Adrian's Photoblog

3 peaks cyclocross - 25 Sept 2011

2011-09-28T20:37:00.004Z

Cold cotes, a photo by Ade Holmes on Flickr.

I never really thought I'd do it... I never really even thought about whether I wanted to...it was just something my great cycling cousins did, but not me. Then Steve did it, then Mark said he'd been roped into it, and I was cycling offroad in the new forest in May and I suddenly started to imaging I was doing it...and it felt good...and a seed was sewn. Next time I was on the bike it was there again, so it was time for a conversation with Phil about what it was really about. And here I am, doing the 3 peaks, arriving at Cold Cotes after what I can only call a hysterical decent of Ingleborough, taking 3 tumbles on the squelchy ground only to find myself laughing at how soft the landing was, and how limited my offroad cycling skills were. And this after walking up the otherside, enjoying 20 minutes or so with Mark, wondering if the 12kg piece of awkwardly shaped metal was going to be any use to to me today, or just there for fun.

And so onto Whernside...and it's amazing how the group thins out when you're near the back, which kind of suited me really, but maybe it made it a bit easy to ease off on the ascent - rather than push myself. On the decent I realise that the 3 peaks is not about whether you have Landcruisers or tubulars, or whether to have energy powders or electrolytes, it's about being able to ride your bike....and I couldn't !! I tried all sorts of routes, but all options were steep and either rocky or steep mud/grass...so carrying seemed the safest option. i'm not laughing now, because if Pen-y-ghent is this hard, then I may still get round, but I'm know I'm out of my depth, and risk a nasty fall..

After encouragement and flapjack from our enormous support team, I'm on my way to the Ghent, and munching a Torq bar because I said I would. As I start ascending the track, riders are hurtling down which is quite nerve racking....I've still got to come down there....but not yet. Higher on the hill, I see Steve...then Phil....then Mark....and it's uplifting to see them and the warmth of their greeting. Before long I'm on my way down, and it's great cycling. A lovely 'ski traverse' contouring decent above the path, with my Landcruisers holding their edge superbly, and then as we get off the steep bit I start cycling, and keep cycling, for the longest period off-road of the day. It's hard on the arms, but the sun is shining in my face, and the puddles reflect the blue sky.. and I want to stop and take it all in, but not today... The last riders are still on the mountain behind me and so have the track to myself, apart from a few amazingly tolerant walkers.

I'm at the finish, swapping stories, comparing checkpoint times, feeling good. Someone says 'Will you do it again Adrian', and I'm not sure what to say...I never really thought I might do it again..! And in the car back home the next day I'm thinking about what I could have done differently to improve on my time....and another seed is sewn.

For my records, food/drink as follows banana at Helwith Bridge, 500ml energy drink and a Torq bar over Ingleborough. Torq bar on route to Chapel-le-dale. 500ml energy drink over Whernside, 500ml electrolyte and piece of flapjack at Ribblehead. torq bar on road to Horton, and some 'energy jelly beans' and 500ml energy drink over penyghent. This all seemed to work perfectly.

My times were as follows:
Ingleborough - 1.20 Cold Cotes - 1.47

Whernside - 3.00 Ribblehead - 3.42

Penyghent - 5.04 Finish - 5.40

Menton 21-28 July 2011

2011-09-28T20:33:00.003Z

IMG_8518, a photo by Ade Holmes on Flickr.

So, back to the familiar for summer this year and a week for Soph and Izzy alone, with us joining them on the second week.
It was unusually cool this year, with daytime temps reaching only 24-25 C, and a fair bit of cloud and rain around.
Still, the more temperate weather was perfect for walking, and we did some good walks in the mountains behind the lake, including an ascent of Le Berceau, which I last climbed with Dee in 1989.
Click on the title for the full set

Anterne - the wonders of the Alps - 3-5 July 2011

2011-09-28T20:12:00.006Z

Cascade de Pleureuse, a photo by Ade Holmes on Flickr.

I said I'd take both girls on a 16th birthday 'treat' with me to the Alps and after a lovely trip with Sophie to the Aravis in June 2007, this year it was the nearby Aravis with Izzy.
As always nothing prepares me for the wonderful things I'm going to see, hear, and experience - and with perfect weather this was a great trip. We stayed 2 nights at the Alfred Wills Refuge, and on day 2 did a walk along the ridge above at 2500m.
The 'icing on the cake' when you walk in this area are the views of Mont Blanc, and as you enter the Anterne high pasture, it's suddenly there...and from thereon it's never far away.

Click on the title to see more pictures of the trek. This photo is one of the 2 waterfalls in the lower part of the valley on our way up after an early start that morning from Romsey..!!

Photos from my trip with Sophie in June 2007 can be found on the blog for that month.

Scafell Pike summit

2011-05-21T21:57:00.001Z

Scafell Pikes summit, a photo by Ade Holmes on Flickr.

After brushing with the mountains of the lake district over a number of years this year we stepped up to the big one...and ascent of Englands highest.
I first floated the idea in January as the girls were all stepping up their training and the gym and the idea became the main purpose of our trip. Dee has done it some 25 years ago with the College Outdoor Pursuits Club.

A great day out, what I had forgotten was what a fine days walk this is...up the corridor route via Styhead, and back over Broad Crag and Esk Hause. One of the great mountain walks in the lakes. And well done all

100th Munro celebration

2011-03-21T21:40:00.004Z

100th Munro celebration a photo by Ade Holmes on Flickr.

It was too wild on the summit to contemplate celebration, so we set up the 2 man bothy at about 2500ft on the way down, where we found some relative shelter.

With so many people having done the munros these days, it may seem a bit low key to celebrate a 100th. But I don't expect or plan to do them all, because I don't get up to Scotland that much, and also there are too many good ones that I want to do again before I would prioritise doing those I have not done. Also, it's a worthy celebration because it's taken me 30 years to achieve..!!

A few stats, for those like me who love this stuff:

First munro - Stob Dearg on Buachaille Etive Mor on 23 Feb 1981 with Michael Simpson

50th Munro - Spidean Mialach in April 1987 with John Shepherd

80th Munro - Garbh Chioch Mor in May 1992 with Jim Rutter

100th Munro - Meall na Teanga in March 2011 with Simon Fox

You'll notice the decline in rate...and I did infact gain 6 new munros from upgrades in the late 1990s.

my 100th Munro..!!

2011-03-21T21:31:00.008Z

my 100th Munro a photo by Ade Holmes on Flickr.

"For here lies the true joy of battle, in exhilerating contest with the elements, upon mountains that may be won, yet never conquered, shared by companions who to may be defeated, yet whose spirit I have never seen shaken."

(WH Murray, Mountaineering in Scotland).

With this quote always in my mind when I'm on the hills, it is fitting that my 100th munro should have been in a blizzard on the relatively unknown summit of Meall na Teanga with Simon Fox - a man with over 200 under his boots. We had planned to climb Craig Meagaidh, one of the great scottish mountains, but it was snowing hard, even down at sea level, so we opted for a low place to park, and a lower and uncomplex summit. It was a worthy summit for the day and the weather on the summit ridge was inspiringly awful, with storm force winds and massive amounts of spindrift.

Click on the title for the full set of photos from the trip

Fairfield - Jan 2011

2011-02-07T20:46:00.005Z

IMG_6101
Originally uploaded by Ade Holmes

This years trip took us back to Patterdale where it all started in 2000 when I got together a group of those who I'd climbed mountains with over the years. Those joining the trips has changed a bit over the years, it's great that we all make such an effort to get together.2001
This year gave us a stunning day on the Deepdale Horseshoe, in my view the best Fairfield horseshoe..with it's impressive views of Ullswater, Helvellyn, and the eastern corries of Fairfield. Some of the debate this year was trying to piece together the trips we've had over the years, so for the record, here it is.

2000 March 4/5 Patterdale. Day 1 Helvellyn, Day 2 Place Fell. Famed for it's rotton fish.

2001 Oct 6/7 Cockermouth. Day 1 Grasmoor Horseshoe, Day 2 Mellbreak. Famous for being a replacement for a cancelled trip in March due to Foot and Mouth.

2002 March 2/3 Borrowdale. Day 1 Great End, Day 2 Causey Pike. Famous for John and Simon going solo onto Scafell Pike, and Jim adjusting his crampons in Custs Gully

2003 March 1. 1 day trip up Blencathra. Famous for Rob's Alpenstock and Adrian's inflatable trousers

2004 March 13/14 Dolgam. Day 1 Y Garn, Day 2 Moel Siabod in the rain. Famous for a lot of things, not least being the start of the Mrs Davies years. Also for epic gullies on Y Garn, and following Dave's dogs blood trail

2005 March 12/13 Dolgam. Day 1 Tryfan, Day 2 Llewidd. Famous for....not sure, but it was good

2006 March 4/5 Dolgam. Day 1 Carneddau in deep snow, Day 2 Moel Siabod. Famous for the fact we had an epic getting there with snow on the access roads, and for being stunning winter conditions.

2007 March 3/4 Wasdale. Day 1 Scafells, Day 2 Yewbarrow. Famous for finding a pair of Jeans below Mickeldore

2008 March 1/2 Wasdale. Day 1 Pillar, Day 2 Whin Rigg. Famous for the best tall stories in the pub at Nether Wasdale, and losing electricity at Burnthwaite Farm

2009 Feb 28/March 1 Dogellau. Day 1 Cadair Idris, Day 2 Rhinog Fawr. Famous for the great booze up and the curry in Dolgellau

2010 Feb 6/7 Dolgellau. Day 1 Arans, Day 2 Cadair Idris. Famous for being bless-ed with cloud inversions on both days and singing 'Bread of Heaven' on the Arans.

2011 Jan 29/30 Patterdale. Day 1 Deepdale Horseshoe, Day 2 Place Fell. Famous for being the first time the group opted to use a ferry on day 2.

So there you have it. Good job someone is nerdy enough to keep a record of these things..!!

New winter boots..!!

2010-12-18T20:59:00.001Z

New winter boots..!!
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

I'd had my fine old Kastinger plastic boots for about 25 years, but have hardly used them in the last 15 years. Now they don't feel right...I suppose your feet change over time. Also they are very solid, weigh 2800g a pair, and the high ankle was restrictive. So I've thrown them away...!!

Here is the replacement, La Sportiva Trango Alp,with mix of leather and synthetics, with a goretex lining. They weigh in at 1850g per pair, a remarkable weight saving, have a small amount of sole flex and the flexi ankle cuff seems to hit the right balance....ideal for pied a plat..!! I also splashed out on some new crampons, replacing my 30 year old Cassin's with some Grivel Airtech newmatic.

Christened the boots with a 6 mile walk in the fresh snow around Romsey, but it's time to go and put them to some real use.

December Cold snap

2010-12-18T20:02:00.001Z

This cold spell was pretty unusual for Romsey, but all the more so as it begun in late November, with temperatures rising above freezing only for short spells. We also had a 24 hour period (6 Dec to 7 Dec) where it remained below freezing, which I believe is the first time it's happened since I moved to Romsey. The day of 3 December only reached -1.7, after which it cooled, then warmed up in the early hours so was above freezing by 0900 on 4th. So you could say that was the coldest daytime max we've had, since the 0900 represents the weather of the next day. Oh the problems with 24 hour periods for recording max & min...!!

Overall December is running at +4.2 max, and -2.3 min, overall about 5 degrees below normal for December so far. I'll post an update at the end of the month. And 2 snowfalls too, 13 cm on 2nd Dec, and 5 cm on 18th.

Click on the image for a larger version and see blog from last Jan to see the cold snap we had then.

Witby

2010-12-01T22:28:00.001Z

IMG_4945
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

I'm mightily impressed by my first every visit to Witby....in October 2010. Duncan and I walked east from the harbour along a stretch of north facing coast shaded from the autumn sun. This was an austere and intreguing stretch of coast, with dark rocks adding to the ambiance.

We walked back via the wonderful Abbey...and had a good look round before some fish and chips. What a fine piece of England.

Uluru - sunset.

2010-12-01T22:22:00.001Z

Uluru - sunset.
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

No real need to label this photo, it is one of the worlds most famous icons. It was a magnificent sight, rising out of the flat plain of central Australia. When your driving around the area the great rock is always around...like a compass point to give you direction. And as you drive closer, every time you look it appears to have grown, and suddenly detail appears... From a distance it appears fairly flat, but close up it has many gullies and ravines..a true 3D landscape.

Don't underestimate the equally impressive Olgas rocks in the Kata Tjuta, a series of giant rocks rising out of the ground 25 miles west of Uluru.

We arrived in the rain, then the second night we had ice on the car windscreen before our walk round the Olgas boulders, where it reached 16C in the day. This photo was taken on our second evening, part of the famous sunset sequence.

Australia

2010-12-01T22:16:00.001Z

Terrigal evening
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

Our 2 week trip to Australia was in late August 2010. We had 5 days in Sydney staying with Lucy and Gareth, then we flew into Ayers Rock for 3 days, and then back to Sydney where we went up to Terrigal, now with Lucy and Gareth, Chris, Helen and Archie, and Mark, Sarah, Katie, Shay, and Jenny. Finally a couple of days in the Blue Mountains, before our last 3 days back in Sydney with Chris & Helen.

A wonderful experience and a unique family combination up at Terrigal.

The Rhinog Traverse

2010-12-01T22:09:00.001Z

Rhinog Fach - Queen of the Rhinogs
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

3 day traverse of the rough bounds of the Rhinogs with Peter in May 2010.

The traverse started at Llandecwyn station at 1440 on 15 May and finished at Barmouth at 1400 on 17 May. Total walking time (incl stops) was 20 hours, to cover 24 miles and a suprising 2500m of ascent.

This is wonderful mountain walking country, intricate and challenging route finding, varied terrain, lots of high lakes and continous seaward views to the west.

Don't tell too many people though as its quietness is part of the charm

Jenny and me on Glaramara

2010-12-01T22:06:00.001Z

Jenny and me on Glaramara
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

Dee and I went up to the lakes for easter, via Phil and Anne's. We all went up Ingleborough, then onto Keswick. As you can see, we had wonderful weather, and so we went up Glaramara on the Cam Crag ridge, a remote and sunny grade 2 scramble. A great day's walking, before heading back to Heathrow and Jenny back on her way to New Zealand.

Marrakech

2010-02-20T21:27:00.002Z

Jemaa el Fna
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

A very different feel from our usual February citybreak, and (myself as a very young child excepted) our first visit to Africa.
We stayed in a lovely Riad called 'Dar El Souk' where we could relax and be well looked after. Which was just as well as it was quite hard work out on the streets, dodging bicycles and mopeds which seem to appear from nowhere..!!

We had some interesting experiences, including a Full massage, sauna, seaweed wrap at a Hammam, deluges of Moroccan rain, and the resulting muddy passageways, and an evening at a stunning restaurant which included live music, and belly dancers.

Great place, and the locals were all very good humoured, even when you don't buy anything from their stalls...!! Click on the title above for the full set of photos on Flickr.

Brocken Spectre

2010-02-20T18:04:00.002Z

Brocken Spectre
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

Brocken Spectre and glory on Cadair Idris. Interestingly, you can only see your own, so although 10 of us were all lined up, I could only see my own, cast by the sun on my own back.

The passage below relates to the trip

Bless-ed on the Welsh summits

2010-02-20T17:44:00.004Z

on Foel Hafod Fynydd
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

The largest group ever (12 of us) assembled NE of the Aran mountains on a road none of us had ever been to before, to climb mountains most of the group had never heard of, let along been up.

We walked out of fog at about 450m and thereafter had a wonderful day walking over Aran Fawddwy and Aran Benllyn, and the outlying Foel Hafod Fynydd, from which you get a great view of Aran Fawddwy (which is saved from popularity by being about 30ft short of the magic 3000ft contour).

We felt so bless-ed that we sung the chorus of 'Bread of Heaven' on the summit of Fawddwy, and from thence forth the usual nonesense was unrelenting for the weekend.

The next day was equally spectacular with a cloud layer lying from 300-600m on the south side of Cadair Idris, and rising through this gave stunning Brocken Spectres and glories over Cwm Cau, followed by a dead calm on the highest summits of Cadair.

A classic weekends walking, "shared by companions whom to may be defeated, but whose spirits I have never seen shaken" (WH Murray), yet whom also revel in rediculous banter.

Click on the title above for the full set of photos...on this occasion, worth a browse..

Purbeck round

2010-02-20T17:39:00.001Z

IMG_0706
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

This is about the 4th time I've done this offroad round which Peter created, and the weather for this outing with Tony was really superb, with a light cover of snow on the highest hills from the previous night being a real bonus. At about 3 hours duration, it makes an ideal short day out in some impressive coastal scenary

Brecons in winter

2010-02-20T17:30:00.002Z

Lower Neuadd Reservoir
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

The thaw after the prolonged cold spell kicked in the previous day, but overnight frost and a clear day gave Richard and I a wonderful walk around the Neuadd Reservoir horseshoe, with some stunning views from these fine hills. This photo is the Reservoir, starting to thaw...

Cold Snap in Romsey

2010-02-20T17:26:00.000Z

Here's an extract from my weather station for the coldest spell of the winter. If you click on the picture above, you can see this in larger scale.

New Forest Snow

2010-02-20T17:22:00.002Z

IMG_0304
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

Our coldest snap for many years gave some good opportunities to try out the new Camera, and an early morning dash with Andy gave us cold hands and some all too rare shots of our local area with some of the wonderful white stuff.

Click on the image for more photos from that day

New Camera time

2010-02-20T17:13:00.002Z

After 4 years of stirling work, I decided this autumn to upgrade my Casio EX- P600. Not an easy decision given the fact that it continues to be so reliable, but the world of digital has moved on and so a few aspects have made me reach for my wallet. Firstly, the Casio's high ISO performance is awful, only iso50 and 100 are good quality. This is very limiting in poor light, where you need a mini tripod and very still subjects..!! In good light it captures clean and noise free images, its 6mp sensor is not overclogged with pixels which keeps noise down and stops blooming. However colour sensitivity and dynamic range is not great, so in strong sunshine the images look flat - so post processing is required to beef up the contrast.

What to buy instead was quickly limited to 4 options:
Canon's G11, Canon's S90, Panasonic LX3 (with 24-60 lens at f2.0-2.8), Panasonic GF1 (with much larger 4/3 sensor and fixed 40mm f1.7 lens). The GF1 is clearly the quality choice, but it's large and quite heavy, though much smaller than a DSLR. The LX3 is smaller but I think if I'm having a zoom then I'd find the 60mm long end a bit short. Canon have made a bold move with the G11, bucking the trend for greater pixel counts in order to reduce noise and improve high iso results. The G9 was 12mp, the G10 was 14.7mp, so the move to create a 10mp G11 was a change in direction, and one I've been hoping will come. The same sensor has gone into the Canon S90 too, and in a smaller body...about half the weight of the G11, and with a f2.0 lens as well.

So after much review reading the S90 seemed to be the choice for me. Not cheap at £350, but after a month's use I'm pleased with the results which rarely need any post processing. With acceptable image quality at iso 800 and an f2 optic, I'm about 3-4 stops more flexible than with the Casio, and colour sensitivity and dynamic range are much improved. It's a bit fiddly in the hand, but very comfortable in the pocket, at just under 200g. I hope it lasts as well as the Casio, which I'm pleased to say Sophie has now started using.

The Welsh land

2009-11-03T20:49:00.003Z

CIMG9832
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

We had a relaxing week with Abigail and John at Penycoed Hall in Dolgellau. Unseasonably warm weather meant we could potter out for a walk or a climb pretty much any time, and also visited Portmeirion and Barmouth. The girls soon found an internet cafe in Dolgellau too, which became a magnet for our day..

I like Wales...it's a bit quirky and low key, but the scenery is lovely and so much of it is so quiet.

Adam and a bit of Eve

2009-09-09T19:10:00.002Z

Adam and a bit of Eve
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

This is the summit of Tryfan...the two stones on it's summit known as Adam and Eve. The challenge is not only to climb onto them, but to leap between them, and back. This guy was on the summit when we were and slipped on landing...and sat reflecting on his near miss situation before climbing down the stone.

Chris, Dominic, and I went for a trip up to North Wales and Chris had the chance to climb Tryfan after a 35 year interval since he did it when he were a lad...and he did it, though as always, reaching the summit is only half the battle - the relentless steep descent is gruelling..!!

Click on the title for move photos (as always)

Dancing Ledge

2009-09-09T19:03:00.002Z

Dancing Ledge
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

Neil and Clare came down for 3 nights and Dee and I had a fun trip out to Swanage with them on a rather damp and chilly August day. This is Neil impressively poised on a 6b+, which Clare subsequently re-led in spite of oncoming wind and drizzle. I struggled up on a tight rope and few rests...there is much practice to be done.

Portland

2009-09-09T18:59:00.004Z

Portland
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

Had another fine day out at Portland, this time with John and Jonathan. This is me climbing 'Brace yourself Sheila', a grade 5 with a hard pull to finish...in keeping with the expectation of the route name...:-)

Note the shiny new helmet...never bothered with such stuff when I was young, but funny how when you have less life left, you seem to feel you have more to lose..

More pics if you click on the title, including some good shots of Fallen Slab and John leading a 6a+

Prisank - Julian Alps

2009-08-22T14:36:00.002Z

Prisank west ridge, with summit behind
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

While in Austria, I had a days walk up one of the big peaks of the Julian Alps, and Prisank was one of the most accessable summits. It's just over 2500m and few mountains I've been up have so much bare rock to reach the summit. There were a few stretches of via ferrata cabling which were straightforward, but sometimes very exposed...

This photo of me is in the approach to the summit behind along the west ridge.
Click on the title for the full set

Another visit to Austria

2009-08-22T13:30:00.002Z

On Vitranc
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

After last year's lovely trip to southern Austria, we went again this year and enjoyed to wonderful hospitality and good company of Gerli and her family. In case you thought Sophie had gone blonde, Izzy's friend Maya came with us this year and it was a pleasure to have her with us.

This photo is actually in the Julian Alps above Kranska Gora, but it just so happened to be of the 4 of us in a grand location.

Click on the title if you'd like to see the photos

Sophie is 18

2009-07-30T21:32:00.002Z

Sophie is 18 today..!!
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

Well, 18 years ago on 30th July a little baby was born, and Dee and gazed down wondering what on earth we were going to do next. 18 years later and here she is - out at lunch with Dee, Izzy and I. So she's survived our parenting - and is still smiling..!![

We decided to have a birthday barbeque at the end of June when it was warm...but on 1st August the English summer rewarded our optimism with a day of heavy drizzle. But the arrival of lots of friends and relatives brought a smile to the occasion and it was lovely to see everyone....although it was a bit like the 'how many people can you get in a Mini' inside our house.

Thanks to everyone for coming, and you might see yourself on a photo if you click on the title above..!!

Early sun over Fan Hir

2009-07-21T21:53:00.001Z

Early sun over Fan Hir
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

A bit late for the blog, but at the end of May this year Izzy and I went for an overnight camp in the wild area of the Mynydd Du, where I had been with Peter about 6 weeks earlier (see below). We had a nice spell of weather and the early morning when we woke up was Alpine fresh.
Izzy had a great time on her first wild camp, and the tent has had its 3rd outing so far this year.

7 Passes and 3 Summits

2009-07-16T21:04:00.005Z

Peter on the Cime Ouest
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

It's difficult to believe that all this grand mountain country of the Maritime Alps exists only 1 and a half hours drive from Nice, and this 4 day tour with Peter of 7 passes and 3 summits was really special. After parking in the Vallon de Gordelasque we did a large clockwise traverse to the Refuge Madone de Fenestre, from where we did some summits to the northwest. On day 3 we did a classic traverse of 3 passes to the Ref Merveilles before a beautiful walk back over the Cime du Diable to the car. Apart from the bustling refuges, it was very quiet walking during the day...another feature of this less well known part of the Alps.

A long wet winter had resulted in massive snow volumes and there were extensive snowfields on our walks - with large periods on snow or rock...and paths very often buried. This added additional interest in route finding.
It was good to pass through the Vallee des Merveilles where I went with Dee, Sophie and Izzy in 2006.

The full set of photos is here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/adeeh2/sets/72157621391332165/

Alpine Shutter

2009-06-16T20:35:00.002Z

Alpine Shutter
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

I took the rather bland photo below a couple of years ago during our Dents Du Midi trek. Sophie has created this vibrant painting from it for her final piece of art for A level. Needless to say we're very proud....don't know how she does it...!!

2009-06-16T20:33:00.001Z

CIMG8261
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

Devon weekend 23 May 09

2009-06-04T21:41:00.003Z

CIMG0619
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

Had a great day celebrating the Christenings of Evie and Harry, and then Judy's 60th birthday at Woodcote. Great to see everyone and especially those who had come back from Australia for the occasion.

This photo was taken at the Yeolden lodge hotel in Northam, where we spent a lovely afternoon after the Christening, overlooking the Torridge estuary.

The full photo set is here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/adeeh2/sets/72157619108488542/

Calshot Velodrome June 4 2009

2009-06-04T21:33:00.002Z

CIMG0836
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

Here's a photo of Janice celebrating her birthday by taking us all out to the velodrome. It was the first time for most of us, and we all had a really good time, and the instructor helped build our confidence for those scary looking banked corners on the fixed wheel bikes.

What...climbing again?

2009-06-04T21:24:00.001Z

CIMG0681
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

Had a great day out at Portland Bill with John Parker, who I last climbed with some 20 years ago (The Right Unconquerable at Stanage I think). Since then John has become really good, and did a 3 day ascent of Half Dome and Yosemite, and I have done sod all...so it was nice of him to take me out for the day.

Good to be on rock, and in this beautiful location above the sea.

Crossing 'a bit' of Dartmoor - 2/3 May 09

2009-05-06T22:09:00.004Z

Evening camp at Oke Tor
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

Dartmoor is a lot more extensive than I realised, and so my 15 mile crossing from Lydford to South Zeal just chopped off the Northwest corner, but exposed me to much of the essential Dartmoor. I managed to include 10 Tors (but not 'the' Ten Tors - which is considerably further), in an afternoon and morning, and included a camp on Oke Tor on my way (first solo camp ever, I think).

This is good moorland walking, but without the peat hags of the pennines, and with the bonus that each high point had a splendid granite Tor, of which Great Links Tor (584m) required a tricky move to gain the top...probably as tricky as any summit in England.

The weather was a real bonus, but again it rained overnight...but the second morning was really dramatic lighting, and encouraged me to go black and white in some of my photos. The full set is here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/adeeh2/sets/72157617706575585/

At the end I arrived in South Zeal where Dee, Izzy and Auntie Margaret were looking after Matthew, Angus, and Helen, while Phil and Anne were on their 10th Anniversary. They returned on the Sunday and we had a lovely afternoon playing games in the garden.

A tour of the Mynydd Du

2009-04-17T18:36:00.003Z

Bannau Sir Gaer from Fan Foel
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

I've been itching to get my new backpacking tent into action and with the recent addition of a new sleeping bag, this has spilled out into a trip. I'd never given 'the Black Mountain' a thought until I had a good look at the 25k sheet a couple of months ago, and this week Peter and I had a splendid 24 hour tour of the area.

Day 1 took us over the impressive edges of the moor, with the norht and east facing scarps up to 400m high. We then camped on the extensive tilted moorland to the south, which had a very remote feeling.

It rained all night and then stopped as soon as I opened the tent door.. and the second morning gave a bonus of a lovely walk through the intricate limestone area and back to Glyntawe, seemingly a different world from the sandstone of the scarps.

The full set is here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/adeeh2/sets/72157616940818708/

Izzy at Lawrencefield

2009-03-18T09:23:00.003Z

Izzy on Nailsbane
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

We had a great weekend with Neil and Clare in the heart of the Peak District, and notched up a few routes at Lawrencefield Quarry above Hathersage (not a place I'd been to before). Izzy notched up few routes with Clare's encouragement, including a VS 4b, and I fought my way up an E1 5b which Neil had strolled up with his usual ease.

Nice to feel that feeling of totally nerve racked exhaustion at the top of a route...!!

The full set are here

http://www.flickr.com/photos/adeeh2/3365210292/

Rhinog Fawr and the roughest ridges

2009-03-04T20:44:00.002Z

On the mauvais pas above Lyn Du
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

After a 2km in 2 hour N-S traverse over Rhinog Fawr from Roman steps, I got thinking about what would be the top dozen slowest 2km ridges in Britain... A bit tricky really as you get into 'what is a ridge' and all that. Anyway, for debate, here are a few contenders..excluding skye as you could probably take any 2km stretch of the Cuillin.

Carn Mor Dearg to Ben Nevis

An Teallach (S top to Sgurr Fiona)

Liathach (Spidean to Mullach)

Aonach Eagach ridge - Glencoe

Garbh Cioch Mor to Sgurr na Ciche (knoydart)

Ill Crag to Scafell in the lakes

Crib Goch to Bwlch Glas (col below Snowdon)

Tryan to Glyder Fach (only 1km between the summits - the slowest km, I reckon)

Roman Steps to Bwlch Drws Adudwy over Rhinog Fawr

I suspect there could be more in the Rhinogs and also in Knoydart, and also on the Rhum ridge...and then there is Ireland...

Cadair and the Rhinogs

2009-03-04T20:21:00.004Z

Cadair Idris - a few stones on the way up
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

Another gathering of the March team for our annual trip (now about the 8th in a row), this time based in the holiday hotspot of Dolgellau. We haven't been blessed with the best weather the last few years and again the summits remained shrouded in cloud, only to clear as we were on our way down.

However it's always great to get out on the hills and have a good hoot along the way. The evening was exceptionally funny this year...developing into a bit of pub crawl, including a curry and a game of pool..!! - see Dave's photos

http://www.flickr.com/photos/minnellium/3321681505/

Thanks to all for the great company as always and to Sam for bringing some fresh blood to observe our baffoonary - and being able to add up our bill at the Indian.

My photo set is here

http://www.flickr.com/photos/adeeh2/sets/72157614740280568/

Here are the previous trips - as recorded on digital

Snowdonia 2006 http://www.flickr.com/photos/adeeh2/sets/72157602674240841/

Wasdale 2007 http://www.flickr.com/photos/adeeh2/sets/72157594571772226/

Wasdale 2008 http://www.flickr.com/photos/adeeh2/sets/72157604038905027/

Rome - The Hub

2009-02-25T22:26:00.002Z

Colosseum from the Forum
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

This was our first visit to Rome and it had a wonderful feeling of being at the hub of the western civilisation, both in terms of the Roman world which we have all heard so much about about since we were at school and were colouring in and cutting out the Centurian..!! And also in terms of being the centre of western religion...with the Vatican and St Peter's Basilica.

We stayed for 3 nights and this gave us chance to walk around parts of the city, and spend a day looking at the Roman relics, including the Colosseum, the Forum, and the Pantheon, and another day looking at the wonderful art of the Vatican museums and St Peter's Basilica.

On our final morning we spent some time at the Trevi fountain and the Spanish steps before lunch and flight home.

So, a great place to visit, and we only saw the obvious highlights - even then you spend most of your time trying to take in the sheer scale of the monuments, I feel each of need at least another visit to really start to appreciate some of the detail. Then there is the secondary sights, which I'm sure are wonderful too.

Full set of photos is at the link below...but if you're planning to go soon, don't look at them - go and see it all afresh for yourself.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/adeeh2/sets/72157614352537514/

Day trip to the Brecons

2009-02-05T22:46:00.002Z

Pen y Fan, Cribyn, Fan y Big
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

I have to admit that we used to mock the Brecon Beacons when I was a lad on the doorstep of the lake district, but this is fine walking country and the north east faces are really dramatic. Besides, when you live in Romsey, everything looks big..!!

The photo is deceptive...this was one of the coldest days of the winter, -6C on the summit of Pen y Fan and with a strong /gale force wind slicing over the ridges. I had the fine company of 'Richard of the Pyrenees' and after a cold grey start, the day opened out to provide an hour or 2 of dramatic sunshine.

This is Pen y Fan, Cribyn, and Fan y Big (no chuckles please), but the full set can be seen at

http://www.flickr.com/photos/adeeh2/sets/72157613287675959/detail/

Slide scanning

2009-02-05T22:36:00.004Z

La Clusaz 2005
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

The idea of putting slides into a scanner one by one and peering at them for dust is too tedious to contemplate, so I came up with an idea of photographing a projected image instead (and avoids buying a scanner). This has the benefit of being able to enjoy browsing your slides, and the photo only takes about 1/8 sec (or whatever).

The results are ok rather than brilliant, but I can keep my file size down as it's not worth using your best camera settings. I did use a low contrast setting in the camera because otherwise they came out too extreme and you can't post process.

This is a photo from La Clusaz in 2005, on a day when the ski lift popped up through the cloud to provide a rather nice view.

Pond sledging

2009-02-05T22:29:00.003Z

Pond crossing - 2
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

The crispy start to the new year provided the thickest ice for a decade, and we reassembled a Romsey gang in the New Forest to have some fun as we had done in 2002. We had a good morning out shunting the sledge across the frozen pond, here are Sophie and Izzy doing a tandem crossing.

Mark, Phil and Dave may recognise our old sledge which must be pushing 35 years old by now...

Click on the photo for some more photos of the day

New weather station

2009-02-05T22:25:00.003Z

New weather station
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

Well, geekdom has got the better of me as I've splashed out on a new weather station. After years in the wilderness of 'not recording weather data' this one sends it all into a logger in the house where I can download to a PC where a wonderful bit of software (called Cumulus..!!) will draw up graphs and collate monthly averages.

Wonderful stuff and all for £80. needless to say, I've had an exciting first month of weather to record - the minimum recorded was -8.7C on 6th Jan...just in case you were wondering....

Moon, Jupiter and Venus

2009-02-05T22:20:00.003Z

1st Dec 2008 -

Moon, Jupiter and Venus
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

Quite a rare event, I understand...This won't occur again for 30 years..!! But never managed to find out which was the Venus and which was Jupiter, just getting the hang of the moon bit..

Moleson Via Ferrata

2009-02-05T19:38:00.004Z

Hairy traverse right above the overhang
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

Ok, so this should be pretty easy as it's got a marked route and you can hire the gear and you don't have to prove you know what you're doing. The reality was pretty gripping stuff, 1000ft high, with sustained sections of climbing on vertical and near vertical rock.

True there are lots of holds with iron bars to hold onto and footholds bolted in, but it's the positions that send adrenaline coursing through your veins...you'd simply never get into these positions on rock without the ironwork unless you're climbing 'Extreme' routes.

Nice to get away from the Nanny state too... we asked the guy who lent us the gear what happened if we took a fall (and you can easily fall 20-30ft before your harness arrests) and he said 'I take a gun and BANG'....

This was our finale before leaving Switzerland, and the photos are here...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/adeeh2/2861393473/in/set-72157607310625383/

Linking the Alps - Switzerland

2009-02-05T19:31:00.006Z

Walensee
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

Not exactly on foot from Austria to the Bernese Oberland - but by motorway in fact.

A wet drive through the northern edge of the Dolomites and over the Brenner Pass to Innsbruck on the first day, and then a wonderful drive in clear skies through Liechtenstein and onto Interlaken.

Then we went up Schynigge Platte and stayed the night where the view of the Jungfau Group is wonderful.

The whole set is here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/adeeh2/sets/72157607310625383/

Linking the Alps - Austria

2009-02-05T19:20:00.005Z

CIMG9878
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

Aug 2008 - This summers trip was to Austria to see Dee's long standing family friends on Ossiacher See in southern Austria. We were treated to a welcoming Austrian hospitality at the lakeside chalet and had a great time.

We had a week here and during which time I managed to slice my palm diving off the platfrom and was able to try out the Austrian A&E department (very good too). I also had a lovely walk in the Karawanken mountains which border with Slovenia.

For the full set of photos click here

http://www.flickr.com/photos/adeeh2/sets/72157607251867988/detail/

The Armchair munroist

2008-07-13T11:30:00.002Z

Munros
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

I never set out to do the Munros, but as an obsessive logger, I do keep a diligent record of those completed. Between 1981 and 1994 I did 89 Munro's and have only done 1 more since then (Lochnagar in 2000). So this years Cairngorm trip took me 3 steps closer to a satisfying 100.

However, in 1997, in the midst of my 'darkest hour' of mountain activity (I did no 2000ft summits from 1995-1998), another 7 munros were allocated by the SMC, and I had no idea until last week that this had happened. I have just discovered that I've done 6 of the new 7 and so I'm on the threshold of my 100th Munro. I must admit to feeling on the moral high ground, as those I've walked with and I have never been just Munro baggers...prefering to take in the full ridges associated with the munro ....and it's for this reason that I've gained an extra 6.

For the record, I think the new 6 are very worthy...Sir Hugh was little hard on the great Torridonean ridges of the north, but now Ben Alligin, Liathach, Ben Eighe and An Teallach all have 2 munros - and deservedly so. The 2 Buachailles of Glencoe also have 2 munros each - and you wouldn't argue with that if you'd walked from one end of the Buachaille etive Mor ridge to the other. Bidean has gained another too, and importantly an extra 4000' summit in Angels Peak in the Cairngorms. The list of changes is below:

http://www.nigelspencer.co.uk/web-pages/uk-mountain-pages/scotland-pages/munro/scotland-new-1997.htm

So the next munro is my 100th and which should it be..?? Ladhar Bheinn beckons, so does Sgurr nan Gillean, or maybe something like Ben Lomand.. Ideas please - assuming you have intimate knowledge of those I have done.

The high tops of the Cairngorms

2008-07-13T11:00:00.004Z

Beinn Mheadhoin
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

Armchair browsing of books of the highlands will always tempt a person to put the Cairngorms in the second division, and views from Aviemore do little to alleviate this opinion. However, whenever I visit this high and expansive summits, I'm always sharply reminded that they are equal with the very best in the highlands, and that their sub-arctic landscape and caledonian glens make for a unique experience.

This year we had a 2 day camp in upper Glen Derry at just under 2000 ft and after an evening walk up Beinn a' Chaorainn ( a connoisseurs munro..!!), we had a wonderful days walk over Beinn Mheadhoin (Vee'an apparently), Ben Macdui, and Derry Cairngorm. The walk had a good blend of path and pathless and a day of brooding skies and passing shafts of sunlight made for an unforgettable day.

I saw an article on the web which summarised the feeling you get on these tops. This guy (Cameron) was standing on Breariach, and I think nicely summarises the feeling I had at the summit of Stob Coire Sputan Dearg, the extremely worthwhile south top of Ben Macdui.

"Stand by the summit cairn on a clear day and gaze down the long, empty miles of Glen Dee, past the bulk of Beinn Macdui and the long arm of Carn a' Mhaim on one side and the angular outline of Cairn Toul on the other and you'll be overwhelmed by a sensation of space and distance, an emotion that wills you to fly."

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4156/is_19990829/ai_n13942153

The attached photo on Beinn Mheadhoin shows the essence of Cairngorm walking - plenty of space to really stride out and stay high for a long time. The full series of photos is on the link below:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/adeeh2/sets/72157606139230679/

An evening on the beach

2008-06-11T20:20:00.004Z

Highcliffe Beach
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

The world is full of wonderful beaches...and no-one would choose the Bournemouth area as the best of the lot...!! But in my opinion, on it's day, the beach below Highcliffe Castle near Christchurch is unbeatable. The descent through the pine trees gives furtive glimpses of the sea and as you get lower, then you see the beach, sea and Isle of Wight and it's always hugely uplifting. On the beach the outlook to Isle of Wight and Hengistbury Head is stunning, and the backdrop of pine trees behing the beach is the icing on the cake.

We went down after work yesterday and stayed for a couple of hours and had a BBQ and it was just gorgeous. Izzy and her friend braved the sea and had a great time on the boat in the waves. The changing light as the evening progressed was really dramatic...as you can see from the set if you click on the picture

Let it rain, let it rain, let it rain...

2008-06-07T22:58:00.002Z

Just for those who love data...especially geographical data - we've had some unusual rainfall in Romsey lately...and I thought I'd make a note of it here.

25 May - 15mm
26 May - 46mm
27 May - 0
28 May - 15mm
29 May -15mm (that's 90mm in 5 days against an average May rainfall of 45mm)

...and 3 June then had 40mm

There you have it...

Striding Edge

2008-06-07T22:56:00.003Z

Striding Edge
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

I've promised (they would say threatened) to take the girls along Striding Edge and have stayed at our rented caravan in Patterdale twice before and not done it. This year we did it and I was a proud man as wife and daughter relished it and made light work of the scrambling. Dee had done it 3 times before (over 20 years ago now..!!) and confidently takled all the scrambling without wavering from the crest. Izzy was like a mountain goat and seemed to find energy rarely seen on mountains and scampered ahead almost unable to stop - eventually going on ahead where she met us on the summit.

After my many crossings the fine situation and consistent quality and difficulty of the scrambling still impressed me greatly....and I think it's also the perfect length - not to short to leave you wanting more (as Sharp Edge can be) but not so long that it becomes 'too much of a good thing'.

I haven't done it in shorts for a very long time and there was something of a party feel on the ridge with so many first timers on the ridge...some struggling, but all really proud of their achievements. A great day out in the best of lakeland.

To see the set, click on the link below (or the photo)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/adeeh2/sets/72157605484925682/

London by day

2008-05-24T06:41:00.003Z

National Gallery
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

I did a 3 day course at Piccadilly and had a lovely walk in from Waterloo each morning through Trafalger Square and past the National Gallery.

I decided to have a look round The National Gallery on the way home one day and was totally stunned by the paintings in there...I was totally bowled over by the whole experience. I can't believe now that I'd never been.... and that no one had told me to go. I'd seen many of the paintings in books over the years - and even our board game called 'Masterpiece' (what my grandpa used to call Mantleshelf), but in many ways these images do a disservice to the originals - they have nothing of the real colour and sheer brightness of the originals.

One of my favourites was the painting linked below by Gallen- Kallela of Finland. I liked the way when you moved away it suddenly changed from brushwork to a perfect reflection...

http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/cgi-bin/WebObjects.dll/CollectionPublisher.woa/wa/loadApplet?workNumber=NG6574&collectionPublisherSection=work

You can't take any photos in the gallery, but my London set is at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/adeeh2/sets/72157603272583376/

Isle of Wight Randonee

2008-05-24T06:17:00.002Z

Isle of Wight Randonee
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

My first official cycle event was the circuit of the Isle of Wight....and check that cheapo new clothing I've got.

We had a really great outing and the forecast rain held off until the last 45 minutes, and the weather was warm enough to relax in our shorts. Great hospitality from sandwich and team makers on route too. This was a lot further than my previous longest cycle ride of 30 miles, but with the breaks I managed OK.

Some stats for the record....Distance 67 miles, did the circuit clockwise from Yarmouth, 1100m of ascent, time 4.45 in the saddle, and about 7 hours in all, Average speed 14.0 mph.

Sanity in an insane world

2008-03-03T19:58:00.004Z

Caught it...
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

This year's March trip had a lot to live up to after last year's hilarious event...and I think we did a good job of making do just that. A couple of new boys Dunc and Gareth provided an audience for our nonesense as did the wild night couple who had the pleasure of sharing Burnthwaite Farm with us.

Everything is relative, and so perhaps the nonesense of our banter is in fact totally sane...it's just the rest of the world that isn't...!! But I doubt it.

Thanks to you all for your great company...

To view the photos on Flickr, click on the link below:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/adeeh2/sets/72157604038905027/

or to view Dave's photos:

http://www.minnellium.com/the-march-mountain-trip-wasdale

2008-01-31T20:14:00.000Z

Adrian gets a bike

2008-01-31T20:10:00.000Z

Quite extraordinary I know, but I've lashed out on a new bike on the 'cycle to work' scheme. I haven't bought a bike since my Raleigh Pioneer in abou 1996, but trying to keep up with some of my Romsey chums made me think it was time for an upgrade.

Unfortunately a flash bike and SPD shoes are no substitute for cyclists thighs and so I need to get some training in and am waiting for some lighter nights to get some more practice in.

As for the bike...well the drops gave me lower back pain at first, but that seems to be over now, and with a bit of saddle and handlebar tweeking it now seems comfortable and moreover it has a smooth and nicely balanced ride (much less jarring than the old workhorse). As it's a cross bike, I can do some off road stuff too - though I'll need some knobblier tyres to deal with mud. Had a really enjoyable time in the new forest trying it out a few weeks ago - must do more.

Dedicated to Frank.

2007-11-08T21:48:00.001Z

CIMG9792
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

A beautiful day on Aran Fawddwy, a southern outlier of Snowdonia, but a wonderful mountain and a tremendous place to view all the mountains of Wales.

I hadn't set out to dedicate the walk to Frank, the idea developed strongly as I decended and I pieced together what a really fine walk it had been, and how much Frank would have enjoyed it. All the ingredients for a Frank walk.... a hidden summit, some fine grassy walking, a rugged undulating rocky summit, marsh and tussocky grass, a deep rocky cwm to decend, and a feeling of remoteness and big quietness which reminds you of Scotland. All the ingredients I like in a walk too..

I thought a lot about Frank and his influence on me as I decended, and rembembered what a great man of the hills he was, and also what a thoroughly kind and decent man he was. He will be missed by all that knew him, but for those who walked the mountains with him - he will always be there...

For the full set of Aran Fawddwy, see the link below:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/adeeh2/sets/72157603015297640/

Frank in 2005

2007-11-08T21:44:00.000Z

Slices of Menton

2007-08-12T21:34:00.001Z

CIMG8872
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

We slipped away to Menton this year for a week and had a very relaxing time of sun, sea, and food. Photographically I was a bit concerned that I may be struggling to find some new material....and so I tried to avoid the usual shots as far as I could avoid temptation. OK, so there's one shot of a marina in the early evening, but generally I've tried to create a different 'slice' from last year's set.

Have a look at the set at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/adeeh2/sets/72157601399228591/

Walking in the Aravis

2007-07-25T22:28:00.001Z

CIMG8666
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

A year ago Dee and I agreed we would do something 1 to 1 with Sophie to celebrate her 16th birthday and naturally she persuaded me to take her trekking in the mountains....!! We stayed 2 nights at refuges which both gave us great entertainment - for example the first night at the Refuge de Doran had the entire Nimes football team staying - 30 of them in their Nimes kit..!!

We then had a stunning walk through the Col de Doran and into the wild Combe des Fours before having a couple of long relaxing doses (see the boulder in one of the photos) before arriving with minutes to spare before a giant Thunderstorm at the Chalet de Mayeres. An easy walk the next morning gave us chance to have lunch at Yvoire on Lake Geneva before an evening flight home.

Great fun, great walking, and great company

For the full set click on the link below

http://www.flickr.com/photos/adeeh2/sets/72157601006304734/

Tour des Dents du Midi

2007-07-12T18:47:00.001Z

Tour des Dents du Midi
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2

This years end of June trip was to the magnificent Dents du Midi (3257m) just south of the east end of Lake Geneva. The tour took us 4 days, traversing the near side first, and then round the back and up to the right hand and highest summit, which is in fact much easier (but no stroll in the park) from that side. Total ascent was about 3300m and about 50km.

As always great company and hilarious memories.

The full set is at the link below

http://www.flickr.com/photos/adeeh2/sets/72157600734433011/

Four Go Ape at Moors Valley

2007-06-04T21:24:00.000Z

Peter, Harriet, Izzy and I had a great morning at the 'Go Ape' treetop adventure trail at Moors Valley near Ringwood. You will notice Izzy's voice as continuous background in most of the clips....I think she enjoyed it - in fact we all did. It seemed a bit pricey at £25 per adult and £20 per child, but it did last about 3 hours so was well worth doing - in fact I want to go again.

San Francisco - the Movie

2007-06-04T20:46:00.000Z

This is my first movie...and you can probably tell. It's worth watching though for the great clip of Izzy eating a heavily filled taco, and for the surfing scenes.

Last rays of sun

2007-04-25T19:48:00.001Z

CIMG7679
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2.

Part of the spring ritual for me is to take a few bluebell photos, and this year I'm nearly a month ahead of last year. This photo was taken on 19th April, and my corresponding set from last year were taken on 14th May. OK last year was colder than recent winters have been ( I avoid using colder than average since it wasn't), but the warm and dry April have brought the spring flowers on at a real pace - it seems ages since the daffs died off.

Click on the photo to see some from this year and last on Flickr

Sorrento and Pompeii

2007-04-16T18:28:00.001Z

Sorrento
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2.

We had a lovely 3 days staying in Sorrento, from where there is so much to do - far more than we could do justice to in our short stay. However, we had a wonderful day in Pompeii - which was so extensive and endlessly facinating. The temperature was perfect too, about 19C - it must be absolutely crippling in summer though as there is no shade and it's all stone.
Sorrento was somewhat spoilt by the constant queues of traffic trying to get through the place, but there's no doubting it's spectacular setting on the cliffs looking across to Vesuvius and the Isola d'Ischia.

More pics by clicking on the link below which takes you to the full set.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/adeeh2/sets/72157600063974511/

Adrian laying it on the line with Blair and Bush

2007-03-29T19:45:00.003Z

Adrian laying it on the line with Blair and Bush
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2.

Time to get this global warming sorted says Adrian....find out more from this 'summit' by clicking on the photo.

Dee rapping with Spielberg

2007-03-29T19:44:00.001Z

Dee rapping with Spielberg
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2.

....on to Santa Cruz, the coast and San Francisco

2007-03-24T08:36:00.001Z

Golden Gate Bridge
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2.

....the final installment of our trip..!!!

After a snowy departure from Yosemite we drove the 5 hours to Santa Cruz, about 2 hours down the coast from San Francisco. Dee and the girls were not particularly taken with the town, though I rather liked it's more relaxed style...and there was a great second hand CD shop there -Starlight Records.

The next morning we watched the Santa Cruz surfers - a headland provides a great viewpoint - hence I was able to get so close with just my 4x zoom. Then we followed the beautiful Highway 1 up the coast to San Francisco - and of course had a few photo stops on the way..!!

Finally a swansong in San Francisco and a final lunch at Greens veggie restaurant ended an incredibly satisfying and memorable week. If anyone says it's not worth going for a week, don't let them put you off, time goes slowly when you're seeing new things all the time...and I reckon a second week in another place would have sort of pushed the first week out of our minds to make space...if you know what I mean. Also a great time of year to visit the area, nowhere was too busy.

I took 400 photos on this trip, and it's hard to edit them to the 80+ I've put on Flickr, but I hope it provides a strong flavour of the sights we saw and the experiences we had.

The latest batch start at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/adeeh2/432165156/

The full holiday set are at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/adeeh2/sets/72157594579964175/

...on to Yosemite

2007-03-17T07:34:00.001Z

Redwood
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2.

I enjoyed the 4 hour drive to Yosemite from San Francisco, along the freeway initially, then across the Sacramento valley, finally a big climb up highway 120 - Big Oak Flat - into Yosemite.

The village itself is purposeful rather than in any way charming...this is where people stay to go and see the sights. Everything is brown to blend in and the trees have been left as far a possible so you see as little as possible walking up out of the valley.

We had a short walk to Mirror Lake where we had a wonderful evening light shining up the valley. The next morning it was snowing and we had a tricky drive out down highway 140 to Merced and on to Santa Cruz

San Francisco - The city

2007-03-10T11:00:00.001Z

Union Square
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2.

This really is a wonderful city...we had such a relaxing time travelling round and seeing the sights....the only problem was where to park your car.

Union Square was about 5 mins walk from our hotel so we were well placed to stroll around the city centre at any time we liked. The shops were so uncrowded and full of lovely stuff that even I felt inticed to buy..!

For the photos, go to the San Francisco set at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/adeeh2/sets/72157594579964175/

San Francisco - The bridge

2007-03-10T07:27:00.001Z

Dee and Izzy on our hired bikes
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2.

We got a spectacular view of the Golden Gate bridge and San Francisco as we flew in after I persuaded the pilot to give the plane a good tilt at that point... The iconic bridge is a big magnet when you're in the city and as you're travelling around it just keeps appearing - and is always a stunning site.

This shot was taken from the city side of the bridge, on our second day in the city. we hired bikes (very nice ones too) and did an 8 mile cycle along the waterfront of the city, over the bridge (quite hard work clmbing to it and understandably noisy and breezy during the crossing), and then on to the beautiful town of Sausalito. Note that Izzy is wearing a T shirt and it's February - you can't get kids to dress properly these days...!!

More bridge pics ( rather a lot in fact..) at the link below

http://www.flickr.com/photos/adeeh2/sets/72157594579964175/

Did you know..? The Golden Gate is the strait connecting San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean. Since 1937 it has been spanned by the Golden Gate Bridge.

View from Yewbarrow

2007-03-05T19:07:00.001Z

View from Yewbarrow
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2.

If you'd asked me 20 years ago which was my favourite lakeland valley, I would have said 'Wasdale' without hesitation. But 20 years ago I'd been there only a couple of years earlier and it's glories would still have been fresh in my mind. Since then the impact has slowly faded from memory and going again has reminded me that it is the grandest and wildest 'lake valley' in the Lake District.

It's stunningly unchanged as well, paths up Scafell Pikes and Gable are clearly well used, but the paths on Scafell and up Yewbarrow was surprisingly small, and the hills west of Yewbarrow must be very quiet. Of course there is no Ambleside or Keswick, and no boats on the lake (but quite a few groups of divers inticed by it's great depths).

As usual the trip was brilliant, not just because of the scenery and walking, but the excitement of getting a group together who rarely see each other in between. It takes about 5 minutes to get back into the swing of things, with intellectual discussions dominating as usual, with topics this year ranging from gerbil habitats to relationships, and flesh weight to piano wire...

Click on the photo or use the link below to see the whole set

http://flickr.com/photos/adeeh2/sets/72157594571772226/

Brecon Beacons

2007-02-11T23:09:00.000Z

Cwm Llwch, ascending Corn Du
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2.

We struck lucky with the timing of our Brecon Beacons trip... myself, Peter, Andy, Andy, and Rob arrived the day after the biggest snow dump of the winter. The minor roads were blocked so we walked in from the A470 into Cwm Llych and onto Corn du and Pen-y-fan, and had some wonderful lighting for the first hour or two, after which the mist and light rain set in.

a great day out

Tamworth Snowdome

2007-02-01T19:52:00.000Z

Tamworth Snowdome
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2.

I went to Tamworth on a work visit this week and had a quick look round the snowdome there. Quite an amazing place actually.
There is a skating rink and quite a long track round the outside, so you can do your moves in the middle away from the fast skaters. There's also a childrens area with sledges and stuff and then a main ski slope which is pretty big as well as a smaller beginners ski slope.

Looks good, but not exactly convenient for us.

Sophie's Art Award

2007-02-01T19:42:00.000Z

Wow, we were really impressed when Sophie got the school art award this year. I think she was even more suprised when it was anounced in assembly and she had to go up to get it - something she has always dreaded.

She got a good book too..!!

2007-02-01T19:38:00.000Z

...And here is the comedian..!!

National cyclocross Championships

2007-01-07T19:26:00.000Z

Dave on lap 2
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2.

In another amazing cycling incident I find myself down at Southampton sports centre taking some photos of the event for cousin Dave and his 3 team mates...!! It was great fun and very muddy - even off the track. Anyway they all did a heroic job of getting round the course, which, by the time the seniors (the final and main event) took place, was chewed up by the previous races to a pretty gruesome state.

More photos for mud and cycling fans if you click on photo or the link below. Note that my backside has yet to touch a saddle outside of the gym..!!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/52143468@N00/

Velodrome.... again

2006-12-20T20:28:00.000Z

Velodrome
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2.

After last weeks blurred pics at the Velodrome I thought I'd try some panning this time. I've never tried it before but seem to remember reading that 1/10-1/30 sec is a good speed to use to blurr the background but still have a reasonable chance of freezing the subject...so I had a go...

I think I've been rather lucky with the light as late sunlight was spilling onto this corner of the track so I could get the shadow too.

I've added a couple more on flickr if you click on the link...

What...has Adrian been cycling..??

2006-12-12T23:04:00.000Z

Calshot Velodrome
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2.

No, not really, but I did have a 'bicycle' experience at Calshot velodrome when I popped in to watch these heros in action...one of whom appeared to have come a cropper and was sitting under a blanket. Took a few blurred photos at about 1/30 sec...but must go down again and try some panning (perhaps even cycling...'Never' I hear you shout).

...the morning after....

2006-12-06T20:05:00.000Z

Wave Sequence 2
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2.

We had a really stormy night on Saturday 2nd December and went down to Hengistbury Head to check out the waves and damage. The waves were the best I've seen on this coast.

Time to try some film??

2006-11-25T16:04:00.000Z

Harking back to my blog comments in June I had the urge to try some film again and I had a B&W film scanned from my Leica Minilux. I have to say that I was pretty amazed by the moodiness of the results...and gritty contrast
click on them for a larger photo - what do you think ?

The top 2 pics are Fuji Neopan 400CN on my minilux

This is a B&W from my Casio - not quite the same view , but it's dead on its feet by comparison....gloom

2006-11-25T15:58:00.000Z

minilux - iso 400 film. These indoor shots have strong contrast too...and my digital goes very noisy at iso 400
...again click on the photos to see a bigger version
I like this one....looks like it could have been taken in the 1950's (not that Dee isn't looking trendy...)

...so I think I'll be putting a film through now and again, though I'll probably stick with Black and White. I did find it strange not being able to view the photo immediately but I enjoyed the delayed gratification.

Our 21st Anniversary

2006-11-22T22:13:00.000Z

Dee and me - our 21st Anniversary meal
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2.

Dee and I had a lovely couple of days in Bath for our 21st...

Click on the picture to see some night scenes...!!!

Blencathra - Gategill Fell

2006-11-22T22:11:00.000Z

Blencathra - Gategill Fell
Originally uploaded by Arctic Wolf.

Not my photo, though I'd love to claim it or to have been there. Always great to see the first snow of the winter in the Lakes.

Got £3000 to spare..??

2006-11-13T22:02:00.000Z

...and the lens is extra !!

Leica have finally made the step to produce the M8 digital rangefinder. It looks virtually like the M7 but has the LCD etc on the back and a 10mp sensor. I'd love to have a go with it if anyone fancies buying one....but I suppose that means I'll just have to look at the pictures on the web. Of course it can't be worth it, when you can get a digital SLR with a 10mp sensor including a lens for about £1000...??? but just check the photos at the link below...and look at the detail, saturation, tonal quality, and 3D impact...I want one !!

http://uwe.cameraphile.org/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=leica_m8

The Unconquerables

2006-11-03T19:18:00.000Z

Sophie took some photos for her art project on our environment as a 'non climbing' ploy at Stanage. Without realising it she took a picture of the Gritstone classic 'The Right Unconquerable' which follows the very left hand crack.

You can just see the climber at bottom left. I've done this route with John Parker, Steve Riley and Mark in the past.
This is Sophie's pencil drawing of the same...very powerful I reckon

Climbing with Neil and Clare

2006-11-02T22:06:00.000Z

A perfect day at the end of October on Stanage edge in the Peak District...

Neil and Clare - our marvellous guides for the day
Dee and me in action
Sophie - born to climb...
Izzy on a 4c crux...great footwork

More pics on Flickr at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/52143468@N00/sets/72157594357857538/detail/

Visiting the Rileys

2006-11-02T22:02:00.000Z

Adorable Jenna and Alice
Just check out those cute cheeks...!!

Dee and Soph...looking pretty similar in profile..!!

Art in the Gardens

2006-10-11T19:38:00.000Z

CIMG5186
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2.

The Hilliers Arboretum in Romsey is full of sculptures...making it a really interesting. I love the way sculpture changes as you walk around it...and of course it gives great material to get snapping.

Try the slideshow if you click on the picture and then view the 'Hilliers set'

Going Digital

2006-09-30T09:26:00.000Z

I'm going to change my approach to blog a bit as I'm finding Flickr better for photos due to it's easier upload, and organising capability.

So for starters, here are a few thoughts on our move to digital entertainment... This splendidly sleek gadget is a PVR (Personal Video Recorder) which has a twin digital tuner so we can record 2 programmes at the same time, or watch one and record another, it has 160Gb storage so we can store about 100 hours of TV, and the programming guide means it's dead easy to schedule your recordings. You can also pause and rewind live TV (it has a 2 hour buffer), and playback is simple too, just list the files you've recorded and hit play. When you don't want it anymore, simply hit delete. You may all know this stuff and have one - but's it's been a real jaw-dropper for me.

I'm really bowled over by how simple and flexible this PVR is....no more: having to find gaps on your video tapes, having to take the tape out before someone records over it, limitations of tape legth and space, storage space for tapes, wanting to watch a video whilst you want to tape something, setting the timer only to find someone has switched it off to watch a video and forgotten to put the timer back on ..!!.

..and of course I get all the digital channels - and I'm finding BBC4 and UKTV History to have a lot that I like.

The net effect..after a couple of weeks is that I now record stuff, where I'd felt it wasn't worth the hassle before...This week I have recorded all the Leeds Piano competition - just sheduled them all up, and have watched them later at night...and it has been enthralling. Perhaps the word 'hassle' is key, sometimes I buy things and they make life more complex, other things like this are really positive at giving you the control.

It cost £200 pounds... but looks like money well spent in my opinion...and thanks to Rob Phippen for his unflinching recommendation of this technology.

Alec's 60th

2006-09-30T08:53:00.000Z

Chris, Helen, Richard
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2.

A great fun and full-on family weekend of McNeill's on 15/16 Sept. Lots of suprise guests as always...

Lots more photos if you click on the picture

Mark and Sarah

2006-09-29T06:56:00.000Z

Great to see my big brother and Sarah...forgotten just how big he is..!! We went to Highcliffe beach, Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth, and the New Forest, and they met some of our friends in Romsey.
Above all we had lots of laughs about silly things that only he and I find funny...a great tonic..!!

2006-09-29T06:50:00.000Z

Spinnaker Tower Portsmouth...

How many can you get on a Trig Piller. This was 3...but we managed to get 4..!!
Dee and Sarah

Maritime Alps Trek

2006-08-25T10:16:00.000Z

Day 3 - decending into the Valmasque valley
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2.

Rather than having 2 weeks of non stop relaxation and swimming at Menton, we (or is that 'I' ..??) like to squeeze in some adventure and exercise. 2 years ago we stayed a night at the Valmasque Refuge and got totally soaked in a massive thunderstorm on the way up...so this time we thought we'd extend the trip to a 3 day circuit (but with decent waterproof clothing), and including a days high level walk through the famous Vallee des Merveilles between the Refuges of Merveilles and Valmasque.

Well, it didn't rain, we had a load of laughs, saw some wonderful things, toned our legs, got some great memories, had some awful nights sleep, and then we went back to the Med for some more swimming and relaxation (Menton photos below).

Click on link below for the full photo set on Flickr....in the right order
http://www.flickr.com/photos/52143468@N00/sets/72157594250164211/

Menton holiday

2006-08-20T20:41:00.000Z

CIMG3866
Originally uploaded by Adeeh2.

We had a lovely fortnight in Menton at Paddy's flat.

This shows morning light on the old town...there was a layer of darkish cloud behind the town which was lit along with the town by the first sun of the morning - about 7am.

We also had 3 days in the mountains - pics to follow when I get chance to load them up...

Click on the link below to see the a selection of photos on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/52143468@N00/sets/72157594242283829/

Highcliffe beach

2006-07-07T21:28:00.000Z

Highcliffe Castle beach at 10am on Saturday 1st July - a simply gorgeous morning .

...And the day England's World Cup hopes were dashed.
Isle of Wight in the distance