of different sporting events, not just motorsport.

So next time you're out on a stage keep your eyes peeled and you might just spot an EMMU in flight!

For more information on EMMU, check out their website: www.emmu.co.uk

A Couple Of Visitors

2011-08-06T14:01:00.000+01:00

One of the greatest pleasures of being involved with hounds and hunting, I have been told, is seeing hounds that you have walked (puppy walking) excel in the field and/or the show ring.

So this year we took the bold step to ask (at least I think I asked) to walk a couple of Beagle pups.

A kennel and a run were constructed, as I quite like our little house in-tact and un-chewed. Plus little Meggie (our Westie) has been a "single child" all her life and I didn't think it was fair having a couple of small rocket propelled puppies flying around her all the time.

Food, bowls, leads had all been found or acquired. So all was set for the new arrivals. Our neighbour had a travel crate that she didn't want, so it was placed in the back of my car and off I went to pick them up.

At that point I didn't know anything other than we were getting "one of each". So Tuesday morning, 26th of July 2011, I was introduced to Alice and Ambush.

Ambush

Alice

They travelled quietly in their crate and by the time we'd got home, both of them were spark out snoozing. I think they were quite miffed when I took them out of the warm and comfy carrier and put them on the grass. It didn't take long for them to settle in though.

Ambush Yoga

Two very distinct characters are emerging already... Alice is always at the front, forging the way, sniffing out what's going on. If there is something interesting happening, or another four-legged visitor around, she'll be there, making acquaintances.

Alice and a flowerpot.

Ambush on the other hand, is more laid back. He'll go and investigate, if it's not that interesting, he'll sit at the sidelines and watch what's going on. Bit of a wuss at times, but he's growing a bit more everyday, not only in size but in bravery too.

Lord of the kennel

A week and a few days later, we can't imagine life without them.

Rain rain go away...

2011-07-21T19:01:00.001+01:00

Well so much for the summer.

It certainly hasn't made an appearance yet up here in Cumbria... as I may have mentioned before.

Cumbrian Clouds

The PBE was looking fantastic at one point, with high hopes that it would flourish and we'd be over run with flowers and colour and scent.

The only problem was that fabulous flourishing flowers fail under Cr*p Cumbrian Clouds.

Instead of summer, so far we've had this...

Cats & Dogs

A whole great big lot of it.

There is a drain in there somewhere

At least there are a few plants that seem to be enjoying it...

The wild flowers -or weeds, depending on the type of gardener you are - seem to be shrugging off the bad weather.

Don't worry, at some point soon, something very exciting is going to be happening in our household and there'll much more interesting photos to come. :)

*Update: The weather has obviously heard my rant and the weekend has been glorious, so good in fact, we decided to cut the "meadow"!

Gowk Bank

2011-07-17T00:37:00.006+01:00

Today (Saturday 16th) was the day of the Cumberland Show, as per usual, it's raining.

Cumbrian Summer

So instead of ending up wet and muddy, after tramping around the show ground, we decided to go to a little known upland hay meadow, called Gowk Bank and probably get wet and muddy there instead.


Gowk Bank and the River Irthing

It is "one of the finest examples of traditionally managed meadow systems found in northern Britain", according to the Natural England website.

For More Info...

It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a National Nature Reserve (NNR).

With Anthoxanthum odoratum - Geranium sylvaticum grassland (MG3) , Cynosurus cristatus - Caltha palustris (MG8) and Molinia caerula - Crepis paludosa Mire (M26) listed as just some of the habitats on the SSSI.

"Please Shut The Gate"

Though if you go into the "Nature on the Map" site and put in "Gowk Bank" into the search, then click the link to the info on the Gowk Bank SSSI, it shows that all is not rosy in the meadows. With the top plateau area - unit 1- "Unfavorable- declining and Unit 3 - "Unfavorable- No Change". The dates for the latest assessment show 2007, so I'm not sure if this is still the state. I didn't exactly have time to look that closely.

Lone orchid

What flora there was, was looking quite wet today. We got up to the site and it was reasonably dry, just the odd spot of rain.

Looking towards the River Irthing

We got out of the car.
Walked to gate.
Walked through the gate .
The heavens opened and we retreated back to the car at speed.

There we sat for the next 10 minutes.

Hmmm.... not quite the weather I was hoping for!

At one point there was a slight break in the rain, so I took the opportunity to walk a bit further along the road and see what I could see. As the reserve is made up of a number of different fields (See the Map for more info).

Eyebright

As I was just bent over taking some photos, there was a flash of lightening and the most humongous crash of thunder right overhead.

If anyone was watching they would have seen a 26 year old, overweight female doing an excellent impression of an Olympic sprinter!

So that was that.

Lovely Weather

The only other thing that was kinda funny was on the way back down from the reserve, there were a lot of cattle stood across the road. We had the windows down (as 2 miles down the road there was bright sunshine!) and as we moved slowly through the cows, I had my camera.

This is a cow.

This is NOT a cow!!

I'm once again writing this from the back room as the thunder is crashing over head and the rain is bouncing about a foot back off the road!!* Hopefully tomorrow might be a better day and we'll have another little wonder up

*Hence why this has been posted today, Sunday 17th.

The Clouds In The Nighttime

2011-07-11T01:33:00.004+01:00

I got up last night for a drink of water, as you do, and as it was still quite light I decided just to have a peek out of the front window. As I looked out my eyes were drawn to what can only be described as an "eerily beautiful sky".

It looked as though there were white glowing clouds in the sky over Langholm / Newcastleton area. As I continued to watch them, the colours became deeper and deeper. Then ripples appeared within the clouds, just like the ripples on water.

This was around midnight, when I was sure it should be dark! So I ran to grab the camera and tripod. Fumbled for what seemed to be ages getting the tripod's quick release plate onto the camera. I was sure by the time I got out, the sky would have gone dark.

By the time I did eventually get out (in my PJs) the sky was still spectacular....

And slightly closer up....

and again, but this time looking more to the North-West and over Langholm...

One of the strange things was it was completely quiet outside. Not a thing making a noise.

Tonight, as I write this I can hear a bird (I think it's a Thrush) that hasn't stopped singing since around 10.00PM. I can hear sheep, cows and a donkey somewhere in the distance.
I've even heard a fox calling in the front field!

But last night, there was nothing?

All I can say is that I was glad I got up for a drink. The photos really don't do it justice. I just hope I have the chance to witness it again (with a camera close by!)

"Oh to be in Cumbria, now that June/July is here"

2011-07-07T00:07:00.000+01:00

Firstly, my apologies to Robert Browning, for my ruining the opening lines of one of his best loved poems (see here for the original).

Secondly, my apologies for being a useless blogger. I have about ten blog posts that I've half written over the last three weeks or so, that are now long after the events. So expect some random posts about things done or seen back in May!

Currently (or at least in the last couple of weeks) I have been out and about, peering into the hedgerows, bum stuck up in the air, getting covered in sticky willy (Galium aparine), and generally looking quite suspicious. Or in one case, knelt in a ditch in the middle of some forestry when a load of walkers appeared from no where! I did get some strange looks at that point!

Lousewort and Heath Milkwort

Fox & Cubs (Pilosella aurantiaca)

Crosswort (Cruciata laevipes)

Common Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

Unlike the south of the country, we've had quite a cool damp May, June and July. This has meant that there have been quite a lot of fungi around.

Some really cute looking ones...

.....

Some huge ones.....

....

and some not so cute ones....

....

The orchids have been everywhere. They are growing like weeds!! I still can't get over the beauty of them though. They may all be the same species, but the variety is stunning.

Common Spotted Orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii)

Northern Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza purpurella)

2011-06-16T22:56:00.001+01:00

It's been quite a while since my last post. It's also been quite a rough few weeks as my OH's much loved Dad became very ill and sadly passed away. Our house is full of cards and his Mum been inundated with cards and phone calls. He was without a doubt a well known, well liked and much loved gentleman.

I Hear Thunder, I Hear Thunder.....

2011-05-06T23:40:00.001+01:00

"I hear thunder, I hear thunder,
Hark don't you, Hark don't you,
Pitter-patter rain drops, pitter-patter rain drops,
I'm wet through, so are you."

I am writting this post from the trophy room.. or the back room dumping ground as it's also know.
I've had to take refuge down here with my old and very irratic laptop, as we're experiencing some quite nasty weather over Cumbria at the moment. Torential rain and powerful thunderstorms are making their way North Eastwards across the county (according to CumbriaCrack), who is helpfully keeping us updated with the latest radar images.

I haven't heard any thunder or seen any lightning yet, but I'm not taking the risk of being upstairs when it starts. In fact, if it wasn't for the OH, I'd be sleeping in my car tonight.

I am a total wuss when it comes to lighting. I love watching it. It's one of the most amazing displays that mother nature puts on for us. But I'd be watching it from my nice and cosy faraday cage!

Ok, just heard some thunder..... or was it the OH snoring?

As I'm on the laptop, there aren't really any photos for this post. Other than maybe this slightly mind bending one from the Pirelli Rally 2009.

Right, that's definitely thunder. I'm off to hide under the bedclothes like the small child I am.

Cankles...

2011-05-03T23:47:00.000+01:00

The most gorgeous pair of shoes I have ever owned. Shame about my cankles!

"Road Rallying" aka "The Quickest Way To Get Lost!"

2011-04-21T22:06:00.003+01:00

Last Thursday we made our second foray in the world of road rallying. Our first outing went very well, I managed to not get us too badly lost, and came home into second place O/A and first Novice. Though it should be pointed out that it was a very "novice" novice route. I knew that this one would be far more "challenging". It was!

I knew that we should have quit while we were ahead, but it's all good practise.

I also purchased a piece of "kit" specifically for use in future road rallies.... A basic roamer.

Though this one was a "special" one, as some thoughtful individual made two helpful additions.....

High-Tech Basic Roamer?

It is a well known fact that I have issues with my lefts & rights (not good for a navigator/co-driver in training). I can be pointing to the right and still manage to tell you to go left!

Anyway, back to the 12 car we met in a layby South East of Carlisle

6 crews started
4 finished
1 of the 4 was OTL
1 disappeared completely
1 gave up & headed to the pub

The first problem I had was that the first section was on two maps- I got totally confused. We managed to get precisely Zero code boards. Which I think is quite an achievement. Only the Lord knows where we went on that first section- all I know is that it wasn't the route we were supposed to be on.

I did get a little bit frustrated at one point and I did dump all the maps, instructions and everything onto my driver and say "Here- you do it!". Yeah, I'm an Aries..we have moments like that.

Thankfully my driver is a very patient man, he puts up with a lot... my OH. Though thinking about it, it might be better if I didn't navigate for him, as I know I can throw a strop and get away with it. If I was in with someone else I'd have to behave! :)

We got to time control 2 and our next set of instructions were grid references and direction of approach. Easy peasy. We got all of the code boards in that section.

Section 3 was the direction of exit from the grid square, again, straightforward. Only thing we were now miles behind on time. One wrong turn out of Southwaite village and that was it. Time to head back to the finish point -the pub- as we'd have been OTL.

At least I didn't throw up...small mercies and all that!

2011-04-06T15:04:00.002+01:00

One of the greatest names in photography known around the world is that of Ansel Adams.

This video by Marc Silber is an extremely interesting look at the darkroom and home of Adams, shown around by his son, Michael Adams. It shows how much time spent and how much skill Ansel Adams had. Not only in the composition of his images, but also in the post-processing of his images.

It's well worth a look.

(Discovered through PetaPixel)

"The Flying Scotsman Rally" 2011

2011-04-03T12:00:00.002+01:00

Ok, still on the theme of cars, but at least these ones come with some sort of sense of luxury.

This morning we were lucky enough to have the "Flying Scotsman Rally" going through Cumbria and what an event it is!!

It's an endurance rally specifically for cars that are pre-war, it's organised by the Endurance Rally Association.

75 cars completed the test at Longtown auction mart. This was the start of the third and final day. They'd come from London and were heading to Edinburgh. They'd been over some serious terrain already, looking at the "Spectator Points" on the website.

Spadeadam MC were running the test at Longtown, so I came along to watch... with a camera.

Even if it's not coming past our "doorstep" again next year, I intend to go out and find it!

More photos can be found "Here"

The End Of The Rainbow

2011-03-31T14:39:00.002+01:00

The End Of The Rainbow

Radio One's Big Weekend is coming to Cumbria!! I'm hoping that there are a set of tickets with my name on them somewhere... at the end of the rainbow maybe?

A Grand Day Out In Greystoke.....

2011-03-09T00:31:00.001Z

We spent Saturday in the middle of Greystoke Forest, watching and waiting for various Spadeadam Motor Club Members(*) to go whizzing past...

Peter Taylor* / Paul Hughes

Dave Edwards / Caroline Lodge*

Oh and a few others in between...


Andy Burton / Robin Kellard

This is the first time I've been to the Malcolm Wilson Rally, even though it is situated "on my
doorstep" in the heart of the Lake District. The entry list was good, the stages (as far as I've heard) are excellent. They are certainly smoother than the ones in Kershope.

The only downside was that we went for the easy option of the "designated spectator car park". (This was a single forest track with a wider bit at either end.)

I don't like being herded with the crowd. They get in the way.

Next year, I shall be making a concious effort to find a different location... even if that means I have to climb one of the fells!!

Or maybe even be taking part.....

2011-03-05T00:05:00.000Z

Another day in the forests tomorrow.
Hopefully there wont be any snow.
Or rain.
Or midgies.
Or lots of other people.

Sunshine over the hills...

2011-03-01T21:35:00.000Z

You know that the longer days and warmth are just around the corner when the Sun sets to the right hand side of Criffel.

Bird Spotting

2011-02-28T17:24:00.007Z

Old Rabbie Burns knew what he was on aboot when he wrote the immortal lines:

"The best laid schemes o' mice an' men / Gang aft agley".

Today my plan was to go over Langholm Moor and try and spot another Black Grouse (Tetrao tetrix subsp.britannicus). I have only ever seen one of them...ever! Luckily though I did get a pic of it.

As I currently have in my possession a 300mm lens, I thought I might be able to get a bit better photo. The photo below was taken in 2009 (from the car!) with a 70-200mm lens and was cropped down very heavily.

Tetrao tetrix subsp. britannicus

They are a fantastic looking bird and I must say I felt very lucky to have seen one at all.

The plan for today was to litterally drive along the moor road and keep eyes peeled for anything that might be interesting.

No running over heather and getting all windswept. Pure lazy nature spotting!

First of all we came across a small group of the feral goats. I've never seen them before, but have heard about them from a few locals. They looked up as we passed by them in the car, but soon got back to the important job of eating.

Feral Goat

While walking up to the Malcolm Monument (the right hand side pointy bit on the hill in the header) my friend and I always hear the grouse making a heck of a lot of noise. Sometimes we see them too! The one in the photo below is a Red Grouse (Lagopus lagopus scoticus) - not that you'd know by the photo.

(Mobile phone photo)

So I expected to see loads of the Red ones. Did I? No. I spotted one. Far, far away across the grassland.

Spot the Grouse

The road over the moor between Langholm and Newcastleton is about 9 or 10 miles long, so there was still time to spot more elusive grouse. Or a Kestrel hovering in the far distance (even for a 300mm lens!).

Did we spot any more Grouse of either variety? No.

Did we spot anything else at all of any interest? No.

Before we knew it we were heading down into Newcastleton, feeling very disappointed.

On our way home we did spot some insane sheep. As one of my flickr contacts pointed out "When have you ever met a sane one?". Very true.

"Look Into My Eyes...."

Then home.

Langholm Moor is a very interesting area. If you don't believe me, have a look at the "Langholm Moor Demonstration Project".

A Trip Down South (Cumbria)

2011-02-22T12:22:00.001Z

South West Cumbria is one of those places that you don't often get to by accident.

It's not somewhere where you pass through on your way somewhere else. If you go to South West Cumbria, you have made a concious effort to get there.

A drizzly Sunday is one of those days that you find yourself thinking "Lets go to South West Cumbria." (When what you really had planned was going over to Yorkshire to watch cars going fast through a forest, but the OH decided it was too cold and wet for that!)

We headed down to Kendal, through Barrow-In-Furness, with a small detour round the Isle of Walney and then on up the West Coast. Past the famous ~~eyesore~~ landmark of Sellafield.

If you ever get a chance to visit Sellafield and actually go inside it, go, as it's the strangest place you'll ever see.I was lucky enough to go with uni on a field trip (and didn't come home glowing in the dark) and it was a really interesting day. The only thing that really unnerved me was the constant beeping sound of the alarm. Don't ask me why, but it was like something out of Doctor Who.

Anyway, with no definite destination, we continued up the coast to St. Bees, the location of many a day trip when I was smaller. One of the best things about St. Bees is the rocks. They come in all shapes (mainly round) and colours (they don't glow in the dark either- as far as I know).

I could spend days if not weeks on this beach, just looking at the rocks. Though on this particular day it was wet, freezing and the wind cut you like a blunt knife (back to weather ....again).

So anyway, after St. Bees the weather and the evening was drawing in and it was time to wend our weary way home. I had to travel home with no shoes or socks on as I'd "accidentally" got my feet wet. Not one of my smartest moves in the middle of winter, in my best pair of trainers. Act first, think later. Ooopps.

Ooooohhhhh....Shiny New Book

2011-02-17T23:52:00.001Z

I am notoriously bad at getting photos printed. They languish on my hard drive, on DVDs or worse still they just sit in a folder marked "photos to print" for months and months, until I look in and think to myself, "why did I want that one printed?".

But I have found a new method of freeing my photos. Freeing myself from the computer..... I have discovered the joy of the photo-book!

I thought I'd start off with a subject that I know I could fill a reasonable number of pages with: Spadeadam Motor Club.

Photos of SMC members over the last year at various events, along with some of my favourite photos from our action packed Autotest championship. I discovered I had 76 pages worth of photos, and most of those pages had between three to five images on them, like the one below left.

I can already see what works well (using two pages spreads for a single image) and what could be improved (when using multiple images on one page, put the large images on the inside of the page and the smaller ones on the outside- i.e. the opposite of the way they are above left!).

The other half thinks there should be more words. I'm not good with words. I find explanations hard. There will be no explanations in my next photo book either. (Yes, I'm already planning my next one!)

If you can't figure out what's going on, your looking at the wrong book.

The Penguins Have Landed

2011-02-16T17:41:00.006Z

It is well known among our friends and neighbours that we are the proud owners of a "Polar Bear Enclosure". An area that was dug out from behind our house, to create a patio type spot, where the other half and I could while away our summer evenings with glass or two of something fizzy (coca-cola!)

For a long time it was just a hole in the ground, filled with rock and mud and the other half on his digger! We had plans though, big sunshine filled plans...

However, these things take time to come together, to get finished. There was a whole lot of concrete involved, a lot of industrial looking drain covers and such. The pond needed planting, the alcoves needed plant pots in them, etc., etc., etc.There is still a lot to be done; walls painted, pointing finished, mosaic tiles to add, and other finishing touches. As you can see below, it's getting there. Slowly.

Anyway, for a long, long time it looked as though it was a concrete enclosure awaiting the arrival of some wild and ferocious beast. I'm not sure who first christened it the "polar bear enclosure" but the name has stuck. Everyone knows it as the PBE (polar bear enclosure), even my parents call it that. Thanks to the weather we'd had this year, all the snow and ice, there have been even more jokes about it. There are only so many jokes you can take before you crack!

I have been known to purchase comedy items for the garden. For example, last summer we had a very bad mole problem.

So to cheer the other half up, who was near to digging up the whole lawn and laying concrete down, just to fettle the little blighters I purchased this little guy:

Waited till the other half got home and told him that I'd spotted the mole above ground and that he should go and deal with it. ;) It had the desired effect, it made him smile. It also cheered our next door neighbour up who was having the same mole problem.

Anyway, back to the PBE, so when I was wandering around our local garden centre and came across some novelty/comedy garden ornaments how could I resist?

We just need some more snow to make them feel at home and some fish in the pond for them to hunt. Perfect!

If anyone comes across any polar bears needing rehomed let me know. I could be interested.

Between A Rock And A Hard Place

2011-02-16T17:23:00.003Z

When you feel alone, lost and unloved, know that I'm there, right by your side, all you need to do is call. x

2011-02-14T22:49:00.001Z

To those we love openly.

To those we love secretly.
To those we love futilely.
To those we love hopefully.

To those we love unreservedly.

To those we love extravagantly.

To those we love quietly.

To those who make us whole.

Happy Valentines Day.

A video. Just Because. :)

2011-02-10T09:04:00.001Z

Some Small Smidgeon Of Sunshine!!

2011-02-07T18:53:00.004Z

"Arnold Promise"

Cumbria has been battered by gales and torrential rain the last few days. So any small break in the weather must be grabbed and enjoyed.*

*Back to weather again!

The Coldest Place In Cumbria!*

2011-02-01T15:40:00.003Z

*in my humble opinion!

There are a few places I have been that I've thought are rather chilly, Croft Race Circuit, over near Darlington, would be very near the top of my list, but I've never been as cold as I was up on the North Cumbrian fells! Low temperatures plus a "lazy wind" that goes right through you instead of around you. To which was added a dash of horizontal sleet/rain that stung your face all made for a bloomin' cold day. At one point I lost all feeling in my fingers, and the front of my legs went numb. It's the first time I've ever actually considered leaving early.

Thankfully there were a couple of big rocks to hide behind. Once out of the wind, you could actually enjoy the small smidgeon of winter sun that crept out from behind the cloud. Only a few weeks ago this whole landscape was covered in snow and ice. I think I was lulled into a false sense of spring as I drove up to the meet, as the sun was shining, the birds were singing and it was nice and warm in the car with the heater on!!

Though for some, the cold wasn't an issue as they were constantly on the go. I would love to know how many miles a huntsman or whipper-in covers over a season?

I must admit that I missed out on some of the best bits of the day, as I wimped out and chose to remain in my little sheltered spot, hoping that hounds would come back past me at some point. Needless to say they didn't.

It's an age old struggle that followers have, "Should I stay or should I go?". I have found, that if I decide to stay in one spot, hounds will disappear over the hill and I never see them again. Yet if I move, they almost always come straight back to where I was stood in the first place. I hope with experience and time, I can start to get my "right choice" average up.

Though I'm really not moaning about the wind or the weather or the cold. It all serves to remind me that I'm alive and I'm very thankful that I can spend a day in such beautiful countryside, to breathe in fresh, clean air and to leave any worries behind me for a few hours.
Plus, at least we could see further than 30ft... unlike the last time I was out!

Favourite quote of the day: "there is someone hiding behind the rocks with a camera!....its alright, that will be Helen!"

2011-01-30T00:29:00.001Z

I'm still making changes. Tweaking here and there. I've decided that during these long dark winter months I need a bit of cheerfulness, hence the new background colour. 2011, I'm doing bright, cheerful and Positive! Life is far too short to spend it being miserable. :)

"And in the end it's not the years in your life that count, it's the life in your years" Abraham Lincoln

Reflections across Bassenthwaite Lake.

A New Year- A New Start

2011-01-26T11:35:00.001Z

They say that people in the North West of England are the most likely to stick to their New Years Resolutions (or Revolutions as some might call them!). That's because we're a pretty darn stubborn bunch! This blog has been languishing here for quite some time, unloved and uninspired. Therefore today I decided that if I am going to try and keep this blog active, I needed a clean slate. All previous posts have been "Deleted" and at some point there shall be further changes. For now though, a start has been made.

So until next time.....