Monday 28th February:
Pouring down outside and so I spent the morning editing in black and white. I didn't use the Fuji black and white Jpegs but started with the raw files and then used Silver Efex Pro to convert them to black and white. I've also included a couple of 60 second long exposures to capture the movement in the clouds which were blowing directly away from me over the lighthouse.
Pouring down outside and so I spent the morning editing in black and white. I didn't use the Fuji black and white Jpegs but started with the raw files and then used Silver Efex Pro to convert them to black and white. I've also included a couple of 60 second long exposures to capture the movement in the clouds which were blowing directly away from me over the lighthouse.
Sunday 27th February:
I left Penzance saying "probably no good as it's all grey" but by the time I got to Pendeen Lighthouse it was like summer but only if you ignored the chilly wind. I walked about half a mile west and then down the steep grass bank onto the rocks but only so far, as there was a big sea running. At the bottom of the bank it was largely out of the wind and quite warm with the air full of seaspray like a mist. The sky was a deep blue but with enough clouds to make it less boring. The lighthouse and cliffs were catching the sun and the colours were really saturated. I made my way back along the cliff edge stopping in a couple of places to look for a different angle.
As sunset approached I had some lovely golden light but a bank of cloud on the horizon did bring it to an early finish.
I have also got a set of black and white images that I'll play with at some point-perhaps even tomorrow as it's due to rain all day.
I left Penzance saying "probably no good as it's all grey" but by the time I got to Pendeen Lighthouse it was like summer but only if you ignored the chilly wind. I walked about half a mile west and then down the steep grass bank onto the rocks but only so far, as there was a big sea running. At the bottom of the bank it was largely out of the wind and quite warm with the air full of seaspray like a mist. The sky was a deep blue but with enough clouds to make it less boring. The lighthouse and cliffs were catching the sun and the colours were really saturated. I made my way back along the cliff edge stopping in a couple of places to look for a different angle.
As sunset approached I had some lovely golden light but a bank of cloud on the horizon did bring it to an early finish.
I have also got a set of black and white images that I'll play with at some point-perhaps even tomorrow as it's due to rain all day.
Saturday 26th February:
A morning of playing with colours on the computer. Lots to peruse below. The afternoon at Porth Nanven began with bright blue skies and blinding sun and finished with a brief but colourful sunset. (see Friday for b&w)
A morning of playing with colours on the computer. Lots to peruse below. The afternoon at Porth Nanven began with bright blue skies and blinding sun and finished with a brief but colourful sunset. (see Friday for b&w)
Friday 25th February:
A much quieter day today with a gentle south westerly breeze and bright sunshine. I went up to St Just and then down Cot Valley to Porth Nanven where there was still quite a big sea running. I started off down on the boulders facing the Brisons and then into a corner on the left hand side. Later I moved over to the left side of the headland and down onto the rocks where I stayed until sunset. The images below were shot with the Fuji XT3 set to Acros black and white. I also have coloured raw files and I'll put some of those up tomorrow.
A much quieter day today with a gentle south westerly breeze and bright sunshine. I went up to St Just and then down Cot Valley to Porth Nanven where there was still quite a big sea running. I started off down on the boulders facing the Brisons and then into a corner on the left hand side. Later I moved over to the left side of the headland and down onto the rocks where I stayed until sunset. The images below were shot with the Fuji XT3 set to Acros black and white. I also have coloured raw files and I'll put some of those up tomorrow.
Yesterday at Porthchapel I experienced a strange few minutes. I was looking and taking images to my left but as I glanced to my right and out to the horizon you could see hail, sun and a weird pink light all at the same time. I put the long lens on and zoomed in to the Runnelstone Buoy, Runnelstone Reef and Wolf Rock Lighthouse. A huge container ship was passing and flocks of gannets diving that you couldn't see with the naked eye. The sea in patches was lit up beautifully while the sky, as hail fell, was full of pinks and purples. Hardly looks real but that's the way it was for just ten minutes or so.
Thursday 24th February:
Bright hazy sunshine and hail squalls accompanied by a very strong and cold north westerly. I went down to Porthcurno Bay and spent part of the afternoon down on Porthchapel beach, where it like summer with hail squalls passing out to sea. When I came up and onto Wireless Point it was like winter but the light on Logan Rock and Tater Dhu Lighthouse was lovely especially with the hail showers behind them. As the sky darkened I made a dash for the car but only a few steps in the hail pounded me and the wind got too strong to walk against. By the time I got to the car I was soaked but it stopped as quickly as it had started. As I drove down the hill to Porthcurno the light again hit Logan Rock and so I made a quick dash to the beach with a long lens still attached-just a few minutes of sunlight across the bay but really lovely. The images below are from the latter part of the trip- I'll post up some Porthchapel images tomorrow.
Bright hazy sunshine and hail squalls accompanied by a very strong and cold north westerly. I went down to Porthcurno Bay and spent part of the afternoon down on Porthchapel beach, where it like summer with hail squalls passing out to sea. When I came up and onto Wireless Point it was like winter but the light on Logan Rock and Tater Dhu Lighthouse was lovely especially with the hail showers behind them. As the sky darkened I made a dash for the car but only a few steps in the hail pounded me and the wind got too strong to walk against. By the time I got to the car I was soaked but it stopped as quickly as it had started. As I drove down the hill to Porthcurno the light again hit Logan Rock and so I made a quick dash to the beach with a long lens still attached-just a few minutes of sunlight across the bay but really lovely. The images below are from the latter part of the trip- I'll post up some Porthchapel images tomorrow.
Wednesday 23rd February:
Back to Godrevy this afternoon but to a different spot and in different conditions. The wind was strong from the south west but very little sun. The sky was much better today with some real definition in the clouds. We walked a mile east of the lighthouse to Navax Point where I left Alison at the top of the cliff and made my way down the slippery path and grass bank to as close to sea level as the conditions would allow. Some fleeting glimpses of light and enough white water coming up the rocks to make it interesting. The clouds got lighter and threatened to break up but never did, in fact they got darker and more menacing as rain approached. My tripod never moved, largely because I was on a narrow ledge with nowhere to go.
Back to Godrevy this afternoon but to a different spot and in different conditions. The wind was strong from the south west but very little sun. The sky was much better today with some real definition in the clouds. We walked a mile east of the lighthouse to Navax Point where I left Alison at the top of the cliff and made my way down the slippery path and grass bank to as close to sea level as the conditions would allow. Some fleeting glimpses of light and enough white water coming up the rocks to make it interesting. The clouds got lighter and threatened to break up but never did, in fact they got darker and more menacing as rain approached. My tripod never moved, largely because I was on a narrow ledge with nowhere to go.
I mentioned that when taking images of Storm Franklin at Porthcurno, the light an hour after sunrise broke through and for a while looked more like a sunset. The image below shows this short moment in time. I love the orange glow on the sea that along with the waves leads right around to Logan Rock.
Tuesday 22nd February:
Still windy but the sea had dropped away a bit today. I decided to brave the wind and went over to Godrevy Lighthouse where the tide was way out. A grey thin layer of cloud was blocking the sun but as the afternoon wore on the cloud disappeared and we had a bright but hazy light. The lighthouse was lit beautifully but unfortunately the sky was totally bland and unappealing.
I mentioned a few weeks ago that I had bought another second hand camera, which is a Fuji XT3 and today I used that. Fuji are well known for their film simulations and so I set the camera up to shoot Acros Monochrome to one SD card and normal raw to the other. What I have done below is do a quick edit on a few coloured raw files and left the black and white jpegs largely untouched so that you can make your own mind up which you prefer.
Still windy but the sea had dropped away a bit today. I decided to brave the wind and went over to Godrevy Lighthouse where the tide was way out. A grey thin layer of cloud was blocking the sun but as the afternoon wore on the cloud disappeared and we had a bright but hazy light. The lighthouse was lit beautifully but unfortunately the sky was totally bland and unappealing.
I mentioned a few weeks ago that I had bought another second hand camera, which is a Fuji XT3 and today I used that. Fuji are well known for their film simulations and so I set the camera up to shoot Acros Monochrome to one SD card and normal raw to the other. What I have done below is do a quick edit on a few coloured raw files and left the black and white jpegs largely untouched so that you can make your own mind up which you prefer.
Storm Franklin- wet feet time at Porthcurno-luckily I was up on a rock.
Monday 21st February:
Storm Franklin's north west gale woke me early so I decided to make the effort to get out hoping for big waves and a sunrise. I arrived on Porthcurno Beach well before full daylight but although the swell was huge the clouds hadn't yet fully cleared from the overnight rain and so the sunrise never happened. I wasn't the only one on the beach with several other photographers and a videographer joining me. One local professional photographer was giving a 1 to 1 workshop and he certainly had great conditions for his pupil.
Now you never know how the session will pan out so I started taking image after image thinking the conditions might not last but this morning the conditions got better and better. At the same time as the waves got bigger the light improved as well. The sun found gaps in the clouds and patches of beautiful light, with a pink hue, constantly moved around the bay. For a while it felt more like sunset.
I found myself switching the camera to high speed burst mode and firing away as waves met land and at times each other when one came back off the cliffs. When putting the SD card into my computer later I found to my surprise over 900 images, a bit overwhelming really, so just a small sample below.
I have also posted a two minute video I took just before packing up-just click on the black button.
Found out later that the professional photography doing the workshop was Mark Dobson from Redruth-have a look at his website-brilliant images. www.wildseascapes.co.uk/
Storm Franklin's north west gale woke me early so I decided to make the effort to get out hoping for big waves and a sunrise. I arrived on Porthcurno Beach well before full daylight but although the swell was huge the clouds hadn't yet fully cleared from the overnight rain and so the sunrise never happened. I wasn't the only one on the beach with several other photographers and a videographer joining me. One local professional photographer was giving a 1 to 1 workshop and he certainly had great conditions for his pupil.
Now you never know how the session will pan out so I started taking image after image thinking the conditions might not last but this morning the conditions got better and better. At the same time as the waves got bigger the light improved as well. The sun found gaps in the clouds and patches of beautiful light, with a pink hue, constantly moved around the bay. For a while it felt more like sunset.
I found myself switching the camera to high speed burst mode and firing away as waves met land and at times each other when one came back off the cliffs. When putting the SD card into my computer later I found to my surprise over 900 images, a bit overwhelming really, so just a small sample below.
I have also posted a two minute video I took just before packing up-just click on the black button.
Found out later that the professional photography doing the workshop was Mark Dobson from Redruth-have a look at his website-brilliant images. www.wildseascapes.co.uk/
Sunday 20th February:
Today was a horrible day dark and grey with rain in the air so I decided to have a day indoors, apart from a couple of exercise walks. With hundreds of images of Storm Eunice still to look at closely I spent time at the computer. The unusual thing about Eunice was the fact that for a lot of the time down at Porthcurno we had bright summer like sunshine. This was interspersed with black skies and hail. There were periods where parts of the bay were lit up like summer while other parts were dark like winter. The white tops and plumes of the breaking waves really stood out. I went through the images today looking for those that captured this feeling with high levels of contrast and then edited them as black and whites.
Today was a horrible day dark and grey with rain in the air so I decided to have a day indoors, apart from a couple of exercise walks. With hundreds of images of Storm Eunice still to look at closely I spent time at the computer. The unusual thing about Eunice was the fact that for a lot of the time down at Porthcurno we had bright summer like sunshine. This was interspersed with black skies and hail. There were periods where parts of the bay were lit up like summer while other parts were dark like winter. The white tops and plumes of the breaking waves really stood out. I went through the images today looking for those that captured this feeling with high levels of contrast and then edited them as black and whites.
Saturday 19th February:
With Storm Eunice heading across Europe the conditions today, although still rough, were much more benign. In the afternoon we went down to Lands End, walking down to the animal farm and out along the coast path to the south east. We found ourselves a nice sheltered ledge to photograph the granite rock formations and the swell hitting the various headlands that stretch away towards Porthgwarra. We had some lovely light for a while but then some misty cloud rolled across the bay between us and the Longships Lighthouse. I did take a few handheld images of Lands End on the way back as some hazy light returned.
With Storm Eunice heading across Europe the conditions today, although still rough, were much more benign. In the afternoon we went down to Lands End, walking down to the animal farm and out along the coast path to the south east. We found ourselves a nice sheltered ledge to photograph the granite rock formations and the swell hitting the various headlands that stretch away towards Porthgwarra. We had some lovely light for a while but then some misty cloud rolled across the bay between us and the Longships Lighthouse. I did take a few handheld images of Lands End on the way back as some hazy light returned.
More Storm Eunice:
Going through my images and reliving the afternoon I can still feel the excitement and adrenaline rush as I and the other photographers watched each set of breakers building up and approaching the shore. Everyone's camera was raised to their eyes in unison as if rehearsed. Below are more images from the afternoon including one in black and white which I really feel adds to the drama as the distraction of the beautiful sea colour is removed.
I was also asked by a mother to take some images of her son Charlie risking life and limb bodyboarding and some of those that I've provided for her are below.
I might even have to give Eunice a page of her own as I carry on finding my new favourite image over the coming months.
Going through my images and reliving the afternoon I can still feel the excitement and adrenaline rush as I and the other photographers watched each set of breakers building up and approaching the shore. Everyone's camera was raised to their eyes in unison as if rehearsed. Below are more images from the afternoon including one in black and white which I really feel adds to the drama as the distraction of the beautiful sea colour is removed.
I was also asked by a mother to take some images of her son Charlie risking life and limb bodyboarding and some of those that I've provided for her are below.
I might even have to give Eunice a page of her own as I carry on finding my new favourite image over the coming months.
Friday Afternoon:
The wind got stronger as the morning wore on but after lunch things seemed to be easing slightly and the sun was out. The north coast was out with the wind so strong so I made my way down to Porthcurno, which is always a sure bet for good images with conditions like this and reasonably safe. I spent an hour down at Green Bay east of the beach but then climbed back up and went down to the beach to join a few other photographers. As the tide made the swell got bigger and bigger with some huge sets appearing at regular intervals. The sun was interrupted regularly by hail squalls and the wind coming down the valley was driving sand into our faces if you tried to turn around. A couple of body borders braved the conditions and a pair of seals loved the surf and stayed all afternoon. These conditions might well last all week and I took 250 images just today!
I see that the spot where I took images on Wednesday would have meant probable death as Storm Eunice blew the huge metal roof off Sennen Lifeboat Station and deposited it exactly where I'd been standing. Good job I didn't decide to do a repeat visit today!
The wind got stronger as the morning wore on but after lunch things seemed to be easing slightly and the sun was out. The north coast was out with the wind so strong so I made my way down to Porthcurno, which is always a sure bet for good images with conditions like this and reasonably safe. I spent an hour down at Green Bay east of the beach but then climbed back up and went down to the beach to join a few other photographers. As the tide made the swell got bigger and bigger with some huge sets appearing at regular intervals. The sun was interrupted regularly by hail squalls and the wind coming down the valley was driving sand into our faces if you tried to turn around. A couple of body borders braved the conditions and a pair of seals loved the surf and stayed all afternoon. These conditions might well last all week and I took 250 images just today!
I see that the spot where I took images on Wednesday would have meant probable death as Storm Eunice blew the huge metal roof off Sennen Lifeboat Station and deposited it exactly where I'd been standing. Good job I didn't decide to do a repeat visit today!
Friday 18th February:
Storm Eunice is whistling around the house and my neighbour's television aerial is hanging down. I just made a quick trip along the seafront this morning to see what conditions were really like. Penzance seems to have escaped the worst as the wind is westerly and blowing across the bay. It really was difficult to stand up as gusts came through, found myself hanging onto lamp posts. Coming back through Morrab Gardens one of the huge eucalyptus trees is down, in fact I was surprised the gates were open.
Storm Eunice is whistling around the house and my neighbour's television aerial is hanging down. I just made a quick trip along the seafront this morning to see what conditions were really like. Penzance seems to have escaped the worst as the wind is westerly and blowing across the bay. It really was difficult to stand up as gusts came through, found myself hanging onto lamp posts. Coming back through Morrab Gardens one of the huge eucalyptus trees is down, in fact I was surprised the gates were open.
Thursday 17th February:
With Storm Eunice approaching and the sea building up, we went up to Portreath this afternoon, to catch some waves coming over the little pier and harbour. It will be enormous tomorrow and the weekend but even today there was plenty to photograph. The sky was grey but with just enough texture to provide some interest. Plenty of people around, all pointing their phones at the pier and dog walkers on the beach getting caught out by the waves rushing up the sand, causing a lot of running and screaming.
With Storm Eunice approaching and the sea building up, we went up to Portreath this afternoon, to catch some waves coming over the little pier and harbour. It will be enormous tomorrow and the weekend but even today there was plenty to photograph. The sky was grey but with just enough texture to provide some interest. Plenty of people around, all pointing their phones at the pier and dog walkers on the beach getting caught out by the waves rushing up the sand, causing a lot of running and screaming.
Wednesday 16th February:
The tail of Storm Dudley arrived today, whipping up the sea and bringing a strong south westerly but Storm Eunice on Friday will be the big one for Cornwall, with predicted winds on the coast possibly reaching 100 miles an hour! In the afternoon today I went down to Sennen Harbour, where in the wind, standing was difficult but I know there are walls and buildings where I can seek shelter. I wanted to try and find something slightly different as it's always tempting to just take images of the waves crashing over the breakwater. Today I set myself up next to the lifeboat station and composed images around the slipway where the shapes of the structure are really interesting and something I'd hardly noticed before. I couldn't ignore the pier completely but I'm happy that today's images were different from anything I've captured here before.
The tail of Storm Dudley arrived today, whipping up the sea and bringing a strong south westerly but Storm Eunice on Friday will be the big one for Cornwall, with predicted winds on the coast possibly reaching 100 miles an hour! In the afternoon today I went down to Sennen Harbour, where in the wind, standing was difficult but I know there are walls and buildings where I can seek shelter. I wanted to try and find something slightly different as it's always tempting to just take images of the waves crashing over the breakwater. Today I set myself up next to the lifeboat station and composed images around the slipway where the shapes of the structure are really interesting and something I'd hardly noticed before. I couldn't ignore the pier completely but I'm happy that today's images were different from anything I've captured here before.
Tuesday 15th February:
Rain and wind but a short semi-dry spell mid-afternoon saw us make a trip up to Levant. You can usually find shelter by walking east for a couple of hundred metres down amongst the mine workings that face Pendeen Lighthouse. Here you have all sorts of choices from waves crashing over the reefs to more intimate images of the buildings or the strange structures that remain. The mist and drizzle actually made the colours in the rocks stand out. The dry spell didn't last long so we retreated to the Trewellard Inn for some real ale by the log fire.
Rain and wind but a short semi-dry spell mid-afternoon saw us make a trip up to Levant. You can usually find shelter by walking east for a couple of hundred metres down amongst the mine workings that face Pendeen Lighthouse. Here you have all sorts of choices from waves crashing over the reefs to more intimate images of the buildings or the strange structures that remain. The mist and drizzle actually made the colours in the rocks stand out. The dry spell didn't last long so we retreated to the Trewellard Inn for some real ale by the log fire.
Monday 14th February:
More rain overnight and a day of heavy showers to follow. The afternoon was better, with spells of really bright sun but the northerly wind was cold. Late afternoon we went over to the fields above Tremenheere sculpture gardens to check on the daffodil fields and get out of the wind. The ones we favour are still a week or so away from blooming although others nearby were in full bloom as were daffodils in the hedges.
Some lovely warm light every now and again and some dramatic clouds to the west where the sun was setting. Just a wander around the fields picking out interesting compositions often with a long lens.
More rain overnight and a day of heavy showers to follow. The afternoon was better, with spells of really bright sun but the northerly wind was cold. Late afternoon we went over to the fields above Tremenheere sculpture gardens to check on the daffodil fields and get out of the wind. The ones we favour are still a week or so away from blooming although others nearby were in full bloom as were daffodils in the hedges.
Some lovely warm light every now and again and some dramatic clouds to the west where the sun was setting. Just a wander around the fields picking out interesting compositions often with a long lens.
Sunday 13th February:
We certainly had some rain this weekend, it was torrential overnight and a strong south westerly to go with it. I stayed in yesterday but today made a trip up to Hells Mouth in the afternoon. Although it was drier there was still a thick mist and the short drier spells were interrupted by squalls of driving rain.
Hells Mouth marks the western end of North Cliffs and from the cafe car park, or layby just around the corner, you have all of a one minute walk for spectacular clifftop compositions. Taking the coast path east or west opens up even more possibilities but watch yourself, these are dangerous cliffs.
We certainly had some rain this weekend, it was torrential overnight and a strong south westerly to go with it. I stayed in yesterday but today made a trip up to Hells Mouth in the afternoon. Although it was drier there was still a thick mist and the short drier spells were interrupted by squalls of driving rain.
Hells Mouth marks the western end of North Cliffs and from the cafe car park, or layby just around the corner, you have all of a one minute walk for spectacular clifftop compositions. Taking the coast path east or west opens up even more possibilities but watch yourself, these are dangerous cliffs.
Friday 11th February:
The wind had swung round to the south today and so I made another trip up to the North Cliffs near Bassett's Cove. It was dull and grey when I first arrived but later the sun would make an appearance for an hour. As I was on my own, with no one to tell me off I descended a narrow path down to near sea level. As I arrived at the foot of the cliff I noticed three kayakers playing around by the sea stacks on the other side of the bay. They were having great fun until one of them capsized and with a bit of swell running it took a while to get him back into his craft. Once upright the three of them headed back towards Portreath, enough excitement for one day I think. At this point the sun popped out giving me some better images along the cliff face.
Back up at the top of the cliff I made my way along until I was above the sea stacks again as there was still a bit of light catching the sides. On the way I stopped for a chat with a chap out exercising his new hip, telling me he was also keen on photography and that he was a retired miner from Geevor Mine up at Pendeen.
The wind had swung round to the south today and so I made another trip up to the North Cliffs near Bassett's Cove. It was dull and grey when I first arrived but later the sun would make an appearance for an hour. As I was on my own, with no one to tell me off I descended a narrow path down to near sea level. As I arrived at the foot of the cliff I noticed three kayakers playing around by the sea stacks on the other side of the bay. They were having great fun until one of them capsized and with a bit of swell running it took a while to get him back into his craft. Once upright the three of them headed back towards Portreath, enough excitement for one day I think. At this point the sun popped out giving me some better images along the cliff face.
Back up at the top of the cliff I made my way along until I was above the sea stacks again as there was still a bit of light catching the sides. On the way I stopped for a chat with a chap out exercising his new hip, telling me he was also keen on photography and that he was a retired miner from Geevor Mine up at Pendeen.
Thursday 10th February:
Somewhere new as far as photography is concerned today as we made our way through Helston and down to Gunwalloe. The little church here is beautiful nestled in the sand dunes but we ignored it this afternoon as it was completely in shadow- the sun was bright but low in the sky. We went down to the right of the church into Dollar Cove where there are lots of gullies and pointed rocks for the sea to swirl amongst and around. Dollar Cove so named as it is possible to find silver dollars here from a 17th century wreck. To be honest it was really much too bright and we were shooting directly into the sun but still an interesting afternoon exploring a new photography venue.
I used to spend all night perched on the rocks behind the church when my hobby was angling but although I still fish occasionally, being out all night no longer appeals.
Somewhere new as far as photography is concerned today as we made our way through Helston and down to Gunwalloe. The little church here is beautiful nestled in the sand dunes but we ignored it this afternoon as it was completely in shadow- the sun was bright but low in the sky. We went down to the right of the church into Dollar Cove where there are lots of gullies and pointed rocks for the sea to swirl amongst and around. Dollar Cove so named as it is possible to find silver dollars here from a 17th century wreck. To be honest it was really much too bright and we were shooting directly into the sun but still an interesting afternoon exploring a new photography venue.
I used to spend all night perched on the rocks behind the church when my hobby was angling but although I still fish occasionally, being out all night no longer appeals.
Tuesday 8th February:
Back up to North Cliffs again today and just a couple of hundred metres along from where I started yesterday. It would actually have been quicker to park at Bassett's Cove but the walk along these cliffs is flat with a made up path that most people could access. There are viewpoints all along just a few yards off the track but be careful as the cliffs beneath you are very crumbly and rock falls happen regularly. I stayed in the same place for a couple of hours just turning the camera to face different directions. A new camera today but more of that in a future blog.
Back up to North Cliffs again today and just a couple of hundred metres along from where I started yesterday. It would actually have been quicker to park at Bassett's Cove but the walk along these cliffs is flat with a made up path that most people could access. There are viewpoints all along just a few yards off the track but be careful as the cliffs beneath you are very crumbly and rock falls happen regularly. I stayed in the same place for a couple of hours just turning the camera to face different directions. A new camera today but more of that in a future blog.
Monday 7th February:
A much quieter day with a little bit of sunshine but mostly drizzle and fog. In the afternoon I drove over to Hayle and then on to the North Cliffs. My first stop was at the eastern end, parking in the last car parking area before the road goes inland of the big fields. I walked a few hundred metres east along the coast path towards Bassett's Cove and then part down a path to the beach below. I stopped above the actual beach as there was just a splash of sunshine on the cliffs towards Porteath. It only lasted a few minutes as the mist rolled in. Playing safe I went back up the cliffs where I met Peter and his white German Shepherd Jasmine. I think Peter was surprised when my head popped up from down below where he was standing.
By now the drizzle was quite heavy and so I went back to the car and made a cup of tea. After a while it dried up a bit and so I drove back past Hells Mouth and parked in the Navax parking area and again made my way out onto the coast path. A bit grey but some quite atmospheric conditions looking out along Navax Headland. While I was here I even had a brief visit from a kestrel who landed near me on the edge of the orange coloured cliff.
A much quieter day with a little bit of sunshine but mostly drizzle and fog. In the afternoon I drove over to Hayle and then on to the North Cliffs. My first stop was at the eastern end, parking in the last car parking area before the road goes inland of the big fields. I walked a few hundred metres east along the coast path towards Bassett's Cove and then part down a path to the beach below. I stopped above the actual beach as there was just a splash of sunshine on the cliffs towards Porteath. It only lasted a few minutes as the mist rolled in. Playing safe I went back up the cliffs where I met Peter and his white German Shepherd Jasmine. I think Peter was surprised when my head popped up from down below where he was standing.
By now the drizzle was quite heavy and so I went back to the car and made a cup of tea. After a while it dried up a bit and so I drove back past Hells Mouth and parked in the Navax parking area and again made my way out onto the coast path. A bit grey but some quite atmospheric conditions looking out along Navax Headland. While I was here I even had a brief visit from a kestrel who landed near me on the edge of the orange coloured cliff.
Sunday 6th February:
Heavy rain for most of the day but during a brief dry spell this afternoon I drove up to Bosigran. There was a very strong westerly wind blowing, too strong for me to use the tripod despite having carried my heavy one down across the fields. I climbed down the rocks on the east side of Commando Ridge to find a little bit of shelter but even here it was difficult to hold the camera steady. I had to raise the ISO to 1600 to get a fast enough shutter speed when I put a long lens on. It was low tide and there was a lot of white water around the base of the cliffs. Didn't see another person in the hour I was there but even I retreated back to the car once the rain returned.
Heavy rain for most of the day but during a brief dry spell this afternoon I drove up to Bosigran. There was a very strong westerly wind blowing, too strong for me to use the tripod despite having carried my heavy one down across the fields. I climbed down the rocks on the east side of Commando Ridge to find a little bit of shelter but even here it was difficult to hold the camera steady. I had to raise the ISO to 1600 to get a fast enough shutter speed when I put a long lens on. It was low tide and there was a lot of white water around the base of the cliffs. Didn't see another person in the hour I was there but even I retreated back to the car once the rain returned.
Friday 4th February:
A real change in the weather today with bright harsh sunshine, mostly clear skies and a strong north westerly wind. After lunch we drove down to Rinsey but this time went down on to the beach where it was just after low tide. The sea was quite rough and down here there were plenty of rocks and gullies for the water to rush around as the tide began to make. The house on the cliffs always provides a point of interest but as well as the wider vista there are endless opportunities back at the cliff face. Water drips and runs down the rocks from the old mine workings colouring the cliff with green, orange, white and other mineral residues. I think this beach needs to be visited many times to explore all the possibilities.
A real change in the weather today with bright harsh sunshine, mostly clear skies and a strong north westerly wind. After lunch we drove down to Rinsey but this time went down on to the beach where it was just after low tide. The sea was quite rough and down here there were plenty of rocks and gullies for the water to rush around as the tide began to make. The house on the cliffs always provides a point of interest but as well as the wider vista there are endless opportunities back at the cliff face. Water drips and runs down the rocks from the old mine workings colouring the cliff with green, orange, white and other mineral residues. I think this beach needs to be visited many times to explore all the possibilities.
Thursday 3rd February:
A bit of a rest on another grey day but I did have a wander for an hour around Morrab Gardens in Penzance to see which spring flowers were in bloom. Mostly camelias at the moment but the magnolia buds are close to bursting open. It's certainly starting to feel and look spring like but I'm sure there will be a sting in the tail of winter yet. All handheld images below and it was a touch breezy.
A bit of a rest on another grey day but I did have a wander for an hour around Morrab Gardens in Penzance to see which spring flowers were in bloom. Mostly camelias at the moment but the magnolia buds are close to bursting open. It's certainly starting to feel and look spring like but I'm sure there will be a sting in the tail of winter yet. All handheld images below and it was a touch breezy.
Wednesday 2nd February:
Back down to Rinsey this afternoon mostly to spend more time with the wild ponies. The weather was dull and grey but the ponies brought a smile to our faces. I spent time lying on the grass amongst them and had my shoe chewed, my knee nibbled and my head nuzzled. They are like living lawnmowers, spending an age with their heads down and quite akward to get a good image of. I took an image of Wheal Prosper on the way back to the car just to show anyone who hasn't been to Rinsey. This engine house is only a few minutes easy stroll from the car park. No great conditions today but will return at some time soon when there is a bit of light on the landscape and ponies.
Back down to Rinsey this afternoon mostly to spend more time with the wild ponies. The weather was dull and grey but the ponies brought a smile to our faces. I spent time lying on the grass amongst them and had my shoe chewed, my knee nibbled and my head nuzzled. They are like living lawnmowers, spending an age with their heads down and quite akward to get a good image of. I took an image of Wheal Prosper on the way back to the car just to show anyone who hasn't been to Rinsey. This engine house is only a few minutes easy stroll from the car park. No great conditions today but will return at some time soon when there is a bit of light on the landscape and ponies.
Tuesday 1st February:
I drove out to Rinsey this afternoon which is a few miles further east from Prussia Cove. A mostly grey, foggy drizzle, but just a moment or two of light. I walked a mile east from the car park to Trewarvas Mine which perches on the cliff, a bit like Botallack but not so well known and more out of the way. A very strong wind blowing along the cliffs and on the way back I came across a small group of wild ponies on the cliff. Just down from the car park is Wheal Prosper mine but I ignored that today, saving it for my next visit.
I drove out to Rinsey this afternoon which is a few miles further east from Prussia Cove. A mostly grey, foggy drizzle, but just a moment or two of light. I walked a mile east from the car park to Trewarvas Mine which perches on the cliff, a bit like Botallack but not so well known and more out of the way. A very strong wind blowing along the cliffs and on the way back I came across a small group of wild ponies on the cliff. Just down from the car park is Wheal Prosper mine but I ignored that today, saving it for my next visit.