Lake Windermere, a short trip

I have been lucky enough to be whisked away for a couple of nights in the Lake District. Staying in Penrith in a fantastic B&B called Brooklands. Four poster bed and a breakfast to die(t) for.
Anyway, decided to work our way up via Windermere. This is a whole new territory for both Carl and myself, so it was really exciting!
Stopped first at the very tip of Windermere at a National Trust park area called Foot Fell. 

It have us our first proper sight of the Lakes and was really lovely. Plus there was the National Trust Tea Rooms where we had to have tea and scones. It would have been rude not to!
We then drove along the edge of Windermere to get to Bowness, which is the main hub of activity on the Lake. However, we did pass this beautiful view.

Carl has the patience of a saint and nerves of steel, as so often the battle cry of "stop! I need to take a picture" rang out and he neither batted an eyelid nor crashed the car!

Bowness wasn't quite what we were expecting. There was of course Lake Windermere and the mountains in the distance which was beautiful, but it was completely packed. We had to park nearly a mile away and it took us 20 minutes to queue for a car park ticket!

The weather wasn't being too kind to us. It was very cloudy with occasional drizzle and that unfortunately kills a lot of the colour in the photos. The mountains had a real haze over them and the water just reflected back grey. I will definitely go back when hopefully the sun will be out and the tourists won't!

One thing I really did like were the rowing boats. It seemed to be a common theme on the lakes to have these beautiful wooden boats. The colours were gorgeous, but my favourite photo of those will be on tomorrows blog as they were taken at a different lake.

Before we went I had said to Carl that I would like to do one of the riverboat trips, but soon changed my mind.

Great looking boats, but absolutely crammed to death with people. The queue for the 3pm sailing, which was just as we were leaving was about 100m long!

We explored Bowness a little bit, but it is very touristy, with every type of Windermere inscribed tat souvenir you could think of. We weren't there to tourist shop at all, visiting serious photographer remember! Tho still managed to leave with 2 named dream catchers (Maisie and Bethany), a named coaster/bottle opener (Ed), 2 jars of marmalade, a set of owl clothes pegs and a key ring!

This is the one shop that I really wanted to go into, but unfortunately was shut!

We drove to the B&B over the Honiston Pass but it rained really heavily most of the way and the clouds were so low that you really couldn't see anything, never mind take a good photo.
Still, it cleared a bit the next day and so I have lots more to tell and show you on tomorrows blip!

Lessons Learned: If you go somewhere popular in the middle of August its going to be busy! As my teenage daughter would say "duh!"

Diet diary: Tea and scones, stilton and salami panini, handmade chocolates, mexican fajitas and raspberry marshmallow cake. Do I really need to say how the diet is going!?

Chirk Castle

Was able to snatch a quick hour recently to pop out to take a couple of pictures. This daily blip that I do can be very challenging when time is short, but haven't missed one yet, so far!

Anyway, popped to Chirk Castle. It was too early for the house and gardens, but the grounds were open, so spent a happy half hour snapping away.

However, when I got home and looked at them on the pc, I didn't actually like any of them!

I don't know whether I am just becoming more critical of my work, or they just weren't very good pictures.

My first thought was to go out again later and retake, but then I thought, what if I couldn't. What if it was a once only trip or occasion? I would then have to work with what I had. So I hit Lightroom.

This is the original photo which I believed had potential.

I loved the shape of the tree and thought it stood out because everything around it was green and lush, but felt it was lacking something.

I played around with contrasts and colours and then tried black and white which worked better, but still not quite there.

Definitely getting there, just not there yet.

I then played around with altering the black shades, making the sky a lot darker and the trees lighter and finally had an image that I was really happy with. An image from the finest cheese fuelled nightmares!

It has taken it so far from the original that to my mind this is now "art" rather than a photograph, but it does go to show what can be done with a bit of playing around.

Lessons Learned: Don't be disheartened with a set of average photos. Not only does it happen to everyone, but there is often something you can do about it.

Diet Diary: Still on a bit of a break. Starting to feel a little sluggish, so will try to get back on it again soon.

Zipping - Part 2

After Beth and I had such an amazing time at the Llechwedd Zip World, we decided to go back and take the whole family. Also, I dug out my little black compact camera so that I could get some photos this time.
The weather forecast for the day was grim. With thunderstorms and rain working their way up through Wales and reaching us by lunchtime. Still the ride was open so we thought we would take a chance, besides I couldn't wait to be kitted out in the bright red jumpsuit again!

Stopped en route at Betws-y-coed for the obligatory coffee and cake. Well it wouldn't be a proper day out without it, now would it? On arriving at Llechwedd the carpark was full and so we were directed up to the overflow, and when I say up, I don't mean up a small incline, I mean up to almost the top of the hill we were about to zip down. Walking down wasn't too bad, but was dreading the walk back up!

Anyway, finally down, checked in, got re-acquainted with the Lady in Red and we were ready to go!

This is the view from the very top of the first zip. Its a long way up and the views are completely incredible. 

Not as clear as the first time we did this, but still no rain or really low cloud.
I let the other four go together first.

 I knew my husband and Ed, Beth's boyfriend would be fine, but was a little concerned about Maisie. Maisie has been my Peter Pan buddy. Neither of us liking the big rides and sticking to the safe stuff, but all the while I have been turning into a reckless daredevil she has been going through something similar herself. She was so excited about this and I was so proud that my little girl was also ready to throw herself off a mountain attached to a piece of wire (actually she's nearly 15 and will hate me for calling her my little girl publicly, but whats the point in being a Mum if you can't embarrass your kids every now and again!).

This photo was taken as they were about to be launched. These were all taken with my little pocket camera and was quite pleased with how they came out. Everything on automatic, a real point and click so no real photography skills in evidence here.

I passed Maisie the camera at this point and asked her to take a photo of what she saw. You can see where the zip line goes, but the pic sort of loses it. You carry on over the little white road and end up at that grey rectangle just above it. This is the middle zip and is my personal favourite. You seem to get a bit closer to the ground and so really get a proper idea of just how fast you are going.

As expected the whole family loved the zips and for me it was as good as the first time. Although I didn't have the first time excitement, I also didn't have the first time fears and was really looking forward to it, knowing what was to come. You must ALL do this!

Different plan for the afternoon. On the same site is Bounce Below, an underground cavern filled with nets, trampolines, ladders and slides. We booked the kids in for a bounce session with Carl and I just spectating. Had to wimp out on this as I have a bit of a delicate back, but I could tell Carl was itching to have a go!

There are 4 different levels and it looked like completely ludicrous fun with as many adults as kids taking part.

It was really dark down there and so the photos are really high ISO and hand held, so please don't look too closely at the detail!

The only downside for me was that we were spectating in the cavern. And it was cold. Very cold. So much so that one of the attendants offered me a blanket!

All in all a completely amazing day. Beth and I are going to do velocity in September which is 100mph, face down and head first (think superman but without the tights). Can't wait!

And the car? Sent the driver back up to the top to drive down and pick us up at the bottom. No point in all of us having to tackle that climb. Thanks Carl!

Lessons Learned: Its hard to keep believing that I am a hardy and youthful pink haired adventurer when the handsome and helpful young man in the cavern thinks I am a frail old lady in need of a blanket!

Diet Diary: When I did this with Beth I was 1kg over the weight limit for needing a parachute. Determined this time to be below that! Didn't quite make it, was actually 3kg over this time. I blame the scone I had earlier, must have been heavier than it looked.

Much Wenlock

The rain stopped raining and the sun started shining so I grabbed the camera bag and headed out.

Had to drop Maisie off in Shrewsbury for a bit of shopping so had 4 hours to kill. Thought it would be nice to go somewhere new so headed to Much Wenlock. 

This is a beautiful little town about 11 miles from Shrewsbury and is what I believe the Americans would call quaint! It is. It has charm and character and is a joy to photograph. You can do the Wenlock Edge which is a National Trust maintained countryside walk and that is certainly pencilled in for the next visit. Today, concentrating on the town.

This pic was a bit tricky to take. On the right hand side of the road a car was parked which spoiled the picture so I had to keep moving round and down until the wall hid it. I am getting better at looking at everything in the viewfinder. Many times I have taken what I thought to be a great photo only to find a wheelie bin left of centre! My autofocus is in the centre and so that was where I was tending to look. Doesn't always work, but certainly getting a bit more aware now.

 I have also found that I am definitely looking more at detail and I feel more aware of my surroundings. The above pic has got to be the poshest post box I have ever seen!

The bakery pictured below was so gorgeous. It was like it was stuck in a time warp and all the bread in the window looked and smelled gorgeous. The slices in the bagged bread to the right of the window were an inch thick! But just to give an indication of how completely sad I am getting, I was concentrating so much on getting a good photo I never even thought about going in and sampling its delights. How crazy and yes, lets face it, sad is that!

I have really discovered a liking for black and white photography and some pictures just work with it. It gives a timeless feel to an image I think which I am really starting to enjoy. This building is the Guildhall and was really impressive.

I liked the following picture, not because it has any particular artistic merit, but because I would love to know the story of it. Taken behind the church in the graveyard, there is one lonely solitary gravestone. Was he the most hated man in the village, or is there another, more mundane reason. Will have to Google!

The only difficulty I had was avoiding people in my shots. As the sun was out and Much Wenlock is a bit of a tourist mecca, there were a lot of them around. I will definitely have to go back later in the year when the season is over. 

Just loved this little street. Cobble stones and flowers. So beautiful, so charming. This one didn't work so well black and white, needed to see the colours of the flowers. Managed to avoid most of the wheelie bins, but one just crept in at the top!

Apart from its beauty, Much Wenlock is also famed for being the birthplace and home of William Penny Brookes, who is credited with being the inspiration behind the modern Olympic Games. He was a keen advocate of having physical education as part of the school curriculum and arranged competitions between schools and groups based on the original Greek Olympics. This was picked up by French aristocrat Pierre de Coubertin who formed the International Olympic Committee and the rest is history!

The streets are very narrow and it can be difficult to get a good angle on the buildings, but you get a rough idea of just how lovely it is there. Worth a visit!

Lessons Learned: I am not a tourist. I am a visiting serious photographer. Tourists are other people!

Diet Diary: I am finding it impossible during the holidays because of all the trips we are doing. So am having a bit of a break and will be back full tilt in September.

Llama

I may have mentioned it before, but I take part in the blipfoto challenge of taking a photograph every day. Sometimes with themes, sometimes not.

My blipfoto, called Maisiebeth

For my photo a couple of days ago I posted a picture of one of the decommissioned guns in Shrewsbury that you would have seen on my last post, and quoted the Boy George song War is Stupid.
Yesterday I took Maisie to Ty Mawr and took the following picture.

To tie in with yesterdays pic, I called it Llama Chameleon, bit of a bad pun, but what the heck!
Posted it on flickr late last night and at time of writing, about 10hrs later, I have had 1345 views! The world has gone mad!
So although there wasn't enough about the day to blog, thought I had better share the photo with you. Plus this next one of the cutest guinea pig ever!

Lessons Learned: There's no accounting for folk! My dramatic Snowdonia scenes are getting 100 - 200 views, but post a pic of a llama and the world goes crazy!

Diet Diary: Had a pink Magnum yesterday, heavens it was good!

Shrewsbury

Travelled into Shrewsbury this morning to visit Stewart's Go Explore photography exhibition at the coffee house. Been looking forward to this for ages and it didn't disappoint. Beautiful landscapes and seascapes capturing the sheer joy of being out with nature.  Bought a particularly gorgeous sunset over surfers print which is to hang over the sofa. Can't wait to get it. To have a peek, click the link below and its the 4th one down with all the beautiful colours.

Stewarts website

So after that a bit of time to kill in town. Thought I would head somewhere new and realised I had never been to the castle. It is close to the coffeehouse so seemed the perfect choice. On the way in is this beautiful tudor style house. Not sure if it is real or mock tudor, but it is certainly beautiful. The trick in this photo was not including the line of cars parked outside.

So walked through the entrance gate into the castle grounds and picked up the signs for Laura's Tower.

This has got to be the cutest tower I have ever seen. You walk up some hidden steps and through a stone gateway and there it is in front of you. It has "Rapunzel" figuratively written all over it and the symmetry of those two over the top staircases is so elegant. You can't get in which is probably just as well as the reality couldn't compete with the imagined fairytale interior.

The views from the tower are quite impressive looking down over shrewsbury. Never seen the railway from this angle!

Back out through the castle grounds. The grounds house the Regimental Museum. I will do that properly another day but was fascinated by the two very large guns outside it.

They had obviously been there a while as they were covered in rust and cobwebs and I thought if only that could happen to all large weapons, left to crumble away in the centre of a large beautiful city as a reminder that war should be avoided wherever possible. Naive dream I know,  but hopefully in a better future one that might come true.

So simplistic over optimism out the way, I had a closer look at the guns and they really are works of art. All dials and wheels with the most amazing colours and textures.

I wanted to get up close and concentrate on the detail as we all know roughly what a big gun looks like, but have little idea of the intricate design involved. I found it fascinating and the fact that most of it was covered in cobwebs and rust just added to the poignancy.

And on this last photo, I understood "67 inches from ground", the rest, not so much.

Lessons Learned: There are many hidden treasures around, you just have to be prepared to look. From incredible works of art in coffee houses, to fairytale towers off mysterious pathways.

Diet Diary: Bearing in mind that its been a fortnight since my last official weigh in and that I have been on my hols and have eaten junk for England, I approached the scales with some trepidation. I am sure you can picture my disbelief when I saw that my weight hadn't changed. Nothing short of miraculous! So fired up and enthusiastic, I start again.

Still on my holidays

So the weather remained pretty dismal for the whole of the holiday. I spent an awful lot of time in Starbucks waiting for people, but in some ways it was nice. It was enforced relaxation. I had my new tablet with me and paid £15 for 4 days wi-fi (I know!) and blogged, facebooked and instagrammed like a proper teenager!
There were plenty of activities for the younger kids, but mine, 2 at 14 and 2 at 20 were way too cool for those! (Not all my kids I hasten to add, one from each age group were invited guests!) Although the 2 youngers did have a go at the pedalo swans which they thoroughly enjoyed in an "ironic cool teen way"

So, what else to do. Well hit the arcade of course! I can see why people get addicted to gambling. We only played the 2p slots and waterfalls to win tickets to get really rather tacky prizes, but we were all completely hooked and after the first night, I only took coins with me, no notes and certainly no plastic. We weren't the only ones. (Thats not me btw).

It was loud, colourful and absolutely packed and the sense of achievement when you won a handful of tickets was completely disproportionate to their actual value! By the end of the week the team had won 651 tickets, for which we got a bracelet, some Spongebob Squarepants bubbles, a flashing ball and a pirate ring. I'm not even going to think about how many 2ps were sacrificed in the winning of this treasure!

It was a fun place to take photos, although I did get some strange looks. So many bright lights and colours. Its a shame the photo can't capture the noise of the bells, whirring wheels and cascading coins.

For a change of pace we had an evening walk out to the nearby beach. Although "beach" is probably stretching it a bit. It was incredibly rocky with very little sand at all, but we caught a beautiful sunset so all was forgiven.

This pic is of Maisie following in her Mum's footsteps. Climbing down cliff edges and through the undergrowth to get that perfect shot but I have been told that I have relinquished the right to tell her to be careful as she has seen me do similar and indeed worse!

Finally we had a lovely warm afternoon and I decided to share my favourite spot in the UK, Hell's Mouth. Part of me wanted to keep it secret and special to me but the bigger part wanted my family to experience and enjoy it with me, so off we went. Beautiful blue skies, a light breeze and a calm sea. Gorgeous.

And the girls loved it as much as I do. No surfers today but plenty of paddlers, us all included and towards the end of the evening, even a fisherman.

 So all in all, a really good holiday. Plenty of time to chill, some photo opportunities, but most importantly, the chance to spend some real family time with my two gorgeous daughters. Shame their Dad missed out, but he had to work. Downside of being the only responsible adult in the family!

Lessons Learned: Gambling could be very addictive. I think the 2p machines are the gateway gamble, but before long the thrill would wear off and I would be looking towards the 10p slots. Which would lead to the 50p ones and I guess its a downward spiral after that! Best to avoid. Bet I can!

Diet Diary: Don't be daft, still on my holibobs