28th May 2008

"The average person thinks they're more intelligent than average. Do you think you are more intelligent than the average person?"

I could only fit the second half of the artwork in my little viewfinder. There you are.

London Road, Liverpool

24th May 2008

I really wanted to find that magical relaxed beach weekend that Fat Face, Toast, Howies, Whitestuff and the other lifestyle brands would have you believe you will begin to experience as soon as you slip inside their clothing; sunny walks on the coast, surfing, fishing, wave swimming with friends, barbequing fish on the beach. We headed for Aberdovey in Wales to seek out the endless summer dream, and even booked on a sea fishing boat in anticipation of cooking fresh mackerel around the beach fire. The bank holiday forecast didn’t look good though, with 50mph winds and heavy rain lined up. The forecast came good, the fishing boats stayed firmly moored up for the weekend. We did manage the outdoor fish cooking experience though, and found a great little campsite just inland of Aberdovey. Nearly there...

18th May 2008

Goodbye Scotland and this little Drumbeg croft cottage. Thanks for having us under your aged roof. Thanks for the chance to stay there John.

17th May 2008

John's crofters cottage, nr Drumbeg, Scotland


Kayaking with Seals










The road to Johns crofters cotttage, A894 Drumbeg. One of the UK's most senic roads?

16th May 2008

I didn't think it ethical to shoot or publish this, but I am easily persuaded. Click image to enlarge. Ullapool harbour, after the ride.




Knockdamph Bothy, Loch an Daimh, Ullapool. This bothy has recently been renovated. Indeed, when we visited it featured dry matches and lighters, peat bricks, fresh water, a kettle, but most unusually 2 beds and a 1/3 bottle of Southern Comfort.


Libby and Alison found the in-track waters deeper than expected.

15th May 2008

On the walk in to the the Fannichs, Scotland.

14th May 2008

Suilven


The rather wonderful path from the A835 At Elphin west to Lochinver, passing the magestic Suilven, shown here in the golden glow of sunset. We were a little late home from this one...

13th May 2008

The approach to An Teallach


John standing on Lord Berkeley’s Seat, An Teallach, Scotland.


looking over to An Teallach's pinnacled ridge. This made me smile.

12 May 2008

Deer corpses, Glencapisp hunting Lodge, Lochinver, Scotland


John on the lower summit of Suilven.


Over the years I have developed the rather foolish habit of running down most of hills I find myself summiting. Its great fun and very quick getting down, but I suspect it's not going to be great for the longevity of my knees. In this case though, it left plenty of time for a wee dip in the lock at the base of Sullivan followed by a sand castle building session. I love to imagine how harsh the winter winds have been over the thousands of years it’s taken to make beaches on these inland locks.

11th May 2008

Stac Pollaidh, Scotland

We climbed the small, but very impressive Stac Pollaidh today, before doing a couple of coastal sea-cliff climbing routes. Stac Pollaidh was particually impressive in the tolkienesque summit mists. Thankfully it cleared as we reached the impressive summit ridge scramble.



Cath enjoying a Reiff sea-cliff climbing route, after some serious persuasion to stop lying in the sun and get on the end of our rope. Reiff, Scotland.

10th May 2008

Welcome to Ullapool.

9th May 2008

The fabulously peaty Talisker single malt whisky at the Hartfell House country guest house and limetree restaurant, Moffet, Scotland.

8th May 2008

Tulip

7th May 2008

Bluebell and Tulip

6th May 2008

So nice to come back from the bleak Norwegian interior and find Summer in bloom at home. Helps me appreciate the simple cycle of things.

5th May 2008

Esthwaite Water, Sunrise, Cumbria.


Bowness Ferry, Windermere

4th May 2008

Tower Bank Arms, Near Sawrey, Ambleside


Tower Bank Arms, Near Sawrey, Ambleside


Esthwaite Water, Sunset, Cumbria. Cracking overnight wild camping spot is this.

Just what I needed after a couple of weeks away - the Lake District, the other half, a proper pub, a real fire, real ale, and a pretty sunset.

3rd may 2008

Talacre beach, North Wales. I had never been to this beach before, imagining all the caravans parks that line this part of the North Wales coast could have somehow killed off all the native vegetation, but once past the cafes and amusement arcades, the beach is obviously well managed. This entry should have been titled 'THINGS THAT GROW', that's how it felt here after a two week diet of monotone snowscapes.

2nd May 2008

Another sunny and flat crossing from Bergen to Newcastle. I am sure this 26 hour ferry journey can get very very unpleasant in different weather.

1st May 2008

45 stolen minutes in Bergen on the way to the ferry home