Rochester, and the iconic Catalpa tree

With the understanding that Tiny Tim's Tea Rooms allows dogs, Nic and I set off with Dolly in tow for an afternoon in Rochester, Kent. Apart from the tea room itself (and it's welcoming hospitality), the main draw would appear to be the cathedral and Norman castle. The city was also the inspiration for the work of Charles Dickens, and many of his novels were based on the area; himself having lived there for many years.

The 150 year-old catalpa - or American Indian bean tree - that stands outside the cathedral spilt into two last year, and a campaign is underway to save it. It is believed to be the oldest of its kind in England. 


12-24mm f/4 AF-S Nikkor. 1/500 second at f/8. Matrix metering. ISO 160



© 2016

A walk in the park

We have been on walks in Eastwell Park on numerous occasions, but on this visit Nic decides to take me in a different direction. It's a good choice as the light begins to play ball on the return leg of the ramble, from clear skies to dramatic cloud formations which in turn cause their own drama.


24-70mm f/2.8 AF-S Nikkor. Matrix metering
Top: 1/1600 second at f/5.6. - 0.67 EV compensation. ISO 160
Middle: 1/1000 second at f/8. 0.67 EV compensation. ISO 160
Bottom: 1/100 second at f/11. ISO 160



© 2016

Bluebells in an English wood

It's a fine line between when the bluebells are at their best and the emerging foliage on the trees is just right to create a balance. In this instance I am a week or so too early, but it is still a glorious sight in King's Wood, Challock, Kent.


12-24mm f/4 AF-S Nikkor. 1/200 second at f/7.1. Matrix metering. ISO 320



© 2016

Oaks

 

                                  Oak trees and clouds on an English spring day. Nothing more to add, really.



24-70mm f/2.8 AF-S Nikkor. Matrix metering.

Top: 1/160 second at f/8. ISO 160
Below: 1/200 second at f/5.6. ISO 320. Polariser.



© 2016

New beach

I've not been to the local beach for a couple of months, and was surprised to see that the work on the wooden groyne replacement was still ongoing. Started last November, I was under the impression that the carpenters and plant operators were making good progress, but apparently not. Well, not according to a beachfront worker I spoke to this afternoon. He reckoned they were "miles behind", although quite where he got his information is anyone's guess.

He may be right, though, as the beach replenishment team are chasing them along the beach not a quarter of a mile away. For this phase it is estimated that 126,000 cubic metres of sand will be pumped ashore through pipes and distributed by bulldozers.


24-70mm f/2.8 AF-S Nikkor. 1/320 second at f/8. Matrix metering. ISO 160



© 2016