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Sunday Morning Part 2
As I mentioned in part 1 a huge layer of black cloud was slowly filling the sky above Mounts Bay. Out on the Lizard Peninsular it was pouring with rain and the cloud and sun were in a slow race against each other.
One minute half the sun would appear and then be swallowed up again. The world appeared dark and light at the same time.
Sitting with a coffee at "Pickle On the Prom" it reminded me of the total eclipse we witnessed in exactly this spot in August 1999.
As I mentioned in part 1 a huge layer of black cloud was slowly filling the sky above Mounts Bay. Out on the Lizard Peninsular it was pouring with rain and the cloud and sun were in a slow race against each other.
One minute half the sun would appear and then be swallowed up again. The world appeared dark and light at the same time.
Sitting with a coffee at "Pickle On the Prom" it reminded me of the total eclipse we witnessed in exactly this spot in August 1999.
Sunday 31st March
Despite the unpromising weather there was plenty of early morning activity down at the harbour.
Zennor and St Ives gig clubs were launching the boats for some pre season training and a large group of divers were readying their blue rib and diving gear for a trip out.
At this point the light was subdued, you might call it normal but as the gigs were leaving the harbour black clouds caught up the rising sun and produced some lovely silhouettes as you will see in the last two images.
Despite the unpromising weather there was plenty of early morning activity down at the harbour.
Zennor and St Ives gig clubs were launching the boats for some pre season training and a large group of divers were readying their blue rib and diving gear for a trip out.
At this point the light was subdued, you might call it normal but as the gigs were leaving the harbour black clouds caught up the rising sun and produced some lovely silhouettes as you will see in the last two images.
Saturday 30th March
A morning drive down Cot Valley to Porth Nanven, Very different conditions to a few days ago, this time some gorgeous light between the heavy showers.
I climbed down into the bay on the Lands End side of the beach just as the tide was dropping. I had to wait a while as a heavy shower passed over but then spent an hour exploring the beautiful orange rock formations. Last summer this side was mostly sand but no sign of it after the Winter but it may well return.
The last image shows approaching rain which sent me back up the slippery rocks and path before it got even more difficult.
A morning drive down Cot Valley to Porth Nanven, Very different conditions to a few days ago, this time some gorgeous light between the heavy showers.
I climbed down into the bay on the Lands End side of the beach just as the tide was dropping. I had to wait a while as a heavy shower passed over but then spent an hour exploring the beautiful orange rock formations. Last summer this side was mostly sand but no sign of it after the Winter but it may well return.
The last image shows approaching rain which sent me back up the slippery rocks and path before it got even more difficult.
Friday 29th March
Early morning Part 2 when day turned back to night and the wind blown rain came down in torrents. It only lasted for 20 minutes or so and luckily I got to the Queens Hotel entrance porch just in time.
Early morning Part 2 when day turned back to night and the wind blown rain came down in torrents. It only lasted for 20 minutes or so and luckily I got to the Queens Hotel entrance porch just in time.
Friday 29th March
Another night of strong winds, hail and rain was followed by moody morning skies and golden light. This series were all taken within a 15 minute period and all within a few metres of each other.
As you can see in the last image black clouds were approaching and I had to dash along to the Queens Hotel and shelter in their entrance as the downpour began. From here I took another series of images so very different from these and I'll post them later.
Another night of strong winds, hail and rain was followed by moody morning skies and golden light. This series were all taken within a 15 minute period and all within a few metres of each other.
As you can see in the last image black clouds were approaching and I had to dash along to the Queens Hotel and shelter in their entrance as the downpour began. From here I took another series of images so very different from these and I'll post them later.
Thursday 28th March
The morning was peppered with heavy hail storms but by early afternoon we had longer periods of sunshine. There were still enough clouds around to make the sky dramatic and a few rainbows popping up here and there.
Down on Portheras Beach we were out of the near gale force wind and it was beautiful and warm. The sea was blue and some lovely waves rushing up the beach nearly filling my wellies more than once.
The path from Chyprase Farm down to the beach was a small river after all the rain we've had of late. I hear on the local news that several camp and caravan site are waterlogged and can't open for Easter.
The morning was peppered with heavy hail storms but by early afternoon we had longer periods of sunshine. There were still enough clouds around to make the sky dramatic and a few rainbows popping up here and there.
Down on Portheras Beach we were out of the near gale force wind and it was beautiful and warm. The sea was blue and some lovely waves rushing up the beach nearly filling my wellies more than once.
The path from Chyprase Farm down to the beach was a small river after all the rain we've had of late. I hear on the local news that several camp and caravan site are waterlogged and can't open for Easter.
Wednesday 27th March
A wild hour down the bottom of Cot Valley at Porth Nanven. With big waves in front of me and unstable cliffs behind me it quite exciting! Out at sea the promised heavy rain was on it's way and the wind getting stronger by the minute and driving spray into my face.
The final image is with a 30 second exposure-makes it look quite calm.
A wild hour down the bottom of Cot Valley at Porth Nanven. With big waves in front of me and unstable cliffs behind me it quite exciting! Out at sea the promised heavy rain was on it's way and the wind getting stronger by the minute and driving spray into my face.
The final image is with a 30 second exposure-makes it look quite calm.
Tuesday 26th March-afternoon
Sunshine and big clouds so it was another trip out with the infrared camera. This time we drove up to Zennor Village on the north coast of West Cornwall. We had a wander around the church grounds and then set off down the little road to Zennor Head but as the road came to an end and the coast path started we were faced with ankle deep mud so we abandoned that idea and made our way back to the village and into the Tinners Arms.
Do you know the story of The Mermaid of Zennor.
A mysterious lady with a beautiful voice used to attend services at the church, nobody knew who she was.
One day Matthew Trewella, a handsome young fellow with the best singing voice in the village took it upon himself to discover who this beautiful stranger was.
After the service he followed as she headed towards the sea, both he and her were never seen again.
However one day a ship anchored in the bay and a beautiful mermaid appeared alongside. She asked if they wouldn't mind raising their anchor as it was blocking the doorway to her house and she had to get home to her husband Matthew and their children.
The final image was taken after leaving the pub when all along the horizon were the most tremendous rain squalls and light.
Sunshine and big clouds so it was another trip out with the infrared camera. This time we drove up to Zennor Village on the north coast of West Cornwall. We had a wander around the church grounds and then set off down the little road to Zennor Head but as the road came to an end and the coast path started we were faced with ankle deep mud so we abandoned that idea and made our way back to the village and into the Tinners Arms.
Do you know the story of The Mermaid of Zennor.
A mysterious lady with a beautiful voice used to attend services at the church, nobody knew who she was.
One day Matthew Trewella, a handsome young fellow with the best singing voice in the village took it upon himself to discover who this beautiful stranger was.
After the service he followed as she headed towards the sea, both he and her were never seen again.
However one day a ship anchored in the bay and a beautiful mermaid appeared alongside. She asked if they wouldn't mind raising their anchor as it was blocking the doorway to her house and she had to get home to her husband Matthew and their children.
The final image was taken after leaving the pub when all along the horizon were the most tremendous rain squalls and light.
Tuesday 26th March
"Let There Be Light"
After non stop rain all yesterday and through the night this morning saw a welcome return of the sun. It was warm and the air was clear and clean, a great time of day to be out when it's like this.
"Let There Be Light"
After non stop rain all yesterday and through the night this morning saw a welcome return of the sun. It was warm and the air was clear and clean, a great time of day to be out when it's like this.
Monday 25th March
What a washout today was. The morning was forecast to be drier and so we made the effort to drive up to St Agnes where we had coffee before going down to Trevaunce Cove. It was overcast but with no real rain when we arrived but no sooner had we walked down the slope onto the beach than the rain arrived. A hasty retreat to the car and that was the end of my five minute photography adventures!
What a washout today was. The morning was forecast to be drier and so we made the effort to drive up to St Agnes where we had coffee before going down to Trevaunce Cove. It was overcast but with no real rain when we arrived but no sooner had we walked down the slope onto the beach than the rain arrived. A hasty retreat to the car and that was the end of my five minute photography adventures!
Sunday 24th March
A second photo walk on this Palm Sunday morning entitled: "Where's St Michael's Mount?"
A second photo walk on this Palm Sunday morning entitled: "Where's St Michael's Mount?"
Sunday 24th March
An early morning photo walk around Morrab Gardens, a park full of sub tropical plants. As I entered I was set to black and white but after the first two images I quickly switched to colour as the sun broke through and the colours were beautiful.
In the late nineteenth century, Penzance was becoming a popular seaside resort and it was felt a park was needed for visitors. Penzance Corporation acquired the park at auction in 1888 for £3,120. This included the large house that went with it and is now a superb members library.
The plants for the park were provided by local estates-now well known National Trust gardens- and had been collected from China and other areas of the world by some of the early celebrated plant hunters.
An early morning photo walk around Morrab Gardens, a park full of sub tropical plants. As I entered I was set to black and white but after the first two images I quickly switched to colour as the sun broke through and the colours were beautiful.
In the late nineteenth century, Penzance was becoming a popular seaside resort and it was felt a park was needed for visitors. Penzance Corporation acquired the park at auction in 1888 for £3,120. This included the large house that went with it and is now a superb members library.
The plants for the park were provided by local estates-now well known National Trust gardens- and had been collected from China and other areas of the world by some of the early celebrated plant hunters.
Saturday 22nd March
A morning trip to Porthleven that coincided with a low spring tide. After coffee I put my wellies on and went down into the mud of the harbour to capture images different to any I've made here before.
With the tide so low and the harbour entrance open I was able to get right into the gap between the jetties.
One man was bailing out his boat and bemoaning the constant rain throughout the winter meaning this was a regular chore.
Down in the harbour it was really sheltered from the cold northerly wind and in between the heavy showers got positively warm. As a matter of interest the harbour was opened to ships in 1826 and had been built because of the number of shipwrecks in the area when boats had nowhere to go for shelter along this part of Cornwall's dangerous coast. During one short period 12 ships were wrecked in sight of the village residents. Before the harbour was built this was just a small cove.
A morning trip to Porthleven that coincided with a low spring tide. After coffee I put my wellies on and went down into the mud of the harbour to capture images different to any I've made here before.
With the tide so low and the harbour entrance open I was able to get right into the gap between the jetties.
One man was bailing out his boat and bemoaning the constant rain throughout the winter meaning this was a regular chore.
Down in the harbour it was really sheltered from the cold northerly wind and in between the heavy showers got positively warm. As a matter of interest the harbour was opened to ships in 1826 and had been built because of the number of shipwrecks in the area when boats had nowhere to go for shelter along this part of Cornwall's dangerous coast. During one short period 12 ships were wrecked in sight of the village residents. Before the harbour was built this was just a small cove.
Friday 22nd March
A bright, near cloudless afternoon tempted me out with my infrared camera.
We drove to Gulval and spent an hour exploring the church grounds and cemetery. The grounds are partly overgrown but there are some beautiful trees and shrubs with enough gaps in the canopy to let the bright sunlight come flooding through. The contrasts created were perfect for infrared that has then been converted to black and white.
One very interesting recently renewed headstone I discovered is in memory of Eliza Jane Hall.
"A headstone has been unveiled at the grave of a 17 year old girl who died at a mine in West Cornwall a hundred and forty years ago. Eliza Jane Hall was a bal maiden at Ding Dong Mine when she was crushed by machinery and her grave has since lain unmarked at Gulval Churchyard." (BBC News Facebook)
A bright, near cloudless afternoon tempted me out with my infrared camera.
We drove to Gulval and spent an hour exploring the church grounds and cemetery. The grounds are partly overgrown but there are some beautiful trees and shrubs with enough gaps in the canopy to let the bright sunlight come flooding through. The contrasts created were perfect for infrared that has then been converted to black and white.
One very interesting recently renewed headstone I discovered is in memory of Eliza Jane Hall.
"A headstone has been unveiled at the grave of a 17 year old girl who died at a mine in West Cornwall a hundred and forty years ago. Eliza Jane Hall was a bal maiden at Ding Dong Mine when she was crushed by machinery and her grave has since lain unmarked at Gulval Churchyard." (BBC News Facebook)
Thursday 21st March
It seems an age since we had any sunrise light down here in the far west but this morning the signs were a bit more promising. I was down on the harbour side at 6am and there were hints of colour above the Mount.
The Scillonian is back on the pier which locally kind of marks the end of winter.
Walking back along the promenade the rising sun meant I could spend a few minutes silhouette watching, one of my favourite early morning activities.
It seems an age since we had any sunrise light down here in the far west but this morning the signs were a bit more promising. I was down on the harbour side at 6am and there were hints of colour above the Mount.
The Scillonian is back on the pier which locally kind of marks the end of winter.
Walking back along the promenade the rising sun meant I could spend a few minutes silhouette watching, one of my favourite early morning activities.
Wednesday 20th March
Time for a bit of a change. With little in the way of light I decided to try something rather different. I parked the car in the Kenidjack Valley and followed the stream down towards the sea keeping a lookout for interesting cascades.
The stream is only small but with all the rain lately there's plenty of water rushing down. I could see the beginnings of a mini project here, following different rivers especially as the spring flowers begin to appear on the banks.
Time for a bit of a change. With little in the way of light I decided to try something rather different. I parked the car in the Kenidjack Valley and followed the stream down towards the sea keeping a lookout for interesting cascades.
The stream is only small but with all the rain lately there's plenty of water rushing down. I could see the beginnings of a mini project here, following different rivers especially as the spring flowers begin to appear on the banks.
Tuesday 19th March
Rain forecast from lunchtime onwards so we made a a morning trip down to Porthleven. Conditions weren't great, no light at all and a very misty atmosphere.
A few surfers braving the harbour mouth reef, the usual gang of cold water swimmers and a surprising number of early visitors with local cafes welcoming the early season trade.
Rain forecast from lunchtime onwards so we made a a morning trip down to Porthleven. Conditions weren't great, no light at all and a very misty atmosphere.
A few surfers braving the harbour mouth reef, the usual gang of cold water swimmers and a surprising number of early visitors with local cafes welcoming the early season trade.
Monday 18th March:
An hour or so in the drizzle down in Boat Cove at Pendeen. A reasonable swell coming round the corner and up on to the tiny beach. I like Boat Cove, not too far from the car park and very sheltered from the strong south west wind we had today. In the summer I'll make a series of images showing the buildings and the boats, which at the moment are still away for the winter.
Just the slightest glimmer of sun at one point lighting up the distant cliffs at Bosigran. Several seals in front of me, just bobbing up and down enjoying a relaxing afternoon.
An hour or so in the drizzle down in Boat Cove at Pendeen. A reasonable swell coming round the corner and up on to the tiny beach. I like Boat Cove, not too far from the car park and very sheltered from the strong south west wind we had today. In the summer I'll make a series of images showing the buildings and the boats, which at the moment are still away for the winter.
Just the slightest glimmer of sun at one point lighting up the distant cliffs at Bosigran. Several seals in front of me, just bobbing up and down enjoying a relaxing afternoon.
Sunday Afternoon:
A Sennen sand dunes wander on a warm but hazy afternoon. Luckily, as I walked down towards the lifeguard station, I was watching where I was going. The second image will show you what I mean-certainly a sign of approaching summer.
After that I wandered around to the black hut which I never tire of visiting, there's something a bit quirky and appealing about the place.
Finally a stroll back along the beach and the usual quick pint in The Old Success before heading for home.
A Sennen sand dunes wander on a warm but hazy afternoon. Luckily, as I walked down towards the lifeguard station, I was watching where I was going. The second image will show you what I mean-certainly a sign of approaching summer.
After that I wandered around to the black hut which I never tire of visiting, there's something a bit quirky and appealing about the place.
Finally a stroll back along the beach and the usual quick pint in The Old Success before heading for home.
Sunday 17th March:
An hour long Sunday photowalk-two minutes of light and fifty eight minutes of drizzle.
The Scillonian is out of dock and being prepared for it's first summer sailing tomorrow. A steady stream of crew members arriving for an 8am start, just a few last minute preparations before seven months of non stop ferrying.
An hour long Sunday photowalk-two minutes of light and fifty eight minutes of drizzle.
The Scillonian is out of dock and being prepared for it's first summer sailing tomorrow. A steady stream of crew members arriving for an 8am start, just a few last minute preparations before seven months of non stop ferrying.
Saturday 16th March:
An afternoon on the beach at Marazion admiring the skill and stamina of the kite surfers. A damp and drizzly day with a strong southerly wind, no sun unfortunately to light up the colours but still quite exciting to watch.
One random image at the end of a young couple who came wandering along the beach taking selfies with the Mount in the background. They saw me with my camera pointed in their direction, posed perfectly, then carried on walking as if nothing had happened. I wonder who they were and where they're visiting from?
An afternoon on the beach at Marazion admiring the skill and stamina of the kite surfers. A damp and drizzly day with a strong southerly wind, no sun unfortunately to light up the colours but still quite exciting to watch.
One random image at the end of a young couple who came wandering along the beach taking selfies with the Mount in the background. They saw me with my camera pointed in their direction, posed perfectly, then carried on walking as if nothing had happened. I wonder who they were and where they're visiting from?
Friday 15th March
A miserable kind of day with a strong north westerly wind accompanied by rain and just the very occasional short burst of light.
I drove down to Prussia Cove in the afternoon and then walked westward towards Cudden Point. It was all pretty dark and wet in the wind driven drizzle but just occasionally the sun would somehow find a gap in the cloud layer and light up the sea. Strangely enough the light never reached the land but did mean there was some nice contrast.
The first two images are of Cudden Point and the next two of Piskey Cove. I did try and get down onto the beach in the cove but it was just too slippery so I might never have got back up.
The two posts in the second image are a bit of a mystery really, they are full of coins pressed into the wood so if ever I'm hard up I'll nip down there.
A miserable kind of day with a strong north westerly wind accompanied by rain and just the very occasional short burst of light.
I drove down to Prussia Cove in the afternoon and then walked westward towards Cudden Point. It was all pretty dark and wet in the wind driven drizzle but just occasionally the sun would somehow find a gap in the cloud layer and light up the sea. Strangely enough the light never reached the land but did mean there was some nice contrast.
The first two images are of Cudden Point and the next two of Piskey Cove. I did try and get down onto the beach in the cove but it was just too slippery so I might never have got back up.
The two posts in the second image are a bit of a mystery really, they are full of coins pressed into the wood so if ever I'm hard up I'll nip down there.
Thursday 14th March
Fancy a photowalk Let's park by Lelant Church, walk down the path across the golf course and under the railway line-if we're lucky the St Ives train might go past.
Once down at the Hayle Estuary we can look up to our right and see the cranes at the huge housing development that's just gone bust, the owner has disappeared owing millions.
Lots of dog walkers about and across the river we can see Godrevy lighthouse in the distance. Following the river we eventually come out onto Porthkidney beach and here we'll get great views across to St Ives.
On the way back let's go via Dynamite Quay, built in the 1870s to unload explosives and coal for local mines. We can see the church again from here over the top of the rusting remains of the explosives storage wharehouse.
An accident occurred at Lelant Quay on Thursday 15th March 1902.
"A horse, attached to a cart belonging to WB Gilbart, coal merchant, backed over the quay and fell twenty feet. The young man in charge was hurled into the river but was all right. The horse had to be shot."
Report in the St Ives Weekly Summary
Fancy a photowalk Let's park by Lelant Church, walk down the path across the golf course and under the railway line-if we're lucky the St Ives train might go past.
Once down at the Hayle Estuary we can look up to our right and see the cranes at the huge housing development that's just gone bust, the owner has disappeared owing millions.
Lots of dog walkers about and across the river we can see Godrevy lighthouse in the distance. Following the river we eventually come out onto Porthkidney beach and here we'll get great views across to St Ives.
On the way back let's go via Dynamite Quay, built in the 1870s to unload explosives and coal for local mines. We can see the church again from here over the top of the rusting remains of the explosives storage wharehouse.
An accident occurred at Lelant Quay on Thursday 15th March 1902.
"A horse, attached to a cart belonging to WB Gilbart, coal merchant, backed over the quay and fell twenty feet. The young man in charge was hurled into the river but was all right. The horse had to be shot."
Report in the St Ives Weekly Summary
Wednesday 13th March
With a strong south westerly blowing I took shelter this afternoon down on Portheras Beach. As the first image shows, it's a small cove tucked away under the cliffs just east of Pendeen Lighthouse.
Little or no sun today just a soft light but enough to give the sea that blue spring look. Every now and then a set of swells would rush up the beach but I was sensible enough to put my wellies on so for a change my feet stayed dry.
With a strong south westerly blowing I took shelter this afternoon down on Portheras Beach. As the first image shows, it's a small cove tucked away under the cliffs just east of Pendeen Lighthouse.
Little or no sun today just a soft light but enough to give the sea that blue spring look. Every now and then a set of swells would rush up the beach but I was sensible enough to put my wellies on so for a change my feet stayed dry.
Tuesday 12th March
Another change in the weather saw me over at Marazion in a strong south westerly wind. Mist and then rain came rushing across the bay and surprisingly I was the only photographer daft enough to be out. Plenty of sardines being washed up on the beach and the gulls out in force enjoying a good start to the day.
With so many images of St Michael's Mount in the sunshine popping up everywhere I find it much more satisfying illustrating it in less favourable conditions.
Another change in the weather saw me over at Marazion in a strong south westerly wind. Mist and then rain came rushing across the bay and surprisingly I was the only photographer daft enough to be out. Plenty of sardines being washed up on the beach and the gulls out in force enjoying a good start to the day.
With so many images of St Michael's Mount in the sunshine popping up everywhere I find it much more satisfying illustrating it in less favourable conditions.
Monday Afternoon:
After lunch I drove out to Sennen but not down to the beach or harbour. Instead I parked up on the clifftop and clambered down to a sea stack known locally as The Irish Lady.
As the afternoon wore on hazy light gave way to full sun that lit up the cliffs.
The final image was taken on the way back to the car and is looking down onto Sennen Harbour. It was a very big spring tide today, this was just about high tide and the sea was topping the breakwater.
After lunch I drove out to Sennen but not down to the beach or harbour. Instead I parked up on the clifftop and clambered down to a sea stack known locally as The Irish Lady.
As the afternoon wore on hazy light gave way to full sun that lit up the cliffs.
The final image was taken on the way back to the car and is looking down onto Sennen Harbour. It was a very big spring tide today, this was just about high tide and the sea was topping the breakwater.
Monday 11th March
Sunrise on the seafront proved a very brief affair. A very large dark cloud spread all along the eastern sky with just a small gap below it. The sun rose into the gap before very quickly being lost from sight but at least we have another mostly dry day forecast.
With Easter not far away one bit of good news is that Pickle has come out of winter hibernation and I assume will be back in action this week which makes early mornings on the seafront much more rewarding.
The images are in the order they were taken.
Sunrise on the seafront proved a very brief affair. A very large dark cloud spread all along the eastern sky with just a small gap below it. The sun rose into the gap before very quickly being lost from sight but at least we have another mostly dry day forecast.
With Easter not far away one bit of good news is that Pickle has come out of winter hibernation and I assume will be back in action this week which makes early mornings on the seafront much more rewarding.
The images are in the order they were taken.
After I'd spent time with the anglers this morning I took advantage of the still conditions to look for some reflections.
By now the sun had made it above the eastern clouds and was lighting up the scene beautifully.
By now the sun had made it above the eastern clouds and was lighting up the scene beautifully.
Sunday 10th March
The wind dropped over night and down on the pier before sunrise, three anglers were already enjoying the positively balmy conditions. Catching a few mackerel, drinking coffee and smoking a fag, all while chatting to your mate about what you nearly caught yesterday or what you might catch later today. What more could you want?
The wind dropped over night and down on the pier before sunrise, three anglers were already enjoying the positively balmy conditions. Catching a few mackerel, drinking coffee and smoking a fag, all while chatting to your mate about what you nearly caught yesterday or what you might catch later today. What more could you want?
Saturday 9th March
An early morning photowalk to Newlyn on a mostly dark and grey morning with rain on the way. A little light above the approaching rain clouds and the gulls out in force hovering in the breeze or searching the shoreline for discarded sardines.
Dry for most of my walk but not long after I turned for home the rain arrived and gave me a good soaking.
An early morning photowalk to Newlyn on a mostly dark and grey morning with rain on the way. A little light above the approaching rain clouds and the gulls out in force hovering in the breeze or searching the shoreline for discarded sardines.
Dry for most of my walk but not long after I turned for home the rain arrived and gave me a good soaking.
Friday 8th March:
What a day!
No sun, howling easterly wind and bitingly cold. The sea in Mounts Bay still raging and crashing over the seafront and piers. I had a quick wander during the late afternoon and the one good thing was the contrast between the pure white water and dark skies. As I type I can hear the wind still howling but just one more day before it goes back to the west thank goodness.
What a day!
No sun, howling easterly wind and bitingly cold. The sea in Mounts Bay still raging and crashing over the seafront and piers. I had a quick wander during the late afternoon and the one good thing was the contrast between the pure white water and dark skies. As I type I can hear the wind still howling but just one more day before it goes back to the west thank goodness.
Thursday 7th March
A lot of blue skies and sunshine today but by afternoon the wind had increased to near gale force from the south east. Although there was no swell running the wind was strong enough to whip up some pretty big waves.
I wandered along to the Penzance Harbour and was making some images at the back of the pier. The Scillonian was safe in dock, almost ready to begin it's summer season but the fresh paintwork was getting a thorough seawater wash.
At this point professional photographer Lucie Averill appeared and we made the decision to go over to the back of Newlyn Lighthouse Pier. Over there the wind was straight in our faces and you had to more or less lie down to get anything in focus. We stuck at it for an hour but by then our hands were numb despite the sunshine and we called it a day. Exhilarating but freezing!
Is it just me or can you see the monster about to eat the gulls in the last image?
A lot of blue skies and sunshine today but by afternoon the wind had increased to near gale force from the south east. Although there was no swell running the wind was strong enough to whip up some pretty big waves.
I wandered along to the Penzance Harbour and was making some images at the back of the pier. The Scillonian was safe in dock, almost ready to begin it's summer season but the fresh paintwork was getting a thorough seawater wash.
At this point professional photographer Lucie Averill appeared and we made the decision to go over to the back of Newlyn Lighthouse Pier. Over there the wind was straight in our faces and you had to more or less lie down to get anything in focus. We stuck at it for an hour but by then our hands were numb despite the sunshine and we called it a day. Exhilarating but freezing!
Is it just me or can you see the monster about to eat the gulls in the last image?
Thursday 7th March
Join me for an early morning wander down to a breezy seafront in Penzance.
The first image was made about half an hour before official sunrise and the series then takes you to ten minutes after sunrise. The horizon was very clear and by the time of the last image the sun was far too harsh already.
Join me for an early morning wander down to a breezy seafront in Penzance.
The first image was made about half an hour before official sunrise and the series then takes you to ten minutes after sunrise. The horizon was very clear and by the time of the last image the sun was far too harsh already.
Wednesday 6th March
A dark and wet day with the rain giving way to mist during the afternoon. Thick fog on the drive up to St Just but at Botallack it was clearer.
The images are in the order they were made and as you can see it was all very murky and damp. I wandered around the upper workings and then out along the track towards Wheal Edward. As I arrived there was a burst of sun that lasted barely a minute before the tiny gap in the clouds closed in. Luckily I was in the right place to take advantage as you'll see. A little later back above the Crowns Engine Houses another patch of light appeared but again just for a few seconds.
The next to last image shows two of the arsenic tunnels. There are actually sixteen of them, eight in front of me and eight behind, they are all interconnected. Ore was heated in a furnace and then the gasses given off fed through the tunnels. As the gasses cooled the arsenic powder was deposited on the tunnel walls and ceiling. Young men used shovels to scrape the arsenic powder off the walls and load into wheel barrows. There only protection was a rag wrapped around their mouths and bits of rag stuffed up their noses-most were dead in their twenties. Excess gasses went up a chimney and into the atmosphere poisoning local field crops especially potatoes. Unbelievable in this day and age but we know similar things still happen in certain parts of the world.
The last image shows the weather closing in, just a last patch of light out at sea, as heavy rain spread in from the west.
A dark and wet day with the rain giving way to mist during the afternoon. Thick fog on the drive up to St Just but at Botallack it was clearer.
The images are in the order they were made and as you can see it was all very murky and damp. I wandered around the upper workings and then out along the track towards Wheal Edward. As I arrived there was a burst of sun that lasted barely a minute before the tiny gap in the clouds closed in. Luckily I was in the right place to take advantage as you'll see. A little later back above the Crowns Engine Houses another patch of light appeared but again just for a few seconds.
The next to last image shows two of the arsenic tunnels. There are actually sixteen of them, eight in front of me and eight behind, they are all interconnected. Ore was heated in a furnace and then the gasses given off fed through the tunnels. As the gasses cooled the arsenic powder was deposited on the tunnel walls and ceiling. Young men used shovels to scrape the arsenic powder off the walls and load into wheel barrows. There only protection was a rag wrapped around their mouths and bits of rag stuffed up their noses-most were dead in their twenties. Excess gasses went up a chimney and into the atmosphere poisoning local field crops especially potatoes. Unbelievable in this day and age but we know similar things still happen in certain parts of the world.
The last image shows the weather closing in, just a last patch of light out at sea, as heavy rain spread in from the west.
Tuesday 5th March
An afternoon walk along the coast path from Nan Julian to Aire Point and back. This is a beautiful section about equal distance from Lands End and Cape Cornwall. In the first images you can see Lands End in the distance to the west and the next couple Cape Cornwall to the east.
When we arrived at Aire Point there was a thin layer of cloud hiding the sun but after half an hour the sun began to break through as the third image shows. Big seas hitting the rocks as we've had all week.
On the return walk the clouds disappeared and we had full sun and blue skies, all coats had to come off and other walkers we passed were doing the same. Some lovely warmth in the sun now and this is the first really warm spring day, even saw my first bumble bee.
An afternoon walk along the coast path from Nan Julian to Aire Point and back. This is a beautiful section about equal distance from Lands End and Cape Cornwall. In the first images you can see Lands End in the distance to the west and the next couple Cape Cornwall to the east.
When we arrived at Aire Point there was a thin layer of cloud hiding the sun but after half an hour the sun began to break through as the third image shows. Big seas hitting the rocks as we've had all week.
On the return walk the clouds disappeared and we had full sun and blue skies, all coats had to come off and other walkers we passed were doing the same. Some lovely warmth in the sun now and this is the first really warm spring day, even saw my first bumble bee.
Monday Afternoon
The morning's torrential rain gave way to showers and some beautiful light by mid afternoon.
In my efforts to find different angles I went down to Perranuthnoe and then walked back west until St Michael's Mount came into view. The clouds were racing across the sky in the strong wind and still a pretty big sea coming into the bay.
Rain went across the bay out to sea and then another squall and sheets of rain hid the Mount but just missed us as it passed inland. I went down onto the beach as the rain passed, I'd hoped for a rainbow over Cudden Point but none appeared.
On the way back home the setting sun was casting beautiful light on St Michael's Mount and an obliging kite surfer placed himself perfectly in the composition.
The morning's torrential rain gave way to showers and some beautiful light by mid afternoon.
In my efforts to find different angles I went down to Perranuthnoe and then walked back west until St Michael's Mount came into view. The clouds were racing across the sky in the strong wind and still a pretty big sea coming into the bay.
Rain went across the bay out to sea and then another squall and sheets of rain hid the Mount but just missed us as it passed inland. I went down onto the beach as the rain passed, I'd hoped for a rainbow over Cudden Point but none appeared.
On the way back home the setting sun was casting beautiful light on St Michael's Mount and an obliging kite surfer placed himself perfectly in the composition.
Monday 4th March
Twelve hours ago I was making images of warm blue waters but this morning Penzance Promenade was rather different. Overnight a strong south easterly wind got up and turned the clock back to winter.
Down on the seafront I was in full waterproofs and an old Fuji X-T2 in a plastic cover. I'd only been there a few seconds and I was soaked, seawater and torrential rain. I couldn't really see what I was doing with water everywhere and the wind buffeting me, it was hit or miss if anything was in focus. I've salvaged a few to document the scene and hopefully once the rain stops might get out again later.
Twelve hours ago I was making images of warm blue waters but this morning Penzance Promenade was rather different. Overnight a strong south easterly wind got up and turned the clock back to winter.
Down on the seafront I was in full waterproofs and an old Fuji X-T2 in a plastic cover. I'd only been there a few seconds and I was soaked, seawater and torrential rain. I couldn't really see what I was doing with water everywhere and the wind buffeting me, it was hit or miss if anything was in focus. I've salvaged a few to document the scene and hopefully once the rain stops might get out again later.
Sunday Late Afternoon
A couple of hours walking the length of Sennen Beach, a pint in the Old Success Inn and then the 5 minute drive around to Lands End to watch a slightly disappointing sunset. On the beach the sun came and went with heavy cloud covering most of the sky, just every now and again some lovely light lit up the waves and sand dunes.
Down at Lands End I see The First and Last House has been renamed The First and Last Refreshment House, nothing's sacred.
A couple of hours walking the length of Sennen Beach, a pint in the Old Success Inn and then the 5 minute drive around to Lands End to watch a slightly disappointing sunset. On the beach the sun came and went with heavy cloud covering most of the sky, just every now and again some lovely light lit up the waves and sand dunes.
Down at Lands End I see The First and Last House has been renamed The First and Last Refreshment House, nothing's sacred.
Sunday 3rd March
Down on the seafront at sunrise with thick black cloud above me, steady rain but just a little light and colour on the eastern horizon. Despite the rain the keep fit people out in force including one regular couple who haven't let children change their routine.
Down on the seafront at sunrise with thick black cloud above me, steady rain but just a little light and colour on the eastern horizon. Despite the rain the keep fit people out in force including one regular couple who haven't let children change their routine.
Saturday 2nd March
Still a fair bit of rain in the morning but by afternoon there were longer dry spells but still with some lovely clouds. A fresh north westerly persuaded me to try to get down onto Rinsey beach, not easy at the best of times but in the winter the rocks you have to cross are black and like ice.
I managed and was rewarded with some sporadic but beautiful light and dramatic clouds racing across the sky above the house. There were a few body boarders down on the beach as well and although I wasn't trying to take images that included them I did do so accidentally. Look at the last image carefully, I didn't notice until I was on the computer later.
Still a fair bit of rain in the morning but by afternoon there were longer dry spells but still with some lovely clouds. A fresh north westerly persuaded me to try to get down onto Rinsey beach, not easy at the best of times but in the winter the rocks you have to cross are black and like ice.
I managed and was rewarded with some sporadic but beautiful light and dramatic clouds racing across the sky above the house. There were a few body boarders down on the beach as well and although I wasn't trying to take images that included them I did do so accidentally. Look at the last image carefully, I didn't notice until I was on the computer later.
Friday 1st March
Yesterday afternoon was warm and beautiful but overnight winter returned with strong winds, rain and hail. As the day wore on we had some sun between the squalls and I know that in conditions like these there's a very good chance that on the north coast as each squall races by it will be followed by a rainbow. I went up to the Levant mine workings and found shelter behind the ruins of the arsenic tunnels. Right on queue the sky went black and ten minutes of torrential rain was followed by a burst of light and a rainbow. This happened four times over the next hour or so and each of the first four images below is a different rainbow.
I know rainbow images can be a bit corny but I can never resist them anyway.
Yesterday afternoon was warm and beautiful but overnight winter returned with strong winds, rain and hail. As the day wore on we had some sun between the squalls and I know that in conditions like these there's a very good chance that on the north coast as each squall races by it will be followed by a rainbow. I went up to the Levant mine workings and found shelter behind the ruins of the arsenic tunnels. Right on queue the sky went black and ten minutes of torrential rain was followed by a burst of light and a rainbow. This happened four times over the next hour or so and each of the first four images below is a different rainbow.
I know rainbow images can be a bit corny but I can never resist them anyway.