Groaty Buckies

The last time we found we shells like these they were on Orkney where they're called "Groaty Buckies". Cowries to everyone else. They became an obsession for us on Orkney so we were very excited to find them in Northumberland too.

27th December, near Boulmer, 11am



One of these handsome chaps has graced this blog before but here are the trio together. Their names are inscribed below each one as far as I can make out...

"Barmy Owl"

"Tern"

"Red LooPoo"

The hut is more complete than it was but is now unambiguously held together with nylon netting. I'm sure this is a temporary measure as we've had pretty strong winds recently. I now understand this is the work of Newcastle University students. There is an iron age hillfort very near here and I'm sure they're not unrelated.


Northumberland360 will return in 2009. Happy New Year!

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Up With The Birds

Early start today as we're off for a festive break.

24th December, High Newton, 7am

I guess this wee fishing boat is here every morning an hour before me. Photography's not easy in the dark but it soon turned into fine morning.




Northumberland360 will return in 2009. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Please visit my other blogs wedding and portrait photography and dog portraits

for the record...

23rd December 2008, Low Newton, 8am




This shot is to record the position of midwinter sunrise. I'll try to remember where I was standing when I took it to fix the reference point. Only problem is that I'll have to get up at 4am to get the midsummer sunrise!


From Newton Pool bird hide...


The coastal path behind the dunes...



Trooper sets off for a 2nd lap - he seemed to know I'd forgotten his lead so he took advantage. But when we got back to the beach the view was lovely - all was forgiven.




visit my other blogs wedding and portrait photography and dog portraits

Of Mice and Men

22nd December, Embleton Bay, 8am

The mini tourist season has started with folk visiting the region for Christmas. Hence, there were a few folk contemplating / photographing the sunrise this morning.







...the busiest guys on the beach had been some sort of wee mouse that had left these tiny prints amongst the dunes.

Quick turn round the block.

We're away for the weekend so a quick walk for Trooper today (he wasn't best pleased) then on the road.

20th December, Christon Bank, 8am

Here comes the sun

Wow! What a morning. Yesterday was so gloomy I skipped it... but today!

19th December, Low Newton, 8am







The following sequence was taken over 4 minutes. It makes you feel quite small to start to imagine the Earth slowly turning in the empty vastness of Space...


Meanwhile, back on Planet Earth - Old Sandcastles!

Salute to the Sun

17th December 2008, Boulmer, 8am

A new area for a walk today as recommended by a friend. Unfortunately the shore was awash with sheep - Trooper's favourite plaything. He didn't get off the lead for long!

This wee sculpture seemed to be bowing to the rising sun.



17th December 2008, High Newton, 2pm

This seasonal message contains only 100% natural ingredients...

Northumberland welcomes careful visitors

16th December 2008, Dunstanburgh Castle area, 8am and 3pm

Northumberland Welcomes Careful Visitors; A Photo essay