Fracking Spider on a Soap Box using a Mobile Phone

Going into the lavatory this morning I saw a big hairy thing. No, not that....but a huge hairy arachnid of tarantula like proportions. I didn’t shriek as I was bursting for a wee, as we all do first thing in the morning. Then I forgot about him.

The cycle in was a wee bit tough, due to the wind, but I was thankful that it didn’t rain. It took 3 minutes more than what I’d consider to be slow even though effort didn’t suggest such. It was a good day. My brain was switched on, I knew exactly what I wanted to achieve and just got on with it. I like days like that.

Despite rain being forecast, it was dry all the way home too. I had a tailwind too and on occasion had to brake hard because I was travelling as fast as the cars. Something important must have been going on as I counted numerous people driving whilst using mobile phones. Although quite typical, it’s still inexcusable. We all know it to be at least as dangerous as drink driving....if you do either, have a word with yourself!

On a cheerier note, Mr Spider has obviously had a quiet day as he hadn’t moved! I love spiders. In fact I love beasties. As a kid I was fascinated by birds, insects and animals and seem to be getting that fascination back. I’m not overly sentimental about the things but have a deep respect for how wonderful nature is. The living planet is not something we should rape and pillage with a misguided sense that humanity is more important than everything else.

For example, I’m disgusted that the government has changed the law to allow fracking under our homes. They say that there’s no evidence to suggest it’s dangerous, especially when done properly. Yet they’ve blanked out bits from their own most recent report on the subject. Evidence has been collected, not in the main by independent scientists, but by the industry that will gain most from it. Even when evidence does not exist, we go to fundamental principles to reach logical conclusions. Hmmm, fracturing the planet, pumping toxic substances into it and then saying it’s not a risky business......? I don’t know the science well enough to be wholly objective but I will give my house to any energy company who publishes exactly what chemicals they use and allows independent researchers to investigate their methods. I don’t think I’ll be giving my house away soon.

Sheesh....I’m on my soap box! Anyway, the spider was hard to photograph due to lens shake when using macro but I think I just about managed to capture his beauty.