Scapa Flow, Sea Cliffs and Stone Circles Before Breakfast

Another great day on Orkney.

I looked out of the window a bit before 7am and saw clouds building in an otherwise blue sky.

It looked good for pictures so I rushed out and was taking photos 7 miles away at the Ring of Brodgar a bit after 7.30am.

The sun was a bit intermittent but the sky was great. By 8.15 am I had the shots and the first bus arrived so I moved on.

The Stones of Stenness were just a half mile down the road and the sun was shining so I stopped. I took a couple of quick shots then the sun disappeared for 20 minutes.

Just as the sun came out so a convoy of cars parked on the road by the Stones. A group of people got out all carrying cameras and tripods, a photography course had arrived.

I waited a few minutes for the sun, took my photos and left. A bus arrived and parked on the road behind the Stones so time to pack up anyway.

Back for breakfast.

We met up with the others and headed for the Churchill Barriers, a remnant of the war. These blocked the channels around the natural harbour of Scapa Flow of Orkney.

Photo stops followed at the Italian Chapel, Hoxa Head battery and Mull Head. A bit dull at times so not too many photos.

Mull Head was interesting, walking on the path across the moor we were dive-bombed by Great Skuas; needless to say we beat a hasty retreat!

We also saw an Arctic Skua at close range, it was on the nest just 20 yards from the coast path. Lots of Fulmars, Black Guillemots and a few Razorbills too. Quite a change from the usual Peak District birds.

Bit of bother with the accommodation. The owner has double booked part of the property resulting in our good friends Rob and Annie moving to an apartment a 10 minute walk away.

I suggest you avoid booking into Stenigar self-catering apartments as talking to the manager this seems to be a regular occurrence.

It's after nearly 1am and still daylight! It starts to get light again at 1am.

Orkney Sea Stacks and the Stone Age

We made it safely to Orkney yesterday after a smooth crossing from the mainland.

Checked out the Dark Island in the Ferry Inn and watched the Euro football.

Today we headed for Yesnabey for a coast walk. Bit of surprise to see and hear dozens of motor bikes in a scramble bike event. Impossible to get away from the noise. Found Yesnabey Castle sea stack a short walk from the car. Bit dull but managed some shots. Shame about the old climbing ropes left in place, hanging from top to bottom, spoiling an otherwise natural scene.

Next stop was Skara Brae, a 5000 year old Stone Age village. Difficult to photograph in black and white but jolly interesting.

The Brough of Birsay was next and this was where the sun came out. An old monastery and lots of birds. Fulmars, Kittiwakes, Guillemots, Puffins, Black Guillemots and lots more.

We finished the day with some stone circles. First was the Ring of Brodgar. Almost 40 standing stones in a large circle close to a lake with hills in the background. Blue sky with white fluffy clouds so time for the orange filter.

Just time for one last location, the Stones of Stenness. Still blue sky and clouds (6 pm), right next to the road and no people. Three large stones 12 to 15 feet high and 3 smaller ones.

Well lit from side facing road and good shots into sun from other side too.

Finished at 6.30pm, 12 rolls Ilford FP4 for the day, hopefully some good ones.

After a quick change it was down to the Ferry Inn. Just one pint and I had drunk them out of Dark Island. Maybe I should have let them know I was coming!

It's almost midnight and still pretty light outside; strange!

Inverness Pub Crawl

Today was a rest day after all the travelling yesterday. We stretched our legs with a walk along the canal and river before heading into the town centre.

First stop was the Castle Tavern, a very welcoming pub opposite the Castle. The River Leven Dark got me off to a good start, followed by Cairngorm Wildcat. Both in good form.

From the Castle we headed down to Blackfriars and Suilven from the An Teallach brewery. A bit hoppy for me.

Our stop in Blackfriars also coincided with a shower of rain, good planning!

From here it was a bit of a stroll to the Clachnaharry Inn, back near the canal. Inveralmond Independence was on, also a bit hoppy for me.

No photos, grey and damp all day, but a good start to the trip, about 7 miles in total.

Off to Orkney tomorrow.

Scotland Trip - Kirkhill in the sunshine

After all the rain recently it's nice to see the sun as we arrive in Kirkhill near Inverness.
We are staying with our good friends Mick and Kay, along with friends Brian and Maf, Rick and Glenn. Another 2 arrive tomorrow and we meet a further 3 on Orkney on Saturday.
Tomorrow is a recovery day for my bad back and we will walk around Inverness and the Caledonian canal and check out the odd pub or two. Saturday we drive north to Scrabster to catch the ferry to Orkney. Then we have a week based near Stromness. I will be taking some photos of the standing stones and the coast. Fingers crossed for nice weather!

Knebworth House Show Day 1

We are coming to the end of the first of 4 days at the Craft and Design show at Knebworth House.

Dull but dry earlier, sunshine now.

Here are some images of the show ground and our stand.

Knebworth House, our stand, some of the show marquees, the house and Saxon village at the show.

New London Images

I have managed to find some time to scan and edit some of my new images from our recent trip to London. Here are a few examples. I have another 18 scanned and part-edited but unsure when I will find time to have these added too.

I obtained a permit to take the photos around City Hall this time, filling in all 25 pages of the application form, but it was worth it for the shots. The buildings around there are spectacular plus that area has the best views to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.

The Burlington Arcade shot was taken after being moved on by the security guard. After chatting with him for a few minutes he kindly told me where the limit of the property was (just a couple of feet further back). The shot shown here actually benefits from having the black wrought iron gates in the foreground.

I was disappointed that they have removed the Underground signs from outside Westminster station. I wanted to get an improved shot with the sign in the foreground and Big Ben behind. I'll just make do with what I took last year. The bus light trails shot worked quite well though.

What a relief to finally see the Albert Bridge (Victorian vintage) resplendent after a lengthy refurbishment. Last year (and the one before) it was covered in white plastic as they worked on it. Now, it looks spectacular; I can understand why it's known by many as the prettiest bridge across the Thames in London. The Prince Albert down the road on the Battersea side is a good one too!

The Shard from The Scoop theatre near City Hall

Albert Bridge at Night

Big Ben and Light Trails

Burlington Arcade

Battersea Power Station and Telephone Box

There are more on the Recent gallery on the web site:

www.davebutcher.co.uk/gallery/recent

To see all of the London shots on the web site click here:

www.davebutcher.co.uk/gallery/cities?place=London

Hatfield House show day 2

Another good day at Hatfield House show. Good weather helped and forecast is even better for weekend.

Some people were complaining about it being cold but compared to Derbyshire it was positively balmy!

Blue skies expected all day tomorrow.

Had nice evening with old friends Mike and Sue who we worked with in our youth, for Unilever. In fact I went to school with Mike so we were reminiscing further back than normal.

Back to Hatfield House tomorrow. The showground is in good condition considering recent heavy rain. Shoes or trainers are fine, no need for boots.

We are in marquee G (turn left as you come in main entrance).
See you tomorrow.

Hatfield House Living Crafts show day 1 and lecture

Busy day today. Started with opening day of Living Crafts show at Hatfield House. Lots of interest in my photos and sales to match, fortunately. It was mostly dry until mid-afternoon when there was heavy rain. Show ground is quite firm so little in the way of mud and all marquees are carpeted. Luxury.

Sunny spells and no rain forecast tomorrow and blue sky day Saturday; things are looking up!

I left the show about 3.30pm to drive to Birmingham to give lecture to Smethwick Photographic Society. Big audience, must have been 80-odd, and sold lots of books too. Now in hotel relaxing.

Drive back to Hatfield tomorrow. Hope to get there in time for show opening at 10am.

Hatfield House - Setup

After just one day at home between Penshurst and Hatfield House we are all setup and ready for the show to start tomorrow. It's run by Living Crafts and is our first time here.

We drove down in separate cars as I have to drive to Birmingham tomorrow night to give a lecture to Smethwick Photographic Society.

Spent yesterday preparing pictures as we have a big stand, 4 x 2.3m. Our display has the most framed photos of any show in the last 3 or 4 years, 35 in total. Show deals too for visitors to our stand.

Show runs Thursday 10th to Sunday 13th May, 10am to 5pm, 16 marquees and several hundred exhibitors.

Hope to see you there!

Show web site here.

Penshurst Place ICHF Kent Craft Fair

Still 1 day to go of the ICHF show at Penshurst Place near Tonbridge. Opens Monday at 9.30am until 5.30pm. Full details here.

It's been a bit damp on and off the last 2 days, just light showers, but lots of people came around the 9 large marquees and couple of hundred exhibitors.

The forecast for tomorrow is good, fine all day with sunshine. That'll make a change.

We are checking out Wetherspoons in Tunbridge Wells again. Hobgoblin on tonight so all is well with the world!