NikonGear'23
Travelogues => Travel Diaries => Topic started by: Birna Rørslett on May 10, 2019, 20:06:24
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I safely arrived at Dave's place in Killin earlier today. There are practical issues to be sorted but hopefully the solution is found before we drive westwards towards Kintail tomorrow morning. For example, my comfortable walking shoes didn't go well with the cramped layout of my little rental car thus one unintentionally steps on the accelerator instead of the brake -- can lead to disaster :( Using my medium-heel pumps instead worked better but they were never designed for use in driving a car. Oh well. What is an existence without challenges?
The obvious image of stepping into Scotland would be this (depicting whisky barrels of course).
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Birna, i wish you and the entire NG folk an unforgetable time in Scotland!
Looking forward to the images to come!
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Great entrance in Scotland. Have all a beautiful time in Scotland !! Very curious about the coming images !
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My event began at 6.00 this morning,with a delicious misty sunrise here in Killin - from where Birna and I will stroll up to Kintail later.
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Dave, it looks like a very promising start!
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just arrived in Edinburgh...
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stuck for a lunch break, car not ready yet. Decent Thai Food and a bottle of water 13.5 quid
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Kintail right now -- one of the Five Sisters :D
180/4 CV, Z6
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Lots of alder trees here in Kintail.
CV 180/4, Z6
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A couple more hills and is there a naked Scotsman hiding somewhere?
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The scourge of the west: Rhododendron ponticum. It is actually a rather pretty 'weed' and deserves to be beautified. In a 'weedy' manner, of course.
8-15 Fish, Z6
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Lots of alder trees here in Kintail.
CV 180/4, Z6
Beautifull captured Birna! enjoy your trip in Scotland and everyone else out there.
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The scourge of the west: Rhododendron ponticum. It is actually a rather pretty 'weed' and deserves to be beautified. In a 'weedy' manner, of course.
8-15 Fish, Z6
So what defines a weed as opposed to non-weed I suppose?
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So what defines a weed as opposed to non-weed I suppose?
Man. And man's view of Nature.
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Man. And man's view of Nature.
Ahhh, "One man's pudding is another man's poison", thanks for the explanation. :)
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After a hectic three day journey to Kintail I visited Benmoor Gardens and unexpectedly stumbled on the Scottish six day motorcycle trial, an international motorcycle trial. I have never seen the Scottish trial, the standard of riding was amazing.
In my way to the first trial this morning the Loch was like a mirror, I could not resist making several pano's this is the simplest, quick to process.
D3 with 24 - 120mm f/4.0
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/40860691123_a4a366e24f_o.png)
This is one of many photo's I made this morning on the first sections of 'The Scottish'.
Emma Bristow, five times Ladies World Champion Trial Rider.
D3, same lens.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/46910831715_7ec556dcef_o.png)
Marc Terricabras of Spain.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/40860914703_09f1c179f3_o.png)
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On our way to the lodge
D500 500/5.6 PF
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Looking at all the the nice pictures it is hard to wait until Monday to meet you all.
Looking forward to meet you in woodlands.
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A couple more hills and is there a naked Scotsman hiding somewhere?
great set, Dave.
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The natives are collecting natural resources.
180/4 CV, Z6
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one thing that is special about Nikongear is: I meet a lot of beautiful people....
This is Robert
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;D... in beautiful landscapes ...
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More Kintail views. The contrasts in topography and landscape colours are stunning. In fact, reminding me of Western Norway at this time of the year. Thus I feel a familiar connectivity to the Scottish nature.
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Two members of the Pea Family, Gorse Ulex europaeus and Scotch Broom Cytisus scoparius, are on prominent display in the landscape. Neither is popular and rather regarded as pest species, but their innate beautify cannot be defined.
Nikkor 50/1.8Z, Fotodiox extension tube, Z6.
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the early bird catches the worm
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Bruno as a backdrop for a green I could not pass
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yellow was also of interest to me
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More Kintail views. The contrasts in topography and landscape colours are stunning. In fact, reminding me of Western Norway at this tie of the year. Thus I feel a familiar connectivity to the Scottish nature.
As David said, "Norway is like Scotland on steroids".
I like the image of the woman carrying those nets full of straw.
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More Kintail views. The contrasts in topography and landscape colours are stunning. In fact, reminding me of Western Norway at this tie of the year. Thus I feel a familiar connectivity to the Scottish nature.
Beautiful perspective compression a la Birna's style.
the early bird catches the worm
Frank, glad you caught the worm!
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Broom and especially Gorse are the scourge of the New Zealand countryside and the presence of Gorse is unfortunately also spreading in southern Australia.
Two members of the Pea Family, Gorse Ulex europaeus and Scotch Broom Cytisus scoparius, are on prominent display in the landscape. Neither is popular and rather regarded as pest species, but their innate beautify cannot be defined.
Nikkor 50/1.8Z, Fotodiox extension tube, Z6.
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Spent the morning hours chasing some small native dandelions of the Erythrosperma section. These small prostrate species inhabit open, sandy soils and only ingrained habits would lead one to classify them as 'weeds' (due to their belonging to the Taraxacum genus).
Identifying Taraxacum microspecies is a mixture of black magic, art, insights, and sheer luck. I managed to arrive at a tentative identification for the two species I photographed. Here is Taraxacum oxoniense (yellow) side by side with the small Daisy Bellis perennis (skye blue).
Nikon D600, UV-Nikkor 105/4.5 + Baader U filter. Daylight. The UV-Nikkor will never win a bokeh competition, but is a darned sharp lens otherwise.
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Loch Duin
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in Glen Suardal
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more of today
a plastic snake and a whacky edit dove
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two more
reflected construction and empty Loch, same Loch as the dam further up
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Frank, glad you caught the worm!
this time I was the early worm catching the bird
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Broom and especially Gorse are the scourge of the New Zealand countryside and the presence of Gorse is unfortunately also spreading in southern Australia.
In California, Spanish Broom has escaped gardens and become an invasive exotic.
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The famous local attraction, Eilean Donan Castle.
UV-Nikkor, D600
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The proper way of shooting the Eilean Donan Castle.
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Perhaps these might better placed in the signs section...
The Earth - Mars, twin towns sign is explained in the final image.
Off to Skye...
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Catch of the day: animals, including the mandatory highland bull
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Catch of the day: plants
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Catch of the day: first light on water
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My day-2 images
1. Reflections at Eilan nan Gael
2. Sad-looking boat at Eilan nan Gae
3. Conifer woodlands on the Glenelg road
4. Spring comes to Eilan Donan
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water pollution = pollen solution abstract
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local attraction
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Is bracketing useful, Frank?
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Catch of the day: plants
How could I forgot the Orchis? Immediately identified by Birna.
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Gunver and I are really looking forward to see you. Lots of wonderful pictures all ready.
Hopefully there is a bite left from the dinner, when we arrive ;)
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Scottish landscape, false-colour infrared.
UV-Nikkor, D600.
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deep into a bluebell
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water surface
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'Thank you all for the images! Best!
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I am thoroughly enjoying the images that you have posted!
I am glad to how see Bruno is showing off his 500P :)
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shopping groceries Francis and Frank visited Broadford again and went to the pier there. Some shots:
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Mike arrived and allowed me to use his new 14-30/4Z for a while.
Scotch Broom with Dave and the Five Sisters (mountain peaks) as background.
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several colors of algae:
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Scotch Daffodils around a pole erected on a mountain pass ... No idea of what its purpose might be.
14-30/4Z, Z6
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fishing gear
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sea food ... eaten alive
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Catch of Monday: Birds I
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Catch of Monday: Birds II: two very cooperating juvenile White-throated Dippers. They almost landed on my feet.
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While I'm at the Dipper, one of the parents of the juvenile above, showing how well camouflaged they are.
EDIT: Ouups, no, I was too quick. It is not one of the parents but a different bird. Thanks to Bent for pointing it out. It looks like a Common Sandpiper.
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more sea weed
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Finally, not a bird but Cladonia, a moss like lichen (thanks to Birna's identification service here in the lodge's main room)
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Burning man :)
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The Burning Team
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Have an amazing time, as I know you will, and keep them coming!
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To give an idea of the lie of the land where we are operating, here is a view towards our place in Glen Shiel showing Loch Duich in the middle ground and the Five Sister range as a backdrop. The snow dusting mostly disappeared in the last two days.
14-30Z on my Z6.
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NG meetings always provide for unexpected challenges. Dave and Robert (Seapy)
50Z, Z6
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NG gatherings are always great and even greater when a French chef participates
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Now at last at the NG meeting, got a delicious meal to greet us, thank you.
In the garden the common chaffinch was singing, this is not as great as Brunos, but I will try to improve. ;)
At least I got started
D500 300PF plus 1.4 converter.
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I got some shots still....
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and more
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and even more
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more even...
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Day 3 - a few more from around Dornie and Loch Duich -
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NG meetings always provide for unexpected challenges. Dave and Robert (Seapy)
50Z, Z6
Nothing too troubling, I trust. Good images hitting the website, in any event. :)
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Interesting to see your different picture styles, all a treat.
Thank you! /Eric
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So nice to see your all having a blast!
So many grat images as well ;) Thanks for sharing!
Continue the fun, many greetings to all of you :-*
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in the enchanted forest
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whatever
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A study of photographic style. Tourists at Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Duich.
UV-Nikkor, D600
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We went for a trip to Skye with the Gleneg Sky Ferry, a very interesting boat trip.
We did not see the Sea Eagle, but found an Otter.
We had music to many of our pictures ;)
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On the trip to Skye today, we traveled on a lot of singe track roads, this takes a long time.
The trip with the Glenelg Sky Ferry was very spectacular, and the skipper was a young woman :)
Everything on the boat was man powered, so the two had a lot of pushing to do.
The nature is very spectacular, and I found some small objects.
Looking forward to explore more of Skye and Scotland.
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One more from the trip
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One more
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Even some more
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The last ones
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The Male Scaly-Fern Dryopteris affinis aggr. is unfurling its young shoot.
50/1.8Z + Fotodiox extension, Z6
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Apart from taking the opportunity of meeting my former and new NG friends, I was lured to Skye by the occurrence of a few rare or exotic aquatic plants.
Today I visited Loch Cill Chriosd with Robert (Seapy) and was very happy to find Potamogeton coloratus (Fen pondweed) on its only site on Skye.
As this is a submerged species I had no choice but to jump into the water (which wasn't very warm).
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We went for a trip to Skye with the Gleneg Sky Ferry, a very interesting boat trip.
We did not see the Sea Eagle, but found an Otter.
We had music to many of our pictures ;)
Very nice pictures Bent - and certainly also nice weather. As you might guess, I especially like the otter picture. I have only seen otters once - on Vancouver Island many years ago.
Have a nice continuation of the Nikongear get-together.
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Apart from taking the opportunity of meeting my former and new NG friends, I was lured to Skye by the occurrence of a few rare or exotic aquatic plants.
Today I visited Loch Cill Chriosd with Robert (Seapy) and was very happy to find Potamogeton coloratus (Fen pondweed) on its only site on Skye.
As this is a submerged species I had no choice but to jump into the water (which wasn't very warm).
Hi Birna,
It seems you have a waterproof camera in your hand - do you have a picture of the Potamogeton coloratus as it grows submerged/floating?
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Hi Birna,
It seems you have a waterproof camera in your hand - do you have a picture of the Potamogeton coloratus as it grows submerged/floating?
Would have if I had checked in advance the battery wasn't depleted :( however, sampled many specimens and will take them back home to record all details in my aquaria.
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we had a three hour drive and a four hour walk on Skye with some hours of photo shooting as breaks inbetween ...
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Very nice pictures Bent - and certainly also nice weather. As you might guess, I especially like the otter picture. I have only seen otters once - on Vancouver Island many years ago.
Have a nice continuation of the Nikongear get-together.
Thank you for the kind words. I have seen otters before in the river flowing through Prato in Italy.
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Pulled over quickly when I saw the unexpected flying of St.Andrews together with the Pride flag. Really made my day combined with the earlier find of the endearing Potamogeton.
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Day 4 - hot and hazy - I shot mainly close-up subjects.
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I am thoroughly enjoying all these fascinating and beautiful photographs — and regretting so much that it was not possible for me to be there with you all.
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Thanks for sharing all this. I can at least enjoy it through your post. Looks like another fascinating NG meeting!
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I am thoroughly enjoying all these fascinating and beautiful photographs — and regretting so much that it was not possible for me to be there with you all.
decode that:
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two of the end of the world (up/down):
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this field got the blues...
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white blossom tree
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Thanks so much to everyone posting. I particularly appreciate seeing pictures of the unique small details as well as of the overall landscape.
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every body is sitting and editing....
... Bruno is standing on a hill shooting after a 3.5 hour walk and lots of shots ....
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möreh
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Wow some great shots, more relaxed way of speech. :)
Suggestion please include exif data with your images, thank you.
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Great shots indeed. They all combined give a very attractive view of Scotland.
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cups of coffee in the North of Scotland
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cups of coffee in the North of Scotland
Really nice group shot!
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Scottish coffee or Irish coffee? ;D
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Star Trails above the Skye Bridge last night. Conditions not ideal, with streaky thin high cloud. The moon intruded to the left which meant I had to crop slightly and a graduated filter to reduce the moon's glare.
The fisheye distortion makes the bridge appear flat, it is anything but.
D800, 16mm f/2.8 fisheye, 214 exposures at 15 seconds @ f/4, ISO400, 17 second intervals, about an hour of taking.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/32912435077_81a4930267_o.jpg)
I took a similar set above the Eilean Donan Castle but that set will require Ps for processing because the castle was floodlit until nearly midnight, I got three usable images of the floodlit castle before the lights went out so I need to layer one of those images in. I don't have Ps on my little 2010 MBP, it struggles enough with Lr.
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Rosko going to great length to give me a picture of a photographer in action!
He is not taking a fancy yoga pose while meditating in the woods. Actually, he tumbled and spectacularly fell just when I was ready to take the picture.
Life is not (always) easy in an NG gathering ;)
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Yesterday catch of the day: one piece each of the best smoked salmon I've ever had. Locally raised, produced, cured, smoked ... and eaten!
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Great stuff to read and photos to view. Enjoy all!
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I am throughly enjoying it too. Keep up the good.... It looks too much like fun to call it work ;)
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Today we explored the Ile of Skye
This is my view of the day. Interesting cars and nature.
#1
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#2
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#3
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Really nice group shot!
thank you, Akira, we were talking about you a lot ... only nice things ...
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#4 & 5
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drive by shooting
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#6 & 7
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Having arrived a couple of days later, I have some catching up to do. My contribution.
1. Evening view of the castle.
2. Looking SW from Kirkton.
3. On the beach.
4. Photog meets photog.
5. Swamp reeds from Svardal.
6. Across Loch Alsh.
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#8 & 9
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The last one from today
From Staffin
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The day route was for the north of Ile of Skye.
First picture is from the Kintail Logde
#2 is from Broadford
#3 Harbor in Portre
#4 Old man at Store
#5 At river Tote
The rest is from close to Quiraing
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#3 & 4
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#5 & 6
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#7 & 8
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#9 & 10
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red roof
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We found deers
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Thank you, Dave!
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great hairdo
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Lines, layers and a pattern
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orange stone
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stone full of faces
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if you are NIFTY you do not have a label ?
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rosko
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if the light is bad there are still some places and angles left where it does not hit so hard ....
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WYSIWYG
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Late to the party here, but vicariously enjoying your adventure and camaraderie along with some very enjoyable photos.
In California, Spanish Broom has escaped gardens and become an invasive exotic.
So have gorse and Scots broom farther north on the coast, all the way to British Columbia in Canada.
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nice place...
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...with lots of small flowers
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knifeish
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reinstalled Windows before breakfast, now I am back on my computer
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Frank is doing Thrift-"shopping".
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a lot of good pictures - beside Davids landscapes in my opinion Gunvers landscape series and Brunos lines and patterns are outstanding
luckily weather is your friend - have fun
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Lines, layers and a pattern
Bruno, Bruno, Bruno!
That first image is superb!
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dancing elves in a creek
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After a long night of philosophical discussions, Frank decided to have a morning shave, but only found nail scissors :(
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Today Bent and I just had a walk in the area, no driving.
Looking for interesting things.
All pictures taken close to the lodge, along the river.
The last picture is Birnas setup for stacking. Looks like 3 trolls.
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Set number 2
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And now the last ones, and the one with Birnas plants
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I had enough of driving, so today Gunver and I just walk around the river.
I had seen some sights some days ago, so had to get there with the right equipment ;)
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serene landscape
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Set number 2
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The last from today.
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tree married to stone ...
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the blue field again ...
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... and the one with Birnas plants
My plants being Pipewort Eriocaulon aquaticum, a north American species curiously also found on Skye !! another inducement for attending the NG meet-up.
I went yesterday to an anonymous little loch at Luib, Skye, far away from the beaten track and with a tongue-twisting name, Loch nam Madadh Uisgue. This time I had a working battery in my little AW1 and could shoot the submerged rosettes on the loch floor. Heavy proliferations of algae obscured the view though, thus I collected a few samples and brought them back to our lodge for further studies.
I found the peculiar root structures to be another intriguing aspect of this enigmatic aquatic species. Strangely similar to earth worms, wouldn't you think?
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We bring our own French chef to ensure dinner is made to perfection for our subscribing members :)
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and from the other side, but contrary to Birna,only a smartphone pic ...
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behind our house the local hills dressed in evening light
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My plants being Pipewort Eriocaulon aquaticum, a north American species curiously also found on Skye !! another inducement for attending the NG meet-up.
I went yesterday to an anonymous little loch at Luib, Skye, far away from the beaten track and with a tongue-twisting name, Loch nam Madadh Uisgue. This time I had a working battery in my little AW1 and could shoot the submerged rosettes on the loch floor. Heavy proliferations of algae obscured the view though, thus I collected a few samples and brought them back to our lodge for further studies.
I found the peculiar root structures to be another intriguing aspect of this enigmatic aquatic species. Strangely similar to earth worms, wouldn't you think?
Had to look it up,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eriocaulon (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eriocaulon)
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My plants being Pipewort Eriocaulon aquaticum, a north American species curiously also found on Skye !! another inducement for attending the NG meet-up.
I went yesterday to an anonymous little loch at Luib, Skye, far away from the beaten track and with a tongue-twisting name, Loch nam Madadh Uisgue. This time I had a working battery in my little AW1 and could shoot the submerged rosettes on the loch floor. Heavy proliferations of algae obscured the view though, thus I collected a few samples and brought them back to our lodge for further studies.
I found the peculiar root structures to be another intriguing aspect of this enigmatic aquatic species. Strangely similar to earth worms, wouldn't you think?
Great shots of this exotic plant, that I never heard of before (probably my fault). Great underwater shot with the AW1 despite the algae bloom!
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We bring our own French chef to ensure dinner is made to perfection for our subscribing members :)
The table is laid out really nicely, but it would be good to see some food on the plates!
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The table is laid out really nicely, but it would be good to see some food on the plates!
Good cooking needs time :)
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Day 5 (Wednesday) - another hot hazy day - shots in Kintail, in Applecross, and on the way there.
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Very random stuff, picked up in the previous days as we came back too late to process.
1 and 2: Mineral world. From the river on the other side of the road, roughly.
3 and 4: Animal world. The dipper is not the best of the lot but I like how perfectly round it is, like there is a magnifying lens in front of his head.
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our neighbours
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Good cooking needs time :)
Looks pretty good now :)
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this street is busy, but I still sleep well ....
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Loch Cill Chriosd near Broadford houses the only known occurrence of Potamogeton coloratus (Fen Pondweed) in Skye. I went there a few days ago with Robert (seapy) and collected a few specimens. One of them thanked me by coming into flower this morning. A very distinct and easily recognisable Pondweed this one.
Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8 AFD on the Z6, focus stacking with Zerene.
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An afternoon in Colruisk - remote and only accessible by boat or by foot.
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An afternoon in Colruisk - remote and only accessible by boat or by foot.
great shots, Mike, Thank Y>ou!
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went out with Dave for a night shooting ,,,, got some nice shots ...
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After a long night of philosophical discussions, Frank decided to have a morning shave, but only found nail scissors :(
Oh, no, that's too bad...Frank with his face covered with lichen...
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Oh, no, that's too bad...Frank with his face covered with lichen...
in Bruno´s last series pic 3 you see him shaved ;D
I like so much these water/ground patterns or lines, as now David shoes in one of his pictures...
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in Bruno´s last series pic 3 you see him shaved ;D
Yes, I noticed that after I had posted the comment. :D Good for Frank!
All the participants seems to be very much inspired!
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biker girl taking a nap near her bike ... it is a safe place obviously ...
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I thought I had posted this picture of a little red squirrel but checking back I must have been so excited by the Scottish six day trial that I forgot.
It was taken on Thursday, at Ben Moor botanic garden on my way up to Glen Shiel.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/32923407537_f5423b3022_b.jpg)
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Scotland offers so many photographic opportunities...
a) aquatic plants
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b) flowers
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c) rocks
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and one boat
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Thank you all for sharing the experience. Not jealous at all ::)
Frank, those aquatic plants images are extra nice!
(and the boat) :)
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The submerged foliage of the rare Potamogeton coloratus provides delicate and amazing structural details. (Crop) Life-size capture with AFD Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8 on the Z6, hand-held 1600 ISO. Sorry brought no Stackshot rail thus sharpness is not optimal.
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Today Gunver and I was the "early birds". Had to get up to manage to get to the Glenfinnan viaduct, to photograph the "Harry Potter" train, it is actually the The Jacobite.
Two versions.
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Birna ready for dinner.
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From the todays trip to Glenfinnan.
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Frank, those aquatic plants images are extra nice!
(and the boat) :)
Thank you, Paco!
I safely arrived in Edinburgh and treat myself in the hotel restaurant an bar now :-)
I took a few shots today, esp Landscapes in Loch Lomond National park and a Dieseltrain on the Viaduct...
no! Two Diesel Trains actually!!!
DOWNLOADING>>>>>>>
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Today Gunver and I was the "early birds". Had to get up to manage to get to the Glenfinnan viaduct, to photograph the "Harry Potter" train, it is actually the The Jacobite.
Two versions.
very nice shots, Bent!!!
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train one
train two
landscape one
landscape two
mister sterling
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Got the traditional tick bite today -- very small bugger thus a nymph. Might induce a lasting memory of Scotland :)
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Beautiful train shots Frank!
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I am a little out of step - these are my images from Thursday - Day6.
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Today Gunver and I was the "early birds". Had to get up to manage to get to the Glenfinnan viaduct, to photograph the "Harry Potter" train, it is actually the The Jacobite.
Two versions.
Very good, Bent, I'm having trouble choosing one image over the other! :)
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I am a little out of step - these are my images from Thursday - Day6.
Wow, Dave, I think you saved the best image for last! JMO. ;)
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Beautiful train shots Frank!
at a resolution of next to 50 Megapixels, I decided 58mm on a full frame with 64 ISO is good for details and context at the same time!
For this 100% crop I probably have to reduce sharpening. It kills details...
Sharpening down from 7 to 3 in the second version of the shot...
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Frank leaves, Scotland weeps
breakfast
... in the park
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we had a drink (or two)
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Quick edit of the last shots, taken on the way to the airport:
1: Right place, right time , wrong train! What, a diesel, no steam????
2 and 3: Landscapes and a tiny piece of Frank
4 and 5: for the sake of it, the last 2 pictures from Scotland
Now off to the airport after a truly remarkable week, in a fantastic place with equally great company. I still have a lot to process as I skipped a day or two, and I'll take time to have a better look at what has been posted by the others.
Thanks, Dave, for setting it up, Rosko for the fantastic cook and ride and company, and everyone else for the company and what you teached me.
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Overall by the look of it the weather was fine with mild temperatures. :)
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Indeed, often over 20 degree
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Indeed, often over 20 degree
Thanks for all the excursions!
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Thank you all for a joyful week.
Thank David for making it possible, and thank Francis for a fantastic dinner.
Many good talks about photography.
May find some more photos to share.
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Thanks, mates ! :D
I arrived at home this morning at five after an almost non-stop journey.
A fantastic week together. Couldn't say bye bye to Gunver, Bent, Dave and Mike, as we decided to leave earlier for time purpose.
A special thank to Dave, who organised this memorable stay and guided us to the best spots, and so made this event even more successful ! 8).
Now, time to process few pictures that my old laptop couldn't do. ::)
Francis.
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To all participants - I received the following email last night, frm the owners -
"Hi,
Just to let you know that someone in your party has left behind an i phone charger and an i pod docking station (I think ).If you can give us their address, we can post it on to them. Glad you had a successful trip,
Sue"
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Thank you, Dave ... wonderful to meet you again ... pity we did not meet Mayumi this time .... next time again for sure
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South pole, Isle of Skye, a mile of rocky walk from the natural harbour at the point of Sleath
https://www.isleofskye.com/skye-guide/top-ten-skye-walks/the-point-of-sleat
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Day 7- Friday - am, a visit to remote Glenelg; pm - a trip to northern Skye
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RAAF Spitfire attack at Edinburgh.
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Extraordinary images from extraordinary Scotland.
Thank you all for sharing!
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Gunver and I stayed in Scotland after the NG meeting, vent to Inverness.
After Davids suggestion we took General Wade's Military Road back down along Loch Ness, as yesterday the weather was not good, so we hurried away to Inverness.
Today we got lots of clouds, and less traffic than on the highway to Tillburg ;) We had cows and sheep on the road instead.
It is a slow road, but very scenic, thank you for the suggestion David.
I can't upload the picture :(
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The picture
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Bent: Apparently, any posting issue has sorted itself?
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Yes :)
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Well my plans to continue up the NW coast fell apart. As I was driving over to Applecross over the Bealach na Bà pass as I reached the higher hairpin bends I was baulked by traffic and the clutch began slipping very badly, I nearly didn't make it to the top. Reaching Applecross I decided the sensible option was to break for home, rather than going into areas I was unfamiliar with in a dodgy car, on my own.
I left Applecross at noon and arrived home at 3am this morning, having nursed the clutch all the way. Spent most of the day in bed, catching up. My plan for a leisurely exploration went up in smoke!
I think I may have some photo's from the drive before the clutch went.
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Well my plans to continue up the NW coast fell apart. As I was driving over to Applecross over the Bealach na Bà pass as I reached the higher hairpin bends I was baulked by traffic and the clutch began slipping very badly, I nearly didn't make it to the top. Reaching Applecross I decided the sensible option was to break for home, rather than going into areas I was unfamiliar with in a dodgy car, on my own.
I left Applecross at noon and arrived home at 3am this morning, having nursed the clutch all the way. Spent most of the day in bed, catching up. My plan for a leisurely exploration went up in smoke!
I think I may have some photo's from the drive before the clutch went.
Sorry to hear about the clutch, Robert. No way to wind up an exciting week. Are you going to replace the slippery disc yourself?
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Today Bent and I took a trip on Genral Wade's Military Road fra Inverness and south to Fort Augustus.
Very nice scenery. A very narrow road :o
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Gunver: In your nice pictures it is clearly to be seen that this kind of weather is much better photographically. Lucky you. And you got the VW GOLF in the same rental category I got the ASTRA .... "Huyundai i30 or equivalent" ... I wold have been so happy with the Huyundai or theVW but I got a furking OPEL!
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Sorry to hear about the clutch, Robert. No way to wind up an exciting week. Are you going to replace the slippery disc yourself?
Yes, been watching You Tube videos all afternoon. :(
I've done a few modern FWD clutches, seems there's nothing too difficult with this one I don't think and I have all the gear, tools, etc. It's driving OK again at present (I couldn't make it slip when I went out earlier.) but it will have to be done or the flywheel will suffer. Darned nuisance, have plenty to do without fixing cars up.
On my way home my biggest worry was getting up Glen Coe, it's quite steep towards the top. I took it easy in second gear and managed OK. The road had been cleared by an Aston Martin, two Ferraris and a very fast/powerful Toyota! I just followed them up in their wake. They sounded very nice, ;D the sound of their exhausts echoing across the Glen. I didn't fill up before Glen Coe to minimise the weight, however I forgot to top up in Tyndrum and consequently almost ran out of fuel on the motorway... It's a long way between services on the M74.
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Images from near Glenelg, a small village in the west.
1. On the edge of the village.
2. Bernera Barracks - constructed in the early 1700s during a campaign by the British government to subdue the local population.
3. Bernera Barracks
4. Bernera Barracks
5. Remains of an Iron Age "broch" - drystone tower
6. Remains of a second Iron Age "broch" just 700 metres away
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Yes, been watching You Tube videos all afternoon. :(
I've done a few modern FWD clutches, seems there's nothing too difficult with this one I don't think and I have all the gear, tools, etc. It's driving OK again at present (I couldn't make it slip when I went out earlier.) but it will have to be done or the flywheel will suffer. Darned nuisance, have plenty to do without fixing cars up.
On my way home my biggest worry was getting up Glen Coe, it's quite steep towards the top. I took it easy in second gear and managed OK. The road had been cleared by an Aston Martin, two Ferraris and a very fast/powerful Toyota! I just followed them up in their wake. They sounded very nice, ;D the sound of their exhausts echoing across the Glen. I didn't fill up before Glen Coe to minimise the weight, however I forgot to top up in Tyndrum and consequently almost ran out of fuel on the motorway... It's a long way between services on the M74.
The trials and tribulations of those blessed souls addicted to fossil fuel powered contraptions. I love 'em! 8)
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The trials and tribulations of those blessed souls addicted to fossil fuel powered contraptions. I love 'em! 8)
They had exactly the same issues with horses, they had to be fed and watered, they slipped and hurt themselves, needing to be brought home limping, if you were lucky... Wheels fell off carriages and harnesses snapped, it wasn't all sweetness and light before the fossil fuel powered contraptions.
I expect, even when we have renewable fuel powered contraptions they will have their own foibles and probably will not be able to be fixed with simple tools and a large hammer. Hydrogen cells or batteries and the like, all have their own issues.
Until we can use 'beam ourselves' transportation these problems will occur. Then the issue might be part of you might arrive at one place, the rest at another? ;D
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Images from near Glenelg, a small village in the west.
1. On the edge of the village.
2. Bernera Barracks - constructed in the early 1700s during a campaign by the British government to subdue the local population.
3. Bernera Barracks
4. Bernera Barracks
5. Remains of an Iron Age "broch" - drystone tower
6. Remains of a second Iron Age "broch" just 700 metres away
amazing series
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EDI Exit. Not brexit (yet).
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Until we can use 'beam ourselves' transportation these problems will occur. Then the issue might be part of you might arrive at one place, the rest at another? ;D
The marketing department will probably push this as a weight los scheme. ::)
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The marketing department will probably push this as a weight los scheme. ::)
;D
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amazing series
+1
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I am still overwhelmed by the Scottish experience 2019t time and the incredible and generous efforts made by Dave to provide the best opportunities for our NG members. A heartfelt thanks goes to him (and Mayumi, whom I met twice this time).
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I am still overwhelmed by the Scottish experience 2019t time and the incredible and generous efforts made by Dave to provide the best opportunities for our NG members. A heartfelt thanks goes to him (and Mayumi, whom I met twice this time).
I agree Birna, I was overcome when David told me he had arranged for a boat trip to Coruisk, we had discussed Coruisk last year, I had not dreamed of having the opportunity to actually make the trip, my son wants to go camping there, it's an amazing place, just to visit for an hour or so was wonderful.
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Now I am home I am working through the image files, I wasn't sure how to deal with this set of star trails at the Eilean Donan Castle I started photographing, took three exposures of the floodlit castle, then they turned the lights off at 23:45. I use the 16mm f/2.8 fisheye for star trail scenes so the castle itself is a bit small. I had intended to layer the floodlit castle onto the star trail composite image but having processed that image, I decided not to. The illumination from the moon was sufficient to provide a slightly surreal foreground, layering in the floodlit castle would I think spoil it.
Eilean Donan Castle
216 exposures D800, 16mm f/2.8 fisheye at 10sec, f/4.0 ISO400, Processed in Lightroom Classic, stacked with StarStaX
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/40931535783_4911dafdff_o.jpg)
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+1
+1
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I am very grateful for all the thanks, but really there is no need - all the participants worked hard to make Scotland 2019 a success, so my thanks go to them, too. The weather was good, tho' hazy, and with some of Scotland's best landscapes within easy reach - Kintail ltself, Glenelg, Skye, Applecross and Torridon - and these factors were also impostant for the success of the get-together.
A last few images -
1. and 2. Glen Shiel, early morning
3. Chimping, Glen Coriusk,Skye
4. Orchid, Coruisk
5. Rowan, Skye
6. Ruin, Glenelg7
7. The Trotternish Fault
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Wonderful image, Robert.
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Glen Shiel in the morning was really worth a visit as I can see now. Magic light an scenery
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Thank you David, it was one of those which I really wasn't sure what I had until I processed it, the moon was so strong and in the frame. I cropped it out and it didn't seem too bad.
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I am very grateful for all the thanks, but really there is no need - all the participants worked hard to make Scotland 2019 a success, so my thanks go to them, too. The weather was good, tho' hazy, and with some of Scotland's best landscapes within easy reach - Kintail ltself, Glenelg, Skye, Applecross and Torridon - and these factors were also impostant for the success of the get-together.
A last few images -
1. and 2. Glen Shiel, early morning
3. Chimping, Glen Coriusk,Skye
4. Orchid, Coruisk
5. Rowan, Skye
6. Ruin, Glenelg7
7. The Trotternish Fault
David you managed to get the haze out ;)
Nice pictures and thanks for a nice week, I have agree with the others.
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amazing series
Thanks, Frank and Bent.
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I am very grateful for all the thanks, but really there is no need - all the participants worked hard to make Scotland 2019 a success, so my thanks go to them, too. The weather was good, tho' hazy, and with some of Scotland's best landscapes within easy reach - Kintail ltself, Glenelg, Skye, Applecross and Torridon - and these factors were also impostant for the success of the get-together.
A last few images -
1. and 2. Glen Shiel, early morning
3. Chimping, Glen Coriusk,Skye
4. Orchid, Coruisk
5. Rowan, Skye
6. Ruin, Glenelg7
7. The Trotternish Fault
Beautiful colours and composition, Dave, especially #1 - my favourite here, although #7 comes very close.
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Last few.
1. Hut at Coruisk
2. Leaving Coruisk
3. On the way to Totternish
4. Last of the sun - Totternish
5. Aliens approaching Broadford
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The clouds are fantastic
All the pictures are good
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Mike Selby: you got it in you!
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Last few.
1. Hut at Coruisk
2. Leaving Coruisk
3. On the way to Totternish
4. Last of the sun - Totternish
5. Aliens approaching Broadford
Beautiful!
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Great stuff, Mike. (I think we should call you the Wizard of Oz)
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Last few.
1. Hut at Coruisk
2. Leaving Coruisk
3. On the way to Totternish
4. Last of the sun - Totternish
5. Aliens approaching Broadford
The cloud picture, as a mini Rorshach test, reminds me of a swimming tortoise... Lovely!
Remembering the 2016 NG meeting thread, I immediately went to look at this one, I have been to Scotland only once (and in winter, for some serious icefall climbing in the Cairngorms), now the places look so beautiful in other seasons that I have the urge to come back and visit more accurately!
Amazing photos!
Ciao from Massimo
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Great stuff, Mike. (I think we should call you the Wizard of Oz)
Thank you Dave - that's quite a compliment, coming from you.
BTW: I don't know if you were aware of this, but there is a very strong Ozzie cultural presence here in Edinburgh: :P
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Many thanks, Bent, Frank, Carl and Massimo. I appreciate your comments.
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Francis, Bruno and me went walking towards the southermost point of the Isle of Skye. This it how it looks there (sorry, had to reduce from 25.000 to 5000 Pixel wide):
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Robert, that is a beautiful star trail shot!
Mike, you seem to have been truly inspired!
Frank, is that a sweep panorama image using your smartphone? The image is stunning!
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no, it is a stop and shot and turn by hand. But yes, Huawei Leica camera. Stitched with Kolor Autopano Giga 4
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zombie tourist at the fallen castle
a) normal edit
b) whacky false colors ("NG style")
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still crazy after all these years ...
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a boat in the evening light
Edinburgh dwellings in the morning rain
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still crazy after all these years ...
Is that "crazy good" or "crazy bad", Frank? ??? ;D
A few last, last (maybe) images. Five of us went to Torridon and while the other four walked down to the edge of some interesting Scots Pine (Pinus Sylvestris)I stayed by the car and used my 200-500 instead of my legs. Sometimes works.
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Positively the last . . . .
1. Frank goes incognito
2. . . . and without the disguise
3. Mike, and Bruno wondering what a camera is for
4. Dave with a big one
5. Mike is up to his neck in it
6. Frank accosts an innocent passerby
7. The A-Team in action
8. Frank decides to buy Scotland
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A cool Dude is Dave = crazy, not boring
The queen said no
The church said no
So no deal Scotxit for would be landlord
The Belgian Motorhome drivers thought I was conducting traffic control....