Sunset 

Some of the sculpture at the Eden Project in Cornwall. I have now set up a new gallery of Eden Project pictures. 

Merry Christmas!

For those who might have had a drop too much to drink, this could be what you are seeing today.

Slowly, but slowly

Slowly, but slowly I am making some progress. I have now discovered that I have already got some free web space to create and store albums, and there is a link now to this space on this page to the right. There is not a great deal there yet, but I am now working to remedy this, so bear with me whilst I experiment.

It's all change again. I have now discovered Smugmug which gives much greater conrtol over what is displayed, and also gives a better quality picture.

To see whats happening so far use the link on the right

Father Christmas

My only excuse for this is that it is nearly Christmas 

Bedruthan Steps 

It has been snowing this afternoon, but why wait for spring. 

Hibiscus Opening

This picture taken from below against a grey sky background without any editing

Hibiscus

Couldn't resist photographing this very late flowering hibiscus, by tomorrow it will be gone.

Crow Swallowtail

Following on from yesterday's picture of the butterflies feeding is this one of the Crow Swallowtail. I found the lighting of the subject difficult beacuse the natural light was poor, and getting close enough to get the detail meant that the colour could be washed out by the flash.Pictures I tried without flash were hard to bring into focus properly.

Art or Photography

Having very recently set up this photoblog, and having spent some time browsing the offerings of many members of Photoblogs.org, I am staggered at the superb quality of what there is. I have a long way to go, but I shall persevere and perhaps someday measure up to some of what I have seen.
What intrigues me a little is in trying to decide by what extent photographs can, or should, be improved outside of the camera. Just how much is a good photograph dependent upon high quality camera equipment, or can poor quality be retrieved by a photo editting programme. I am sure however, that no amount of manipulation can save a badly composed photograph. But, just how much enhancement is permissible, and should it be admitted to.
If the end result is acceptable to the eye, should we even care? Then, are we looking at photographs or works of art?

Butterflies are harmless

Stratford Butterfly Farm

Blakeney - Sepia

Blakeney photograph given an old feel sepia tint showing that probably the village has not changed greatly over the years.

Blakeney

Original photograph taken on the keyside at Blakeney, Norfolk

Mull of Kintyre

A dark, brooding view across to the Mull of Kintyre, guarded by the birds.

Glen Lorsa

Coming round onto the western side of Arran, beautiful walks along Glen Lorsa and the Pirnmill Hills are possible.

Lochranza

In the north of Arran lies the little village of Lochranza, on the banks of Loch Ranza from which it takes its name. If you look closely, you can see a resident seal basking on a rock.

Brodick Bay

Looking from above Brodick Castle you can just see the town of Brodick across the bay.

Goat Fell from above Brodick Castle

Much of the estate of Brodick Castle is accessible for walking. Here we are well above the castle looking toward Goat Fell which almost appears to be erupting.
Many rhododendrons have had to be cleared because they become very invasive and smother the natural plant life.

Highland Cattle

One of many highland cattle to be seen on the island

Me and my shadow

This little fellow came to visit us while we were having a well earned rest

Brodick Castle

There has been a castle of some sort in this location since the 5th century when the ancient Irish invaded. Buildings were built and destroyed many times up until 1588 when the oldest part of the present castle, seen at the right hand end of the above picture, was built. The Dukes of Hamilton have occupied the site since 1503.

As the home of the Dukes of Hamilton, the castle was occupied by Cromwellian troops after the first Duke was executed during the Civil War in 1648 and the second died in battle just three years later. Brodick Castle eventually passed into the hands of Mary, Duchess of Montrose (daughter of the 12th Duke of Hamilton) who revitalised the gardens. Since her death in 1957 it has been owned by the National Trust for Scotland.

Inside are paintings, porcelain and furniture from the various owners. It is also home to the art collection of 18th century author William Beckford of Fonthill whose daughter married the 10th Duke of Hamilton. One of the rooms is known as 'Bruce's Room' but since the castle was all but destroyed in 1455 and 1544, it is unlikely that Robert the Bruce actually stayed in it. Unfortunately, photography was not allowed inside the castle but there are pictures to be found on the National Trust for Scotland site

Brodick Castle, west side

The castle built of red sandstone is in a beautiful setting amongst the trees on the foothills of Goatfell, Arran's highest peak at 874 metres high and which I have to confess that I have not climbed.

Goat Fell

After a pleasant enough voyage you arrive in Brodick named from the Norse meaning "broad bay" and which is the main town of Arran. In fact it is about the only place big enough to call a town, but in reality on the mainland it would just about qualify as a small village. If walking or climbing are what you want, then you will find it in abundance here.

MV Caledonian Isles

There is a short ferry trip of about 12 miles taking 55 minutes which is operated by Caledonian MacBrayne. We travelled on the MV Caledonian Isles which is one of their bigger vessels being some 94m. long and taking 120 cars and 1000 passengers. It was pretty full when we sailed on her and I would have to say that the time keeping was perfect. Some of our other travel companies could perhaps learn something from them.

Isle of Arran

Looking towards the Isle of Arran from Ardrossan

Taken whilst waiting for the ferry

Bosworth Field

Bosworth Field

This is just to test the technology!