Controversy at the Cambridge Half Marathon

As I needed a walk having been somewhat curtailed in activities with an annoying cough for several days,  we walked across from Barton to Grantchester to watch the runners come by at the half-way point of the race. The leader here, who also crossed the finish line first, was disqualified as it was actually another runner who took his name, chip and number when the original runner (Andrew Rawlings) was injured. The replacement said he attempted to let them know but got an out-of-office reply. So William Mycroft became the official winner. The female winner was definitely Georgina who was leading as they came through Grantchester

Ballet Photography Assignment

One of my tasks since returning from Devon includes photographing a local ballet school for their website  - Bourn School of  Ballet. The lighting in the Hall was beautiful with snow on the ground outside reflecting inwards plus tungsten lighting - difficult for white balance. 

Exeter Cathedral

On Thursday morning, before storm Emma was due, we went into Exeter on the Park and Ride to visit the Cathedral. Exeter Cathedral dates back 900 years and is one of England's most beautiful medieval cathedrals and one of the finest examples of decorated Gothic architecture in this country. It is most famous for its two Norman towers, impressive west front carvings and the longest unbroken stretch of Gothic vaulting in the world. Parts were rennovated by Sir George Gilbert Scott in 1869-70 including the Pilgrim's Pulpitt, and the Choir Stall carvings and canopies.

Arctic Temperatures on the Somerset Levels

As I was booked to give four lectures in Somerset and Devon almost directly after getting back from Norway, we drove to Taunton on the Sunday and spent some time on Monday exploring the Somerset Levels. When booking the trip 2 years ago, I envisaged warm West country days with lots of signs of spring bird activity! We only managed an hour or so walk round Shapwick Heath but here are  a Grumpy Heron, Widgeon kleptoparasitizing diving coots (i.e. waiting to pinch what they bring up from the bottom), a Marsh Harrier, Great Crested Grebe and Long-Tailed Tit.

Norway - Goodbye to the Lofotens

I flew back on Saturday and I am now in Exeter doing some club talks. My case has just been  reunited with me having taken its time on the journey!! 

Norway - Rest of Thursday and Friday

I was in danger of breaking my record of seeing the northern Lights on every trip I have taken north of the UK but, on Thursday evening . they appeared over our hotel while we were waiting for supper. So a hurried first course and off the Haukland Bay for a bit of aurora photography.

We returned to this same location on Friday afternoon an lovely soft balanced light and I enjoyed the grasses and sedges. 

I had to miss Friday morning trip to Flaksted as still suffering from chest infection - final images are from a quick visit on our way back from Reine on Thursday.