July 2015
July 1st-3rd
The challenge for this week was to find photos beginning with the letters B,C,D,E and F. This sort of exercise really opens up the mind to various possibilities. I hope in the longer term it also leads to more interesting photos generally. In looking for images to meet the challenge criteria I am already trying to incorporate other elements. Given the short time scale though, it's not always possible to explore as much as I might like, however I am continually learning.
The challenge for this week was to find photos beginning with the letters B,C,D,E and F. This sort of exercise really opens up the mind to various possibilities. I hope in the longer term it also leads to more interesting photos generally. In looking for images to meet the challenge criteria I am already trying to incorporate other elements. Given the short time scale though, it's not always possible to explore as much as I might like, however I am continually learning.
July 5th
I was sufficiently motivated to get moving early on and arrive at the top of the mountain for sunrise. Not only did it feel good to be out walking again, it was also reasonably cool. I wanted to play around with some selfies for my photographic challenge, which involved a bit of story telling about my environment and life. Nell wondered what on earth I was doing as I set up the camera and then kept running to a spot and either sitting down or standing. As soon as I sat down through, she took that as her cue to sneak on in towards me!
I was reasonably happy with the image I was able to capture as well as one I took of her when she came running towards me.
I also spent some time playing around in Photoshop and found some really interesting effects to play around with!
I was sufficiently motivated to get moving early on and arrive at the top of the mountain for sunrise. Not only did it feel good to be out walking again, it was also reasonably cool. I wanted to play around with some selfies for my photographic challenge, which involved a bit of story telling about my environment and life. Nell wondered what on earth I was doing as I set up the camera and then kept running to a spot and either sitting down or standing. As soon as I sat down through, she took that as her cue to sneak on in towards me!
I was reasonably happy with the image I was able to capture as well as one I took of her when she came running towards me.
I also spent some time playing around in Photoshop and found some really interesting effects to play around with!
July 7th
Climbing to the top of the mountain before the sun came up, it was very warm. I was going to try and get some more action shots involving Nell, now I had tried out and been successful in capturing some selfies. Arriving at the top though, I saw two men sitting on the rocks, cameras in hand and presumably there for the sunrise. Maybe they'd been there all night though as their car was just below the summit and there were bottles of alcohol nearby.
I spoke in Spanish and received blank looks in return. I moved a little away from them and set up my camera. No way was I going to mess around as I originally intended! It would be a sunrise shot and nothing more. A female companion then joined them and the morning stillness was broken with peals of laughter. I'd thought about asking if I could take some silhouette photos of them all, then decided against it.
My next photography assignment has come through and I feel quite excited about some of the ideas bouncing around in my head. Let's hope the images are something like I imagine. I also have a critique booked for Monday and have chosen five images to take forward. It'll be interesting to see what feedback I get.
Climbing to the top of the mountain before the sun came up, it was very warm. I was going to try and get some more action shots involving Nell, now I had tried out and been successful in capturing some selfies. Arriving at the top though, I saw two men sitting on the rocks, cameras in hand and presumably there for the sunrise. Maybe they'd been there all night though as their car was just below the summit and there were bottles of alcohol nearby.
I spoke in Spanish and received blank looks in return. I moved a little away from them and set up my camera. No way was I going to mess around as I originally intended! It would be a sunrise shot and nothing more. A female companion then joined them and the morning stillness was broken with peals of laughter. I'd thought about asking if I could take some silhouette photos of them all, then decided against it.
My next photography assignment has come through and I feel quite excited about some of the ideas bouncing around in my head. Let's hope the images are something like I imagine. I also have a critique booked for Monday and have chosen five images to take forward. It'll be interesting to see what feedback I get.
July 10th
I had anticipated coming away from the village with loads of colourful images last night. Instead, I had great difficulty getting anything with which I was half satisfied. The group had no direct lighting although there was plenty on surronding buildings casting shadows where they weren't wanted. The singer was dressed in black and the backdrop was a glass case containing information of houses for sale! I tried various locations and I think the best images I captured came from behind the group! It was nonetheless a great evening meeting up with friends before the parting of the ways for a while.
I was able to use my local contact to go upstairs into one of the buildings overlooking the plaza and Nell soon clocked me!
We were either past eating or ravenous when the food eventually arrived. Nell did well with left-overs! It was way past midnight when I made it to my bed and at 5am I was ready to go again! Just as well as there's a local Spanish do I'm off to tonight. Hopefully I'll be able to capture a few gems to make up for last night.
I had anticipated coming away from the village with loads of colourful images last night. Instead, I had great difficulty getting anything with which I was half satisfied. The group had no direct lighting although there was plenty on surronding buildings casting shadows where they weren't wanted. The singer was dressed in black and the backdrop was a glass case containing information of houses for sale! I tried various locations and I think the best images I captured came from behind the group! It was nonetheless a great evening meeting up with friends before the parting of the ways for a while.
I was able to use my local contact to go upstairs into one of the buildings overlooking the plaza and Nell soon clocked me!
We were either past eating or ravenous when the food eventually arrived. Nell did well with left-overs! It was way past midnight when I made it to my bed and at 5am I was ready to go again! Just as well as there's a local Spanish do I'm off to tonight. Hopefully I'll be able to capture a few gems to make up for last night.
July 11th
A brilliant night of fun and frolics! The cortijo was alive with people, food, drink, music and dancing in the way only the Spanish know how. I hadn't seen some of them for a while so it was catch up time too. I wanted to see what images I could capture. No tripod possible and fast action movements most of the time, not to mention strobe lighting of varying colours. I chose my moments to stop dancing and take photos; there were some really funny dance moves instructions being shouted out by the dj!
I so love the way the Spaniards just party. No inhibitions and a mixture of ages all blending together. There was one kid though, who seemed to spend the whole evening in the pool. He must've looked like a prune when he did eventually come out.
We were still going strong after midnight, however the sangria eventually started to catch up so it was homeward bound. As I started to walk indoors though, I caught sight of the Milky Way. It was so clear I set up my camera and spent some time taking photos. What a great end to a lovely night.
A brilliant night of fun and frolics! The cortijo was alive with people, food, drink, music and dancing in the way only the Spanish know how. I hadn't seen some of them for a while so it was catch up time too. I wanted to see what images I could capture. No tripod possible and fast action movements most of the time, not to mention strobe lighting of varying colours. I chose my moments to stop dancing and take photos; there were some really funny dance moves instructions being shouted out by the dj!
I so love the way the Spaniards just party. No inhibitions and a mixture of ages all blending together. There was one kid though, who seemed to spend the whole evening in the pool. He must've looked like a prune when he did eventually come out.
We were still going strong after midnight, however the sangria eventually started to catch up so it was homeward bound. As I started to walk indoors though, I caught sight of the Milky Way. It was so clear I set up my camera and spent some time taking photos. What a great end to a lovely night.
July 13th
Finally managed to finish my photo challenges as well as complete a critique on five my photos. Busy, busy although successful.
I had some fun finding all the images for the 5 letters of the alphabet. One of the members of my group said he'd had a job finding a Ghijk as there weren't too many of them in his area! The ice cubes were quite a challenge, firstly to ensure the ice was reasonably clear when frozen and then to capture images in the heat we're experiencing at the moment. They seemed to take on a life of their own as they quickly started to melt. The jam was freshly made by a friend and was not only delicious, it provided me with an image for one of the letters; win, win!
I'm intrigued to see what the next level of my photography course will bring. I had some very complimentary comments about my work and how much I have improved and developed in the short time I've been a member. It certainly is an inspirational forum for learning.
I have a new lens arriving tomorrow. The limitations of my zoom for low light images when I can't use a tripod became obvious during this past week. I want to ensure that I give myself every opportunity to capture the best that I am able in most situations.
Finally managed to finish my photo challenges as well as complete a critique on five my photos. Busy, busy although successful.
I had some fun finding all the images for the 5 letters of the alphabet. One of the members of my group said he'd had a job finding a Ghijk as there weren't too many of them in his area! The ice cubes were quite a challenge, firstly to ensure the ice was reasonably clear when frozen and then to capture images in the heat we're experiencing at the moment. They seemed to take on a life of their own as they quickly started to melt. The jam was freshly made by a friend and was not only delicious, it provided me with an image for one of the letters; win, win!
I'm intrigued to see what the next level of my photography course will bring. I had some very complimentary comments about my work and how much I have improved and developed in the short time I've been a member. It certainly is an inspirational forum for learning.
I have a new lens arriving tomorrow. The limitations of my zoom for low light images when I can't use a tripod became obvious during this past week. I want to ensure that I give myself every opportunity to capture the best that I am able in most situations.
July 15th
Becoming familiar with the airport at the moment. At least it is giving me a chance to wander around and see if anything leaps out. I managed to capture some images from inside and outside the terminal. I'll be back after dark tonight so maybe other opportunities will present themselves.
My new lens arrived and I had a try out. The first thing I was able to do was to bump up the shutter speed considerably which will allow me to capture sharper images involving movement. The second thing I noticed was the ease with which I could create depth of field. I'll see how much of a difference it will make to my images in low light conditions tonight.
I now have my next task in Sphere 1. I have to redefine the goals and audience for my photographic images. Explain what are the parts of the whole process I enjoy most. Express what do I feel I need to learn more about to further my skills and achieve my goals. Thought provoking!
The next challenges are images beginning with the letters L,M,N,O and P and photograph a portrait in low light (outdoors), using only street lights.
Becoming familiar with the airport at the moment. At least it is giving me a chance to wander around and see if anything leaps out. I managed to capture some images from inside and outside the terminal. I'll be back after dark tonight so maybe other opportunities will present themselves.
My new lens arrived and I had a try out. The first thing I was able to do was to bump up the shutter speed considerably which will allow me to capture sharper images involving movement. The second thing I noticed was the ease with which I could create depth of field. I'll see how much of a difference it will make to my images in low light conditions tonight.
I now have my next task in Sphere 1. I have to redefine the goals and audience for my photographic images. Explain what are the parts of the whole process I enjoy most. Express what do I feel I need to learn more about to further my skills and achieve my goals. Thought provoking!
The next challenges are images beginning with the letters L,M,N,O and P and photograph a portrait in low light (outdoors), using only street lights.
July 16th & 17th
It's busy, busy! However, always time to lift the camera and take some photos. My challenge this week is to find images of interest beginning with the letters L, M, N, O and P. I can also capture an image at night under a street lamp concentrating on including a dramatic element. Visiting the airport twice offered a few opportunities and stopping off at a friend's place the other night gave me a chance to play around with light and models. I think I now have an idea of what I want to achieve. Theory and practice may well be far apart at the moment though!
We went to eat at a local restaurant and as well as enjoying the meal (plus beer and sangria!) I was able to capture some images of the village from a different perspective - the men's loo! A friend had mentioned the different perspective and I knew that, as this is Spain, no-one would bat an eyelid if I wandered in to the gents with my camera! As I know the owners of the restaurant however, I mentioned it so we could have a laugh and suddenly found myself being taken up to another level and some huge panoramic windows being opened up for me to get yet another perspective! I think I'd like to push my luck and go back there one evening when the village lights are on too!
A trip to the Caminito del Rey had been organised for months and we duly set off early to get there for 09.30. We had a gentle stroll down to the entrance and then had to wait awhile before the barrier was moved to allow people to get checked in. I'd gone with Nell just for the walk, however it was a good job I did because Mark was asked for identity for him and Jack. Mark was OK as he had his driving licence; we had nothing for Jack. There then ensued a manic half an hour or so phoning home, waking Kelly and getting her to take a photo of Jack's passport details and sending them through to me. Thankfully, after my trip to Italy I had decided to get a new mobile and change my payment plan to one which included connection to the internet. Kelly and I found that Facebook worked a treat to transfer the photo and once I showed it at the check-in point, they were in! Two hours later I met them at the other end, enthralled with what they had seen although knackered! I'd waited at the train station hoping to capture an image of a moving train for my letter M; not one passed in all that time!
It's busy, busy! However, always time to lift the camera and take some photos. My challenge this week is to find images of interest beginning with the letters L, M, N, O and P. I can also capture an image at night under a street lamp concentrating on including a dramatic element. Visiting the airport twice offered a few opportunities and stopping off at a friend's place the other night gave me a chance to play around with light and models. I think I now have an idea of what I want to achieve. Theory and practice may well be far apart at the moment though!
We went to eat at a local restaurant and as well as enjoying the meal (plus beer and sangria!) I was able to capture some images of the village from a different perspective - the men's loo! A friend had mentioned the different perspective and I knew that, as this is Spain, no-one would bat an eyelid if I wandered in to the gents with my camera! As I know the owners of the restaurant however, I mentioned it so we could have a laugh and suddenly found myself being taken up to another level and some huge panoramic windows being opened up for me to get yet another perspective! I think I'd like to push my luck and go back there one evening when the village lights are on too!
A trip to the Caminito del Rey had been organised for months and we duly set off early to get there for 09.30. We had a gentle stroll down to the entrance and then had to wait awhile before the barrier was moved to allow people to get checked in. I'd gone with Nell just for the walk, however it was a good job I did because Mark was asked for identity for him and Jack. Mark was OK as he had his driving licence; we had nothing for Jack. There then ensued a manic half an hour or so phoning home, waking Kelly and getting her to take a photo of Jack's passport details and sending them through to me. Thankfully, after my trip to Italy I had decided to get a new mobile and change my payment plan to one which included connection to the internet. Kelly and I found that Facebook worked a treat to transfer the photo and once I showed it at the check-in point, they were in! Two hours later I met them at the other end, enthralled with what they had seen although knackered! I'd waited at the train station hoping to capture an image of a moving train for my letter M; not one passed in all that time!
July 18th
One lot of challenge photos submitted, next lot in a few days time. Jack and I had a lot of fun capturing oranges dropping into water. It was the first time Jack had tried it and he was able to set his camera well and produce some great images with clarity. He wants me to download the program for his camera which will give him extra features to use. I feel sure that he'll be able to suss it much better than I did!
I now know what is expected of me for the next ten levels of my photography course. Expectations are set higher now and the bar raised. My first task is to bring 8 new images to the table concentrating on those elements I identified as being important features of my work. I defintely have ideas for two of them already.
One lot of challenge photos submitted, next lot in a few days time. Jack and I had a lot of fun capturing oranges dropping into water. It was the first time Jack had tried it and he was able to set his camera well and produce some great images with clarity. He wants me to download the program for his camera which will give him extra features to use. I feel sure that he'll be able to suss it much better than I did!
I now know what is expected of me for the next ten levels of my photography course. Expectations are set higher now and the bar raised. My first task is to bring 8 new images to the table concentrating on those elements I identified as being important features of my work. I defintely have ideas for two of them already.
July 19th
After a 5am bedtime this morning, the household didn't start to show signs of rising until mid-morning. Unfortunately, one of the water pumps decided to stop working which meant an uncomfortable time in the pump house taking out the offending piece of machinery and then fixing up a temporary solution. Once done however, it was then on to the lake to meet up with friends and their family.
We found a spot under a large tree and settled down to eat, drink and enjoy. There was a lovely breeze which kept conditions comfortable on land and more exciting on the water.
To get to the drascombe boat of my friend, we were ferried out via canoe! It was quite interesting transferring from one to the other and everyone managed without mishap. Then we were off across the lake and back several times. I spent time trying to capture informal moments as well as a different perspective from the water. What I had forgotten though, was how peaceful it can be sailing in the wind. I felt truly relaxed as we came ashore again.
Deciding to finish off a great day with a meal before we went our separate ways, we all headed to a local restaurant. There was a sign indicating dogs weren't allowed inside, however a plea to the owner and we were let into the air conditioned restaurant to carry on enjoying our time together.
I'd also forgotten how tiring and dehydrating it can be on the water and a late return home was spent drinking several cups of tea to try and reduce thirst! A great and memorable day.
After a 5am bedtime this morning, the household didn't start to show signs of rising until mid-morning. Unfortunately, one of the water pumps decided to stop working which meant an uncomfortable time in the pump house taking out the offending piece of machinery and then fixing up a temporary solution. Once done however, it was then on to the lake to meet up with friends and their family.
We found a spot under a large tree and settled down to eat, drink and enjoy. There was a lovely breeze which kept conditions comfortable on land and more exciting on the water.
To get to the drascombe boat of my friend, we were ferried out via canoe! It was quite interesting transferring from one to the other and everyone managed without mishap. Then we were off across the lake and back several times. I spent time trying to capture informal moments as well as a different perspective from the water. What I had forgotten though, was how peaceful it can be sailing in the wind. I felt truly relaxed as we came ashore again.
Deciding to finish off a great day with a meal before we went our separate ways, we all headed to a local restaurant. There was a sign indicating dogs weren't allowed inside, however a plea to the owner and we were let into the air conditioned restaurant to carry on enjoying our time together.
I'd also forgotten how tiring and dehydrating it can be on the water and a late return home was spent drinking several cups of tea to try and reduce thirst! A great and memorable day.
July 20th
Having taken out the water pump and deciding I would need to go to the coast for a repair to it, I thought I'd plug it in just to see what might happen. It started to work again! At least it meant I didn't have to hare off down the coast and because the temporary solution was working, I was off the hook! It must've been the build up of heat; there are several electrical items which seem to be struggling in these unusually high temperatures which I don't recall experiencing before.
We later went out to visit friends and enjoy their hospitality. Their pool provided some respite from the relentless heat as well as some photographic opportunities for me. I had some ideas I wanted to try out as part of the challenge to photograph using street lamps. I also wanted to see what I could come up with by way of some romantic images.
Having taken out the water pump and deciding I would need to go to the coast for a repair to it, I thought I'd plug it in just to see what might happen. It started to work again! At least it meant I didn't have to hare off down the coast and because the temporary solution was working, I was off the hook! It must've been the build up of heat; there are several electrical items which seem to be struggling in these unusually high temperatures which I don't recall experiencing before.
We later went out to visit friends and enjoy their hospitality. Their pool provided some respite from the relentless heat as well as some photographic opportunities for me. I had some ideas I wanted to try out as part of the challenge to photograph using street lamps. I also wanted to see what I could come up with by way of some romantic images.
July 21st
Another great day and night. First thing though, had to sort out an electrial problem which cut out the air conditioning; an uncomfortable night ensued for some! Then it was time for some relaxation before heading off down to the coast. The evening's fun was about to start.
There were ten of us to eat. The food was plentiful and really tasty. We were looked after well. A stroll along the prom helped to ease some full stomachs. It was such a warm night with plenty of people around. It also happened to be the first night of the summer fair in the town so there were also plenty of lights. I found that taking photos in the light conditions was challenging to say the least. At least I'm learning the whole time and some of them came out reasonably well.
After we'd had a walk we headed to the go-karts. Tickets bought and hairnets in place(!) the adrenelin started to pump. I was glad I was taking the photos and not out on the track as I watched them whizz round at heart thumping speed, tyres screeching and machines sometimes bouncing on the surface. It took a while to calm down from that adventure before another one came along! We all went to the port area and a beach beside it. Not everyone had swimming gear, however that wasn't an obstacle. Clothes were pulled off and dropped as a rush for the water ensued! It was a glorious night to swim, the water was warm and still and I was able to capture some shots with reflections of the lights in the bay adding to the ambience.
It was the early morning (again!) before we made it to bed. Another night of experiences for the memory box.
Another great day and night. First thing though, had to sort out an electrial problem which cut out the air conditioning; an uncomfortable night ensued for some! Then it was time for some relaxation before heading off down to the coast. The evening's fun was about to start.
There were ten of us to eat. The food was plentiful and really tasty. We were looked after well. A stroll along the prom helped to ease some full stomachs. It was such a warm night with plenty of people around. It also happened to be the first night of the summer fair in the town so there were also plenty of lights. I found that taking photos in the light conditions was challenging to say the least. At least I'm learning the whole time and some of them came out reasonably well.
After we'd had a walk we headed to the go-karts. Tickets bought and hairnets in place(!) the adrenelin started to pump. I was glad I was taking the photos and not out on the track as I watched them whizz round at heart thumping speed, tyres screeching and machines sometimes bouncing on the surface. It took a while to calm down from that adventure before another one came along! We all went to the port area and a beach beside it. Not everyone had swimming gear, however that wasn't an obstacle. Clothes were pulled off and dropped as a rush for the water ensued! It was a glorious night to swim, the water was warm and still and I was able to capture some shots with reflections of the lights in the bay adding to the ambience.
It was the early morning (again!) before we made it to bed. Another night of experiences for the memory box.
July 22nd
It was down to the village to say goodbyes in the morning. We were up late and I had to call to say we'd be down later than anticipated, however, we eventually made it. On the way home we stopped off with another friend and made arrangements to all walk to the top of the mountain for sunset.
Evening came and as we were late setting off (!) it was the more direct route. The grass is so dry it crackles as you walk over it and any little bit which breaks off and is stood on, feels like a needle digging into the skin.
We all made it though and reached the top in time to watch a glorious sunset. The walk back down the mountain was more leisurley. As we wandered along the track, so a fox ran across just in front of us. Some of the group had never been anywhere as close to one of them and it really made the end of the day special. It was dark by the time we shut the gate and called it a night.
It was down to the village to say goodbyes in the morning. We were up late and I had to call to say we'd be down later than anticipated, however, we eventually made it. On the way home we stopped off with another friend and made arrangements to all walk to the top of the mountain for sunset.
Evening came and as we were late setting off (!) it was the more direct route. The grass is so dry it crackles as you walk over it and any little bit which breaks off and is stood on, feels like a needle digging into the skin.
We all made it though and reached the top in time to watch a glorious sunset. The walk back down the mountain was more leisurley. As we wandered along the track, so a fox ran across just in front of us. Some of the group had never been anywhere as close to one of them and it really made the end of the day special. It was dark by the time we shut the gate and called it a night.
July 23rd
It was a quiet journey to the airport. It had been a fantastic week and now five was to become three. I have my next photographic challenge to capture images with letters beginning with Q,R,S,T,and U as well as a portrait taken in candlelight.
A trawl around the airport provided some obvious candidates for the letter 'Q', however I wanted something different. The brain wasn't really into gear though and although I took some photos, I wasn't really inspired by them.
Back home it was time to clear up. Numerous machine washes were done. It wasn't a big job though as the weather is so hot, the washing was virtually drying as it was hung out. I wanted to take some photos at sunset of silhouettes for my 'S' letter so Jack and I went out and found ourselves a spot to sit down. The saying is never work with children and animals and I can see why! It was fun trying to get Nell to sit in the right place and look the right was at the same time as Jack. I even changed places with Jack to see what might happen. In the end I think I have one image I can use! I also had an idea for the letter 'Q' by using the Queen of a chess set in an arrangement. I had a try and although am not there yet, I know what it is I want to achieve so will have a go tomorrow.
It was a quiet journey to the airport. It had been a fantastic week and now five was to become three. I have my next photographic challenge to capture images with letters beginning with Q,R,S,T,and U as well as a portrait taken in candlelight.
A trawl around the airport provided some obvious candidates for the letter 'Q', however I wanted something different. The brain wasn't really into gear though and although I took some photos, I wasn't really inspired by them.
Back home it was time to clear up. Numerous machine washes were done. It wasn't a big job though as the weather is so hot, the washing was virtually drying as it was hung out. I wanted to take some photos at sunset of silhouettes for my 'S' letter so Jack and I went out and found ourselves a spot to sit down. The saying is never work with children and animals and I can see why! It was fun trying to get Nell to sit in the right place and look the right was at the same time as Jack. I even changed places with Jack to see what might happen. In the end I think I have one image I can use! I also had an idea for the letter 'Q' by using the Queen of a chess set in an arrangement. I had a try and although am not there yet, I know what it is I want to achieve so will have a go tomorrow.
July 24th
Today I was going to be dynamic! I had a long list of things to do and set off early to accomplish them. As I left the mountain however, I was confronted by one of the magical displays sometimes on offer here. The mountains and valleys had a thin, abundant layer of mist throughout, which had turned blue with reflection from the sky; I simply had to try and capture it in a photo. Once completed we carried on down to the coast.
I first wanted to find a garage which had a computerised tracking system to check my car wheels. I went to an industrial estate where I was sure to be able to find one, only to find there were very few places open. Calling in at a petrol station, I found out why; it was a local fiesta!
Rationalising that as it was a local fiesta, places in the next town along might be open. They were, so I started to slowly work down my list of jobs to accomplish. I remembered a local tyre place and went to have a look at whether they were able to align my wheels. They were and said they'd do it immediately. Whilst I was waiting I realised I had a 'T for testing" possibility. Asking if it was OK to use my camera, I was met with a big smile and look of puzzlement! I explained why I wanted to take a photo and was given the go-ahead! After all was ship-shape again, it was off to the dreaded chore of shopping and in a supermarket I really don't like. Once accomplished though, it was a rapid return to the relatively peaceful and slightly cooler mountain.
The afternoon brought a return to the aqua park and high temperatures.
Today I was going to be dynamic! I had a long list of things to do and set off early to accomplish them. As I left the mountain however, I was confronted by one of the magical displays sometimes on offer here. The mountains and valleys had a thin, abundant layer of mist throughout, which had turned blue with reflection from the sky; I simply had to try and capture it in a photo. Once completed we carried on down to the coast.
I first wanted to find a garage which had a computerised tracking system to check my car wheels. I went to an industrial estate where I was sure to be able to find one, only to find there were very few places open. Calling in at a petrol station, I found out why; it was a local fiesta!
Rationalising that as it was a local fiesta, places in the next town along might be open. They were, so I started to slowly work down my list of jobs to accomplish. I remembered a local tyre place and went to have a look at whether they were able to align my wheels. They were and said they'd do it immediately. Whilst I was waiting I realised I had a 'T for testing" possibility. Asking if it was OK to use my camera, I was met with a big smile and look of puzzlement! I explained why I wanted to take a photo and was given the go-ahead! After all was ship-shape again, it was off to the dreaded chore of shopping and in a supermarket I really don't like. Once accomplished though, it was a rapid return to the relatively peaceful and slightly cooler mountain.
The afternoon brought a return to the aqua park and high temperatures.
July 25th
I was able to get my images for this weeks alphabetic challenge for QRSTU finished in the morning. It was windy and a trip to the beach was deemed in order.
Originally we intended to go early and spend most of the day there, however as the heat built, we decided to eat lunch and then head down. It was fairly rough when we first arrived which meant sea activities were a non-starter, for us anyway! We watched as a guy paddled out in his small canoe; his dog waiting patiently on the shore for him to return. Eventually he did and proceeded to lift up the dog onto his canoe and paddle out again. He didn't go out too far before he returned to head back to shore. The way the dog leapt off the front of his canoe into the shallow water, would indicate that it wasn't as keen as his master. It made for a great photo though and I was able to change my original 'T' image to include it in my submission.
I had a look around for other potential photos as there was a heat haze. Nothing much came to mind however before we headed back up the mountain.
I was able to get my images for this weeks alphabetic challenge for QRSTU finished in the morning. It was windy and a trip to the beach was deemed in order.
Originally we intended to go early and spend most of the day there, however as the heat built, we decided to eat lunch and then head down. It was fairly rough when we first arrived which meant sea activities were a non-starter, for us anyway! We watched as a guy paddled out in his small canoe; his dog waiting patiently on the shore for him to return. Eventually he did and proceeded to lift up the dog onto his canoe and paddle out again. He didn't go out too far before he returned to head back to shore. The way the dog leapt off the front of his canoe into the shallow water, would indicate that it wasn't as keen as his master. It made for a great photo though and I was able to change my original 'T' image to include it in my submission.
I had a look around for other potential photos as there was a heat haze. Nothing much came to mind however before we headed back up the mountain.
July 26th
Today was to be a lazing around day as we're off up into the mountains tomorrow. We heard that a friend was to take his guitar to a local bar though and decided to go along to support him. It was basically a try out with the bar owner and I'm glad we were there to give moral support. A future gig at night was booked so I shall be looking to go along and see what photos I can take. I managed a few today although I wasn't really sure what I was after.
Today was to be a lazing around day as we're off up into the mountains tomorrow. We heard that a friend was to take his guitar to a local bar though and decided to go along to support him. It was basically a try out with the bar owner and I'm glad we were there to give moral support. A future gig at night was booked so I shall be looking to go along and see what photos I can take. I managed a few today although I wasn't really sure what I was after.
July 27th
What a great day! The forecast was for hot on the coast, cool in the mountains and we certainly had the best of the weather! Leaving home early, we made it to our destination by 09.30; we were going walking and crossing ravines via rope bridges. As we left the car we could feel a freshness in the air which hasn't been present for weeks now. Taking the steep route up before it became hotter we soon arrived at the long hanging bridge. As before, Nell wasn't keen, however this time I was ready and happy to carry her. There was still water in the river providing a couple of waterfalls and we had a few laughs as I made my way along a narrow path with overhanging rocks doing my bum-shuffle! I felt a little more confident swinging out using the grips in rocks than I did last time; don't think I'll ever be able to say I enjoy it though.
This time we did some more exploring and found some caves and little pools. It was such a lovely walk back through the wooded areas which provided sufficient shade to enable us to feel comfortable walking. There were people rock climbing and other walkers about. We had one funny experience as a group of youngsters with a dog came across one of the smaller bridges the opposite way to us. The dog was obviously scared and one of the kids carried it across. I did the same with Nell and as I went, there were shouts from the kids as their dog had decided it didn't want to go with them and proceeded to walk back across the bridge behind Nell and me! Must've gained confidence from somewhere!
Nell discovered the water channels and took to running along them, getting soaked. She had a ball.
We eventually arrived back at the car after several hours and had a drink at the restaurant where we'd parked. We were told there was no food so bought an ice cream, only to have a large plate of tomatoes and cheese sprinkled with olive oil, delivered to our table! Maybe that's not considered to be food!
Heading homewards we stopped off for a meal. That's when the heat of the coast hit us! Tomorrow it's supposed to be the other way round, heat in the mountains and cooler on the coast. Let's see.
What a great day! The forecast was for hot on the coast, cool in the mountains and we certainly had the best of the weather! Leaving home early, we made it to our destination by 09.30; we were going walking and crossing ravines via rope bridges. As we left the car we could feel a freshness in the air which hasn't been present for weeks now. Taking the steep route up before it became hotter we soon arrived at the long hanging bridge. As before, Nell wasn't keen, however this time I was ready and happy to carry her. There was still water in the river providing a couple of waterfalls and we had a few laughs as I made my way along a narrow path with overhanging rocks doing my bum-shuffle! I felt a little more confident swinging out using the grips in rocks than I did last time; don't think I'll ever be able to say I enjoy it though.
This time we did some more exploring and found some caves and little pools. It was such a lovely walk back through the wooded areas which provided sufficient shade to enable us to feel comfortable walking. There were people rock climbing and other walkers about. We had one funny experience as a group of youngsters with a dog came across one of the smaller bridges the opposite way to us. The dog was obviously scared and one of the kids carried it across. I did the same with Nell and as I went, there were shouts from the kids as their dog had decided it didn't want to go with them and proceeded to walk back across the bridge behind Nell and me! Must've gained confidence from somewhere!
Nell discovered the water channels and took to running along them, getting soaked. She had a ball.
We eventually arrived back at the car after several hours and had a drink at the restaurant where we'd parked. We were told there was no food so bought an ice cream, only to have a large plate of tomatoes and cheese sprinkled with olive oil, delivered to our table! Maybe that's not considered to be food!
Heading homewards we stopped off for a meal. That's when the heat of the coast hit us! Tomorrow it's supposed to be the other way round, heat in the mountains and cooler on the coast. Let's see.
July 28th
Three became two as we made our way to the airport once again! Wandering around looking ahead for next week's challenge on the last five letters of the alphabet, V,W,X,Y and Z, I saw a 'W' in walkway. I played around trying to take a more interesting angle and captured a few images before all the people went!
I submitted my candlelight effort to the photography group and although I am happy with the concept, I want to try it with someone who has smoother skin! I shall be on the lookout for a model in the next few weeks as I want a photo for my next level submission.
Although it's hot today, a few jobs still had to get done. As some involved water though, it was a good way of cooling down as well. Others involved mattresses which meant a flop down to rest as well! Tomorrow there are jobs on the coast to see to; need to get them seen to before August arrives and the dearth of parking places which ensue for the whole month.
Three became two as we made our way to the airport once again! Wandering around looking ahead for next week's challenge on the last five letters of the alphabet, V,W,X,Y and Z, I saw a 'W' in walkway. I played around trying to take a more interesting angle and captured a few images before all the people went!
I submitted my candlelight effort to the photography group and although I am happy with the concept, I want to try it with someone who has smoother skin! I shall be on the lookout for a model in the next few weeks as I want a photo for my next level submission.
Although it's hot today, a few jobs still had to get done. As some involved water though, it was a good way of cooling down as well. Others involved mattresses which meant a flop down to rest as well! Tomorrow there are jobs on the coast to see to; need to get them seen to before August arrives and the dearth of parking places which ensue for the whole month.