Uploads from Dave Hilditch Photography, tagged otw

The Long and Winding Road

nobody@flickr.com (Dave Hilditch Photography) — Mon, 04 May 2009 04:07:34 -0700

Dave Hilditch Photography posted a photo:

This shot represents two of my favourite hobbies.

Photography and long country walks. This is the South Downs Way a long distance footpath at Ditchling Beacon a few miles north of Brighton UK.

Springy turf beneath my feet, sun on my back and wind through my hair (Well it would be if I had any).

And at the end of the walk a pint of good ale or cider in a nice country pub garden. What could be better!

Actually that’s three of my favourite hobbies.

Away from the Rain

nobody@flickr.com (Dave Hilditch Photography) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 02:15:29 -0700

Dave Hilditch Photography posted a photo:

Dark threatening sky, inky black water and two white swans cruising serenely along.

Held Fast

nobody@flickr.com (Dave Hilditch Photography) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 04:57:19 -0800

Dave Hilditch Photography posted a photo:

Chaffie in the Snow

nobody@flickr.com (Dave Hilditch Photography) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 11:22:36 -0800

Dave Hilditch Photography posted a photo:

Mother's Little Helper

nobody@flickr.com (Dave Hilditch Photography) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 05:18:24 -0800

Dave Hilditch Photography posted a photo:

This was shot inside Amber Fort just outside Jaipur. Mother and son were repairing the walkway. Most people just walked past but I couldn't resist a quick shot.

Sirena & Herbie

nobody@flickr.com (Dave Hilditch Photography) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 08:57:43 -0700

Dave Hilditch Photography posted a photo:

Sirena and Herbie side by side. They are narrowboats. Originally narrowboats were built for the canals. The traditional narrowboat is 6'6'' (about 2m) wide so that it will fit through the narrowest lock at about 7'0'' (2.15m) wide.

From the Dark Ages, rivers were used for the transport of freight around the UK. This method of transport became so popular that from the 1750's there was a huge growth in canal building (In fact, Birmingham has more miles of canals than Venice). Narrowboats were originally pulled by man, then, as towpaths were built, by horses. At this time bargees (as the people who worked the barges were known) had a terrible reputation for crime, theft, fighting, kidnapping and all things evil)

The railways killed the canals. They carried more freight, more quickly, By the late 1800's canals were no longer viable and many of them fell into disrepair.

It wasn't until comparatively recently that the potential of the canals as a leisure pursuit has been realised. Canals have been dredged, locks rebuilt or restored and the demand for narrowboats has increased greatly.

Indeed what could be nicer than a gentle cruise through the countryside at 3 or 4 miles an hour. If only all life could be like that. Many narrowboats now are fitted out with luxurious living quarters and some used as permanent homes. This means that the owners can go on holiday without leaving home! I also understand that modern bargees have lost their terrible reputation.

Daffs

nobody@flickr.com (Dave Hilditch Photography) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 07:19:28 -0700

Dave Hilditch Photography posted a photo:

I've noticed that some people on Flickr give the Latin names of flowers. Well for people that like that sort of thing this is Narcissus. But to me they are Daffs.

Daffs are what you see on grass banks by roads, in fields and woods and people's gardens in March and April. They mark the end of drab grey winter and promise the sunshine of spring and summer.

Daffs are what the kids buy their Mums at Easter and on Mother's Day each year.

Daffs are what were sold by the flower sellers that used to be outside the London stations. Especially on a Friday. "Bunch of daffs for the missus, Guvnor"

And Daffs are what ole Wordsworth wrote about in his poem.

So you call them whatever you like. To me they're daffs. OK?

(My wife just read this and thinks I should get out more. She may have a point)

Yellow Explosion

nobody@flickr.com (Dave Hilditch Photography) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 04:26:29 -0700

Dave Hilditch Photography posted a photo:

Now we have some better weather I have been doing some gardening. Not one of my favourite hobbies, I admit, but I like to be able to sit in my garden in nice surroundings and that does require a little work.

Anyway during one of my many tea breaks I admired the flowers that were flourishing in the bright sunshine (Yes, in the UK). I couldn't help but grab my camera and shoot as many of the flowers as I could.

This is a tulip, that has literally exploded with colour; a briliant representation of Spring.

So here it is, with best wishes for Easter. I hope you like it.

Wheels and Ripples (and a few buds)

nobody@flickr.com (Dave Hilditch Photography) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 10:36:03 -0700

Dave Hilditch Photography posted a photo:

All Tied Up

nobody@flickr.com (Dave Hilditch Photography) — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 11:33:06 -0700

Dave Hilditch Photography posted a photo:

Back of the Beach

nobody@flickr.com (Dave Hilditch Photography) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 08:08:41 -0800

Dave Hilditch Photography posted a photo:

Shot in one of my favourite places - the north Norfolk coast, UK. This was taken at Weybourne near Sheringham. At the back of the beach there were several old boats, tractors, bits of machinery etc. Couldn't resist this one.

At the End of the Day

nobody@flickr.com (Dave Hilditch Photography) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 02:34:20 -0800

Dave Hilditch Photography posted a photo:

Shot near Cley, Norfolk, UK. I went to shoot the windmill against the sunset but couldn't get a satisfactory shot. We were driving away when I saw this out of the rear window. Couldn't resist.