Wreck on the coast

The wreck of the Sarb-J

Sunday 31st May 2015

Whilst walking along the cliff path (Cleveland Way) from Hawsker bottoms to Robin Hoods Bay, I suddenly became aware of rusty metal at the foot of the cliffs which are nearly 200 feet high. Not wanting to go too near the edge of the cliff, I zoomed in and there was the rusting hulk of a boat. From the winch gear on the front, I guessed it was an old fishing boat. Eager to find out more, I 'Googled' it when I got home. According to the Robin Hoods Bay website (http://www.robinhoodsbay.org/Wrecks/Sarbj/sarbj.htm) it was a fishing trawler called the 'Sarb-J' and it ran aground on the 20th January 1994. From a photographers point of view, I just want to go down there and take some photographs of the effects, from the constant battering from the sea on metal. Not sure if it could be done at low tide from Robin Hoods Bay?

Wetwang Scarecrow Festival

Fiddler on the roof

Saturday 30th May 2015

Today I popped up the road to have a look at the Wetwang Scarecrow Festival http://www.wetwang.org.uk/wetwang-scarecrow-festival/ which finishes tomorrow. The festival has been running for a number of years and according to some of the  people who had made the scarecrows, it just gets bigger and better. It was the first time we had visited and thought we would be back home within the hour. How wrong could we be. It took us nearly three hours to see all the scarecrows dotted about all over the village. There were some fantastic exhibits, well done to all. Rounded off with a trip to Harpers fish and chip shop!

Ryedale storm

Dramatic sky over Ryedale

Friday 29th May 2015

Busy working in the house today and had to go to Northallerton for an evening 'do'. Pleased I remembered my camera. Big clouds, sun and rain all the way from Driffield. Just as I was at the top of Ampleforth Beacon, I could see the makings of a rainbow and big storm over the Kirkbymoorside area. What a sky!

Cow and Calf

On Ilkla Moor Baht'at

Thursday 28th May 2015

We set off today to visit RHS Harlow Carr Gardens at Harrogate. We arrived at Harlow Carr to find not only was the car park full, but so too was the reserve parking and it began to rain - disaster, try plan B - we didn't have one! We decided to carry on and drive to Otley, and Ilkley. Lunch was taken at the Cow and Calf Rocks on Ilkley Moor. This is a millstone grit outcrop on the edge of the moor. Legend has it that the giant Rombald was escaping from his wife and stood on the edge of the outcrop, splitting the calf (large boulder) from it's mother (larger rock with man abseiling near top). So there I was up on Ilkley Moor taking this photograph wind blowing strong, about to rain, and me without a hat!

Drama on the Moors

Young Ralph's Cross

Wednesday 27th May 2015

Out doing my Cleveland Way Volunteers work today at the top end of the route in Guisborough woods. It was a dry pleasant day, until just before we finished, when it started to rain. I drove down through Castleton and by the time I reached 'Young Ralph's Cross' (above) high up on the moors at the Westerdale junction it was dark clouds and raining heavily. I parked the car and ran over the road in the rain to get a picture of the cross, which is the symbol of The North York Moors National Park. I looked up at the cross and the clouds and decided then and there on a moody black and white image. The white dots are flowers. 

Busy Bempton

A Gannet

Tuesday 26th May 2015

We decided to go to Flamborough and have a walk up the coast to Bempton and back. It was a sunny morning to begin with, then turned rather cloudy. We set off from Flamborough as solitary walkers enjoying the peace and the bird life on the cliffs. By the time we neared Bempton, it was like the whole world was at RSPB Bempton! We had lunch at the visitor centre (standing room outside only) and walked back. I had to take a picture of a graceful gannet, but getting a 'front seat' was almost impossible! By the time we reached Danes Dyke, we were solitary walkers again - ah ... peace at last!

Just a piece of wood?

Can you see a pig's head?

Monday 25th May 2015

The three day event at Sledmere is over for another year. The Driffield Photographic Society stand was outside in one of the cart sheds. For three days we looked at a large pile of timber that was stored in the yard opposite. I, and one or two others decided to take some photographs of the pile - because it was there! I looked at a large piece that had a split across it and had been sawn through. I liked the round dark patch to the left, which was probably where a branch had been. To the right, I had this vision of a pig's head with square jaw, snout, mouth and ears. The more I looked, the more it resembled a pig's head! Black and white helped emphasize the shape and texture.

A brush with art

My watercolour brushes

Sunday 24th May 2015

For the second day of three, I was manning the Driffield Photographic Society stand at the Sledmere House, Art Festival at Home Farm. I will be there tomorrow. I enjoy my photography and it is always nice to chat to people about one of my hobbies. But, I came face to face with my dilemma, as I wandered around the various stands and talked to people about their work, particularly the artists. I found myself longing to get back to my watercolour painting that I left, nearly three years ago, when we moved. On getting home, I went to my painting box and pulled out my trusted watercolour brushes. I had to photograph them to remind me I must paint again. Hopefully, there will be a finished picture on this blog in the not too distant future!

Weather vane or weather cock?

Which direction is the wind from?

Saturday 23rd May 2015

Sat having a glass of wine and a barbecue at my son's house. Looked up and did a double take. Although he has been in the house for two years and I have visited quite a bit, I had never noticed this weather vane (or in this case a weather cock) on his shed! They come in various shapes and sizes, but I think this is quite simple and in keeping with the countryside. The idea is that the arrow points to the direction that the wind is coming from (in this case about SE). I thought, as I sat there, that the wind was probably coming from the west. Looking at the rust around the shaft, it could be that it is not working properly? Must investigate further with an oil can!

Slithering Snake

Snake in the grass?

Friday 22nd May 2015

Spent most of the morning setting up pictures at Sledmere House for the 'Art at Home Farm' Art Festival which runs from Saturday to Monday 1000 to 1530 and features local artists. Driffield Photographic Society have a display. Then took a trip to Thirsk and forgot my camera! So returning late, I had to find something to photograph. I wanted to give the corkscrew a snake like appearance, so I lit it from both sides against a black background to give it some markings! I wouldn't want to meet it in the jungle- Scarey!

Three Trees

Trees in Frendal Dale

Thursday 21st May 2015

Out walking in Frendal Dale today. It was, by the time I got out, very cloudy and overcast, with the sun just poking through now and again. I saw these three trees and liked the composition. Problem was, the sky was not good. I decided there and then that they would make a great silhouette. Turning the image black and white, I removed any mid tones and left the fence line in, to add a touch of scale. 

Peasholm Park Harbour

Portsmouth Harbour or Peasholm Harbour?

Wednesday 20th May 2015

Found myself back at Peasholm Park, Scarborough today. Took my grandson to see the young goslings, although he liked them, he really wanted to see the swans and cygnets. To see them we had to go onto Peasholm Island and rounding a corner he suddenly yelled, "Boats". There in the shelter of Peasholm Harbour were an ocean liner, an oil tanker, three battleships and a submarine! You would find these in Portsmouth, but surely not in Scarborough? These are not ordinary boats, they are manned, scale models for taking part in the 'Peasholm Park Naval Warfare' which has taken place on the lake for over eighty years. It is a great spectacle and is performed during June, July and August, three days a week. The bridge and funnels of the liner are missing - removed for access!

Bluebells

Bluebells at North Cliffe wood

Tuesday 19th May 2015

A sunny and showery day today as we journeyed into Nottinghamshire. I decided that en-route I would stop at North Cliffe wood and photograph the bluebells before the rain and hailstorms forecast for today finished them off! There was a good display along the track into the wood. For some reason, I didn't think the bluebells in the wood itself, were showing as good as last year. Perhaps it is the lack of sunshine or heat?

Beautiful Clematis

Clematis Montana Tetra Rose

Monday 18th May 2015

I love this time of year, when I know my beautiful Clematis Montana Tetra Rose will be full of pink flowers. It is a deciduous climber that just keeps on climbing. We have it horizontal along a low fence, leading onto a wooden arch and it looks stunning. It is always sad when the flowers fade, but the reddish brown foliage creates a good backdrop for the summer plants. 

Aggression on the lake

Mum, Dad and four Goslings, plus The Swan!

Sunday 17th May 2015

Sat in the cafe this afternoon at a peaceful Peasholm Park, Scarborough, when I heard and saw such a commotion. Beyond the fence and stones in the picture is a wooden board that runs around the lake, to prevent the rowing boats from hitting the bank. One of the little goslings had got trapped between the board and the stones and could not get out of the water. The parents were trying to get it out, but couldn't. The Swan (in picture) was lurking at the other side of the lake and sensed the gosling in distress. It made a bee-line for the stranded gosling and despite hissing from the parents, it grabbed the gosling and tossed it in the air. A passer-by ran to the bank and started waving his coat at the swan. The parent geese both jumped in the water and attacked the swan, which reared up at them. A second passer-by scooped the gosling out of the water and put it on the grass. The swan was still intent on 'getting a gosling' and followed them around the park. The geese sensibly kept out of the water, while the swan shadowed them from the lake. It continued like this for about fifteen minutes, then the swan gave up. What chance all four make it to adulthood?

Halt! Who goes there?

Watching over us. Knight and day!

Saturday 16th May 2015

Out and about around Robin Hoods Bay area doing a seven mile Voluntary Ranger patrol for the North York Moors National Park. I had walked west along the north western edge of Howdale Moor to Cook House, then took the bridleway, through the farm yard. At the last gate on leaving the farm, I came across this relic of the Crusades! How long had he been there? His armour could do with a polish. Was there anybody in there? He didn't challenge me, so I guess I passed as a friend!

What is it?

A rat?

Friday 15th May 2015

Out all day today so had to settle for a late evening image. It looks like a rat on the right, clinging onto curtains, about to be attacked by a 'thing' on the left. In actual fact, it is my stapler, with a twist. You can make out the row of staples that form the backdrop. The rat and 'thing' are the jaws of the stapler complete with protruding staple (the tails). Come on, use your imagination!

Feather in close up

Part of a small feather

Thursday 14th May 2015

Whilst walking through the garden, I saw half a dozen small feathers on the lawn. Not sure what bird they were from, but they were off-white, about two centimetres long and very downy. I started to pick them up and noticed some detail along the centre. I thought it might be an idea to take a photograph. What I never realized until I was looking through the macro lens was that each minute piece of the feather was in turn another feather as you can see in the foreground. I decided on a high key image to soften the hardness of the dark areas. It almost looks like a pencil drawing!

Scoar Dale

Spring in Scoar Dale

Wednesday 13th May 2015

After a last minute photograph last night, I decided to get up early today and take advantage of the weather forecast - sunshine in the morning. I walked along Scoar Dale near Millington, which is Open Access land. The gorse was bathed in sunshine and the smell of coconut from the flowers was very powerful.

Bits and Pieces

New screwdriver bits

Tuesday 12th May 2015

Nearly didn't make the image today, very, very late. Picked up a new box of screwdriver bits and took a photograph at 2345 - enough said.

Half Way duck pond

The duck pond Fridaythorpe

Monday 11th May 2015

I parked alongside the duck pond in Fridaythorpe village this afternoon. The Yorkshire Wolds Way marches past the duck pond. What a great place to sit in the walkers shelter (if raining), admire the village duck pond and green, then reflect on the half way point on the walk! It is sad that the butchers shop is now closed, together with the Farmers Arms pub - so no celebratory half way drink! I like the new houses around the pond, they blend in very well. A great location in the highest village on the Wolds.

Ruston Parva Church

St. Nicholas Church, Ruston Parva

Sunday 10th May 2015

Returning to Driffield from the Bridlington direction, I noticed (for the first time) what looked like a little church standing on top of the hill overlooking Ruston Parva village. We drove into the village, but could not see a path to the church. I asked someone in the village who gave us directions to a track between houses. At the top of the hill was the tiny church of St. Nicholas. Looking at the church I noticed four things at once. The first was the severe lean on the bell tower, followed by the industrial brickwork, the date 1832 and what looked like the base of an earlier church. All this was confirmed, the church was rebuilt in 1832 on the site of a Norman building and the bell tower did indeed have a lean. There are no windows or door on the north side. This view is taken looking at the west door, with windows on the south side. A fantastic location, perched high above the Wolds village.

Last light

Last shaft of sunlight Millington Dale

Saturday 9th May 2015

Had a drive out into the Wolds around the Millington area, this evening. I could not believe the number of Barn Owls and Hares we saw. As I was driving down Millington Dale, the valley was in deep shade, as the sun was going down. But, standing on the hillside was a lone Hawthorn tree, at a valley junction, with sunlight striking it. The contrast was fantastic, I had to take a photograph. Shortly after taking the picture, the whole of the valley was cast into darkness.

On the trail of the lonesome pine!

Pine cone

Friday 8th May 2015

Clearing out the garage today and found a pine cone on a shelf. Can't remember when we collected it or where, or why, but we have had it a long time. I picked it up and was about to get rid of it, when something held me back. It is one of nature's living machines, opening up to disperse seed, when dry and then closing when wet. Looking at it, I couldn't bring myself to dispose of it, so put it to one side (which is probably why we have had it a long time). I decided I would photograph it. Instead of showing the almost black inner and beige coloured outer, which looks very hard. I decided on a high key approach to soften it. Having taken the photograph, it now resides back on the shelf!

Far away from the Election

Thixendale village

Thursday 7th May 2015

Having voted, thought it would be a good idea to get away and forget about opinion polls, at least for today. We chose to head out into the Wolds and to Thixendale, on a sunny, but changeable afternoon. Dropping down from the Fridaythorpe road, there is a fine aerial view of the village, nestled in the valley. After a short walk, it was on to Robert Fuller's gallery, to look at his beautiful wildlife paintings. Didn't buy an original (very expensive, as you would imagine) but did buy one or two things.

White on black

Painting with light?

Wednesday 6th May 2015

Back into my studio today and a look at more everyday objects. I like black and white and no shades of grey, so the background matters, in this case black! The object was lit from lower left, with light directed at the appropriate angle to create the effect. The object itself was stainless steel, so light striking it was always going to give white. We sometimes use this at the breakfast table? Okay, you guessed. The toast rack! 

Calm of the North Bay

The sheltered North Bay Scarborough

Tuesday 5th May 2015

Through at Scarborough today. Took my dad to Oasis Cafe (right of picture) on the Marine Drive. Very windy, with the wind blowing from the south west. We drove from the south side and just off the castle headland (left of picture), there were plenty of 'white horses', where the wind was whipping up the waves. Came round the corner into the shelter of the North Bay and it was calm, such is the geography of the town. Oasis Cafe was quiet and calm today, compared with the frantic finish of the Tour de Yorkshire outside last Friday. 

Tulip art

Inside a tulip flower

Monday 4th May 2015

Out all day at Robin Hoods Bay. On returning home, whilst cutting the grass I noticed that a lot of the tulips had finished flowering. I became aware of some rather large white petaled tulips, where the petals had folded down revealing the yellow, green and blue of the flower. Armed with macro lens I set about making an image of soft focus around the inner core.   

The force of the falls

Hayburn Wyke waterfall after heavy rain

Sunday 3rd May 2015

Doing my bit as a Voluntary Ranger for North York Moors National Park today. Walked from Ravenscar to Hayburn Wyke on the Cinder Track (the old trackbed of the Scarborough to Whitby Railway line) in heavy rain, which didn't stop until about 2pm. I then went onto the Cleveland Way and made my way down to the waterfall at Hayburn Wyke, which I knew would be in spate with the amount of rain. The waterfall disgorges the water directly onto the beach (albeit a rocky beach), that is why there are bits of seaweed, trees and other debris. I then continued along the Cleveland Way and finished in glorious sunshine back at Ravenscar.

The Crash on Day 1

Tribute to the riders who crashed on day 1

Saturday 2nd May 2015

My image today (couldn't get out to watch) relates to 'The Tour de Yorkshire'. I watched the highlights of yesterday's stage and saw the crash involving among others, the Team Sky riders, Ben Swift and Ian Boswell. The surface looked very shinny and almost oily with the rain beginning to fall on a steep downhill gradient into a sweeping right hand bend. Once the back wheel went on the bend there was no chance. It was so sad to watch the riders crashing out on day one, some with serious injuries. So, to my image. I took a photograph of my own bike and cycle helmet. Both images were manipulated, with the helmet in outline, under pinning a very twisted bike frame. The Tour colours of blue and yellow form the backdrop, but also relate to the sea and the land.

Wetwang prepared

St. Nicholas Church Wetwang ready for the Tour de Yorkshire

Friday 1st May 2015

On the day the Tour de Yorkshire started, I could not resist taking this photograph of St. Nicholas Church at Wetwang. I thought it was very good that the Church has got into the spirit of the event. Sadly, I will not be able to make it to the village on Saturday when the Tour passes through. The village is ready for the cyclists and is decked out in blue, white and yellow, with the Yorkshire flag very prominent.  A racing 'sprint' through the village about 1.30 will no doubt mean the spectators will be making good use of Harpers Chippy.