Saturday 30th October:
What an eventful sunrise trip to Marazion. Before sunrise the gig crews were out with a tractor pulling the gigs down to the water. As sunrise approached we had every season at the same time. To my left the sun was rising, overhead was a huge black raincloud and to my right blue skies and a rainbow. I was being bathed in sunshine while at the same time getting wet. Everything took on an orange hue from the east and there was the strange sight of a black cloud taking on the colour and looking quite unnatural.
Saturday morning is always busy here with swimmers,rowers, dog walkers, paddle boarders and visitors taking images of the Mount.
What an eventful sunrise trip to Marazion. Before sunrise the gig crews were out with a tractor pulling the gigs down to the water. As sunrise approached we had every season at the same time. To my left the sun was rising, overhead was a huge black raincloud and to my right blue skies and a rainbow. I was being bathed in sunshine while at the same time getting wet. Everything took on an orange hue from the east and there was the strange sight of a black cloud taking on the colour and looking quite unnatural.
Saturday morning is always busy here with swimmers,rowers, dog walkers, paddle boarders and visitors taking images of the Mount.
A predawn row
Looking to the west
Thursday 28th October:
Well, it certainly rained today! After lunch the forecast said it might turn to drizzle and so we drove down to Sennen Harbour. As we arrived the rain stopped but ten minutes later it started again, even harder than before and it didn't stop for the rest of the time we were there. In the ten dry minutes I managed to take a couple of handheld panoramas from next to the car but that was as good as it got.
Well, it certainly rained today! After lunch the forecast said it might turn to drizzle and so we drove down to Sennen Harbour. As we arrived the rain stopped but ten minutes later it started again, even harder than before and it didn't stop for the rest of the time we were there. In the ten dry minutes I managed to take a couple of handheld panoramas from next to the car but that was as good as it got.
Wednesday Afternoon:
Although still grey, by the afternoon it had dried up and so I went up to Levant on the north coast. There was a very strong southerly wind blowing but here, behind the old mine workings, it was quite sheltered. No sun showing, it did try to burst through a couple of times but never quite succeeded. The sea was rough with a reasonable swell crashing onto the black rocks. Not cold at all especially out of the wind and a few half term visitors investigating the industrial past of this fascinating area.
Although still grey, by the afternoon it had dried up and so I went up to Levant on the north coast. There was a very strong southerly wind blowing but here, behind the old mine workings, it was quite sheltered. No sun showing, it did try to burst through a couple of times but never quite succeeded. The sea was rough with a reasonable swell crashing onto the black rocks. Not cold at all especially out of the wind and a few half term visitors investigating the industrial past of this fascinating area.
Blue and orange
Standing proud
Wednesday 27th October:
An early morning walk along to the harbour on a grey drizzly, breezy day. as the sea was rough the early morning sea swimmers had retreated to the harbour to seek the calm water. Plenty of activity around the pier as the Scillonian was loading cargo and passengers for what will be a bumpy crossing.
An early morning walk along to the harbour on a grey drizzly, breezy day. as the sea was rough the early morning sea swimmers had retreated to the harbour to seek the calm water. Plenty of activity around the pier as the Scillonian was loading cargo and passengers for what will be a bumpy crossing.
Monday afternoon:
Looking at Magic Seaweed at lunchtime the webcam was showing some good sized waves at Sennen. Instead of going to the harbour we drove along Marias Lane and parked up above Sennen and then out onto the cliffs. There is a pathway from the harbour car park up to this spot but it is a bit steep if you are not to good on your feet.
When the big winter storms arrive the headland west of the harbour produces some spectacular exploding waves that rise higher than the headland itself and the spray actually goes over the old lookout building.
Today it was nowhere near that rough and there was no light to speak of but it was good to look for positions I will be able to use later. At one point a huge rain squall went across the bay and hid the Brisons and Cape Cornwall. Looking the other way from here gives you great views to Lands End as well.
Looking at Magic Seaweed at lunchtime the webcam was showing some good sized waves at Sennen. Instead of going to the harbour we drove along Marias Lane and parked up above Sennen and then out onto the cliffs. There is a pathway from the harbour car park up to this spot but it is a bit steep if you are not to good on your feet.
When the big winter storms arrive the headland west of the harbour produces some spectacular exploding waves that rise higher than the headland itself and the spray actually goes over the old lookout building.
Today it was nowhere near that rough and there was no light to speak of but it was good to look for positions I will be able to use later. At one point a huge rain squall went across the bay and hid the Brisons and Cape Cornwall. Looking the other way from here gives you great views to Lands End as well.
West to Lands End
Monday 25th October:
Early porridge and then over to Marazion for an hour either side of sunrise. It was high tide and a bit of a grey sky early on with the rising sun blocked by cloud. There was some sunshine half an hour after sunrise and a few waves to add some interest as they rushed up and back down the beach.
Early porridge and then over to Marazion for an hour either side of sunrise. It was high tide and a bit of a grey sky early on with the rising sun blocked by cloud. There was some sunshine half an hour after sunrise and a few waves to add some interest as they rushed up and back down the beach.
Half an hour after sunrise
Saturday 23rd October:
No sunshine today, sea much calmer even though a brisk westerly wind was blowing. Mid morning we went down to Sennen but this time I didn't stay by the harbour but walked the full length of the beach, more or less to Gwenver. As usual a steady stream of dog walkers and families out wandering along the sand. I concentrated on an area known as North Rocks where the sea was swirling around the barnacle covered rocks. Could have done with a bit of sunshine but it was good to use the morning seeking out compositions for future revisits.
On my way back a lady was riding a very elegant horse up and down the beach so I couldn't resist a pause for a few images.
No sunshine today, sea much calmer even though a brisk westerly wind was blowing. Mid morning we went down to Sennen but this time I didn't stay by the harbour but walked the full length of the beach, more or less to Gwenver. As usual a steady stream of dog walkers and families out wandering along the sand. I concentrated on an area known as North Rocks where the sea was swirling around the barnacle covered rocks. Could have done with a bit of sunshine but it was good to use the morning seeking out compositions for future revisits.
On my way back a lady was riding a very elegant horse up and down the beach so I couldn't resist a pause for a few images.
White water
The chequered flag
Friday 22nd October:
A trip up to Cape Cornwall for fish and chips ended in an interesting photography session. I went down onto the beach to start with to capture some wave action with the Brisons in the background, As I was taking those images I was surprised to see a kayak angler approaching the slipway. As he told me later the swell had really got up while he was out fishing by the Brisons. Landing safely on the slipway was touch and go and I thought I might be about to witness another capsizing as I did last year. (see November 8th 2020 entry)
After a pause or two, waiting for a calmer moment he made it in and rushed up the slip dragging the kayak, even then a wave caught the boat and turned it 90 degrees into the rocks. A bit of an adrenalin rush but thankfully ended safely.
As I took some final long exposures, from up by the stored fishermen's pots and ropes, a group of bats started to fly around catching insects above our heads. It was nearly dark by the time we packed up.
A trip up to Cape Cornwall for fish and chips ended in an interesting photography session. I went down onto the beach to start with to capture some wave action with the Brisons in the background, As I was taking those images I was surprised to see a kayak angler approaching the slipway. As he told me later the swell had really got up while he was out fishing by the Brisons. Landing safely on the slipway was touch and go and I thought I might be about to witness another capsizing as I did last year. (see November 8th 2020 entry)
After a pause or two, waiting for a calmer moment he made it in and rushed up the slip dragging the kayak, even then a wave caught the boat and turned it 90 degrees into the rocks. A bit of an adrenalin rush but thankfully ended safely.
As I took some final long exposures, from up by the stored fishermen's pots and ropes, a group of bats started to fly around catching insects above our heads. It was nearly dark by the time we packed up.
Thursday 21st October:
What a glorious day today. This afternoon we went down to Porthchapel Beach which is always sheltered from north westerly winds. It was like summer but with an autumn swell running. Lots of walkers stopping to take photographs of the crashing waves while others just sat around on the boulders enjoying the sunshine. In the middle of the beach is a rock I love to focus on as it gets pounded by the sea and I also spent some time trying to catch the curl of the torquoise waves as they approached the beach.
What a glorious day today. This afternoon we went down to Porthchapel Beach which is always sheltered from north westerly winds. It was like summer but with an autumn swell running. Lots of walkers stopping to take photographs of the crashing waves while others just sat around on the boulders enjoying the sunshine. In the middle of the beach is a rock I love to focus on as it gets pounded by the sea and I also spent some time trying to catch the curl of the torquoise waves as they approached the beach.
The Rock takes a pounding
Chaos in the cove
Wednesday 20th October:
It poured with rain all night but by breakfast it had cleared up. It was only going to last a few hours so we set off in the morning for Sennen Harbour. The sun was out when we got there but gradually it started to cloud over. For the first hour or so we went for a walk along the beach which was actually quite busy with dog walkers, surfers and a surprising number of children-perhaps half term is earlier in some parts of the country. The clouds gradually got thicker as we went back to the harbour and mid afternoon the heavens opened and the rain was torrential. As the tide made the swell got bigger and the waves started going over the breakwater. At about 4.30 there was a 15 minute break in the rain and so I took the opportunity to take some handheld black and white images of the waves and threatening sky.
It poured with rain all night but by breakfast it had cleared up. It was only going to last a few hours so we set off in the morning for Sennen Harbour. The sun was out when we got there but gradually it started to cloud over. For the first hour or so we went for a walk along the beach which was actually quite busy with dog walkers, surfers and a surprising number of children-perhaps half term is earlier in some parts of the country. The clouds gradually got thicker as we went back to the harbour and mid afternoon the heavens opened and the rain was torrential. As the tide made the swell got bigger and the waves started going over the breakwater. At about 4.30 there was a 15 minute break in the rain and so I took the opportunity to take some handheld black and white images of the waves and threatening sky.
Tuesday 19th October:
A first light walk along the seafront and around the harbour. A thick grey mist and strong south westerly wind.
A first light walk along the seafront and around the harbour. A thick grey mist and strong south westerly wind.
Express delivery service
Monday 18th October:
A really wet day with heavy rain being replaced by a thick Cornish mizzle. Late afternoon we set off down to Sennen Harbour where at least you are near the car if the rain returns. The bay was shrouded in mist with only the occasional glimpse of Gwenver Beach but Cape Cornwall remained hidden all evening.
A really wet day with heavy rain being replaced by a thick Cornish mizzle. Late afternoon we set off down to Sennen Harbour where at least you are near the car if the rain returns. The bay was shrouded in mist with only the occasional glimpse of Gwenver Beach but Cape Cornwall remained hidden all evening.
Cornish Mizzle
Sunday Evening wander around Cape Cornwall with an infrared camera in hand.
A drying wind
Sunday 17th October:
With the wind getting up from the south this morning I headed over in the dark to Hayle Estuary and Beach. Some other local photographers I know produce some lovely work using the wide open spaces, big skies and reflections of Hayle , Gwithian and Godrevy. It's something I've been planning to have a go at for a while. This morning it was still on the estuary first thing which gives you the reflections, unfortunately there was no colour in the sky but it did make for a peaceful and minimalist scene. A few dog walkers and runners about and overall a lovely morning that at least made me familiar with the pools, streams and sandbars. I've fished here many times but never taken photographs.
With the wind getting up from the south this morning I headed over in the dark to Hayle Estuary and Beach. Some other local photographers I know produce some lovely work using the wide open spaces, big skies and reflections of Hayle , Gwithian and Godrevy. It's something I've been planning to have a go at for a while. This morning it was still on the estuary first thing which gives you the reflections, unfortunately there was no colour in the sky but it did make for a peaceful and minimalist scene. A few dog walkers and runners about and overall a lovely morning that at least made me familiar with the pools, streams and sandbars. I've fished here many times but never taken photographs.
First light
Grey and still
Saturday 16th October:
Well, what a lovely early morning at Marazion. When we arrived there was not a breath of wind and you couldn't see the Mount at all because of the fog. Over the next hour and a half the fog gradually broke up but always moving back and forth across the face of the Mount. The sun had no effect until well after the official sunrise time and then you started to notice small patches of shimmering light appearing on the water to the east of the causeway. Very slowly the castle picked up some sun, appearing then being hidden again by the shifting fog. Eventually the scene turned into something off a chocolate box lid and looking quite unnatural really. We were the only photographers on the whole beach. By 9.15 the breeze had picked up and the clouds began to roll in, giving the whole morning a completely different feel.
I've time labelled the images below so that you can see the developing light.
Well, what a lovely early morning at Marazion. When we arrived there was not a breath of wind and you couldn't see the Mount at all because of the fog. Over the next hour and a half the fog gradually broke up but always moving back and forth across the face of the Mount. The sun had no effect until well after the official sunrise time and then you started to notice small patches of shimmering light appearing on the water to the east of the causeway. Very slowly the castle picked up some sun, appearing then being hidden again by the shifting fog. Eventually the scene turned into something off a chocolate box lid and looking quite unnatural really. We were the only photographers on the whole beach. By 9.15 the breeze had picked up and the clouds began to roll in, giving the whole morning a completely different feel.
I've time labelled the images below so that you can see the developing light.
The scene at 08.20
Well after sunrise!
Friday 15th October:
We spent the day at Godrevy today. When we arrived out at the field car park the light was very interesting. Behind us, to the west, the sky was blue and the sun was shining bright but behind the lighthouse were dark blue clouds. This made the lighthouse stand out beautifully. There was a team of Trinity House workers on the island, they were dropped off by boat and later collected by helicopter.
A little later we had a grey spell and then, when we moved back to the cafe car park the sun came out again. From here I went down to the sand dunes behind the beach for a different view but still with the lighthouse as the focal point.
We spent the day at Godrevy today. When we arrived out at the field car park the light was very interesting. Behind us, to the west, the sky was blue and the sun was shining bright but behind the lighthouse were dark blue clouds. This made the lighthouse stand out beautifully. There was a team of Trinity House workers on the island, they were dropped off by boat and later collected by helicopter.
A little later we had a grey spell and then, when we moved back to the cafe car park the sun came out again. From here I went down to the sand dunes behind the beach for a different view but still with the lighthouse as the focal point.
A stroll with a view
Time to leave work
Thursday Afternoon:
A quick trip up to Botallack before a pint of real ale in the Trewellard Arms. We weren't really expecting a lot but we had a bit of a surprise. First of all, as we were walking along the cliffs towards Wheal Owles, we watched a stoat hunting a rabbit. He just chased and harried him until the rabbit was exhausted and then he pounced. Not nice listening to the rabbit's high pitched screams as he was killed but that's nature. I didn't have my longest lens with me but did manage to get a few shots with my 50-200. He watched me for a while and then dragged the rabbit under some gorse and out of site.
Following that we were again lucky that the sun came out for half an hour and lit up the cliffs, so we managed to get some good images looking along to the Crowns Engine Houses.
A quick trip up to Botallack before a pint of real ale in the Trewellard Arms. We weren't really expecting a lot but we had a bit of a surprise. First of all, as we were walking along the cliffs towards Wheal Owles, we watched a stoat hunting a rabbit. He just chased and harried him until the rabbit was exhausted and then he pounced. Not nice listening to the rabbit's high pitched screams as he was killed but that's nature. I didn't have my longest lens with me but did manage to get a few shots with my 50-200. He watched me for a while and then dragged the rabbit under some gorse and out of site.
Following that we were again lucky that the sun came out for half an hour and lit up the cliffs, so we managed to get some good images looking along to the Crowns Engine Houses.
"I know you're watching me" (his rabbit is behind and to the left)
Thursday 14th October:
Third day at St Michaels Mount and the conditions were different again and lovely to witness. All the way to Marazion it was thick fog but down on the beach it was really atmospheric. The fog stopped a couple of hundred metres towards Long Rock and the Mount itself was clear. To add to the atmosphere every now and again some fog would drift slowly across in front of the Mount and then recede again. as sunrise approached the clouds took on some colour and for a short while the sun burst through and gave some wonderful colour.
Third day at St Michaels Mount and the conditions were different again and lovely to witness. All the way to Marazion it was thick fog but down on the beach it was really atmospheric. The fog stopped a couple of hundred metres towards Long Rock and the Mount itself was clear. To add to the atmosphere every now and again some fog would drift slowly across in front of the Mount and then recede again. as sunrise approached the clouds took on some colour and for a short while the sun burst through and gave some wonderful colour.
First light
Flood tide
Wednesday 13th October:
Another pre dawn visit to Marazion. A cloudless sky and hardly a breath of wind. Plenty of visiting photographers around today, probably a dozen or more. Had a chat with chap from London and a couple from Hereford. Most of them were clustered around the causeway but I, after a brief stop straight in front of the Mount, made my way along to the rocks to the east where I found some quite good reflections. I hung around until the ferries started to run into the orange landing stage.
Another pre dawn visit to Marazion. A cloudless sky and hardly a breath of wind. Plenty of visiting photographers around today, probably a dozen or more. Had a chat with chap from London and a couple from Hereford. Most of them were clustered around the causeway but I, after a brief stop straight in front of the Mount, made my way along to the rocks to the east where I found some quite good reflections. I hung around until the ferries started to run into the orange landing stage.
Nearly an hour until sunrise
Not a bad commute
Tuesday 12th October:
An early morning session at Marazion. Cold and still with a little bit of colour in the sky as sunrise approached. Quite a few photographers around, including a couple of them taking images of a man on a bicycle going round in circles with the Mount behind him. I assume he is about to set off on an epic ride or it's for an advert-may never know.
An early morning session at Marazion. Cold and still with a little bit of colour in the sky as sunrise approached. Quite a few photographers around, including a couple of them taking images of a man on a bicycle going round in circles with the Mount behind him. I assume he is about to set off on an epic ride or it's for an advert-may never know.
Some to school and some to work
Monday 11th October:
What a gorgeous day, in fact too nice really. The sun was bright and the sky had just a very thin layer of cloud. In the afternoon I went down to Porthchapel Beach to take some water movement images but after an hour it was just too hot in the shelter of the cliffs. After a hot walk back up I drove around to Kenidjack where at least I was in the gentle north easterly breeze. The light was slightly more diffused on the north coast but still very bright looking out to sea and across to Cape Cornwall.
What a gorgeous day, in fact too nice really. The sun was bright and the sky had just a very thin layer of cloud. In the afternoon I went down to Porthchapel Beach to take some water movement images but after an hour it was just too hot in the shelter of the cliffs. After a hot walk back up I drove around to Kenidjack where at least I was in the gentle north easterly breeze. The light was slightly more diffused on the north coast but still very bright looking out to sea and across to Cape Cornwall.
Sunday 10th October:
A handheld photo walk around the seafront and harbour an hour before sunrise.
A handheld photo walk around the seafront and harbour an hour before sunrise.
Let there be light
Friday 8th October:
A third day at Godrevy. The waves were bigger, the light kept coming and going, much more of the latter and the beach and cliffs were full of walkers and surfers including about 70 first year geology students, studying at Exeter University. Yesterday I used an 8-18mm wide angle lens on the beach, today I used a 50-200mm lens much of the time to zoom in and compress the scene. Spent the morning on the beach and the afternoon half a mile to the east on the cliffs, where the wild ponies were munching away.
A third day at Godrevy. The waves were bigger, the light kept coming and going, much more of the latter and the beach and cliffs were full of walkers and surfers including about 70 first year geology students, studying at Exeter University. Yesterday I used an 8-18mm wide angle lens on the beach, today I used a 50-200mm lens much of the time to zoom in and compress the scene. Spent the morning on the beach and the afternoon half a mile to the east on the cliffs, where the wild ponies were munching away.
Thursday 7th October:
Back down to Godrevy today. This time we took our wellies and spent an hour or so out on the sand at low tide.The conditions changed quite a lot while we were there. At the start there were some heavy dark clouds over the lighthouse and then gradually the cloud thinned and we had a bit of sun and blue sky. The wind gradually got stronger and was whipping the top off the big surf. After a cup of tea I went out onto the low tide rocks as the tide started to flood, keeping a close eye on the gullies behind me.
Back down to Godrevy today. This time we took our wellies and spent an hour or so out on the sand at low tide.The conditions changed quite a lot while we were there. At the start there were some heavy dark clouds over the lighthouse and then gradually the cloud thinned and we had a bit of sun and blue sky. The wind gradually got stronger and was whipping the top off the big surf. After a cup of tea I went out onto the low tide rocks as the tide started to flood, keeping a close eye on the gullies behind me.
Wednesday Evening:
Three places in one day! We made a quick trip up to Cape Cornwall and arrived as the mist started to move in from the sea. It was a grey evening with some big waves rolling in. After spending some time capturing the sea and Brisons I moved up to the fishermen's sheds. While I was concentrating on the shed covered in mesembryanthemum a kestrel came and landed on the roof next to me. He proceeded to tear a vole, or some similar creature, apart in full view. Unfortunately I had left my longer lens in the car and the light by now was poor but still tried to capture an image.
Three places in one day! We made a quick trip up to Cape Cornwall and arrived as the mist started to move in from the sea. It was a grey evening with some big waves rolling in. After spending some time capturing the sea and Brisons I moved up to the fishermen's sheds. While I was concentrating on the shed covered in mesembryanthemum a kestrel came and landed on the roof next to me. He proceeded to tear a vole, or some similar creature, apart in full view. Unfortunately I had left my longer lens in the car and the light by now was poor but still tried to capture an image.
A grey and rough evening at Cape Cornwall
Wednesday Lunch:
After the early colours today it went a bit grey but rather than stay in we took our sandwiches over to Godrevy. It was low tide and so we nipped down on to the wet sand for half an hour. In some areas the sand is smooth whilst where the streams come down there are lovely patterns to add interest. The light was quite interesting with a definite blue tint to the sky. Lots of people still on their holidays enjoying the scenery, surfing or looking at the seals in the cove around the headland. Only a slight breeze compared to yesterday.
After the early colours today it went a bit grey but rather than stay in we took our sandwiches over to Godrevy. It was low tide and so we nipped down on to the wet sand for half an hour. In some areas the sand is smooth whilst where the streams come down there are lovely patterns to add interest. The light was quite interesting with a definite blue tint to the sky. Lots of people still on their holidays enjoying the scenery, surfing or looking at the seals in the cove around the headland. Only a slight breeze compared to yesterday.
Blue, white and gold
Wednesday 6th October:
A quick walk to the harbour this morning but luckily I took my camera. The colour half an hour before sunrise was amazing with the harbour looking more like blood than water. People were stopping their cars and jumping out to take images on their phones. Never seen so many people lined up at sunrise taking photos of the sunrise across the bay, although by now the best of the colour had gone.
A quick walk to the harbour this morning but luckily I took my camera. The colour half an hour before sunrise was amazing with the harbour looking more like blood than water. People were stopping their cars and jumping out to take images on their phones. Never seen so many people lined up at sunrise taking photos of the sunrise across the bay, although by now the best of the colour had gone.
Blood red harbour
Tuesday 5th October:
Back to Porthchapel today but conditions had changed. Overnight there was heavy rain but once that had passed the day was bright and sunny with blue skies. Out of the very strong north westerly it was really warm and the sea was so turquoise it could have been the Caribbean. Still a good sea running as I made my way right down onto the beach today. Even a lady sunbathing on a patch of sand amongst the rocks. Set up my tripod on the boulders at the back of the beach-not easy- and picked out compositions in all directions, most shot at 1/2 or 1 second.
I was also lucky enough to spot a kestrel hunting close behind me on the cliff and he was good enough to wait for me to change lenses.
Back to Porthchapel today but conditions had changed. Overnight there was heavy rain but once that had passed the day was bright and sunny with blue skies. Out of the very strong north westerly it was really warm and the sea was so turquoise it could have been the Caribbean. Still a good sea running as I made my way right down onto the beach today. Even a lady sunbathing on a patch of sand amongst the rocks. Set up my tripod on the boulders at the back of the beach-not easy- and picked out compositions in all directions, most shot at 1/2 or 1 second.
I was also lucky enough to spot a kestrel hunting close behind me on the cliff and he was good enough to wait for me to change lenses.
Monday 4th October:
Rain in the morning and more forecast for the evening prompted me to go out straight after lunch. With a strong south westerly blowing I headed for some shelter down above Porthchapel Beach which is just around the corner from Porthcurno. When I arrived there was lots of activity on the cliffside as three archeologists were excavating St Levan's Chapel (see photo of info board) and further up the cliff, men were putting up fences, as wild ponies are soon to be released here to improve the plant diversity of the slopes. They are present at several places in west Cornwall now and can make some great images. (see Sept. 6th for example)
On the beach there were some good waves coming in for me to focus on and even a burst of sun every now and again. Really warm in the shelter of the cliffs. I left the beach area and went back via the top of Wireless Point from where you get brilliant views of Porthcurno Bay.
One very sad story from this area is detailed in the image of the granite stone I've added below.
R.I.P Mike Reid.
Rain in the morning and more forecast for the evening prompted me to go out straight after lunch. With a strong south westerly blowing I headed for some shelter down above Porthchapel Beach which is just around the corner from Porthcurno. When I arrived there was lots of activity on the cliffside as three archeologists were excavating St Levan's Chapel (see photo of info board) and further up the cliff, men were putting up fences, as wild ponies are soon to be released here to improve the plant diversity of the slopes. They are present at several places in west Cornwall now and can make some great images. (see Sept. 6th for example)
On the beach there were some good waves coming in for me to focus on and even a burst of sun every now and again. Really warm in the shelter of the cliffs. I left the beach area and went back via the top of Wireless Point from where you get brilliant views of Porthcurno Bay.
One very sad story from this area is detailed in the image of the granite stone I've added below.
R.I.P Mike Reid.
Porthchapel Beach at high tide-the headland is Wireless Point
Porthcurno Bay from Wireless Point
Sunday 3rd October:
Another rough day with heavy rain early and winds that strengthened as the day wore on. Just a quick walk in the evening to blow the cobwebs away. Standing on the cliffs above Kenidjack valley we witnessed every kind of weather in just a few minutes. A glimpse of the sun, passing squalls of rain, thick black clouds and all with a strong westerly wind.
Another rough day with heavy rain early and winds that strengthened as the day wore on. Just a quick walk in the evening to blow the cobwebs away. Standing on the cliffs above Kenidjack valley we witnessed every kind of weather in just a few minutes. A glimpse of the sun, passing squalls of rain, thick black clouds and all with a strong westerly wind.
Every season in five minutes
Saturday 2nd October:
It rained all night and it rained most of the day but with signs of of it clearing Alison and I went over to Marazion this evening. At first it was windy with flurries of rain that made us rush for shelter but an hour before sunset we did have some light for a short time. As the tide dropped away there were plenty of greenshanks, oystercatchers and other birds for Alison to photograph.
It rained all night and it rained most of the day but with signs of of it clearing Alison and I went over to Marazion this evening. At first it was windy with flurries of rain that made us rush for shelter but an hour before sunset we did have some light for a short time. As the tide dropped away there were plenty of greenshanks, oystercatchers and other birds for Alison to photograph.
Threatening clouds
A six minute exposure while I was eating my tea!
Friday October 1st:
Now that we are in to October and things are a little quieter visitor wise, I went down to Pedn Vounder and Porthcurno. I knew it would be out of the wind and there was a bit of a swell running. When I arrived professional photographer Sarah Howard was there, just above Pedn beach, with her workshop group. http://www.sarahhowardphotography.com/
After a quick chat I made my way along the coast path, towards Porthcurno, until I was next to the wartime pillbox above Green Bay and then made my way down close to sea level. The sky was blue with just the odd cloud and the sea turquoise but hardly a breath of wind under the cliff.
After an hour I clambered back up and drove around to Levant, on the north coast to see what the sea conditions were like there. Over the weekend the swell should build so once the rain has gone through there could some good images to be had.
Now that we are in to October and things are a little quieter visitor wise, I went down to Pedn Vounder and Porthcurno. I knew it would be out of the wind and there was a bit of a swell running. When I arrived professional photographer Sarah Howard was there, just above Pedn beach, with her workshop group. http://www.sarahhowardphotography.com/
After a quick chat I made my way along the coast path, towards Porthcurno, until I was next to the wartime pillbox above Green Bay and then made my way down close to sea level. The sky was blue with just the odd cloud and the sea turquoise but hardly a breath of wind under the cliff.
After an hour I clambered back up and drove around to Levant, on the north coast to see what the sea conditions were like there. Over the weekend the swell should build so once the rain has gone through there could some good images to be had.
Along the cliffs to Logan Rock
Boulder view
