Rainbow Journeyman’s diary

Brave are those that venture into the seas of winter. As Journeymen we often meet interesting people. When we went out to capture some of these incredible sunsets (See ) on the beach at Crackington Haven, we had no idea that we would broaden our education as to how tough some of them really are.
We were dressed for the weather. Cameras primed and at the ready as the sky changed from a clear cool blue towards that rosy purplish hint that says there might be a brilliant sunset to follow. Or not.
An onshore wind, a wind that the Cornish call a idle wind. Too lazy to go round you, it cuts through you, chilling you to the bone and numbing your hands and feet as it goes. But the wait was worth it. The images that we wanted were looking good and positive as the scene continued to grow. The last of the clouds forming into a petter that would look good on any picture.
As the pictures then show, in the last hour, we were joined by a trio of surfers who’s enjoyment of this late evening is very apparent. Brave soouls divested themselves of warmth and comfort to chase the surf. A special breed. Their presence really made the pictures what they are as you see them. We captured brilliant cameos of a beautiful sunset and with the added bonus of Homo Sapiens at his best, enjoying the sea.
Crackington Haven is often dismissed by visitors as being of no consequence. True there is little for people who want wall-to-wall entertainment. However if you are looking for a good mixture of sand sea and sunshine (in season, unless you are a surfer) then you would be hard pushed to find a place that can offer you all, without the crowds.
The cliffs that shelter the bay are spectacular. And the sand moves with the spirit of the tide leaving patterns that form additional images for your pleasure.

Camera Used Canon Sony Bridge Camera

The Road goes forever on

Bude is a Journeyman’s dream. Three beautiful beaches and headland walks that let you view the activities of the sea and the surfers without water testing your camera’s interior.
(more images of Southwest England)
The ever changing pattern of these beaches is always material for that perfect shot. Our Journeyman explained it when he said ” The ambient light which reflects over the headland at sunset leaves Coach Rock in silhouette against the waning sun. The effect is etherial.” What ever that means, we are sure that he is right. Judging by the moody reflective cameos and almost night photographs that we have seen come from these beaches we are impressed, especially by the quality when they are blown up to poster size.

As these are family friendly beaches there is always mixed activity taking place that captures the eye. Even in the stormiest of weather the spectacular effect of the sea leapfrogging the foreshore whilst surfers try to remain dignified on their boards is a pleasure worth seeing.

All along this coast there are rock formations that could challenge Jurrassic park for age and prominence. Where the rock in millenia past has formed into twisted cathedrals of shape, the sea has removed the peaks, washed out the softer shales and left beautiful sculpted shapes. In the fading sun these glow iridescent, lighting to whole area with warmth and colour. The striking horizontal lines of the shales too, laid down millions of years ago, give pause to think of the billions of sea creatures that lived their live in this sea before it became our headland.

Dividing the beaches there is the town canal. Used once by tub barges that where hauled up from the dock by the Dock gates to carry their cargos of lime up to Marhamchurch and beyond to be used by local farmers. Today it is an inner harbour for respite. Used by smaller leisure craft who anchor up away from the tide and to travel into the town for vittels.

Camera used Canon 20d + Canon Pro1 and various lenses and filters.

The Road goes forever on.
(more images of Southwest England)

Our Journeymans visit was by luck fortuitous. He managed to arrive on a day when they were having a Town Cryers competition. All that shouting Oyez! Oyez! didn’t deter him and as we can see from his notes that the event was quite comical but friendly, as these stalwart competitors often meet. On some occasions travelling half way round the world. (Holland and South Africa) to attend. It is rare to see such a collection of costume in one place as some of these date back to the days of Buccaneers and Gentlemen of fortune.
(more images of Southwest England)

Thei styles of address for the amused audience was worth the time. Seriously Humorous to outright duplicity of words, such was the silver loaded onto the tongues of these competing News men.

He records. “The Gardens at Overbecks are a delight. Hanging on the side of a hill around the perimeter of the house they make a grand display that maturity has added too rather than detracted from. Here is a credit to the National Trust in their handling of this magnificent estate.

He records that the drive to the estate was quite hazardous. But if you are a Devon driver you are used to hanging your car into a hedge at a moments notice.

The Gardens are an eclectic mix of formal and casual. (See the knot Garden) The more you view the more that you realise that there is to see.

After the House and the Gardens have been a researched it was decided to walk to the headland on a path that leads in ever increasing climbs to the peak of the rocks over looking The Kingsbridge Estuary.

Here you can view the smitten sailor in many guises demonstrating, or not, their ability to sail, cruise, or quaff large quantities of beverage. Whatever their choice the effects of sail or power boats on water is always best for being seen from above and photographed. Not also the rocks and brackens perched high above the water.

Camera used Canon 300d + stabilised Telephoto lens

The Road goes forever on…….
(more images of Southwest England)

Widemouth Bay is an interesting challenge. It is one of those areas that no matter how often you drive past it with resolve not to photograph it ever again, you do.

We asked our journeyman why? The printable parts of his comments were interesting. He said ” Just when you think that there is nothing more to photograph, its mood changes and off you go again.” He likened it to a moody woman of rare beauty. And before you feminist get up in arms over that, he did say “Beauty”. We know what he means.
(more images of Southwest England)

From season to season the Atlantic Ocean changes it’s moods. It never settles. The sand on the beach changes daily and is mechanically moved from one end of the beach to the other and back again by this huge ocean. All through one season, you can walk the length of the beach and find the rocks are submerged in the sand. Three months and two storms later and there is no sand. Barren rocks stand like sentinals where sand once offered a carpet for the bared foot.

Now, our wellys flap incogruously as we leap from rocky pinnacle to craggy shard. All to complete a photograph.

But the beach: what a beach The rocks have such majesty and the colours are as varied as only rocks that have had their multi millionth birthday could be. The lines of strata that lead through the rocks often blend with an azure sky to bring you the effect of dreams. Ochres to French Blue. Burnt Umbre to Pink.

The ocean too. No finer artist has ever been found. In one tidal flow it can sculpt the sand into unbeleivable shapes and patterns. The sunsets steal your ability to move. As they develop you are mesmerised by the changing shade hues and colours that nature can create from an aerial pallette.

The Road goes forever on

Camera’s used Canon 300D 350D 20D and Pro1

(more images of Southwest England)

Penhallam Manor isn’t there any more! Built around the 12th to 14th century part under the control of Richard fitz Turold who later by ancestral heritage determined the name de Cardinham. Andrew de Cardinham was responsible for most of the later build.
(more images of Southwest England)
As a RainbowJourneyman it is often interesting to unearth the past. And to capture what you can of it for the camera and for history. We, my lady Journeywoman and I discovered Penhallem by accident when we were on our way to photograph Millook Beach, a site of outstanding beauty further along the coast from Bude.

We were taking a short cut. Which, if you know this part of Devon and Cornwall can involve adding ten to fifteen miles to your journey; and, as you always always get distracted to go and look at something that takes your fancy it takes a lot longer. Anyway, there we were on this then shortcut route through the back of Week St Mary, a pretty little Hamlet that is on our futures list to photograph when we passsed a Road which is signposted Penhallam. You know the type of sign. Has an emblem on it that looks like a half chewed chocolate biscuit. So we went to take a look.

If you have ever walked into a cool room on a very hot summer day then you will feel and understand some of the effect that we felt when we found Penhallam Manor.

It had been unearthed some years before by forestry workers who were clearing the area after it had become overgrown by trees.

You appraoch the Manor along a track that travels through incredible elegant pine woodland, which is part of a steep sided wooded river valley. At its end you cross a small wooden bridge undercut with a leat that feeds water to the moat of the manor. This bridge leads you to a walk through the trees round the moat then you walk back across a planked bridge into the courtyard remains of what was a very elegant home of the de Cardinam family. It seems that Andy de Cardinham had done well for himself.

Oh, I forgot to mention, they had several homes and this we are advised was just one of many used as a sort of traveling rest house for summer retreat where they collected their dues from local farmers.

You can still see the shape of the Kitchens and Garderobe Rooms as you can the Courtyards dismounting blocks and steps area to the Assay Room. (Where they collected the cash.)

The moat is overgrown but what it lacks in fortifications it makes up for in Dragonfly and Water bourne flora that adds beauty to your pictures. I am told by those with better knowledge than I that some of the water bourne plants are rare. They might be kidding me!

The tranquility of the site is magical. You stand reverently in the middle of the courtyard and the tall shady leafy trees that surround the Manor, breath for you. The sunlight breaks through their canopy to bathe the verdant grass with light speckled with floating specks of pollen. Close your eyes and within your mind you can go back to the 11th century and feel the working of the Manor.

Lucky man de Cardinham…

The Road goes for ever on
(more images of Southwest England)

Camera used Canon 300 D

That very wealthy man..what was his name again? You know the one. The one who developed Windows. Why did he call it windows? Well, as you see it, it was a very clever choice. It implies to look through and to see what is on offer. In his case software that revolutionalised the world. In our case? Well in our case we want you to see and feel life and nature as we see it. Sometimes humourous. Sometimes nostalgic. Many, many times romantic. Always, always trying to acheive perfection. And………… Well we say it often. The Road goes forever on…

Also, there are many other “ands”. Each one is subjective to you as an individual. You are an individual aren’t you?. Each person seeks what we want from life. Like you looking for something that is unique and interesting.

So why did we start this site? It started as idea (as they always do) through friends. Our little team took digital photographs. Quite good digital photographs as it happens. But every time friends came to the West Country they pinched or cajoled us and went back with photographs to frame….or to make into calenders. Or send to a distant relative. Or give their clients something to gonk at whilst they waited in their office waiting room!!

Their comments when challenged at this broad day light theft? Well, most said that what they had taken away was unique. Some said they hung them on their walls in their choice of frames to enhance their decor. Or take to the office. A serious Jewish friend said he liked the free long life ink that we used in the printing. (My Life already) We lost count. Until, one day we thought. Hang about our kid. (Can’t do the Geordie voice you’ll have to improvise) Hang about our kid! Why aren’t we making these images available to more people who can’t always get to the West Country. Or just want something to cheer them up. Or look at on a rainy day or add to their Decor. Or hang on an office wall!!! Well, I’ll go to the foot of our stairs. (But we live in a bungalow) We couldn’t answer that!

So, like Bill Gates we thought we would create a Window for you to look through. Take you time. Enjoy what you see. It’s a big site. And our Journeymen are real characters (Honest!) they try to see the humourous side of image capture as well as the beauty of nature…. and most of all to record our incredible surroundings here in the deep South West of England.

I’m sure you already know pictures don’t always just happen. They can of course, but sometimes you have to wait for days or weeks to see that you want to see. You know the images are there. The stage is set for the final act. But nature can be very cruel. You can wait for that one special sunset, poised on the edge of a cliff with all your camera tripod and kit, to have a single cloud barrier steal the sun and wipe it our completely. Zilch! Or you get completly washed out by a squall of rain. (And you’ve paid your car parking fees for four hours!!!) So you scurry away to keep the rain of your Brownie Box Camera.

If you think our pictures looks good on your monitor, it will look absolutely wonderful when it is printed. Monitor resolution is miserable compared to the pixles that make up a photograph. Most peole, using the right paper, 180Grm or above photographic glossy or matt,

Anyway, I’ve said enough. Our Journeymen will keep on travelling the Roads looking for fresh material. Come back and visit us often. We may not add pictures by the week (Weather conditions etc) but we will add to them. And, Oh, one last favour. Tell your friends. You and they can get to us through a short cut (Courtesy of John our clever WEB site developer.) at www.rjsw.co.uk it’s quicker thanks to our Bill from Windows. (And John)

The Road goes forever on…

See our photos at www.rjsw.co.uk

Camera used. 2 Eyes

Our Journeymans research showed that Looe was once, and probably still is, an active port for smugglers.
(see more images of Looe)
History tells of days past that many a small boat would run the gauntlet of the revenue to land illicit cargo of brandy and cigarettes to be “distributed” to those who had the money. Often landed Gentry and Clergy were the main benificiaries of this trade.

When the revenue rode into town, searching for signs of activity, the cry would travel between Hostleries and Ale houses “Turn your face to the wall lads”. It was better not to be remembered; Bodmins Notorious Prison with its “Hang or Deport Judges was only a few leagues away. And many died waiting in Prison Ships before deportation could be efected.

Today this romantic sally port is active with weather hardened fishermen and as you can see in our pictures the neglected drag chains left on the jetty and gill nets being repaired by folk with nimble fingered skills passed from father to son. Standing on the Harbour Quay looking back up the estuary is a magical experience. Quaint Houses and Old Cottages facing round the Harbour perimeter catch the sun as they stare back at the scene below.

The Harbour is Atmospheric, with the bustle of fisher folk working towards the next tide and whilst holiday makers contribute towards the economy, our Journeyman said, “If it wasn’t for the fish there would be no Looe Harbour”

Our Jouneyman also noted the Harbour and its estuarys “along with beautiful headland walks which give this place a feeling of home. No matter where you live or have travelled from.

Any one approaching from the sea would welcome the bend of the Harbour that protected their vessels from the onslaught of Neptunes power. The granite jettys and derricks punctuate the harbour side as do the Lobster creels. Boats of all shapes and sizes from Dorys to Crabbers and above all add to this making this a truly memorable visit.

The Road goes forever on.

Camera used Canon 20D plus stabilised lenses.

(see more photographs of Looe)

As a Journeyman I found this site fascinating. Heading along the coast North of Bude towards Hartland takes you into an area that resembles the Bermuda Triangle. All roads go everywhere and I mean everywhere.
(more images of Southwest England)
Before I stumbled on Morwenstow (and here I have to add I was looking for it!) I travelled through the roads across the Hartland Peninsula down past Docton Mill and its surround. It is really a wonder that I arrived at my destination as there was so much to see on the way.

Finally having made a wrong turn, ending up back at Docton for the third time now seriously looking for directiions I tried to telephone the office. Forgive the smile. To telephone the office from this part of Cornwall is akin to using a chocolate tea pot. The only signals that get out of this area are gossip and Cow ear tags. For all the results are similiar.

The Road above Morwenstow is fabled for its peacefull setting. Leading down a short road from this area takes you into the famous Church yard and the Morwenstow Church. Traditional in its use of Yew trees and ghostly statues. If you travel here you will need to spend good half a day just to cover the artifacts that are inside and outside the church. You will also need legs like the proverbal gazzelly bird. All slopes are pitched at 45 degrees >. And all slopes slope uphill.

The whole of this Valley area from Cliff to Cleave leaves you with a feeling of deep satifaction that the builders who chose to put such a grand church in this out of the way location, got it right.

You cannot help envying the people who live local to these splendid monument to God and the views. Each everyay you look there was something to see. WIth the luck of the locals they have the place to themselves once the tourists (Emmets) have gone.

Camera Fuji Bridge Camera

The Road goes forever on.

(more images of Southwest England)

The Road to Landsend is long and it sems without end until suddenly you arrive. A place where Land and Sea meet in an agreeable mix of colour and fortification. Each against. the other. On a good day the sky becomes a crucible of blue framing the cliffs against the reflective sea. The air as clear as wine with the same heady appeal.
(more images of Southwest England)
To approach the “End” it is better to use one of the car parks in Sennen Cove and follow the cliff path up the winding track to the higher lookout points that border this Atlantic footfall. It has changed little over the centuries. In stormier times boats have spilled their lifes contents onto these rugged rocks. It was only in between the years 1795 and 1850, that there was any attempt to put a lighthouse on this approach and finally, Wolf Rock lighthouse was built on it between 1862 and 1870.

The whole of this coast line is studded with incredible plant and wild life as our images show. The heady perfume of the heathers and other plant life; seagulls use the up currents to soar effortlessly above. And the curlews, darting and dating among the spectacular granite monoliths make this a memorable place to be. Finally, when you arrive at the true lands end. (Not the cafe shown in our pictures) The sheer ruggedness of this coast with pieces of wreckage from distressed ships laying on the beach far below, bring home to you a true cornish picture. An existance of outstanding beauty and the raw power of the sea.

The Road goes forever on.
(more images of Southwest England)

Camera used Canon 20d Lens 28 to 135 + 28 to 300 Stabilised.

Rainbow Journeymen have home lives too. After a decision was made by Mrs Journeyman, or should we say Mrs Journeywoman, to use Quarry tile in a recent building project, our Journeyman was pleased to find a Quarry away from the Main larger commercial excavations where he could buy a small quantity of slate.
More images of Southwest England
But finding the site was interesting. There are as many minor roads going to the area where he wanted to be as there are roads coming away. And if you travel with your eyes open to areas of outstanding natural beauty, as our Journeymen do, you will understand that every corner had to be checked.

Eventually after many hill starts and the odd cuss word the site was found as was the owner. The latter only after several frantic telephone calls. Even Quarrymen stop for lunch.

The owner proudly showed his produce from the Quarry but our journeynmans eyes where elswhere, as his images show. After explaining his true identity and with the owners bemused consent he clambered ontop of the stacks of spoil and photographed the coast line towards Tintagel.

The tractors in the field give a true perspective to this beautiful and adored coastline. These are scenes where you want to walk into the image. But, the Road goes forever on.
More images of Southwest England

Picture taken on a Canon 20D Lens 28/135 Stabilised