Dreich April

Nice birthday . . . but the weather! Having to contend with the news either, starring an insane right-wing Norwegian killer or, discussing the aftermath ripples of a Scottish killer getting sentenced to life on TV is bad enough, but being unable to go out with a mate to try to take some photos with his new camera for three days is too much.

Redeeming highlights today : Yoga in a nicely heated hall this morning. The prospect of climbing and coffee with friends, in a church put to perfect use.

Couple of snaps today. One obviously from my blue period (about 3 till 3.15pm this afternoon), and one of the beech tree in the garden that still needs a little trim (when it dries and the sun shines). The camera stayed dry.

And, as a good friend and the yoga teacher both would say - Shanti.

Campervan Experience

We've been trying to make up our minds - whether buying a camparvan is a good idea or not - for what seems like ten years or so. Now we've reached that point in life where it's feasible without having to go without food or the other essentials of life - computers, beer, running shoes, friends, art, climbing shoes, bicycles, books, chocolate.

Being by nature an inveterate sampler of life and hobbies, I'm slightly worried that after six months the fad will have run its course and there will be an expensive mini-elephant in the driveway.

Picked up the van in Bankfoot and then set off up Glenshee - coffee in the cafe at the ski centre was a shock. Mainly because I was still wearing the unseasonal heatwave shorts and the wind was more than nippy. Off then to Ballater for a couple of day with the sun still hanging about. Below is the bedmobile we hired.

The campsite in Ballater is next to the river with pink granite bridge two minutes walk away. This let me potter about with aperture and exposure while Irene got into the first of three books.

Pink I

  Pink II

  Pink III

With the weather gradually getting cooler we upped dipstick and set off for Banchory, a pleasant place in sunny weather . . . After a night with the heater on intermittently and a shivery odyssey to the loo through the deepening snow, the morning revealed two forlorn bikes having a tête-à-tête. Time to bale out. [Do you prefer 'bale' to 'bail'. Apparently the americans tend to go for 'bail' along with 'out' generally, so that's a good reason to opt for 'bale'. Vive la difference!]

Home via St Cyrus beach which is fabulous, although a bit windswept to say the least. The sand was shifting at a fair rate.

Artistic wood caught my eye and after four attempts to frame it, this one turned out the to be the best. Meanwhile Irene is getting hypothermia.

Twelve attempts to capture waves finally signaled that it was time to head home, dump the van on the way and look forward to an arctic house - cos it was summer when we left and all the heating was turned off.

Three hours of removing spots from the images has convinced me that taking pictures while spots of rain and sticky sand is flying is almost not worth the effort. Coupled with trying to take pictures at f20 or higher (which shows up the smears on the sensor) means I must get sensor cleaned and get a cloth to wipe the glass.

Pedal for Happiness (or alternatively take a campervan with a heater)