forgotten words

23rd may 2018, Embleton Bay, 8am

More flowers... Campion (dark pink and pale pink versions) and Bluebells - there is a lot of colour around just now.

I recently came across this quote from a nature writer of last century.  He was writing for the Guardian during the First World War and spoke of his reluctance to write trivial pieces about nature at a time of great national crisis.  I can empathise as someone who posts pretty pictures when everyone around me posts angry, earnest political opinions on the state of the world.

"reminders of what is normal and sweet in life are more than ever necessary, and I shall waive all scruples in deference to your kind appreciation" Basil de Selincourt 1915

23rd May 2018, Howick shore, 4pm

I was looking at the beautiful dandelion heads when an orange tip butterfly showed up.  His orange tips are hidden by the folded wings.

A few minutes later I stood for a happy 10 minutes watching a pod of dolphins go by.  No photos of that I'm afraid - they were binocular distance.

a wet wander with a phone

22nd May 2018, Embleton Bay, 8am

I left the camera at home on this rainy morning but I had my phone and as they say ‘the best camera is the one you have with you’. Obviously phones have limitations but I have no time at all for people who dismiss phones out of hand as “not proper photography”. If a photograph conveys something to the viewer and fulfils the ‘see the world through my eyes’ thing then what was used to make the image is unimportant.

I found this beautiful decorated pebble. There was writing on the bottom of it but it had washed off in the rain. I’ve left it where it was for someone else to find.

don't miss the mist

21st May 2018, Embleton Bay, 7:30am

The fret came right in last night but by 7:30 it was starting to break up and the sun was making patterns on the sea.

The thrift is back dancing in the breeze

As we watched, the sun burned the mist away and gradually a blue sky day was appearing.  Visitors to the beach later this morning won't know it was ever misty...

21st May 2018, Newton Point, 4pm

In the full light of day with this morning's mist just a faint memory.  My inland walk today was lovely and warm but by the sea there was a cool breeze.

Newton Point's flower meadows are starting to come through...

Daisy waited patiently while I lay on my tummy for the above photo

I do like a simple, minimalist composition.  This wee headland is called Snook Point.

Daisy stood around patiently while I took my photo...

things that happen at the weekend

Saturday 19th May 2018, Embleton Bay, 10am

This chap put his kayak into the Embleton burn at the wee bridge and was able to paddle all of 100 yards to the Skaith before he had to get back out and carry it over the sand.  First time I've seen such a thing.  He reached the sea, launched himself into the waves and headed away across the bay.  A less than perfect start to his trip but he looked like he knew what he was doing as he struck out for Dunstanburgh castle.

flowers in 3 different ways

17th May 2018, Embleton Bay, 7:30am

The wildflowers are late this year but they're really coming through strong now.

It's virtually the law that a photographer has to photograph bluebells.  Here's 3 different ways:

A conventional close-up with the sun behind me.  A square crop to make it a bit different.

A 'letterbox' crop using selective focus and shooting into the light

A slow shutter speed shot with Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) giving an abstract composition

Crab Apple blossom

I'm missing my running and was a bit jealous of this chap...

blossoms

16th May 2018, Embleton Bay, 7:30am

Up on the golf course the gorse is extraordinary in its vibrance and profusion of blossom.  The air is filled with that most beautiful of all perfumes.

16th May 2018, Newton Point, 4pm

High tide and bright water

“Ne’er cast a clout ‘til May is out”. Well the May is out in bountiful blossom so maybe I’ll take my fleece off!  Many folk won’t have hawthorn in the house as they do say that it brings death. I'll leave these in the hedgerow where they belong.

stretching of legs

15th May 2018, Embleton Bay, 7:30am

Back home after a few days in Cumbria.  Daisy has been pretty much on the lead for all those long days so she let rip on the beach!

We both loved being back - just me, Daisy and her shadow

15th May 2018, Newton Point, 4pm

I had a sore head so I lay down in the sun, put my hat over my eyes, tucked her lead under my legs and dozed off.  When I woke up she was still here - scanning the fields as per normal.