Bournemouth Air Festival (last day)...

Although poor weather restricted the scope of the aerobatic displays; low cloud and occasional rain, there were still substantial crowds occupying every vantage point for several miles to see the likes of The Red Arrows and a solo display from the Eurofighter Typhoon (very impressive performance - and very noisy).

The weather being what it was, I've decided not to post any images shot today, but instead include an image shot yesterday of the last airworthy de Havilland DH 110 Sea Vixen in the world, which is based at De Havilland Aviation, Bournemouth Airport. The photo shows the undercarriage lowered, and the arrester hook in the carrier-deck landing position.

Nikkor 300mm f/2.8 lens. 1/1000 sec at f/4. ISO 100.

© 2008

Bournemouth Air Festival...

Day three (of four) of the inaugural Bournemouth Air Festival, and an estimated 300,000 people fill the seven miles of cliff tops and beaches, taking advantage of the summer sunshine. From what I experienced it has so far been a great success, with various aerobatic display teams - notably the RAF's Red Arrows - as well as solo performances from both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. The big dissapointment was the cancellation of the appearance of the Avro Vulcan, all down to the repair of a minor technical problem, which was unable to be passed by the relevant inspectors in time for its scheduled slot. There was, however, another Avro-built aircraft present in the shape of a World War II Lancaster "City of Lincoln" bomber (first image), so all was not lost.
The second image shows some of the crowds, plus other attractions organised by the local council.

Both images: Nikkor 300mm f/2.8 lens. 1/200 sec at f/11. ISO 100

© 2008

Boscombe Surf Reef construction...

It's difficult to assess the progress being made with the construction of the artifical reef at Boscombe, Dorset, as most of it takes place under water, but as the pile of processed sand is diminishing it would be reasonalble to assume that something is taking place. The image shows the pipeline (not deployed) in the foreground through which the material is being pumped into the geotextile bags, although as it's the weekend (and a bank holiday one at that) there's no "hive of activity" for me to photograph.
The white-painted re-furbished beach chalets can be seen in the middle distance.

Sigma 70-200 lens. 1/320 sec at f/11. ISO 320.

© 2008

A lone dog walker...

On the south coast of the UK we are well into the latter half of summer, and there is even nature's first hints of autumn. Horse-Chesnuts (conkers) have been visible on the trees for several weeks in my locale, and the spiny cupules of Sweet-Chesnuts are already being blown from the branches of trees; something that usually can be expected during October. Even so, it's still a bit early to be getting excited about all that low, raking light that comes with the winter months ( I can hardly wait).
The light is also changing, and early morning mists are more frequent, giving the photographer something to work with other than the brutal light of a summer's day.

The image is of Southbourne beach and Hengistbury Head, Dorset, shot at around 7:00 am today.

Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 lens. 1/750 sec at f/5.6. +0.6 exposure compensation. ISO 200.

© 2008

Boscombe surf reef...

More evidence of the construction of the artificial surf reef at Boscombe, Dorset, was visible today. While the sand that will be pumped into the geotextile bags that give the reef its shape continues to be "harvested", a barge (image) pulls the pipelines, through which the sand will be pumped, into position. There was at least one diver on hand to ensure things went according to plan, whilst an RNLI lifeguard patrols the area on a jet ski.

The Isle of Wight "polar bear" is visible in the upper right third of the image, next to the world-famouse Needles rocks. This is an optical illusion of the cliffs of Scratchell's bay when viewed from this part of the south coast.

Today also saw the opening of the 29th Olympic games in Beijing. I'm not one for opening ceromonies, but do enjoy the games itself. I like the running, jumping and sand-pit events the most (kidding).

Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 lens. 1/320 sec at f/5.6. ISO 200.

© 2008

Not in my back yard...

Another image of Boscombe seafront, documenting the construction and redevelopment of the area. Despite the noise and disruption of the beaches in the immediate vicinity of the pier, the building of the artificial surf reef is becoming something of a tourist attraction. However, this is not to everyone's approval, as some people that have recently taken up residence in the partly completed Boscombe Spa Village are complaining about the noise. What do they expect if they move onto a building site? These people are also responsible for the suspension of weekend work on the site for the same reason: noise. I look forward to seeing how they react to the influx of surfers and other toursists once everything is completed.

Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 lens. 1/320 sec at f/8. +0.67 exposure compensation. ISO 200

© 2008