Signs of spring

Doesn't the heart lift when the snowdrops come through? Especially after the weather of last week, it's lovely to think that spring is around the corner...

17th Feb09, around Christon Bank, 9am

These trees are reflected in the water and the photo is upside-down. It's such a perfect reflection that the only way you can tell is the perspective.

These branches are reflected in the water after a fish jumped; soon the whole pond was rippling. It made the effect much more interesting

A lovely sky this morning.

Valentine's Weekend

The combination of Valentine's weekenders and half-term holidaymakers made for a busy weekend on the coast.

15th & 16th Feb09, Newton-by-the-sea, 4pm

Happy Valentine visitors...

...leave their mark

Enough snowmen?

I thought I'd photographed enough snowmen but these wee guys are The Best! A brilliant piece of ephemeral art - kudos to whoever was the artist!

13th Feb09, Howick Haven, 3pm

Back to The Beach

Back to the beach to give Trooper a run on the sand. There was a fair bit of snow around after yesterday and evidence of someone with excellent snowman design skills!

13th Feb09, Alnmouth, 8:30

Proper Winter's Day

Our first significant snowfall today so the walking routine was disturbed.

The birds were happy with their nuts and seeds and the local kids were happy in the snow building a fine army of snowmen.

12th Feb09, around Christon Bank, various times

Wavy Day

Poor old Trooper. A wee walk round the village this morning as the car was in the garage and then when we did go to the beach the tide was right up to the dunes so he couldn't run about much and he had to be very patient while I took pictures of the waves.

11th Feb09, around Christon Bank, 8:30

11th Feb09, High Newton, 4pm

Beach wedding

I ended up bringing my bride and groom (Mary and Mark) to Beadnell for their wedding photos as it was such a beautiful day at the coast (it was snowing in Alnwick). There are a few more shots here.

10th Feb09, Beadnell Bay, 11am

10th Feb09, Low Newton, 3pm

Later, and by way of a contrast, I went to check out a bar-headed goose that someone had mentioned to me yesterday. This species hails from from the Himalaya where the migrate at an enormous altitude, but actually this one is most likely an escapee from a collection. He seems happy enough hanging out with the other geese as he's apparently been here all winter. He's a very handsome bird and deserves a better photo than this!

This "bungalow" at Low Newton is by far the most stylish of them all. It struck me that it looked like a really hot day somehwere exotic from this angle with this blue sky.