This is my first tryout of Microsofts Picture Story3.Knockman Wood is part of the Galloway Forest Park and fairly close to Newton Stewart.I was hoping that video uploaded direct to the blog would be of a better quality,but it would appear not.Probably standard Google,i think i'll be uploading to Vimeo for their HD quality soon.
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Wednesday 27 February 2008
Sunday 24 February 2008
Wigtownshire Ramblers-New Luce Circular.
It's Saturday the 23rd of February,and todays walk was to be a circular walk starting at the village of New Luce.Car sharing again from the Riverside car park,and a really comfortable ride.
We were a little late getting to the walk start at the village hall.A total of twenty one walkers today.
Before setting off the walk leader informed us of a change to the route because of ground conditions,we'd had a lot of rain.
Today i seemed to be conversing more with other ramblers rather than concentrating on taking pictures.The fact that it was rather overcast and dull this probably wasn't a bad thing.
This place wasn't open so abandoning the walk for a drink wasn't an option.
Todays walk was classed as moderate.We started north along the Barrhill road before turning west down a farm road,which was probably Barlure Farm.
Past the farm we had to go under the main Stranraer Ayr railway line.
Here we stopped while some of the ramblers talked to this farmer complete with the now standard quad bike and sheepdog.Not hearing any of his conversation i couldn't tell whether he was from Barlure Farm.
Continuing along the now sometimes muddy farm track it was time for the first sweetie distribution.
It seemed to me we were keeping up a fair pace.By now i'd walked off my left leg pain(Oh didn't i mention that).It wasn't long before we were at the designated spot for our break.
According to the Ordinance Survey there are a lot of Cairns and Mounds around here.I'll come back at a more liesurely pace to investigate some time.
After welcome nourishment we're on the way again,but we're leaving behind the well defined track and heading into what i would call bog.
Reminded me of striding over the bogs at Dunmakeever in the Cuilcagh Mountain area of Ireland.
Now it's downhill to cross the footbridge on the Main Water of Luce.
Crossing over was no easy task for the more wary of the group.But help and encouragement were plentiful and everyone safely over.
Curly had no problem getting over.
Now it's tarmac road all the way back to New Luce.
But still cattle grids to be negotiated.
The ruins of a fortress down here.
And a caterpillar parked up for the weekend.
Here's the regular train on the Stranraer Ayr line.There's talk of running steam trains on the line.Wouldn't that have made a better picture than this one.
Another mini break on the road and we're soon back at New Luce.
The house at the road junction has a colourful display of heather.
And then there's this pretty looking wooden cottage.
And we're back at the village hall and the walk is over.
Not a particularly scenic or long walk(it was probably no more than five miles),but as usual brilliant company and discourse.
Next week walk is a strenuous walk,no worries.
We were a little late getting to the walk start at the village hall.A total of twenty one walkers today.
Before setting off the walk leader informed us of a change to the route because of ground conditions,we'd had a lot of rain.
Today i seemed to be conversing more with other ramblers rather than concentrating on taking pictures.The fact that it was rather overcast and dull this probably wasn't a bad thing.
This place wasn't open so abandoning the walk for a drink wasn't an option.
Todays walk was classed as moderate.We started north along the Barrhill road before turning west down a farm road,which was probably Barlure Farm.
Past the farm we had to go under the main Stranraer Ayr railway line.
Here we stopped while some of the ramblers talked to this farmer complete with the now standard quad bike and sheepdog.Not hearing any of his conversation i couldn't tell whether he was from Barlure Farm.
Continuing along the now sometimes muddy farm track it was time for the first sweetie distribution.
It seemed to me we were keeping up a fair pace.By now i'd walked off my left leg pain(Oh didn't i mention that).It wasn't long before we were at the designated spot for our break.
According to the Ordinance Survey there are a lot of Cairns and Mounds around here.I'll come back at a more liesurely pace to investigate some time.
After welcome nourishment we're on the way again,but we're leaving behind the well defined track and heading into what i would call bog.
Reminded me of striding over the bogs at Dunmakeever in the Cuilcagh Mountain area of Ireland.
Now it's downhill to cross the footbridge on the Main Water of Luce.
Crossing over was no easy task for the more wary of the group.But help and encouragement were plentiful and everyone safely over.
Curly had no problem getting over.
Now it's tarmac road all the way back to New Luce.
But still cattle grids to be negotiated.
The ruins of a fortress down here.
And a caterpillar parked up for the weekend.
Here's the regular train on the Stranraer Ayr line.There's talk of running steam trains on the line.Wouldn't that have made a better picture than this one.
Another mini break on the road and we're soon back at New Luce.
The house at the road junction has a colourful display of heather.
And then there's this pretty looking wooden cottage.
And we're back at the village hall and the walk is over.
Not a particularly scenic or long walk(it was probably no more than five miles),but as usual brilliant company and discourse.
Next week walk is a strenuous walk,no worries.
The Mad Maori
Here's an interesting little thing.
A youtube user by the name of howlinblues just subscribed to my videos on jimzvidz.
He's uploaded a clip of a Maori singing in a Maori Showband back in the sixties.
This put me in mind of the Maori High Quins who made a bit of an impact in the UK back in the sixties,and even more in mind of a night club act in Benidorm going under the name of 'The Mad Maori'.
Myself and my late wife had seen this Mad Maori at 'The Talk of the Coast' and she recognised him as one of the Maori High Quins.
After his crazy act act we had a drink with him recalling memories of his Blackpool days.
So,as a matter of interest, i googled madmaori and lo and behold he's got his own website.
http://www.madmaori424.com
I emailed him with the link of this video clip uploaded by howlinbues thinking he might find it of some interest.
This morning i recieved a reply from him thanking me for the link,and informing me that this singer was indeed Dennis Paul who also had been a member of the Maori High Quins.
Anyone heading for Benidorm this year,I highly recommend a visit to 'The Talk of the Coast' to see Junior Tuatara(The Mad Maori).You'll be blown away by his act.
Wednesday 20 February 2008
Cuilcagh
The border between Northern and Southern Ireland runs along the Cuilcagh mountain.In olden days mules would be laden down with butter to avoid paying duty.Military helicopters would patrol along here at the height of the troubles.There are thousands of tales of Cuilcagh.It's not a particularly high mountain,but from the southern side there is no clearly defined path to climb up.Following the river has been my usual route-eating fresh bilberries and drinking the spring water bubbling out of the side of the mountain.On a clear day at least nine counties can be viewed.
Hopefully i'll be up there again this year.
Saturday 16 February 2008
Wigtownshire Ramblers-Rig of the Jarkness and Craiglee
Its Saturday the 16th of February and today is a test for me-will i be up to my first strenuous walk.Its just under eight miles and much of the route is climbing.
As usual i got a lift to the walk start.
Starting at Bruce's Stone carpark overlooking Loch Trool,seventeen of us set off.
The start of the walk was going fine,the weather was fine and the views with sun coming through the clouds made for good photographing.
Initially the route we were taking was a gradual climb,but after crossing the Gairland Burn the climb became much steeper.
At this point i had a problem!
Scrambling up an almost vertical slope,the walk leader stopped to allow those further down to close up.I dropped sitting onto a rock,otherwise i'd have fallen down.Suddenly the world started spinning.The last time i'd felt like this was in my youth when i briefly embraced boxing and a right hook dropped me to the floor.
A voice asked if i was alright,i managed to reply in the negative.The other ramblers were concerned for my wellbeing.I had visions flashing through my mind of the Mountain Rescue Helicopter and having to be airlifted down.
Gradually the spinning stopped,and clarity returned.
I'm not sure how long we were stopped for but eventually i felt ok to go on.Thanks to the others for carrying my Rucksack and Camera case up to our stopping point.
I dont think this will happen again.I'll heed the warning signals in the future.
Now we're on the Rig of Jarkness having our lunch,and the views are magnificent.
I get my picture taken.
Along the Rig of Jarkness,Clints of the Buss and Craiglee we can view at least nine lochs.Loch Trool where we began,then Lochs Valley,Neldricken,Narroch,Long Loch of Glenhead and Round Loch of Glenhead,Dow Loch,Loch Dee and a hazy Clatteringshaws Loch.
This is so worth the effort to view this magnificent landscape.
A plane flew over leaving these strange smoke signals behind it.
Looking back the Merrick summit is in cloud.
And over to the west the Glenhead Lochs and Lochtrool are in sunshine and shade.
We reach Dow Loch....
...and its time for another break
It's a bit cold up here.
Back walking and as usual the walkers are all upbeat.But when the walk leader pointed out the top of Craiglee where we we're heading some anguished cries were heard(maybe they were all mine).
The sweets are passed round regularly,but judging that look,i'm not sure whether i'm getting one.
Now walking along these rocky edges the views are brilliant.
Having someone in the picture really shows off the whole perspective of the area.
Now we're nearing Craiglee Summit....
...and we're at the trig point.
Lots of photo calls follow.
Now which way will we go down?
Much of the way down was bog,and as such was littered with potential 'up to the knees in mud' potholes.
The map shows a Bucks Hole,but surely this cant be it-can it?
The views on the descent were equally as lovely.
A slight mishap.
Another moments respite,and the mood is still very upbeat.
A zoom on the lens brings in Loch Dee.
And now we're nearing the forest road which will take us the last two or three miles back to the car park.A muddy bog is the last obstacle before we're finally on the road.
The Glenhead Burn means we've not much further to go.
Time for another few minutes.....
....and as the sun's going down.
....it's time for the final push.
The backs of my legs will hurt tomorrow,and with the exception of a few dramatic minutes,(It's my perogative to turn it into a drama)i haven't had this much fun in years.
N.B.First time readers may not know this,but if you click on an individual picture you bring up a full size image.
As usual i got a lift to the walk start.
Starting at Bruce's Stone carpark overlooking Loch Trool,seventeen of us set off.
The start of the walk was going fine,the weather was fine and the views with sun coming through the clouds made for good photographing.
Initially the route we were taking was a gradual climb,but after crossing the Gairland Burn the climb became much steeper.
At this point i had a problem!
Scrambling up an almost vertical slope,the walk leader stopped to allow those further down to close up.I dropped sitting onto a rock,otherwise i'd have fallen down.Suddenly the world started spinning.The last time i'd felt like this was in my youth when i briefly embraced boxing and a right hook dropped me to the floor.
A voice asked if i was alright,i managed to reply in the negative.The other ramblers were concerned for my wellbeing.I had visions flashing through my mind of the Mountain Rescue Helicopter and having to be airlifted down.
Gradually the spinning stopped,and clarity returned.
I'm not sure how long we were stopped for but eventually i felt ok to go on.Thanks to the others for carrying my Rucksack and Camera case up to our stopping point.
I dont think this will happen again.I'll heed the warning signals in the future.
Now we're on the Rig of Jarkness having our lunch,and the views are magnificent.
I get my picture taken.
Along the Rig of Jarkness,Clints of the Buss and Craiglee we can view at least nine lochs.Loch Trool where we began,then Lochs Valley,Neldricken,Narroch,Long Loch of Glenhead and Round Loch of Glenhead,Dow Loch,Loch Dee and a hazy Clatteringshaws Loch.
This is so worth the effort to view this magnificent landscape.
A plane flew over leaving these strange smoke signals behind it.
Looking back the Merrick summit is in cloud.
And over to the west the Glenhead Lochs and Lochtrool are in sunshine and shade.
We reach Dow Loch....
...and its time for another break
It's a bit cold up here.
Back walking and as usual the walkers are all upbeat.But when the walk leader pointed out the top of Craiglee where we we're heading some anguished cries were heard(maybe they were all mine).
The sweets are passed round regularly,but judging that look,i'm not sure whether i'm getting one.
Now walking along these rocky edges the views are brilliant.
Having someone in the picture really shows off the whole perspective of the area.
Now we're nearing Craiglee Summit....
...and we're at the trig point.
Lots of photo calls follow.
Now which way will we go down?
Much of the way down was bog,and as such was littered with potential 'up to the knees in mud' potholes.
The map shows a Bucks Hole,but surely this cant be it-can it?
The views on the descent were equally as lovely.
A slight mishap.
Another moments respite,and the mood is still very upbeat.
A zoom on the lens brings in Loch Dee.
And now we're nearing the forest road which will take us the last two or three miles back to the car park.A muddy bog is the last obstacle before we're finally on the road.
The Glenhead Burn means we've not much further to go.
Time for another few minutes.....
....and as the sun's going down.
....it's time for the final push.
The backs of my legs will hurt tomorrow,and with the exception of a few dramatic minutes,(It's my perogative to turn it into a drama)i haven't had this much fun in years.
N.B.First time readers may not know this,but if you click on an individual picture you bring up a full size image.
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