The perambulations of Barkfoot

Trains, Planes, but no Automobiles...

2011-03-17T14:46:00.000-07:00

It was a relief to see some blue sky at last. It seemed that the interminable grey gloom of overcast skies had hung over us for weeks. Today the sun shone, the moon was just a stretch away, and the scent of spring was in the air.

The day could not to be wasted. I took a stroll around some favourite haunts at Chasewater.
The reservoir has been drained to carry out some work on the dam, but the springs that feed the waters ensured that there were still ponds sufficient for the wildlife to do what wildlife does.

I accidentally spooked a Stag out of a belt of trees. While it was out in the open I took the opportunity to grab a few snaps. Typical... I get it all lined up, in focus, and he goes and closes his eyes!

The two Stags held an uneasy truce, occasionally sparring, but also cooperating, taking it in turns to keep an eye out while the other grazed.

It amazes me how such large animals generally manage to keep themselves undiscovered in such a populated area. They'll stand motionless in a clump of trees while walkers pass by totally unaware of their presence.

The lady driver of the passing steam train did spot them from her elevated position and signalled excitedly to me. A blast of the whistle had them running for the horizon, and I headed for home too...

Stunt Budgie gets a Bath Buddy...

2011-03-16T13:44:00.000-07:00

Budgie was happy enough, glad to be rescued from the dangerous outside world in which she was found, but sometimes the humans were out for a good part of the day and life could get a bit dull...

She would try and occupy herself as best she could, practising stunts on the top of her cage, but she really needed a partner in crime.

So budgie has got a new friend to keep her company, and get up to all sorts of mischief while the humans aren't watching!

Of course the new budgie hasn't had the freedom to fly around until now, and so needs to build up her fitness and strength. Blue budgie was quick to show her some 'warm up' exercises.

Soon enough they were ready to try out a few synchronized manoeuvres.

Green budgie has got the hang of this new fangled flying malarkey, and can out run a guy with a camera without much problem.

In fact they've become such good friends that they are happy sharing a bath together...

Air Ambulance...

2011-02-11T10:59:00.000-08:00

Resting up with a sniffly cold, my afternoon snooze was abruptly interrupted with some loud drilling noises from the workmen next door. I turned over and pressed my ear deep into the pillow trying to block out the infernal racket. The irritating buzzing continued, if anything it was getting louder. What on earth were they doing?!
I glared out the window only to see the normally busy road deserted...

I rushed outside as I realised that what I thought was drilling was a helicopter circling very low. It was the air ambulance looking for a spot to land.

After a perilous hover, slotting itself between telephone lines, it must have been a relief to the pilot to be safely on the ground, as the gas turbine engines whined to a halt.

With the rotors at a standstill, the crew sprung into a calm, but efficient routine.

The casualty was being treated in a waiting ambulance, as the helicopter was prepared.

A spine board was used to safely carry out the transfer from stretcher to air ambulance.

As far as I could ascertain, a car had been in collision with a female pedestrian. There was damage to the bonnet and windscreen, as well as an ominous dent high up on the A-pillar.

Ironically, dangling from the rear view mirror was a tag in support of the Midlands Air Ambulance.

The co-pilot checked the take off area, while the police ushered onlookers to a safe distance.

The gas turbines wound into life, while the sound of the blades rose to a deafening roar. Hesitantly the impressive machine hauled itself into the air, before gaining its grace and soaring off into the sky.

There was a small fleet of unmarked police cars (including these two regular BMWs) that had needlessly turned up. There were more than enough patrol cars to carry out all duties, and sitting there for nearly an hour was a poor use of resources.

The forensic collision investigation unit were very thorough, the scene measured, searched and photographed.

Thank goodness for the air ambulance. I will be putting some money in their donation box again this week...

Railway Journeys... Destination, Nowhere!

2011-02-04T15:14:00.000-08:00

It was nice to be out walking in Cannock Chase. The wind was blowing a gale, but it was mild. High up on the hill, surrounded by forest, you could see for miles around.

In a large clearing I came to a railway level crossing. It seemed odd finding it up on the crest of a steep sided hill. Not where you would expect to find a railway at all.

Confident that there wasn't a train due, I stood on the tracks to take a photo.

There was something fishy about this. The lines didn't go anywhere.

There wasn't even a road to warrant the need for a crossing on the imaginary railway. To top it, there were overhead power lines that also went nowhere.... and a junction box... emergency telephones... signage. There is no road, railway, station, or anything on the top of this deserted hill, there never has been, and there are no plans to build any. What the hell is going on?!... Maybe I imagined it all...

Tiny Tots Teatime Toytime Time...

2010-12-15T12:42:00.000-08:00

You know what it's like when the chair feels oh so comfy, but you really need a cup of tea? You'd do anything to get someone to go and make you a nice cuppa. Problem is, everyone else feels the same way, and that's when the arguments start...Who's making the tea?

Now, thanks to the wonderment of modern technology and the clever wizardry of a good friends programming skills, worry no more. Simply click on your free to download application... "Who's Making the Tea?"

Just enter the names of the disputing tea buddies, and then select one of two entertaining ways to decide who's putting that kettle on.

The 'Pointer of Misfortune' will keep you on the edge of your seat, making you feel all the more comfy when you realise it's someone elses turn to serve the beverages.

Occasionally the needle of doom will fall on 'Respin'. The rising anticipation will make your mouth turn drier, but the tea taste all the sweeter!

Trust your luck to the turn of a card. Will you be 'safe' or will the kettle whistle call you to tea service?

This fun application with its wacky music is absolutely free to download. There are no hidden nasties to haunt your computer, just good honest fun. Simply CLICK HERE to visit "Proper Bostin Games" and get your copy now!

'Baby' Range Rover out playing in the snow!...

2010-12-02T07:56:00.000-08:00

It was snowing heavily, and I was running late for an appointment when this car caught my eye.

I hastily swung into a car park to take some snaps. It was some way off and the falling snow didn't help getting a clear image.

Heavily disguised, this is a prototype of the new 'baby' Range Rover, the Evoque due to go on sale in summer 2011. It's a handsome looking vehicle despite the camouflage. I'll certainly be looking in the usual places to see if I can get some better photos...

The Dippy Digit Diaries...

2010-11-20T07:21:00.000-08:00

Mr Finger had been acting a little strange of late. Hanging around with other digits to 'flick the Vs', poking things that he shouldn't, but we never expected this. Luckily he's made a full recovery, and with the help of his close friend, Tom Thumb he's getting to grips with things...

Unlucky Buck...

2010-10-22T15:25:00.000-07:00

With the Fallow rut intensifying, I was becoming increasingly frustrated with my attempts to get some good shots of the larger bucks. By the time they moved from the less accessible woodland onto the heath, the sun was beginning to set and the light fail.

In the night under pale moonlight, it was relatively easy to get close, but there really wasn't enough light for a clear photo. I'd have to come back the next day.

By the time I arrived at Cannock Chase it was already early afternoon. The weather wasn't playing ball, any brief moments of sun were quickly followed by bouts of grey cloud laden gloom and spitty rain. This didn't seem to bother the rutting deer who were being very vocal, bellowing loudly in the trees.You'll have to turn the volume up on these videos as the soundtrack is a little quiet but, crucial.

The larger buck were in the dense coniferous forests at the usual rutting grounds, which they use year after year. Most were difficult to get a good view of. I neither wanted to unnecessarily disturb them, or be mauled by being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

After a few uninspiring shots through the undergrowth, I decided to take a break, put my hammock up in the trees and have lunch. Fully rested, I stood to pack the hammock into my rucksack. As I turned there was a herd of deer right behind me. I froze, they froze... slowly I reached for my camera, they scattered, melting into the forest!

High up on a hill, the sound of clashing antlers echoed across from the next valley. Torn between hurrying and moving stealthily I made my way down the steep slippery track. Two large bucks were fighting in the bracken. A smaller buck decided to take advantage of the vacant plot strutting his stuff and bellowing, but was off in a flash as soon as another much larger buck arrived to investigate the fuss.

Trying to capture the action with my camera was difficult. The power of these two creatures as they pushed and shoved was amazing. Just trying to keep your footing or walk through the tough dry bracken is hard enough, but they were ripping their way through it as if it wasn't there. The noise of antler upon antler was surprisingly loud. After a good 5 minutes or more of battling the bucks broke apart. The bracken parted as a huge buck came crashing and thundering down the slope, straight towards me... Aaargh!
Fiddling with the zoom on my camera while checking my potential escape route resulted in a clumsy shot. Luckily the deer spotted me at the last moment and turned off to one side. He looked exhausted, dejected, panting, with the remnants of foliage ripped from the ground hanging from his antlers. I felt sorry for him, he wasn't having a good day.

Chasing Fire at Chasewater...

2010-10-17T15:37:00.000-07:00

It was meant to be a peaceful trip to Chasewater, a local nature reserve. On the way I heard sirens. Behind me a fire engine was speeding along, blue lights flashing. It turned off down a side road and I thought nothing more of it until I noticed the plume of smoke.

There was a good view up on the high bridge above the toll motorway, from there I found a footpath so that I could get a closer look.

The flames were fierce, crackling loudly. I glanced into the nearby stables, but thankfully they were empty.

The fire crew still hadn't arrived and the flames were starting to spread. There wasn't much I could do to help.

The first of three fire tenders pulled into the paddock.

I was impressed out how quickly they were out with the hose and tackling the blaze, just seconds.

The initial flames were extinguished rapidly but kept on reigniting.

It took quite a bit to douse it completely. Clouds of steam and smoke engulfed the fire fighters.

They were very thorough, taking time to cool everything down as they didn't know whether there were gas canisters involved.

With the fire quelled, the crew took a brief breather. It looked from the debris to be a caravan that had been destroyed, setting fire to other equipment around it.

I never found out whether it was a deliberate fire, but locals told me there had been other fires in the area recently, so who knows...

Stag Does...

2010-10-15T14:55:00.000-07:00

Following my previous experiences of the Fallow deer rut, I decided that I'd like to try and find some Red deer. They're not nearly as common as the Fallow deer, but I'd heard that there were some small herds to be found just a few miles from where I live.

I discovered plenty of tracks new and old, so I knew they were about. The rain lashed down and after walking miles a cold wind picked up causing a soul destroying chill. I'd just about given up on finding them when, on the far side of some railway lines they trotted out in front of me.

At first they were nervous, ushering the younger ones back into the cover of the scrub. Faining disinterest, while enthusing over some grass, I convinced them that I too was a harmless grazing animal.

For a moment I thought that there was a Stag in the group, until I realised that one of the Does was standing in front of a couple of conveniently positioned branches!

The mothers and their offspring were very affectionate to one another, constantly nuzzling and showing attention.

The clouds lifted, the rain stopped. More deer emerged from the trees.

They seemed remarkably relaxed as I took their pictures.

Some were even curious.

Eventually they began to move off.

A couple of last glances...

... at the strange new herbivore on the other side of the tracks.

An inquisitive gallery of faces peer back at me before wandering off. Please ignore what the one on the left is doing!

Astounding how such a large animal simply disappears in the tall grass...

Nut in a Rut...

2010-10-13T15:25:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again, when the Fallow Deer begin to rut. Not wishing to miss out on this fabulous spectacle, I headed off to the forest in search of these elusive, beautiful creatures.

I walked the woods for hours before a head poked up from some bracken. Believing she was invisible just so long as she remained still, she was a little surprised when I took her photograph.

It seemed I wasn't as dangerous as I first appeared.

Some inquisitive faces peered from around a tree, interested to see this stranger in their woods.

The juvenile bucks were more bold...

...not as afraid to satisfy their curiosity.

A young Stag turned up. This was his harem and they rallied to attention, taking his lead and following him deeper into the sanctuary of the denser woodland.

After much posturing, and careful studying, I was deemed 'mostly harmless'.

The Does and the young bucks were allowed to return to the outskirts of the trees where the stranger lurked, in order to feast on the acorns that scattered the forest floor.

Eventually they relaxed, realising that I meant no harm. I became the new entertainment to sit and watch.

These were the smaller harems ruled by the lower ranking Stags. To find the large mature Stags I would have to venture into the depths of the dark woods where sunbeams were the only source of light.

After some time a black Stag emerged from the shadows. It appeared to be alone, foraging for greens in the pools of sun between the trees. In a blink of an eye it was gone.

As the sun dipped, I crossed the cold shade of a steep sided valley, rising to summit some open ground alongside a quarry. The noise of the machinery in the distance afforded me some cover for my heavy footsteps as I crept to observe another Stag in the distance.

He looked content grazing with his hard won harem. Feeling slightly vulnerable out on the open ground, I backed away from this powerful animal, as they can be quite aggressive during the rutting season. Retreating to what I thought would be the refuge of a shady, and now increasingly dark deciduous wood, I soon found myself in a battleground. A stag crashed through the bracken bellowing loudly, while a short way off but just out of sight, the sound of antlers clashing together only sought to reinforce the thought that I was 'definitely in the wrong place'!!!

I backed away, but the stag made it clear that he was not happy. Hastily I crashed my way through the tangle of undergrowth along the ill defined narrow deer paths trying to exit the area where it now became apparent that the rutting platforms lay. The stag shadowed me at a distance always seeking the higher ground. I tried to keep calm. "Stags are no more dangerous than, say a bull" I thought to myself. "Well maybe a bull that can run 30mph, jump over 10 feet, and has a rack full of butchers knives on its head"... I didn't feel comforted. Eventually I reached the edge of the woods. The Stag gave me a 'don't come back' glare as it turned back. Phew!

Out on the heath it quickly became dark. With my camera on a tripod, I entertained myself taking some long exposure pictures in the dark.

I cold hear the rutting bellows of stags in the darkness, and soon came to realise that they were getting closer. In fact they were all around me. Thankful for my new torch, I scoured the darkness, nothing to be seen. I was safe enough, they wouldn't be interested in me, would they? It was then that it occurred to me that I was dressed in brown camo, making my way through the heather, holding an open tripod above my head... looking to all the world like a rival Stag....Aaargh!

There was only one course of action in a situation such as this. Run away like a little girl, my torch windmilling wildly... Run away, run away!!!!

Watch where you sit...

2010-10-05T12:27:00.000-07:00

There's been some really rainy days recently, it seems autumn has struck with a vengeance.

As you can see I've occupied myself as best I can on the wetter days, playing with matches in the house.

At last a sunny day, and immediately I was outside with my camera snapping anything that got in my way.

I decided to go to Sutton Park and look for deer tracks. A Red stag was found wandering the city streets last week. It was captured and released in the park. Little Muntjacs leave their prints all over the place, but there is rarely anything larger. The smooth, wet sand is ideal for preserving tracks.

I searched all the likely places for deer to hang out, choosing to concentrate on the less visited areas. Then, in the quiet of a deserted wood, a noise of something large making its way through the foliage. I froze, camera at the ready... It was one of the Exmoor ponies curious to see who was trespassing in their patch.

My legs were tired and my throat dry. It was time for my flask of coffee. I found a quiet, open glade and made myself comfortable on a stretch of dry stones. It was nice to sit in the sun. 'Poop', 'BeeePoop'!!! What was that?...

I found myself somewhere more peaceful to finish my coffee.

I'll have to find the Stag another day.

For now I'm happy watching the diamonds dance on the water.

Alien Invaders!...

2010-09-28T05:50:00.000-07:00

They hide amongst us, still, and unnoticed...

Insidiously multiplying, their alien pods spreading their seed. Soon the brook is obscured by their masses, obliterating all other plants in their way.

The honeybees tend their blooms, unaware of their part in this alien invasion. The Himalayan Balsam seducing them with its pretty pretty flowers. Pollen on the bees back stains them white with the mark of the collaborator.

The snails are on our side, eating as much as they can, but can so few make a difference against so many?

How could the other plants compete against such a weapon of mass dispersion? Even at x8 slower the explosive pods burst in the blink of an eye.

Slowed x16, their ballistic power is apparent, with a range of several metres.

Alien technology developed over millenniums have overpowered the innocent inhabitants of the humble British waterways. (slowed x33)

The river banks are littered with the shrapnel of this silently raging war. "Your country(side) needs you"... Stop the alien invasion!

'Come Fly with me...'

2010-09-01T11:46:00.000-07:00

Judging from the front of my car, there's a distinct lack of insects this year. Normally the windscreen would be plastered with corpses after a high speed run. Maybe it was the harsh winter we had.

There are some exceptions to this lack of population. Aphids have done well, and also Hoverflies. (Scaeva Pyrastri)

I love these little guys. Lovely, harmless critters, that don't sting or bite, even though they pretend to be wasps and bees.

There's an incredible number of varieties, and identifying the subtle differences between them has proved difficult.

My favourite thing about them, are their flying skills. You can really appreciate the accuracy of their hovering with some high speed video shots...

Slowed down x8, their wings are still a blur.

Bumble bees are renowned for their fast wing beat (120-250 beats per second). I had to shoot this high speed video at 1000 frames per second (slowed x33) in order to capture the wing movement, and yet Hoverflies are even faster, with a wingbeat of 150-300 beats per second!

They are beautiful insects if given a second look.

Some pretend to be solitary wasps like this Episyrphus Balteatus. The giveaway is the way the hold their wings at rest. Hoverflies hold them straight out, while real wasps tuck them along their body. Wasps operate in a tight colony and need to move alongside others without clashing wings.

This Hoverfly is often called a Dronefly (Eristalis Tenax) because it mimics a drone Honey bee.

I think they look kind of cute closeup with their fluffy 'trunk'.

It is the season to go Hoverfly watching... coming to a flower near you!

Lily Pads and Paddles...

2010-07-31T09:57:00.000-07:00

Some stretches of water just ask to be paddled. A raft of waterlilies entice you under the cast iron bridge, a gateway to be explored. The Anglesey Branch Canal links the large lake at Chasewater (used for sailing and water skying) to the Wryley and Essington.

This was once a polluted, industrial transport canal surrounded by coal mines. Intriguing bits of brickwork, heavy metal fixings, and rusted chutes to load the barges with coal still remain, but are now softened by nature.

The lake at Chasewater is fed by springs. It's this water that feeds the canal and has purged it of pollutants. The lack of narrowboat traffic on this stretch means that the water is lovely and clear.

Huge Carp patrol the banks of weed, although they quickly disappeared as soon as I got my camera into the water... typical.

The canal terminates in a large basin. The shallow banks make it easy to haul up and find a grassy knoll on which to eat your sandwiches.

On the return trip the water lilies made excellent little tables to put your coffee cup down onto.

It may at first seem like a clever idea to pop your car keys on one to take a silly photo, but when your kayak drifts away, you quickly realise what an idiot you are. Every time I tried to paddle back to retrieve them the wake from my boat threatened to sink the lily pad. Oh dear!

Never mind, I have a cunning plan...

Cars in the Park...

2010-07-05T13:11:00.000-07:00

Lichfield city held a car show at the weekend, and as a bonus, this year it was free!
There were acres of static car displays, ranging from this humble little car for doing the shopping....

... to a more exotic ex-rally Ford RS 200 (drool)

Fancy, shiny cars parked in rows are all well and good, but this sort of machinery is best experienced in action. To my glee, there was an arena set aside for some petrol burning, larking about.

There was a good variety of off-roaders. This was one of the specialist 4x4s. Four wheel steering and full active hydraulic suspension, meant there wasn't much that could trip it up.

"Did you feel a bump dear?"... "Yes, I think we may have run over the bungalow again."

The new speed bumps put in by the council didn't seem to have any effect.

My favourites were the mega fast 'Tomcat' style machines... how fast???!!!!

The roar of some of the V8 engines was fantastic.

Drivers should stay alert to other road users at all times, and not be distracted by their passengers...

Seeing a Ford Focus jump this high over a ramp is impressive, but a common weekly spectacle at the local Sainsburys car park come Saturday night as anxious drivers hit the speed bumps trying to beat closing time on the 'beer run'...

Free as a Bird...

2010-06-30T11:47:00.000-07:00

With the summer in full flow, and the weather being so pleasant of late, it's been a good season for baby birds. On a sunny patch of grass by the woods I watched a young Magpie being fed by its parent.

"Feed me, feed me!"...

"More, more...."

They flew off towards the stream, cackling and squawking. The smaller birds wisely kept their distance from the dangerous duo... except one.

Oblivious to any threat, this little chap just sauntered about without a care in the world. She wasn't going to survive out in the wilds for long with such a reckless disregard for danger. There were Magpies, Crows, dogs, cats, foxes, as well as Sparrowhawks all out and about looking for an easy snack.

After a bit of a chat, Budgie and I decided that it would be probably for the best if she came home with me.

She's a pretty bird even though it does look like she's only got one leg. I can assure you that there are actually two!

Look, two legs... damn! How difficult should it be to prove a budgie has two legs?!!!

Right, there we are... two legs.

She's settled in fine. Happy to sit on my hand, and poo in my cup of tea while I'm not looking. We watch the Magpies through the window together, a much safer option.

I've even trained her to fly in slow motion!

Fox Tales... Nap Time.

2010-06-16T13:48:00.000-07:00

She may try and look mean, with her best "I'm a big bad wolf stare", but really she's a softy.

It's just an act to keep the cubs in line, now that they're getting to that 'boisterous' stage.

Sometimes they're very cheeky, snatching food from right under her nose. If there is something you want to avoid, it is getting between a fox and it's food, I have the bite marks to prove it!

Out of the two remaining cubs, this is the most confident one, always getting into trouble. He's wet from playing 'catch the moth reflections' in the puddle.

A bit of running around through the tall grass soon left him dry and fluffy again.

His sibling is a little smaller, but can hold its own in a squabble over nosh.

When they were young there was a third cub, but nature doesn't favour all, and now there are just the two of them. It was a cold, hard winter, and foxes vary their litter size according to conditions, it seems even three was too many.

Once the cubs had had their fill of food, they went off to practice their hunting skills by terrorising the beetles attempting to make the already perilous journey across the desert of the country lane.

There's nothing like sitting on the warm tarmac under the stars, sharing a few raisins with a friend.

A combination of tiredness bought on by the incessant attentions of the cubs, and the brightness of the camera flash, soon caused sleepy eyes to appear...

... and 'nap time' quickly followed.

Damsel(fly) in Distress...

2010-06-05T15:39:00.000-07:00

Even though I had a list of chores that needed doing, it was far too warm and muggy to do much. I elected to go kayaking instead.

I took my homemade underwater camera housing, but the water was murky, churned up by the passing narrowboats.

At the margins of the water, amongst the reeds and weeds it was a little clearer, but the fish I had intended to film had been spooked by boat propellers.

After a few miles of paddling I stopped for a snack. The damselflies were busy doing what damselflies do. These 'Large Red Damselflies' (Pyrrhosoma Nymphula) were quite striking with their bright red eyes. Although they're called 'large reds' they're actually very small, much smaller than the more common blue or green specimens.

This tiny chappess laying eggs on a twig is one of the smaller species (Ischnura Elegans).

In my eagerness to get a closer photo I scared the poor thing and it hastily took flight...

...straight into a spiders web. The spider was all of a fluster. It really wasn't sure whether it wanted this flying predator tangled in its trap, and quickly hid behind a leaf.

Carefully, I teased the damselfly free and let it perch on my finger.

It gave itself a good preening and carried out a few pre-flight checks.

It was a cute little thing. With a cock of its head as if to say 'thanks', or perhaps 'thanks for nothing', it was off, skimming the water, and dancing with its friends.

It was time for me to be off too. Homeward bound on my mirrored carriageway...

Don't Fly off the (broom) Handle!...

2010-05-30T08:58:00.000-07:00

I found it tucked away at the back of the garage. I'd forgotten all about my faithful old broom. Some people prefer an ash or beech handle with a brush made of heather, but I find that bamboo is much lighter, more agile and ultimately faster...

Although I was a bit out of practice, the old broom still flew just fine. I always wear a crash helmet when flying, you never know when you can have a sudden 'bristle blowout'!

It took me quite a while to find my old broom flying cape. It can get very cold at altitude, plus I think capes really add to the whole 'drama' of flying.

It had been a while since I'd been out on my broom, so I thought it prudent to have a practice at low level along the country lanes.

Wow!... I'd forgotten how quick this thing was. I had to slow down on the one bend so as not to cover an innocent pedestrian in the dust that this thing was kicking up.

Low level flying is easy, you just have to hold on and steer. Higher up the wind knocks you about. At the park I had a go at going a bit higher, I was all over the place. I hadn't realised at how rusty I'd become. I'd just started to get the hang of it when a crowd started forming below. People were pointing, shouting and dogs were barking, you'd think they'd never seen anyone with a broom before. In the end I had to land, put the broom on the roof of the car and go home. I certainly didn't want any of that nonsense I had with the locals back in the 1600's...

Back at the house all my old flying skills came flooding back. Vertical takeoffs were a breeze, as well as spins and a bit of hovering. There were terrific views over the houses, and just when I was beginning to enjoy myself the neighbour started waving and screaming. I don't know what all the fuss was about, it wasn't as if I was flying over his house was I? Lack of concentration meant that I landed with a bit of a bump (I'll have to practice those). He seemed rather upset with me and my broom, even though I'd seen him with a broom of his own on many occasions. Maybe he's jealous, because he hasn't got the hang of flying at all. I only ever see him half heartedly dragging it along the floor.

Nevermind, there's a bright moon tonight, I'll do a bit of nocturnal flying instead...

Roses are Red, Greenfly are Pink?...

2010-05-23T10:49:00.000-07:00

The recent warm weather has brought out clouds of Greenfly. It seems that most of them have taken to living on my roses.

It's always confused me that although you see loads of Greenfly swarming about, when you look on the plants, very often the don't appear to have wings.

It turns out that not all Aphids have wings. When food is short or conditions dictate, the females give birth to winged individuals that can go in search of new feeding areas. As well as laying eggs in autumn to overwinter, females can produce several offspring per day without mating. No wonder there's so many!

The local birds do their best picking them off but the Aphids have their own defence. The two little tubes sticking up from their back are called Cornicles, and they use them to expel an unpleasant waxy substance to put off their attackers.

Greenfly aren't always green. They range from green to pink as some have the ability to synthetically produce carotenoids (a plant pigment). They have acquired this adaption through a process of horizontal gene transfer (genetic splicing) from ingesting fungi which protect themselves from sunlight using artificially created carotenoids.

Aphids love to suck the sugary sap out of plants. Although they can get all the energy they need from the sap, they need to drink even more in order to obtain the 'building blocks' of life. The excess sap is pooed out as Honeydew. Ants take advantage of this ready food supply and even 'farm' the Aphids. The ants will actively defend the aphids, and even move them about to new feeding areas to maximise output. They milk the little chaps by rubbing their backs with their antennae to make them exude honeydew which they then carry off.

Very often simply viewed as a pest, Greenfly are quite fascinating little creatures. They mean no harm, and I think look rather cute. My roses however are suffering. I don't want to poison the chappys so I'm going to use a kinder method. Simply spray them with soapy water. It won't kill them, but it does get in their eyes. Naturally they will try and rub their eyes, and when they lift their legs to do so, they fall off the plant...

Fiesta Siesta...

2010-05-19T12:22:00.000-07:00

Little Fiesta wasn't a happy chappy at all. His wheel had been sore for ages, but after hitting a huge pothole things had gone from bad to worse.

The bearing was making a horrible noise, and the brakes grated awfully when cornering. It made him very grumpy.

Master said he could fix it but he would have to take the wheel completely off. Fiesta didn't like this at all, it didn't feel right only having three wheels...
The master said not to worry about it, sit back and have a Fiesta siesta.

There were a lot of bits laid out on the lawn which was concerning, although the large array of shiny tools allayed Fiestas fears.

However, the string holding everything together didn't inspire confidence that master knew what the hell he was doing!

The new bearing looked very nice thought Fiesta.

It had been left in the freezer to make it contract and so be smaller....

...the hub that it had to be fitted into was put on a camping cooker to heat it up and make it larger. Then the two were brought into union with a combination of swearing and a VERY large hammer!

Soon enough everything was put back together, and Fiesta was glad that none of it was held together with string.

Fiesta was happy again and ready for more adventures...

I'm Quarry Quarry...

2010-05-13T10:11:00.000-07:00

I went for a walk by the sand quarries up on the hill. The air was heavy with the heady aroma of the Gorse in full bloom. The flowers smell of almonds. Although they're edible, I find them a bit bitter, but they are good for making salads look pretty.

There's been hardly any rain lately, the ground was dry and cracked. Normally these shallow silt bottomed puddles are great for finding animal tracks. You can tell what the badgers have been up to, and if the invisible deer herd has come through recently. I say 'invisible' because I see tracks, hair, nibbled foliage, mangled saplings from bucks rubbing their antlers, their mud hollows, and flattened areas where they've slept, but never ever see the deer themselves... Invisible, the only explanation!

As I made my way along the edge of the quarry, I got the feeling I was being watched. There was no one there, hardly anyone ever comes here. The occasional rustle, crack of a twig, but as soon as I turned to look... silence. The buzzard was up on the hill, surveying his world from his lookout post. He'd got his eye on something, he was staring at a dense patch of gorse behind me. Suddenly, spooked, he flew off. I got the feeling that I was being stalked by something.

The day was pleasant enough, but there was a nagging cold north wind. I headed down into the old woods where it was more sheltered and strung my hammock up in my usual spot between an ancient Yew and a young Oak.
I settled down with a flask of coffee and a great book... Running with the Fox by David Macdonald.

Every so often I heard a noise in the undergrowth. There was definitely something out there.

Then my pursuer showed himself. It was my old acquaintance. This isn't one of the foxes from the family of foxes that I go to see each night and feed. This is a good number of miles away.

We met last year when he came to investigate the smell of the bacon sandwiches I was cooking. We met a second time when I was scrambling to the top of a steep grass incline, and he was coming up the other side. We came nose to nose, paused and went quickly our separate ways. Since then we see each other from a distance, sometimes he barks to me to let me know he's seen me.

He's become used to me being around, and realises that I mean him no harm. Curiosity gets the better of him and he'll come to have a gander sometimes.

This wood is deserted, as well as the quarry and so he seems comfortable to spend a lot of time out in the daytime.

Once he ascertained that there were no bits of bacon to be had, he was off to catch some more voles.

Stop weeding, and Settle for Nettle Tea...

2010-05-09T10:06:00.000-07:00

Many might consider Stinging Nettles to be a weed and a nuisance, but I always keep a stand of them in the garden. They are great for beneficial insects, including bees, and the foodstuff for the caterpillars of Peacock and Little Tortoiseshell butterflies. Anyone who knows about the technique of 'companion planting' will know that if positioned next to herbs it will have the effect of increasing the amount of volatile oils in Mint, Rosemary, and Sage.

This time of year they are particularly lush, and really nice for making into tea. I like to pick the young tips and the first two mature leaves for extra tenderness. Wash thoroughly in cold water to remove the 'beneficial insects', which, although good for the garden don't add anything special to the flavour of tea. Chop finely (at which point they begin to lose their sting) and pop a good heaped tablespoonful per cup in a teapot or jug.

Pour on boiling water and let steep for 3-4 mins. Run the mixture through a tea strainer into your mug, and add a dollop of honey... sit back and enjoy.

Nettles are a great anti- inflammatory. They'll help with arthritis, eczema, hay fever symptoms, and post cold snuffles. They are full of vitamins, and the seeds are said to have an aphrodisiac effect.

If you don't like it as a tea, then you can cook it like spinach and serve with butter, or boil it to a mulch, season and spread it on toast.
If prepared as with tea, and allowed to cool, once strained it makes a great hair conditioner. Wash your hair as normal and then massage through with the mixture as a final rinse for glossy natural hair. It's also safe to use on pets for silky coats.
Why would a plant have to defend itself with such vigorous stings if it wasn't so damned good?!...

Fox Tales... Full Circle.

2010-04-28T14:15:00.000-07:00

It's been over a year since I first met this little fox, just a tiny fox cub playing on the road. Now fully grown we've learnt to trust each other. I visit every night and we've become friends. She'll sit by my feet, untie my shoelaces, pinch my hat, jump onto the bonnet of my car, and take food so very gently from my hand.

I'm even trusted not to steal the skillfully hunted shrews carefully laid down side by side for a special occasion.

With a distinctive whimpering sound, she called one of the cubs out, encouraging it to investigate the couple of shrews at my feet. I felt honoured to be introduced.

Nervous at first, a bit of food laid out on the usual 'feeding rock' soon had it bounding around with confidence.

Mom was obviously really hungry and was keen to eat in peace for at least a little while. The cub kept its distance fearing a disapproving bark.

Eventually though the smell of the food got the better of it and he crept ever closer.

Mom looked despaired for a moment, she was obviously very tired...

... but then decided to share.

There was a bit of extra food put down that night to make things easier.

The foxes have come full circle, with cubs once again wrestling in the grass outside the abandoned cottage. I feel privileged to be included in this extended family, fascinated by the complexity of fox society, and eager to learn more.

Golden Daffodils, and Silver Birches...

2010-04-04T09:06:00.000-07:00

The arrival of spring has been a little hesitant this year, but the wild Daffodils in the woods heralds its undoubted presence. This is the time to go Silver Birch sap collecting.

You'll need a knife, a cup or bottle, and some string or possibly a bungee.

... Oh, and a Silver Birch tree.

First find a Birch twig, scrape the bark off, trim it to a point at one end and a flat at the other.

Drive your knife in at 45% and make a clean cut about 1.5cm deep. Lift the blade ever so slightly to open the flap of bark but not so much as to tear the fibres.

Immediately there should be a trickle of sap. Place the flat of your prepared stick into the slot, and encourage the sap to run down its length.

Tie your cup to the tree and wait. It will take some time to fill depending on the tree and conditions. A large specimen near water will produce a lot of sap but is never quite as sweet.

There always seems to be a trickle that escapes down the tree, and a second cup placed below a natural drip point can save waste. Bear in mind that if your are somewhere where animals might have urinated on the tree, then this is not a good idea!

When your cup is full then pull out the stick and firmly press the flap of bark shut and hold it for a minute or two. You won't stop the flow entirely, but sufficiently to allow the tree to heal itself.

You can drink the sap fresh (the earlier in the season, the sweeter it is), use it for tea, drinks, or carefully heat it in a pan (don't boil it) to reduce to a syrup. It'll keep for a couple of days in the fridge, and is freezable, but is best drunk straight from your collecting cup... Cheers!

Forgotten Places...

2010-03-29T06:10:00.000-07:00

In the corner of this field lies a secret...

You could walk past it without noticing, and that's the idea.

Look on the other side of this grassy knoll and all is revealed. A 'blast wall' only recently toppled, partly obscures the entrance.

Clamber through the brambles, under the leaning edge of the wall and a dark corridor awaits you.

At the end of the passage, turn right, into a small windowless room. The only light pours through the escape hatch above.

The metal rungs of the ladder have long since gone.

In the corner is a plinth where once a stove sat.

This was the hide of the Elite Auxiliary Unit in world war two. These units were a subversive underground force formed to operate behind enemy lines if we were invaded. Trained in guerrilla tactics and armed with rifles, grenades, incendiary bombs, plastic high explosives, time delay fuses and other devices, these men were expected to target tanks, convoys, enemy camps, and ammunition dumps. Sworn to secrecy and forced to sign the Official Secrets Act, they operated outside of the Geneva Convention and if caught could be shot as spies.

The adjoining room was pitch black. Torchlight revealed a ceiling inhabited by hibernating butterflies and moths exercising an uneasy truce with the large spiders.

This room was slightly smaller, the floor dominated by two large concrete slabs. Inset to these were the remnants of metal mounting points. This was probably the location of the battery generators which would have been used to power a radio transceiver.

Three wide ventilation pipes bridged the walls. Two at floor level and one 5ft up the wall so ensuring a natural flow of air through convection. Two smaller metal pipes were probably exhaust outlets for the engines of the generators.

The hatch from the escape route was missing. This bunker doesn't appear on any civilian maps, and this is the only feature to be seen on any ariel photographs.

These bunkers were built all over the country, many were entirely underground with only a manhole cover to give away their existence. This bunker is only a couple of miles from where I live. There's probably one near you too. You could have walked over it without noticing. Is that a normal manhole cover beneath your feet, or something else?...

An Aqueduct too Far...

2010-03-27T08:59:00.000-07:00

I was suffering badly from idle-itus, an untreatable condition that was causing my kayak paddles to go slower than normal. Luckily there was no rush, and soon enough I was at Fazeley Junction. Decisions, decisions, do I go north to Whittington, or south towards Coventry? The 10 miles to Whittington and back suddenly seemed a long way, so I instead opted to go the short distance to where the canal passes over the River Tame on a high aqueduct.

A Second World War 'pillbox' stands guard over the water here. These war relics fascinate me. This one is particularly interesting. It's a FW3 Type 26. There were less than 200 of this type built. The more common hexagonal Type 22's are dotted in their thousands across the country. This Type 26 is unusual in that it only has embrasures/ loopholes on one side rather than all four. The angle of the loophole slots would have allowed full gun coverage of both the canal and the river below all the way towards Tamworth. There are horizontal slots along the sides, with remnants of wood still in them. Many of these structures where either 'merged', or disguised, and I wonder if these wooden batons were left from some sort of cladding in an attempt to make it look more civilian in nature. For many miles this stretch of the River Tame was used as a natural 'stop line' during the war. There are pillboxes dotted all along its length as well as brick lined cutouts in the bank where patrol boats lurked ever ready under tree cover. The waterway here is only a narrowboats width, which is... narrow. The railings on the towpath side are always a worry to pedestrians with dogs or small children as there is a sheer drop down to the river.

The river looked inviting, but the thought of carrying a 20 kilo kayak laden with another 10 kilo of luggage left me feeling exhausted. It would have to wait for another day, maybe in summer when those trees are in leaf and I can tie a hammock up over the water from an overhanging branch.

Over the other side of the aqueduct was an intriguing doorway that begged to be investigated. Leaving my kayak under the protection of the pillbox, I scrambled through the undergrowth until I reached the sandstone steps.

It was a little disappointing. It was just a small storage room, fire blackened and litter strewn by local scallywags.

Back at my kayak I drank my obligatory flask of Camp coffee while contemplating the paddle home.

The Drayton footbridge was a welcome sight, although the din of the traffic wasn't. My rumbling tummy helped drown out the noise as a bacon sandwich beckoned me homeward...

Terrorist, terrorists, everywhere!!!!...

2010-03-11T04:37:00.000-08:00

I like to listen to TalkSport Radio while I'm driving in the car. Not so much during the day because they just chat about sport, but at night it becomes a 'phone-in' station. The subjects are widely varied, current news, lively debate, and light hearted banter etc. It's the UKs largest commercial station, and as you would expect there are advert breaks. It was during one of these breaks that I heard what I thought was a tongue in cheek promotion of a future program. It sounded so ridiculous that I assumed it was over the top in order to provoke discussion. It wasn't until it reached the end, announcing a free hotline number to report your neighbours as terrorists that I realised that it was for real. I'm astounded!...

This is one of a series of like minded adverts. These broadcasts set a dangerous precedent, turning neighbour against neighbour and leading people to believe that there are 'terrorists everywhere'. There was never this level of paranoia during the height of the IRA attacks.
I'm particularly concerned because I fall into this new terrorist category. I keep myself to myself, close curtains and use cash... I'm expecting the door to be broken down by police any moment now.
You just can't win. Leave the curtains open while you're vacuuming in the nude and you get reported, close them and you get reported for being a terrorist!
I've already reported all my neighbours, as many of them have been going out after dark, one of them was holding a bag and wearing glasses... is he a terrorist in disguise? The bus stop across the road worries me too. I often see people just standing there (sometimes for ages), not talking to anyone and looking around a bit. Are they going to blow themselves up? I'm turning myself in at the end of the week because I've always thought I looked a bit suspicious anyway!...

Deer Friends are new Neighbours

2010-03-06T09:04:00.000-08:00

As the towns sprawl ever further into the countryside, I've noticed that the wildlife is beginning to adapt, seeking refuge in the suburbs. The foxes have accustomed well to this environment often living right under our noses unnoticed. More and more I come across signs that deer too are our new neighbours. You might be unaware of their presence but the evidence is there. Food missing from bird tables, choice plants or blooms nibbled away, or the minute little hoofs marks in a soily border. The culprit? The tiny Muntjac deer. The ability to breed all year round, remain hidden in the undergrowth of the most modest garden, and to exist a solitary lifestyle causing little impact to its environment, has meant that it's spread across the country has been inconspicuous.

Although I've come across them during the day in the countryside, in the suburbs they wisely use the cover of darkness. Usually I only spot them in the distance as they cross the roads between parkland and gardens. Their eyes reflect the car headlights, and combined with the pale part of their ears, they can take on the appearance of a Hyena when viewed head on!

Fruitless attempts to film them in an urban setting have left me frustrated, so it was ironic that, after many hours of searching I managed to video this chap just a few hundred yards away from my house.

Their call is very similar to a fox and easily confused (hear it here), but it is slightly harsher, more metallic and less 'musical'. So if you hear what you think are foxes calling in the night, the roses aren't flowering too well this year, and the garden birds are looking hungry... then maybe you have a deer friend too!

Skeleton in the Woods...

2010-02-21T10:05:00.000-08:00

It was way too cold to go kayaking, so I opted for a walk instead, choosing to visit some of my old haunts. The windchill under the leadened skies persuaded me to leave the high open ground and seek the comfort of the woods.

Amongst the trees I stumbled across an old friend. The skeletal remains of a once loved shelter. Although now bare, the framework had survived well, still able to support my full weight.

It was over three and a half years ago that I built this bivi as a bolt hole from bad weather. It had been a great place to stop for a nap or to cook a snack, but I abandoned it after it became apparent that a local Muntjac deer was using it as a rest up. There are no tracks, or signs of use, so maybe come spring I might re-thatch it and move back in.

The wind dropped and the sun emerged with a surprising warmth, luring me out onto a sunny snow covered bank.

Settled in the sunshine I felt it was definitely time for something to eat.

You can't beat Camp coffee and some of my favourite Clam Chowder soup when it's cold out.

Feeling full, I was content to stretch out and absorb as much sunshine as I could while watching the snow slowly melt off the Gorse flowers.

The blue skies departed as the lowering sun heralded the end of the day. I followed the meandering stream along the valley, homeward bound...

The Burly Bird gets the Worm...

2010-02-14T10:21:00.000-08:00

The weather this week has been somewhat confused. You'll set off in sunshine, only to be caught out in a blizzard, shortly followed by sunshine as if nothing had happened.

The sunny weather lured me out onto the water, but after only a mile kayaking it greyed over leaving me to paddle the last 4 miles in freezing rain.

The fox hates it too, you can tell. When there is a clear starry night , he's a happy chappy, but he really isn't keen on the wet weather. His little paws get soggy and he's quick to grab his food and take it somewhere dry to hold up.

Even the Buzzards are finding it difficult. Their main prey around here are rabbits and they don't tend to come out during the day when the weather is bad.

They're having to resort to low level ambush hunting of hedgerow birds and eating worms from the newly ploughed fields. I didn't realise Buzzards ate worms, and for a long while wondered why they were sitting out in the muddy furrows. They must have to eat a lot of worms to feed a bird with a wingspan of over a metre!

The Orwellian Nightmare Unit...

2010-02-03T15:44:00.000-08:00

The traffic snarled up and eventually came to a halt. I parked my car, grabbed my cameras and went to see what was happening. The road was blocked by police and fire engines.

More sirens rang out as a police car pulled across to block the road, while yet another fire engine arrived. I couldn't see smoke, so I assumed it must be an accident of some kind.

The air ambulance circled overhead obviously searching for a suitable landing spot.

It swung low over the rooftops, skimmed the rear gardens, and positioned itself to land at the junction of two roads.

It sunk below the outline of the suburban skyline and out of sight.

This is when the trouble started...

A policeman approached me. He asked if I was affiliated with the press, and what was I taking photographs of. I politely explained that I was just a local caught up in the traffic taking some shots of the air ambulance overhead. He then began ranting on about seizing my cameras as evidence! He was rude, aggressive and intimidating. I was shocked. I was told that I wasn't allowed to take photos. Although I was incandescent with rage, I didn't want to be arrested, or have my cameras taken, so I retreated into a side road.

With the cameras tucked under my coat I returned and attempted to blend in with the crowd. Just in time to witness another photographer suffer similar treatment. This time the police were trying to use anti-terror laws to stop him taking photos. He knew his rights, stood his ground, and informed them that they had no right to seize his camera, or prevent him from taking pictures. He was threatened with arrest for a public order offence and manhandled to a car by the policeman! Credit to the guy, he stated his case clearly, he had committed no offence and was well within his rights to take photographs on a public road. They reluctantly let him go.

Out of sight, the turbines of the helicopter whined into life. The thudding of the rotors grew louder as it emerged above the roof tiles. The police were distracted so I took the opportunity to snap a few shots...

After the helicopter left, I made conversation with the other photographer. I could tell he was very annoyed by the police. He was amazed at their ignorance of the law and of the public rights. We'd both encountered this abuse before, and I'm sure I will again.

It turned out that the incident was just a traffic accident. There was no reason to evoke anti-terror laws. I didn't hinder or obstruct anyone in any way. I didn't intrude on the casualties privacy. There was simply no reason to stop anyone from taking pictures. What was particularly hypocritical was the professional video camera crew (full size on the shoulder TV camera, plus sound man) that were shadowing the emergency services at close quarters filming the casualties from barely 6 foot away!

The police are misusing, and abusing these anti-terror laws as I suspected they would when I wrote a blog post about them when they first came into existence last year. (Read it HERE)

I will continue to take photos and strive to prevent the spread of this new branch of the police... 'The Orwellian Nightmare Unit'.

Where's my Spoon?...

2010-01-23T16:39:00.000-08:00

It was cold (3c) and grey but at least the water wasn't frozen. Well there was the occasional mini iceberg but thankfully nothing 'Titanic'.

After about an hours paddling I hauled up on the sandy bank in the woods next to the military firing range. Apart from the sporadic bursts of machine gun fire and the odd explosion, it's generally very peaceful, the perfect place for a snack.

I was happy to wrap my cold donnies around a warm flask of coffee. When I came to eat my soup, I discovered I'd lost my spoon. It's somewhat difficult to search a kayak while it's wobbling about underneath you. Not in the for or aft hold, not sitting on it, not in the seat pocket, not in my dry bag.... where's it gone?? I had it a moment ago! I even paddled out to see if I'd dropped it in the water... GONE.

I suppose it'll turn up somewhere...

The cold weather meant I had the water to myself, and it was a joy to cruise along the mirrored surface. As the sun dropped so did the temperature, and so I headed homeward.

I'd only done 5 miles and would have been happy to carry on further. The darkness came, and I hadn't fitted the lights to the kayak, so I called it a day and loaded it onto the car. Can't wait for the return of the long days of summer...

Thwarted by the Thaw...

2010-01-17T09:05:00.000-08:00

The day was sunny and warm (nearly 10c). I strapped the kayak to the car and set off. At first glance the canal didn't look too bad. On closer inspection I realised that the ice was still a good few inches thick.

A bit of melt water on top of the frozen surface gave the impression that the thaw was well underway, but on chatting to the narrow boat residents (who were furiously chopping wood for their heating) it transpired that they had been frozen in for weeks and didn't expect to go anywhere soon.

My search for liquid kayaking water was thwarted by flooded lanes. Infuriatingly the inviting blue always seemed to be in the next field.

The horse pasture was a tad damp too, although this horse was having a whale of a time kicking its way through the flooded patches.

The donkeys weren't in their normal air raid shelter hangout, and had been moved up to higher ground.

Eventually the lane disappeared entirely and I was forced to turn back. The flood was still rising and I didn't want to be cut off.

For a while it became confusing as to what was lane, field, or river, and I was glad to see tarmac again.

In my quest for a good kayak launching place I headed to a regular spot.

All the melting snow had made this normally peaceful stretch of river a bit rougher than expected. It was icy cold too.... I chickened out!

Maybe I'll have better luck tomorrow...

Snowy by name, snowy by nature...

2010-01-13T08:53:00.000-08:00

It snowed again last night. Just as well too, there had been a nasty thaw and we were beginning to run short. By morning the layer of white made the garden look pristine... something would have to be done about it!

It was an icy, sparkly snow, like silver sand. A little too crumbly for moulding and my snowman didn't come out as well as I'd hoped.

Just as I was doing the finishing touches there was a horrible accident! First the head wobbled a bit, then unexpectedly toppled to the ground.

Mr. Snowman was... dead. We'll all miss Mr. Snowman, or 'Snowy' as his closest friends knew him. His life was short, but he lived it to the full, and at least he was spared the horrors of.... 'The Big Thaw'!!!

Endeavouring to put my loss behind me, I began a new sculpture.

Firstly I located a plentiful source of pink snow (not to be confused with that yellow snow under the hedge).

It was meant to be a dragon, but the wings kept on falling off, so it ended up being a seal pup/ polar bear with an alligator tail. Any suggestions as to what sort of creature this is, are welcome.

I've already got an idea brewing for my next sculpture, I just need to find some blue snow...

No Bacon is Snow Fun...

2010-01-06T08:02:00.000-08:00

Snow at last! I love the snow. Other parts of the country have had a covering several times already this year, but we've only had the brass monkey temperatures without any of the fun stuff...

In the early hours I set off along the deserted roads. A quick stop at the petrol station, followed by a couple of drifting laps of the traffic island... the joy of 'left foot braking'!!!

The sparkly, powdered country lanes were beautiful in the glare of the rooflights. Spangles of silver danced in the beams as the front of the car flicked snow off the hedgerows. Driving sideways is so much fun!

I went to see my friends, the foxes. The usual chappy was there (you can recognise him by the nick out of his left ear).

He was somewhat impatient, and wouldn't stand still long enough for me to properly focus the camera. He's learnt how to open the car door, and was soon wrestling with the locked handle... he's going to break it one day!

On the menu tonight was, 'Bacon Surprise'... bread soaked in bacon fat but without any bacon... Surprise!!!

Still it smelt nice.

Very nice...

In fact it tasted so yummy that it made you forget that your bottom was getting cold on the snow.

"I wonder if there'll be raisins for pudding?"... I'm sure we can manage that.

Merry Christmas...

2009-12-21T15:11:00.000-08:00

Winter Coats with Ermine Trim...

2009-11-21T06:53:00.000-08:00

The local lanes were flooded. I had to take a long winded route to get to see the fox cubs and was running rather late. He waited watching for the car door to open...

... but it was all taking much too long. Impatiently he jumped up on the bonnet peeking in to see what the delay was.

Scampering back and forth, he first stared at what I was doing, then leant round to see if the door was opening yet.

Then it was the cute 'feed me' face that he has perfected so well. The hunting hasn't been so easy with the fields so flooded and a little bit of extra food seemed to go down rather nicely.

I still call them cubs, but really they are all grown up. They are getting their winter coats, thicker with silver flanks, and their brush is really full (the perfect duvet and pillow to curl up with).

Homeward bound took me along a dark lane where suicidal rabbits play 'chicken' with the car, so I kept my eyes peeled for any potential jay walkers. In the distance, one particular rabbit stood out from the rest, fluorescing in the spotlights.

As I got closer, the peculiar running style looked more like that of a Stoat. Brilliant white, I first thought it must be an Ermine (a Stoat with its white winter coat), but it wasn't cold enough and all the local Stoats are still in their dark summer fur.

It was clear as I got out of the car that this wasn't a wild animal. It was an albino Ferret. It wasn't afraid of humans and allowed me to get quite close. As soon as I attempted to corner it , it would play 'hide and seek' down the numerous rabbit burrows.

I placed some food down a rabbit hole, and left. The next day I went back with a box and some thick leather motorcycle gloves, but it was gone. Lets hope it keeps itself out of trouble, there are plenty of foxes and owls that would find the poorly camouflaged chappess an easy snack, and it's not used to the wicked ways of the wild...

Stuck in a Rut...

2009-10-27T10:37:00.000-07:00

This is the time of year that the Fallow Deer rut. Determined not to miss out on the spectacle, I headed off into the woods. Beyond the old military shooting butts the forest is thick and dark. The steep slopes are favoured by the deer and few people stray from the paths into the trees.

Of course that might be something to do with the hundreds of disused mine shafts. Dug over the centuries, many of these shafts were never mapped or filled in. Over the years some have collapsed in on themselves, while others remain hidden beneath the bracken. Unfortunately this is the best place to view the rutting stands, so I'd have to take my chances.

I wandered high and low. The Bucks were bellowing loudly. I'd head off in the direction of the noise, only for it to stop moments before I'd located the 'stand' and another one would start in the distance. It was frustrating, so I hung up the hammock and stopped for a spot of tiffin.

I took a photo of my picnic spot, viewed the picture, and switched my camera off. At the same moment I noticed something out of the corner of my eye. A young Stag! It had crept up on me. I lifted the camera... Aaah! It was switched off... fumble, fumble. He was gone. They were playing games with me.

Eventually I discovered a stand. The ground was muddied from days of pounding, and the lower branches cleared from the trees by sweeping antlers. I ducked down below a steep slope to get my other camera from my rucksack. There was a deep bellow and the ground rumbled as two young Bucks leapt passed my head and on down the impossible incline...

I'd missed them I thought, but no. As I stood up there was a huge Buck like a black shadow in the forest.

I was soon spotted, but whether it was indecision or curiosity that delayed them, it gave me enough time to grab some video footage.

For a moment the Stag stared me in the eye, and I was worried that he was going to come crashing through the trees at me.

Luckily he had 'lurve' on the mind. They disappeared into the collage of trees with admirable stealth.

It was starting to get dark. The moon hid behind the clouds. The car was parked a long way away, over by a tree. Suddenly there seemed to be a lot of trees that all looked alike.

Still, it was no problem, it would turn up. Must be careful not to fall down any mine shafts...

I'll use the camera flash to see where I am... Oooh more trees... and eyes in the woods!

Nevermind, I have a cunning plan...

Deer Summer, please visit again soon...

2009-10-05T13:01:00.000-07:00

As the summer fades to a fond memory, I make sure I find time to embrace any remaining sunny days.
The sand quarries on the hills are a favourite haunt. Small lakes, pioneering rough scrub, and Gorsy slopes, are framed by mature woodland in a sea of green fields dotted with church topped villages.

Of course my romantic eye chooses to ignore the semi industrial elements, but not the signs warning me of impending doom. The silt pools ARE dangerous, and you really have to watch what you're doing. There's something a little concerning about a 6 foot sign warning you of quicksand that has sunk up to its neck.

It's these pools and the new growth on the silt that brings the deer to graze. I often see Muntjac, but there is also a herd of Fallow deer. I'm impressed how such a large animal in good number remain unseen throughout the day. I can spend hours following the tracks trough the woods and across the sands, it's fun to see what they've been up to.

This is the wallow hole that they visit almost daily. In its base is the perfect imprint of a large deer that has been lying on its side. The forest floor when disturbed sends up clouds of mosquitoes, and a coating of mud helps prevent bites. I was tempted to try it, but instead opted for higher mozzy free ground...

Up on the hill I settled for a while to watch over the surrounding land, hoping to spot some wildlife. The Buzzard screeching a warning overhead, combined with my lack of patience, meant I had no luck.

I knew the deer were out there somewhere in the mist comforted trees. Maybe it wasn't a lack of patience but more my rumbling tummy that sent me on my way.

Down in the mature woodland I managed to forage some Sweet Chestnuts while I was waiting for the water to boil for my coffee.

A quick simmer and they hit the spot for a yummy snack.

Hedgerow Hazelnuts provided some perambulant picnicking...

... as I headed homeward through the picture postcard scenery.

Don't 'owl... whistle!

2009-09-15T10:04:00.000-07:00

As the fox cubs have become older, their territories have widened. Often when I go to visit them they are not around, they're off in the fields doing what Foxes do. Instead of shouting like a loony in the dead of night, a couple of short blasts on a 'silent' dog whistle (ultra-sonic whistle) would let them know that I was there. Sometimes owls would turn up too. At first I thought they were reacting to the foxes, or simply curious to find out what all the kerfuffle was, but soon I realised that it was the whistle that they were responding to.

(I know it isn't very clear... but there is an owl on the telephone lines... see?)

After some experimentation I discovered that a two tone silent whistle worked best. That is, a whistle that as well as an ultra-sonic note, also had an audible element. Most of these whistles are tune able to some degree. If you completely remove the locknut then it is possible to raise the audible note to a really high pitch just on the edge of your hearing. It is this combination of very high , and ultra-sonic that owls seem to like.

Trying to emulate the sounds of squeaking prey such as mice, voles etc would only bring the owls so far.

They would look around somewhat confused as to where the sound was coming from.

Luckily they didn't view me as prey even when I hid in the long grass or wore my furry hat.

I tuned the whistle down a tiny bit and copied a Tawny owl call.... Bingo!!!

Suddenly we were friends and the owl came flying over to me for a closer look.

The chap was quite happy for me to take photos and seemed interested in the raisins I had in my hand to feed the foxes. I wasn't sure if owls should eat raisins and although I checked my pockets, I hadn't got any mice on me.

I'll have to study the calls of Barn owls and see if they respond as well. Maybe Little Owls would be fun too as they come out in the day and so would be easier to photograph.

Must remember to put some Voles in my pocket for next time...

If you like your owls really big, then click on the picture and they will embiggen.

The Thing in the Woods... cont'd

2009-08-29T09:38:00.000-07:00

I went back in broad daylight curious to find out more about the thing in the woods. It was clear that someone had visited the site, as the twigs I'd carefully laid down were trodden and broken. The camouflaged log thing had been stood upright against a tree trunk. Eager to know more, I once again lifted the hatch, this time from the other side. After a bit of firking about I felt something further down in the hole, I pulled it up. It was a laminated label. "ECO-VIEWER MK3 RECEIVER AND DIGITAL RECORDER"
So it is a covert camera system.

On studying the now upright camo' log, the lens was obvious. Last time I visited it was slumped up against the tree, the lens hidden by the trunk. It must have fallen out of position and the operator has been back to rectify it. Not wanting to appear on CCTV I had to bend over backwards in a comical ballet position in order to take the somewhat blurry photo. Lets hope that there is only one hidden camera or else there is some great footage of me making a pleb out of myself!

It seems likely that this is a covert camera system left by the council in order to catch fly-tippers. I'm no fan of CCTV, and to find out that even in the countryside where I thought I was safe from prying eyes, I am still been spied upon, frankly pisses me off. People (if you can call them that) that dump crap in the countryside (or anywhere) piss me off even more, so I will tolerate this little intrusion.

From the looks of the case etc, I reckon this system is similar to the one below.

I don't suppose that these systems come cheap, and apparently the council have had a few of these stolen (Hint... hide it better, and/or lock it to a tree?) ... Not by me of course, what possible use or adventures would I find for one of these?!

The Thing in the Woods...

2009-08-26T16:21:00.000-07:00

It is a wood I know well, out in the countryside, not particularly near anywhere. Something was different. A branch out of place. Foliage that did not belong. A footprint where there shouldn't be. A tweak in the wire of the fence.

I looked closer and saw this. At first I thought it was a homeless persons stash.

A closer inspection revealed a wire, disguised with camouflaged tape. The wire led down into the leaf cover.

I followed the wire through the leaf litter along the floor of the woods...

It disappeared into what looked like a hatch.

I cleared away a little of the debris, and tentatively peeked under the edge.

Carefully I lifted up the lid. Beneath was a Peli case and two large camouflaged battereis.

I didn't attempt to open the case. I don't know what this equipment does. Maybe it's some sort of E.T. contraption 'phoning home'... (I didn't see any BMX tracks). Someone has gone to a lot of effort to conceal it. I reckon that it's got to be some sort of surveillance apparatus. The local council use spy tactics to catch people illegally dumping, and there was that incident where a postal van was set on fire here after a raid with the driver still tied up inside (he got out luckily), so it could be the police. I couldn't find any sort of a camera attached. I suppose there could be a remote camera. It's mystery, and that's why I'm going back tonight. I'll be sure to take a scanner to try and find a signal of any kind, as well as a video camera to pick up any infra red from a low light camera...

Don't bee silly...

2009-08-20T07:30:00.000-07:00

One of the little guys has been a bit silly. It's a steep learning curve when you're young, trying to figure out what's good to eat and what's not. This weeks lesson... don't eat bees!

Although he's got a bit of a lump, it certainly doesn't stop him from enjoying a more palatable meal. I know that the rabbit is in a Sainsburys bag, but sorry to disappoint you, they haven't extended their 'Taste the Difference' range. For those of you that like to store their rabbits under a wiper blade for safe transportation, it is always prudent to remember not to operate said wiper. You may be surprised at just how high you can throw a rabbit simply by switching on your wipers at 60mph...

How to eat Snails...

2009-08-10T13:43:00.000-07:00

Like unruly youths, the fox cubs are hanging out in the street looking for mischief.

Ears tipped forward like radar dishes, anything that crosses their path is scrutinised for food potential.

Doesn't matter what it is... moths, beetles, worms, spiders. They even eye up the Tawny Owl that sits on the top of the telegraph pole. There is a strange combination of rivalry and mutual curiosity.

Occasionally there is a treat, but mostly we go off foraging.

Snails taste nice, and are easy to catch but getting them out of their shells is proving a difficult skill to teach.... "OK, I'll show you how to do it ONE more time. Crunch it lightly with your teeth, roll it around with your paw like this to take off the sharp bits and voila! Yummy snail meat."

"No, no,no. Don't just bring me another one. YOU'VE got to do them!..."

Although they know that cars on the road are dangerous, and run away and hide when they approach, they've decided that my car while parked is really interesting.

There's chewy bits...

... and that funny 'mouse hole' thing at the back. It smells odd, and you can stick your paw down as far as you like, and you still can't reach the end...

The ups and downs of the caped crusader...

2009-08-06T11:50:00.000-07:00

It wasn't sunny by a long shot, but at least it wasn't raining. It's been a crap summer AGAIN. You just don't know what to expect when you go out. You may start the day in a T-shirt, find yourself battling a storm by lunchtime, and then sweltering in tropical humidity all afternoon.
Anyway, the environment had stabilised sufficiently to risk going out for a walk. I headed off north west to the hill known as The Wrekin. I decided to give the easy path to the summit a miss and elected to take a more direct route straight up the steep section through the woods. The gravity was particularly strong that day (that's my excuse, and I'm sticking to it), and a 12kg rucksack packed to cope with every eventuality probably didn't help, but I found it hard going.

By the time I'd reached the top, I was completely knackered. I lay motionless on the rocks until I'd recovered, only to realise that the resident crows had gathered around me, hoping that I'd died and they were in for a mighty meal. Not wanting to disappoint them I shared some of my picnic. They repaid me with some ariel acrobatics, soaring and skiffling in the increasing wind.

A Peregrine Falcon put in a brief appearance, but not for long enough for me to grab a photo. I've never seen a bird move so fast, pull such G's, or dive in such a death defying way... incredible.

Much recovered, I donned my picnic blanket as a cape (capes are making a comeback) and strode off against the now gale force winds.

The path of choice was steep and direct, and I soon found myself at the bottom. I stood up and made my way back to the car.

Exploring some twisting country lanes, I came across the towns of Coalbrookdale and Ironbridge. This area is known as the birthplace of the 'Industrial Revolution'.

The whole area is bathed in history. Everywhere you look there is some legacy of invention. The famous bridge built over the River Severn (completed in 1781) was designed by Abraham Darby III. It was the first arch bridge in the world to be made out of cast iron, a material which was previously far too expensive to use for large structures. The Darby family developed advances in smelting that allowed cheaper and higher quality casting as demonstrated by the amazing way this bridge is slotted together using mortise and tenon, and dovetail joints.

These new smelting and casting processes allowed almost anything to be produced and led the way for machines to move forward, and outwards across the world.

You realise how dedicated the town was to this newly invented industry when you see that even the kerb stones were made of metal.

I clambered into my new fangled metal perambulation engine, and headed for home...

Fox Tales... The Wascally Wabbit

2009-07-12T10:01:00.000-07:00

They might look cute, but one of their favourite pastimes is pulling the heads off small fluffy creatures. On the way to visit them is a fast section of road. Here, many rabbits fall victim to their own over confidence that they can outrun a speeding car. The corpses are quickly pounded into the road until only a velvety outline is left. It seems a waste. If I come across a fresh body I'll take it for the cubs.

Not willing to share the cabin with a bleeding body, I'll prop it up outside at the bottom of the windscreen. Usually they just look like they are asleep. It wasn't until I came to the dark country lane and switched on my rooflights that the full horror was illuminated. Its eyeball was hanging out and flapping in the wind, tapping on the glass....AAAargh!

Still, the fox cubs didn't seem to mind. "I wuv my wabbit!.."

Cute Coot and the Terrible Terrapin...

2009-07-05T10:30:00.000-07:00

The little chappy was FURIOUS!!! He'd spent the time building the nest, collecting the sticks, twigs, crisp packets and polystyrene cups, and weaving them into a floating masterpiece.Now there was some... something sitting in it. Actually, what the hell is that thing?!It didn't matter he thought. If it wasn't a lady Coot, then it shouldn't be in there.

It certainly wasn't anything he'd seen before. Foreign he thought, definitely foreign. That must be why it didn't understand the usual Coot calls and warnings.

Well, it better not be there tomorrow, or... or.. or..., well, it better not be there...

Note:- I assume this Terrapin is a discarded pet. They're certainly not indigenous. I'd love to know if it's managed to grow to this size since it's been released, and how it manages in the winter. The ever warming climate should work in its favour.

Fox Tales... 4

2009-06-23T07:40:00.000-07:00

The summer nights have become pleasantly warm. Sometimes it's nice to just hang out with the foxes in the lane.
Food is plentiful at the moment. There's loads of baby rabbits, rodents, snails, and there's always a yummy moth or crunchy beetle when you fancy an in between snack...
... So there is time to play.
Of course the occasional nice treat taken from the hand is welcome too.
Help, I'm surrounded!
Curious more than anything, they like to see what the 'strange man with a light on his head' is going to do next.
Some of the cubs are more gentle than others. This is the one that bit me a while back. He's still not quite sussed out which bit is food and which bit is hand. Here he's having a chew on my knuckle... careful now.
The foxes love to lie out on the warm tarmac. Maybe it's a fox thing because it didn't seem that comfortable to me.
Still, it means you can get some nice close shots. This one in particular (the 'bitey' one) is fascinated by the camera. The lens whirring in and out, the focusing light, even the flash doesn't seem to phase him.
Distracted by the haunting call of a Peacock, these chaps are always on the lookout for an easy meal.
As the sun begins to rise, they suddenly become sleepy. Time to head back to the deserted cottage for a nap...

"Computer says no..."

2009-06-16T13:12:00.001-07:00

The computer was having none of it. My video camera was happily announcing that it was 'connected to PC', but the computer wasn't recognising the fact. I held the camcorder up to the moniter so that the computer could see what it should be looking for. I twiddled the cable, waggled the plug, pulled it out and replaced it with great precision. I switched the camera on and off, each time it announced with glee that it was... 'connected to PC'... He's a good little camera, always keen to please.
After 5 minutes of swearing and some violent threats involving a penknife and a USB slot, success! A jolly box appears... 'Mass storage device... what would like me to do?' Don't play silly games with me Mr.Computer, remember what happened to Mr.DVD Player when he tried being awkward? He wasn't so cocky after I'd crammed toast into his loading slot ,then kicked him around the garden in the rain... You have been WARNED!!!
Anyway, here's some videos of Cosford Airshow I uploaded...

Cosford Airshow...

2009-06-15T08:27:00.000-07:00

It was a baking hot day, and the Cosford Airshow was on. We managed to miss all the traffic from the record turn out by heading through the backlanes to my secret parking space only 5 mins walk from the airfield. We didn't go inside the base, but set up just outside on the fields. You're not really meant to be there but the Airforce turn a blind eye to the little band of squatter enthusiasts.
The Red Arrow display team appeared early in the day, they always give an impressive show.
It's incredible how close they get to one another. Some of the spectators in the car park were having difficulty getting into spaces twice the size.
There's nothing like the smell of the smoke from the back of these, a mixture of BBQ and oil refinery!
Selfishly, the Airforce had sent a lot of the proper military jets to a foreign country where the locals had been throwing pebbles or something equally troublesome. In their place were a LOT of stunt display teams. They're OK, but you can have too much of a good thing.
Maybe I'm being a bit harsh on these guys, their flying was pretty amazing, if only they didn't have to keep on stopping to wind the rubber band up.
Standing where we shouldn't had it's advantages, the planes coming perilously low over our heads. Much lower than they are allowed to fly over the crowds inside.
I don't think you should be waving at me mate... look where you're going... TREE! Oh dear, some one fetch the Balsa wood glue...
Some of the classic WW2 planes displayed. The Lancaster bomber, Spitfire, Mustang and this Hurricane. You'd think they'd treat these rarities with kid gloves, but they really throw them around... good stuff.
I couldn't figure out if this jet was bigger than it first looked, or if the pilot was exceptionally small... or even a child. Have a closer look at the photo, he looks lost in that cockpit/ conservatory.
This is how schoolboys draw jet fighters. Swept back swings, big air intake and pods mounted under the wings. One of these schoolboys grew up and joined the design team at USAF and made something beautiful.
The Typhoon is so quick, I've never managed to get a proper picture or decent video of it... ever. I suppose that's the idea. If you can't even keep it in frame on a camera, then the chances of shooting it down are pretty slim. Click on the picture and enlarge it, and you can see that the pilots have got cool green helmet visors.
This is what drew the record breaking crowds. The last flying example of the awesome Vulcan bomber. Nothing prepares you for the amazing view, as this wafer thin plane turns revealing that distinctive delta wing. The 4 Roll Royce engines are deafening. Covering your ears won't help, as the sound jibbbles your innards. It sets car and house alarms off for miles around!

Remember... as always, clicking on the photo embiggens the image. (Yes embiggens is a word... probably)

Fox Tales... 3

2009-06-01T11:01:00.000-07:00

The little chaps are starting to look a bit more adult. Although they are naturally wary, they'll sit at a distance and watch.
Occasionally venturing closer in the hope that there will be something tasty in the off.

Tonight was their lucky night. Yummy stuff on a spoon...

I was sure to keep my fingers well clear after a previous incident where they were innocently mistaken for food, resulting in a painful bite that took a long time to heal. They are normally so gentle, taking food from your hand with unsurpassed politeness... accidents happen, teeth are sharp!

Just to make sure that even the shy ones got at least something, a few handfuls of dog biscuits were thrown into the undergrowth. Contented crunching echoed through the still darkness...

Fox Tales...2

2009-04-30T14:58:00.000-07:00

Yes, it was nice and sunny, but there wasn't much to do. Mum was away hunting, and the others were inside being boring.
...but what was this?! 'Someone' had hidden little bits of food everywhere while they'd been sleeping...

Fun, fun, fun!!
There were some play fights as usual.
Some of the food was really well hidden.
It was a good way of practising your foraging skills...

Eventually all the crunchy bits were found.
For the smaller chaps the excitement and running around had taken its toll.
A nap in the sunshine seemed like an excellent idea.
The warm sunshine started to make even the most boistrous sleepy...
...sleepy...
...sleepy!
A quick snooze... mom will be back soon with something fun to play with.

A yummy taste still in its mouth and trying to stay awake.

Nap time...

DON'T FORGET, IF YOU WANT TO SEE A FULL SIZED IMAGE THEN SIMPLY CLICK ON THE PICTURE

Fox Tales...1

2009-04-29T11:22:00.000-07:00

It was raining. It had rained ALL day and the cubs were getting bored.
The outside world always looked so exciting, but when you've got so much fluff to get sodden, the long wet grass may as well be a lake.
Nightime came, the skies cleared and it was time to go exploring.
Something smelt nice...
... but where was it?
OOooh found it! 'Someone' had left a big pile of food. Now if only I could get to it before the others spot it...
... too late! Dinnertime always ends up in a scrap!

Spring has sprung...

2009-04-23T06:28:00.000-07:00

Spring has sprung. It's been trying to spring for some time now, but at last spring has sprung forth and sprung... yeah spring!
All the signs are there. The lambs are... well, springing!
The Bluebells are out in the woods.
The fish are rising.
The ducklings are doing duckling stuff... like getting sucked by big Carp if they're not careful!
Even this tiny spider seemed to have a grin on its face as it ambled through the sprouting grass.
The fox cubs are beginning to venture outside the den.
Being more curious than is good for them...
Everything is exciting when you are likkle...
...except when big blokes point cameras at you!
Time for a game of 'hide and seek'.

Things to do when you're bored!...

2009-03-09T15:17:00.000-07:00

I'm forever playing with my cameras. While messing about experimenting with long exposures, I realised that I could get the computer screen to appear to 'leap out'...
With a little bit more fiddling, I got it to project out further...
... and further... OK, I'm bored with that, what next?
Evil eyes coming out of your screen!
Cat eyes staring you out...
"You looking at me?!"...

About Round-A-Bouts...

2009-03-04T11:46:00.000-08:00

A few years back a small printing company (BB Print Digital) were trying to come up with some ideas for a new calendar. They'd gone through all the normal gimmicky "Firemen with Hoses", "Womens Institute Cupcake Special" etc, and decided to go in another direction. 12 photos of the most boring rounabouts (traffic islands) to be found in Redditch. It was an international hit!
It got me thinking, and I noticed that roundabouts are far from boring. Here are a few from 'roundabout' me...
This statue resides on a traffic island in the former mining area of Brownhills. Aptly called "The Brownhills Miner" by John McKenna.
As you can see he's HUGE...
When it was first put in place it was completely shiny, but has evolved over the last 3 years, the lines of rust now highlight its construction out of thousands of polygons welded together. I only hope that this corroding is kind in its progression, we don't want any rust marks looking like he's had a 'trouser quake'!
"Does my bum look big in this?"
Spitfire Island... Celebrating the areas colourful history.
Before Elmdon became Birminghams main airport in the 1960's the country fields at Castle Bromwich near Sutton Coldfield were where anything aeronautical happened. From some of the first balloon flights in the 1780's to pioneering new fangled planes in the early 1900's. Prior to World War One there were air races and demonstrations. In the First War the field buzzed with Avros, Moths and Westlands.
With the coming of the Second World War the fields were used to produce military planes such as the Lancaster bomber (star of 'The Dambuster' film), the Hurricane and the famous, iconic Spitfire...
The powerful, agile Spitfire fighter planes had to be put through their paces after being built, and the test pilots pushed them to their limits over the nearby fields. There were even reports of daring low level flights (coming in one door and out the other) actually through the hangers themselves!!!!
'The Pegasus' by Andrew Logan.
Positioned high up on a hill, when the sun shines, the glint from its wings can be seen from miles away.
The statue stands aloft a velvet rusted block which reminds me of the 'Morlock' entrance from the film 'The Time Machine'. When you look into its eyes you can see the reflections of the clouds giving it a profound, dreamlike feel.
The effort that has gone into these island artworks is astounding.
Next time you're in no rush, don't take your usual exit, but complete a couple of laps or more and appreciate what's 'roundabout'...

Big Brother can send you to jail for photographing the Police!!!...

2009-02-14T03:16:00.000-08:00

If you live in the UK and like to take photographs then you should be concerned. On Feb 16th 2009 the government are implementing 'Schedule 8' an amendment to the 'Counter-terrorism Act 2000'. Within this is 'Section 76'.
The police have already abused the powers given to them under previous anti-terror laws and are often ignorant of the law, falsely believing that it is illegal to photograph or video them. You only have to see this video to know...

The Act at first read doesn't seem of much concern. It's not until you realise the full implications of the wording that it becomes worrying. You can find the full account of the new law HERE.
Sub-Section 58A of Section 76 reads thus:-

“58A Eliciting, publishing or communicating information about members of armed forces etc (1) A person commits an offence who—
(a) elicits or attempts to elicit information about an individual who is or has been—
(i) a member of Her Majesty’s forces,
(ii) a member of any of the intelligence services, or
(iii) a constable,
which is of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism, or
(b) publishes or communicates any such information.
(2) It is a defence for a person charged with an offence under this section to prove that they had a reasonable excuse for their action.
(3) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—
(a) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years or to a fine, or to both;

It should be made clear that you don't have to be a terrorist to be prosecuted under this law but only need to possess information, video, or photographs which the government may believe is useful to terrorists.
One portion (Section 58A,(a),(iii)) in particular concerns me most. If I video the police out on the public street, (which I have done often) and they happen to be near a government building, a railway station or other 'sensitive' location it could be construed as 'useful information' for a terrorist act. The problem is the vagueness of the law as well as the onus for me to justify the reason for taking pictures. I shouldn't need an excuse, because I'm not a terrorist. The police are already uneducated in the law. I have been confronted by them quite aggressively at times and quizzed as to why I'm taking pictures. They go to great lengths to give me the impression that what I am doing is illegal... and DAMN IT... now it is!
The National Union of Journalists and the British Press Photographer Association have expressed their concerns and intend to demonstrate their 'displeasure' in London on Monday 16th Feb... photos may not be available.
So from now on, the pictures and information on my blog may be curtailed.... I NO LONGER CONSIDER MYSELF TO LIVE IN A FREE COUNTRY... be warned
For further reading on the matter, see HERE

OOOooww!!!...

2009-02-07T12:11:00.000-08:00

It was a long way off, but in the far corner of a large field was something red moving about. At first I thought it was a fox... no, it was too long. Perhaps a deer? It wasn't until I looked through my stills camera at 12x optical that I realised what I was looking at.
I zoomed into the digital range of my camera, things got fuzzy but I could just make out not one fox but two! It's that time of year when foxes like to get jiggy...

With the better zoom (35x optical) on my video camera I could see a little better. The wind was blowing me about so the shots were somewhat unsteady.
At this point it is best to cross your legs because fox shenanigans can bring tears to your eyes. Foxes will start mating in a conventional 'doggy' style. At first the dog fox's penis isn't completely erect, but once inside it begins to swell. At the same time the vixens vagina will start to constrict. This combined with the barbed shape of dog fox's member, 'locks' them together (to ensure fertilisation). This is called the 'tie'. After ejaculation the dog will try to dismount and the couple will end up back to back. Unfortunately this can last for hours, and in the mean time the dog fox will dragged around by his precious bit! So when you hear those foxes howling in the night please be sympathetic and give a thought for Mr. Fox...

It's snow fun...

2009-02-04T17:52:00.000-08:00

With snow becoming rarer each winter it was nice to get out into the winter wonderland. The TV reported traffic chaos... I didn't notice it. The roads were empty and there was plenty of fun to be had left foot braking into the bends!
My plan was to head up to a place called 'Crows Castle', a hill out in the fields where there are views in all directions. I took the bridle path through the woodlands dodging the muddy bits, electing to follow the fox tracks because he knows it better than I do.
It was nice to enjoy the virgin snow, the only other tracks being coney.
Energy running low it was time for some nosh. I fuelled up my ever faithful meth stove. This tiny titanium stove is brilliant, it's super light and really tough (I've stepped on it many times!)
Soon the bacon was sizzeling. What is it about food outdoors that makes it taste SOoo good?
As I crossed the higher fields I left the shelter of the trees and the wind was bitter.
By the time I was in view of Crows Castle the wind chill made it difficult to remove my gloves for long in order to take photos.
It's lovely up here, wild and windswept. A favourite haunt for the Buzzards. The Scots Pines are old and gnarled. The high fields spread out to the horizon on a clear day. It was way too cold to hang around for long, so I headed back home.
Back in the warmth of the trees I spent a while tracking badgers. There was a group of three. It looked as if they'd been having fun. There were 'snuffle' marks and patches of disturbed snow where they'd been larking about.
I followed them as far as the Christmas tree nursery where I lost the tracks in the tangled undergrowth. Tired and tea deficient, I headed back to the car...

Igloo!

2009-02-03T17:04:00.000-08:00

We only had a sprinkling of snow in the UK, but there was enough to build an igloo.
As I piled the snow high and carefully hollowed out the interior I contemplated spending a cosy night sleeping out in it.
There had been a terrible mistake of scale... I don't know if I mistook inches for millimetres on the plans. Maybe the cat had grown... No, something had definitely gone wrong!
Never mind, the cats think it's great...

I tooked a tumble...

2009-02-01T07:09:00.000-08:00

It was a dark, cold night. The wind was cutting as it blustered across the tarmac. "I wish I was back at the garage" thought little 'Smart' car to himself. "It was warm and safe there..."
Hooded figures emerged from the shadows, indistinct gutter colloquialisms slurred from their hidden faces. First they turned their attentions to the old Fiesta next to Smart. "OOooh my eyes!" he exclaimed as his headlights were quickly removed by the grubby monkey dexterous hands.
"Aaah!" Thought Smart as someone thudded up against him. Then again, but harder. The Morlocks gathered round pushing and yabbering excitedly. Suddenly he felt his front wheel lift, and again. Now the back wheel as well...
For a moment he was poised, balanced like a child leaning back on a school chair. The pavement shot up towards him, his wing mirror crumpled, the shiny paint grazed, the soft panels dented. The chavs scattered, the loud crash scaring them from their kill.
So for poor little Smart car only a few weeks born, it was back to the comfortable garage... safe from the scum.

Countdown to chaos...

2009-01-27T05:48:00.000-08:00

The news today informed me of yet another pointless death at the hands of our unruly youth. A local man was beaten to death by feral kids for the bottle of wine he'd bought to accompany the dinner with his wife. I'm beginning to despair at the remorseless countdown towards complete social breakdown. Each month the government announces more and more crappy laws each diminishing my freedom but empowering the yob....
What happened to commonsense???... This obituary published in the London Times might explain...

"Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who
has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was,
since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He
will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:
Knowing when to come in out of the rain; Why the early bird gets the
worm; Life isn't always fair; and maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend
more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children,
are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but
overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy
charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended
from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for
reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the
job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly
children.

It declined even further when schools were required to get parental
consent to administer sun lotion or an Aspirin to a student; but could
not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an
abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses;
and criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a
burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to
realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in
her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by
his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason.

He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers;
I Know My Rights
I Want It Now
Someone Else Is To Blame
I'm A Victim

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone..."

Mist friends...

2009-01-02T06:45:00.000-08:00

Holiday fever had set in pretty bad. The symptoms were restless legs, grumpiness (even more than usual), and a slight thickening around my waist... a hefty dose of the outdoors was the remedy.Several days and nights of freezing fog had left the world encrusted with frost. The lakes were frozen but not thick enough to support my bulk over to the little island.
I cut across the frozen wetlands to a favourite spot. Put up one of my ever faithful hammocks, and settled myself down for a long wait...
After much toe wriggling and face pulling to stop myself setting solid, through the gentle cold mist my guests began to arrive.
The wild ponies hate to be pursued, but their natural curiosity always gets the better of them, and one by one they appeared.
At first they'll pretend that they haven't seen you, congregating a little way off.
Next comes the nod. The boss pony will give you the 'I see you signal', a reciprocal nod back lets him know that I mean no harm.
Then follows a bit of mutual exaggerated over casual behaviour, before eventually...
...a friendly face plods over to say hello.
From then on, you're one of the gang; even if you do look different and smell of coffee!...

Remember... simply click on any of the pictures for extra 'bigness'!!!...

A feature of the night...

2008-12-21T12:33:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time coming, but we're finally there... the shortest day. My long nights of howling at the moon are nearly over. From here on, those long summer days can only get closer. Horray!
As you can see the photos have a nocturnal theme. The second photo is a bit dark, but click on it and it'll get all big and be much clearer to see (the wonders of electrickery). The bright 'star' on the left is Jupiter which is really easy to spot at the moment. Just right of centre is Venus. They are most obvious just as it gets dark. I can see them even from my patch of light polluted ether, so those of you in the darker areas should get spectacular view...

X-small Xmas...

2008-12-05T17:49:00.000-08:00

'Grow your own Christmas tree', that's what the box said. It seemed like a brilliant idea. On special offer for only 50 pence in the January 2008 sales... Bargain! Complete with its own little terracotta pot and compost, what could go wrong?
Within a fortnight there was already a tiny spike of growth, and it wasn't even February yet. There was still 11 months of growing time before Christmas. I spent the wet summer carefully nurturing the little chap. Warding away any potential threat from snails or mischievous cats. After a years growth and Christmas looming, this was the result...

... I'd hoped for.
Unfortunately, this is the reality. Where am I going to get lights small enough to fit this?! I wouldn't say that I'm disappointed, but I'm thinking it very loudly! Still, it's going to make the presents look HUGE...

From my back yard, to outerspace and back...

2008-11-18T12:34:00.000-08:00

Got to get out or I'll go bonkers!....

2008-11-14T12:46:00.000-08:00

I go a bit 'stir crazy' this time of year. Short days and precious little sunlight even then. The English autumn and winter is like living in a damp cave.....
The weather forecast announced "no rain all day!" It seems it's been wet everyday for weeks now, so I was determined to make the most of it. The grubby bike desperately needs a wash... it'll have to wait.
I don't know why I've got the old faithful GPS attached to the handlebars because I know the area like the back of my hand.
After a few miles of traversing the heaths and woods it was definitely time for coffee and sandwiches... any excuse to loll around in one of my many hammocks!
The hideously wet summer has at least left an autumn legacy of bronzed trees contrasting with the still lush grass.
I love to watch the goods trains thunder under the bridges. As kids we used to put coins on the track and collect them after they had been squished into sausage shapes by the mighty weight of the locomotives.
The shadows lengthened as I looked out across the fields from a hilltop.
The days are very short now, but at least the sun departs with a warm glow.
The horses were enjoying the warm day and were playing 'silly buggers' with the exasperated lady trying to get them to the stables for the night.
They are building yet another taller TV transmitter, 30 meters taller than the one next to it that had a near miss with a passenger jet only last year!
I couldn't figure out what all these men were trying to do at first. It turns out they were attempting to plug a giant cable into the bottom of the transmitter, and I thought the ariel in the back of my TV was fiddly!...
With my tummy rumbling yet again, I headed for home. The local cats were waiting for me, wondering where I'd been all day, and why hadn't I been playing with them on such a pleasant day.
The evening drew to a close with a fantastic sunset. "Red sky at night, shepherds delight. Red sky in morning, global warming!"...

Just click on the pictures for a larger image...

The 7 Factoid Challenge...

2008-10-31T20:39:00.000-07:00

I was tagged to do a meme by Lavender. I really struggled with this one, I guess facts don't come naturally to me. So here are my 7 factoids...

1.) I once saw a UFO.
2.) I'm bilingual. I speak English, and 'loud' English for when I'm abroad.

3.) I once lost several fingers in a vicious Porcupine attack at a zoo while in Denmark. Luckily they regenerated, and now you would never know anything had happened. It is a little known factoid that fingers are able to do this.
4.) I was once a beardy, weirdy road protester who lived in the trees.
5.) I really, really hate wearing shoes. Only bad things happen when you are wearing shoes... going out to places you don't want to be, funerals, and office work.
6.) I was once handed a 3 month jail sentence. I bet you can't guess what for!!!!...
7.) I was once bitten by a bat. His name was Boris and he didn't mean any harm. I've since become a 'creature of the night'.

I now have to elect 7 more victims to do the '7 Factoid Challenge' as I've renamed it. It seems that most of my fellow bloggers have already done this one, but I challenge...
Floderten, Elisa (I know you've already done it, but I reckon you're good for another 7), Candace, Patti, Lesley, Max the Cat... in fact, everyone! (but never feel obligated...)