Wednesday 26th June 2013

This isn't a post about one of my walks (though, I did walk into town to get some milk...)
Today I took delivery of a splash art kit. This helps to capture images that we don't usually see as it happens too fast. I am awaiting a second flash to reduce shadows and help with lighting but, after it arrived yesterday, I had to have a play. It took a frustrating hour and a half before I got my first crown

and another half hour or so before I captured any collisions (two drops meeting)

Now to experiment with some different liquids!

Saturday 22nd June 2013

This morning we first went to Close Sartfield to look at the orchids

We then went up Sulby Glen with the intention of walking through Tholt-y -Whil but, due to the storms earlier this year, it remains closed. Instead we walked into the plantation on the other side of the road to see if we could locate a tholtan.

Some time ago, I had been given a book on Manx Tholtan's which Dave has recently been looking at. Unfortunately, neither of us had studied it recently and weren't sure exactly where it was. We headed off along a path that became narrower, steeper and less defined before disappearing altogether. We did see a small waterfall (Shellagh Vane) but, this was less than impressive with very little water coming over it.

Eventually we found a wider path that we followed, that led us to a tholtan - right beside a main forest track

Sunday 16th June 2013

Today Chris and I decided to go to Ballannette in search of Dragonflies. We did see lots of Blue Damselflies but, no Dragonflies today. The wind made photography a little difficult but, the sun was shining and we managed a few pictures.

Saturday 15th June 2013

Today Dave and I headed south to do a longer walk than we've done of late. On our way, we stopped to take some pictures of the windsurfers in the bay

We parked by the aero club and set off on the footpath around the airport.

After a walk through Ballasalla, we picked the footpath up again along the river. We had lunch (in the only bit of rain all day) by Ronaldsway Halt

We carried on along the river until we got to Poulson Park and then took the footpath back up to the road

As we were taking the seascapes, Dave decided he needed to get a little closer..

Though I had the camera ready, he didn't get wet ;-(

Sunday 9th June 2013

Today Chris and I decided to head down south in search of Dragonflies. First stop was South Barrule fire pool which has, traditionally, been really good. Not today though, we didn't even see a Damselfly as we walked around.

We next drove up to Archallagan in search of the pool and Dragonflies. WE parked in a large car park but, there were no maps or any indication as to the location of the pool. We walked a short way along a track but then gave up and headed north without even a shot fired.

Late afternoon, we headed out to Ballaghennie. I saw a Small Copper and numerous blues

We then went to the Point of Ayre. There were lots of Gannets passing by and diving close to shore

Another weekend over, back to work tomorrow

Saturday 8th June 2013

Today Dave and I headed to Milntown. We had been talking about going for some weeks but, with TT over we had the ideal opportunity. I decided to have a play with the macro lens mostly

After leaving Milntown, we headed out to a private garden for some shots and a nice walk through woodland but, not many shots.

After a quick chat with the owners and lunch at Glen Wyllin, we headed over to Peel. We were lucky enough to see three Basking Sharks but, they were quite a way out so I didn't get any pictures.