An Avid Lensman

By SarumStroller

Sunrise Over Middle Hill Clump & Tumulus

I almost didn't post anything from today's very early start - I haven't been online or looked at any photos for a few days as yet again, for the third year running, I shall be on my own this Christmas and with friends going away, will actually be away from anyone for a week!

So, definately bah humbug, I just wish the whole thing will be over as quickly as possible and though I naturally wish you all a wonderful day, I will not be checking in on your entries boasting just how wonderful your Christmas is going!

I'm only saying this to explain why I've been a bit absent of late and perhaps what a front I have posting another entry to the site that I'm otherwise almost not contributing to.

BUT, this image took some real effort. I've not tried my favourite clump at sunrise before as it's 20 miles from Salisbury and THEN requires a good stiff hour's walk (mostly in the dark and up some steep slopes). So only in the depths of winter can I get the first train and have any chance of being in the right place at the right time.

I had quickly gauged that the 400mm shot from afar with a huge bulbous sunrise was not going to happen as there was a stubborn bank of cloud. So, I had to clamber the over 200m hill and luckily, after a while, the clouds were tinged by the vibrant pinky orange - so big, I had to use the ultrawideangle at 10mm.

It soon really clouded over, a dank, cold cloak of a cloud, making the incredible views dour and miserable and I started to feel cold, uncomfortable and really not that happy! Should I curtail the whole operation, waste valuable train fare and go home?

It was too cold and damp to stay still. I needed to be in the places I wanted to be where the photos were, only if the sun could break free. I must have traversed the two huge iron age hillforts several times, looking, hoping, waiting....

Eventually, in a series of quite dramatic sunbursts and sunbeams, it finally did. I got a lot more pictures that I wanted and then, as I was back nearing the railway station again, it all came blue sky and sunny. 

Comments New comments are not currently accepted on this journal.