North Coast Photos. And more...

Whitepark Bay 2

2011-02-03T19:38:00.003Z

Whitepark Bay - on a sunny October day this time. The houses at the bottom of the cliff, in the middle distance, are part of the tiny hamlet called Portbradden.

Whitepark Bay

2011-01-23T21:39:00.001Z

Whitepark Bay, on the North Antrim coast, photographed on a misty morning last September.

Magilligan Point

2010-02-11T19:15:00.004Z

Magilligan Point seen from close to Gortmore viewing point.
The field nearest to the camera runs to the edge of a cliff, which drops down to the lowland below.

The sea is to the right of the Point, with Lough Foyle to the left. The hills in the background are part of the Inishowen Peninsula in Co Donegal.

The Point is partly a Nature Reserve and partly a British Army Firing Range.

A small car ferry runs from the tip of the Point across to Greencastle on the Donegal coast.

More Snow

2009-12-24T17:37:00.007Z

Only one of these photos shows the north coast - well almost, as it's hidden by the mist.
First is Binevenagh, seen from the main Coleraine to Limavady road.

These are the Donegal hills on the Inishowen peninsula. Lough Foyle is hiding somewhere under the mist. Taken from the same road as before.

This is the old Coleraine to Limavady road, now known as the Windyhill Road. It was originally known as the Murderhole Road.

And this is a little further along the road from the previous photo.

We don't often get snow and when we do, it's usually gone within hours.
This snow came last Saturday night. the photos were taken to-day.

Happy Christmas everyone!!!!

Snow

2009-12-21T20:15:00.003Z

This is Inishowen in Co Donegal seen from Downhill in Co Derry.

We've had the first snow of the winter over the last couple of days. Not much along the coast, but rather more as you go inland.

Fiery Sky

2009-10-12T20:59:00.003+01:00

I've just realised that this blog began life over a year ago - 7th October 2008, to be precise.

Both its name and its purpose were different at the start, so it has evolved over the year. My original intention was to post a photo every day. And the photo had to be taken on the day.
I soon realised I had set myself an impossible task. I simply didn't have the time to get a decent photo every day.

Now the posting is irregular. The photos usually show the coast - so the one below just about qualifies for inclusion.
It was taken one evening a couple of weeks ago when I was on my way home from Limavady to Coleraine. I noticed the colour of the sunset in my rear-view mirror, so I stopped to get some photos.
Binevenagh mountain is to the right, with Lough Foyle in the middle distance and the Donegal hills beyond that.

Crossing the Bridge

2009-10-05T20:32:00.003+01:00

The rope bridge is about 80 feet above the sea.
It is only around 60 feet long but, for some people, that short distance from the island to the mainland might as well be 1,000 miles. These unfortunates have to be rescued by boat.

The bridge is a much more robust structure to-day than it was thirty years ago when I first ventured across.
It now belongs to the National Trust and is heavily promoted as a tourist attraction. Around 250,000 people visit each year between the beginning of March and the end of October. The bridge structure is taken down in the wintertime.

I haven't been across for some years because the Trust now charge an admission fee to all visitors to their properties. This charge is very necessary to help with the cost of essential maintenance.
All the same, I think there should be a concessionary rate for local people who may want to visit on a regular basis rather than as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Rope Bridge

2009-10-02T22:47:00.002+01:00

Carrick-a-Rede is famous because of the rope bridge which joins it to the mainland.

The original purpose of the bridge was to allow salmon fishermen to cross to the island during the spring and summer months. It is thought that a bridge has been in use for several hundred years.
The little house which can be seen on the island was used by the fishermen.

The bridge is now an important tourist attraction.

(Clicking on the photo will enlarge it, allowing you to see the bridge more clearly)

Carrick-a-Rede

2009-09-28T19:35:00.002+01:00

Move the camera up a little bit from my previous photo and the tiny island of Carrick-a-Rede comes into view.

Death

2009-09-24T22:29:00.004+01:00

It's nearly a month since I've been here.

Real life suddenly thrust itself into my world, so there was no time for taking photos. Or even posting ones I'd already taken.

My father died on Monday 7th September.

But, regardless of what happens, life goes on.
Normality quickly returns and dire realities become memories.

So, almost time to have another look at the beauty of our North Coast.

Cliff Edge - 2

2009-08-27T19:16:00.004+01:00

The photo in my post 'Cliff Edge' was taken looking to the right - or East - of where I was standing.
This, taken from the same spot, is looking to the left - or West.

Rathlin - Again

2009-08-26T22:47:00.003+01:00

Moving further to the left of the previous photo shows the western end of the island.

Many thousands of seabirds live on these cliffs.

Rathlin Island

2009-08-12T20:21:00.002+01:00

Rathlin is an L-shaped island, about six miles long and roughly a mile wide.
This photo, taken a little to the left of the previous one, shows the area in the corner of the L where most of the population live.
Just under 100 people are permanent residents. This number is boosted in summer by birdwatchers who stay for a few days. There are also many day-trippers who come by ferry from Ballycastle.

I have to admit that I have never visited the island.
Always intend to, but never get around to it...

Scotland

2009-08-06T14:43:00.003+01:00

Looking a little to the left of the previous photo, the southernmost tip of Rathlin Island is visible.
Rathlin is a few miles off the coast, north of Ballycastle.

In the distance - some 25 miles away - is the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland.

Cliff Edge

2009-08-03T19:20:00.002+01:00

This is a view of the North Antrim coastline. Fair Head, in the background, is about seven miles away.
Ballycastle lies out of sight on the bay, just this side of Fair Head.

New Beginning

2009-07-22T22:41:00.004+01:00

It's over three months since I've done anything with this blog.
Now it's time to start again.

The photo shows a section of Lough Foyle with Donegal in the background.

West Strand

2009-03-16T20:54:00.003Z

Part of the West Strand at Portrush, with the harbour in the background.

Although yesterday was quite a pleasant day, this area wasn't busy.

We took Lucy on our usual Sunday walk - a tour of Portrush. She'll probably grow up hating the place!

Ramore Head

2009-03-13T23:49:00.003Z

I think I've mentioned before that the original town of Portrush is built on a narrow peninsula.
Over the years the town has, of course, expanded with a series of housing developments.

The peninsula ends at Ramore Head which, in this photo, can be seen behind the harbour.

Portrush

2009-03-12T23:04:00.001Z

The Portrush lifeboat can be seen behind the harbour wall.
My camera has a 10x zoom and, once again, this was taken at maximum zoom.

The larger buildings behind the harbour are blocks of flats. The one on the left is quite new, the others have been there for at least forty years.

Bird...

2009-03-11T23:19:00.001Z

When I got up this morning, I saw this individual walking round the field behind my house.

The photo was taken through the kitchen window.

Winter...or Spring?

2009-03-09T19:42:00.003Z

Both of these photos were taken to-day.
I was working in Portrush, where it was bitterly cold. But spring is here, because the daffodils are blooming.

The new camera is a Canon PowerShot SX110IS. The top photo was taken with the lens at maximum zoom.

Splash...

2009-03-06T21:42:00.005Z

This wave is crashing onto the rocks near Portstewart. The sea was quite calm, yet the waves were surprisingly large.

I treated myself to a new camera last Saturday - an extravagance, a luxury, etc, etc.
I had been complaining about the limitations of my little Nikon...and my wife said I should upgrade. I was very easily persuaded!!
The photo was taken with the new Canon.

On Monday, my computer died.
A computer is essential for my business, so it had to be replaced.
Thank goodness for 'buy now, pay next year' - a year's interest-free credit was just what I needed.

So I've had an impulse buy and an essential purchase within a week. At a time when I'd sworn I wasn't going to spend any money.

Business

2009-02-25T21:12:00.003Z

Part of the Start a Business programme (see earlier posts) is free design of a logo for your new business.
I took up the offer and have now got a logo, designed by a local printing company. And, of course, I've got my business cards and letterheads from him as well.
If the majority of people going through the SABp get printing done as well as logos designed, it's well worth his while making the 'free' offer!

A website is also included for less than £50 - well, £48.93 to be exact. It's supplied by a different company and the price includes purchase of the domain name. The website is pretty basic, but still a bargain.
I don't expect to get any business through the site, but having www.------.co.uk on your stationery gives you added credibility....

The photo? A small fishing boat rounding Ramore Head at Portrush.

Destiny?

2009-02-13T21:28:00.005Z

My recent redundancy wasn't my first.

Many years ago I was assistant manager of the local branch of a national company, which also had branches in Ballymena and Derry. Where I worked was the smallest of the three and when the company decided on cutbacks, the smallest branch was the one to close.
All the office based staff were made redundant.
I was actually offered the job of manager in Derry, but decided against it because I had found another job.

I became a local agent with an insurance company. I had never had any interest in insurance and didn't ever imagine I would do this type of job.

I have worked in financial services since then...my destiny?

My recent redundancy could have been an opportunity for change. But, what to do in the current financial climate?

So the new business inevitably involves insurance.
People and businesses need insurance, even during a recession.

Snowfall

2009-02-08T19:07:00.006Z

At last we have had some snow!
The rest of the country seems to have disappeared under a layer of the stuff but, until to-day, there were only a few light showers around here.
Not that there has been very much now either. My flowers aren't very big but they managed to rise above it.

Seems my visit to Aylesbury will happen to-morrow. Both Belfast and Luton airports are working normally and there aren't any problems on the roads either.
I'm delighted everything's OK, because it means to-morrow is the first day of my new business venture.
My redundancy situation ended with me being given four weeks notice - which finished on Friday. I suppose it could really be considered "garden leave", as I got paid, but didn't have to work.

Anyway, I'm now free to pursue other opportunities.

Start a Business

2009-02-05T12:59:00.006Z

Back in December, after I knew I was going to be made redundant, I began thinking about being self-employed - starting a business.

Invest NI are keen to see new businesses start up. So they run the Start a Business programme. This is delivered, free of charge, by a network of enterprise agencies across Northern Ireland.

I approached my local agency - Causeway - and found that the next course started on 20th January.
The course runs over a four week period on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6.30 until 9.00 approximately.
Each module looks at a different aspect of starting a business and the whole thing comes together at the end, with the creation of a Business Plan for your individual circumstances.

Of course, I've got everything back to front. My business plan was drawn up in December.
I needed it then and couldn't wait to follow the proper sequence of events.

The programme is ideal for someone who knows what they would like to do, but isn't sure how to go about it.
In my case, I know exactly what I am going to do and how it will be done. But I still benefit - some modules being more relevant than others.

And there are the networking opportunities...

Chaos

2009-02-03T10:55:00.003Z

It's amazing the chaos that ensues when some snow falls in either Britain or Ireland.
Airports closed, buses and trains not running, roads closed. Millions of people take a day off work.
The 24 hour news channels elevate the whole thing into a national disaster. If they are to be believed, some firms will go out of business as a result of a snowfall.
Recession certainly causes businesses to fail, but any business would have to be in a very precarious position if it is to be tipped over the edge by snow.

I'm glad it all happened this week, not next. On Monday 9th, I'm flying into Luton Airport - which was closed yesterday.

Memories

2009-02-02T12:46:00.006Z

A few weeks ago I noticed a planning application in the local paper. Someone was applying to have this building, in Portrush, replaced with apartments.

I lived here a long time ago. As a student, I spent two years in the flat shown below. The living room was behind the two right hand windows, while the one on the left was for a bedroom. The kitchen, bathroom and another bedroom were at the back.

At that time the shop was Graham's Record Shop. I wasn't exactly passionate about Country and Western music when I came here. By the time I left, I absolutely hated it.
The Irish version of C&W was the only music played. And at maximum volume.

Changes

2009-01-25T22:18:00.008Z

Anyone who has read this blog in the past will see that it has changed.
Apart from anything else, the name is different - I have learned that "A Photo a Day" isn't the truth.

I haven't posted since New Year's Day. I caught the flu and, to be honest, I couldn't be bothered posting.
Then I decided I wanted to make some changes. As I've said before, I started the blog with the intention of including a photo every day. I didn't have enough photographs - or enough time to take photos - for a daily post.
But I did continue to post regularily. And the blog became more personal. Not what was intended at all.

So, time for decisions, time for change.

I'm going to run two blogs. This will be the more personal one, which will sometimes include photos. The other will be a photo blog - not daily, but regular.

Of course, being me, I made a mess of how I set up the two blogs. All the posts which belong here, are there. I've got to transfer them using "export" and "import" - complicated or what?
The system works - I've got the very first post moved across. I believe I could have moved them all at once, but I've decided to do a little bit of editing, so they'll appear one at a time.

I'm going to include a link from here to there, but not the other way around. You can find me there - which, at the moment, may look a little familiar.

2009

2009-01-01T18:10:00.004Z

We were invited to my wife's sister's house for New Year's Eve. This year they had decided to do things differently.
Our summer weather was pathetic in 2008 and there were few opportunities to barbecue. So, to see the year out, let's party, let's barbeque...even though the temperature was -2C.

Now that it's 2009, what about a few resolutions?
A long list - do this, do that, don't do the other? All certain to be forgotten/broken within days.
I know the things I have to do this year. There's no need for resolutions.

Plans

2008-12-31T18:10:00.002Z

Another walk was planned for to-day. But what happens to plans? Things turn out differently.

Found out this morning that a friend is 40 on Sunday. We knew his birthday is in January, but hadn't realised only a few days away.
So a trip to the shops was required. Just the local shops, admittedly.

Had to go to the supermarket as well. So we called for Lucy and took her. She didn't find the trip very exciting - she was asleep within five minutes!

And now it's almost time for all that 'happy new year' crap...

Winter Walks

2008-12-30T19:43:00.002Z

We've had dry weather for more than a week now. Although there's high pressure, some days are very cloudy, while on others the sun manages to break through.

It's good weather for walking. To-day we walked round Downhill Forest which lies to the left of the A2 just past Castlerock.
The forest - more of a wood, really - was originally part of the estate of Frederick Harvey, 4th Earl of Bristol and Bishop of Derry.
The lake in the photo was created as a fishpond, but is now home to ducks and waterhens.

We've had several walks, including one on Christmas Day. At 8.30 that morning my wife and I were on Castlerock beach. That particular walk was intended to relieve the stress of preparing dinner for ten people.
It worked too - we had Christmas Day free of arguments...

Christmas Cheer

2008-12-29T20:25:00.001Z

No posts for a few days now...but it was Christmas, after all.

Which is a poor excuse coming from someone who doesn't really like the so-called 'festive season'.

Christmas is good for those who believe in the religious aspect. Or, it's good for small children who believe in Santa Claus. Of course, a cynic might say both of those groups are equally deluded.

For the rest of us, it's about too much - spending, food, alcohol, etc...

Happy Christmas!!

2008-12-24T19:45:00.001Z

Enjoy....

Wind of Change

2008-12-19T22:01:00.001Z

Another dark day, both economically and weatherwise.

A local factory - now almost the only local factory - announced 92 redundancies yesterday evening.
This factory - AVX Ltd - was established in Coleraine over 25 years ago. It makes ceramic capacitors for the electronics industry. At peak production some years ago, it employed around 900 people. This is now down to 390 - before the latest redundancies.
The jobs have gradually transferred abroad to countries where labour is cheaper. And now the economic downturn is seeing off the remaining workers.

The weather? Wet, with gale force winds.

Dark Days

2008-12-18T19:21:00.001Z

We're into the dark days before Christmas. Days when it never really gets clear.

I usually find the month up to the shortest day very depressing but, for some reason, this year it hasn't bothered me.
The constant barrage of bad news on TV and in the papers should make anyone depressed. But not me - I feel remarkably positive, considering my circumstances...

Business Plan

2008-12-17T19:52:00.002Z

Another meeting at the enterprise agency.
The next course on starting a business doesn't run until January. As I need to be organised before then, I am getting help with drawing up a business plan.

I've got an idea. But there's a lot involved in making it a reality.

Glasgow...or Edinburgh?

2008-12-16T21:31:00.001Z

I was a bit confused to-day.
I had to go to a meeting in Glasgow, but I flew to Edinburgh. It's logical really - the meeting was in a hotel on the Edinburgh side of Glasgow. Last time, I flew into Glasgow and the traffic hold-ups were terrible. This time it was a clear run to and from Edinburgh.
It was just in Belfast that I had to keep reminding myself which gate I wanted.

No photos, because no camera. It's bad enough getting a laptop through security, without a camera as well.

I thought I would know more about my redundancy. I had a meeting with the regional manager but, apparently, that was just part of the 'consultation process'.

Decisions

2008-12-14T22:11:00.001Z

Time for decisions about the future...

More Shopping

2008-12-13T20:18:00.001Z

Still no photos. This was another shopping day - Christmas has got to be sorted.

Coleraine runs a free Park and Ride scheme each Saturday in December. The bus goes from the local retail park to the town centre.
We used it this afternoon - coming back, we got the last bus and were the only passengers.

Usually we would shop in Ballymena or Derry, both about 26 or 27 miles away.
Shopping in our own town was our way of economising.

Photography

2008-12-12T23:17:00.001Z

Must get back to taking a few photos.

Perhaps that would take my mind off other issues?

Jobseeker

2008-12-11T21:34:00.001Z

I believe Jobseekers Allowance pays £60.50 per week.

There aren't many jobs to pick and choose from in this part of the world.

I reckon it'll be back to self-employment for me. Yesterday I rang the local Enterprise Agency and got an appointment for to-day.
There's no financial help for going self-employed, but they run courses to help with starting a business. So I've signed up...

The First Day

2008-12-10T23:23:00.001Z

The first day after the news that I am to be made redundant - after only eleven months in the job. A job I had hoped would last me until retirement...

It wasn't a complete surprise, of course. No job in financial services could be described as 'secure' at the moment.

A Bleak Day

2008-12-09T21:44:00.001Z

My regional manager was over again to-day.

He didn't have any good news.....

Long Day

2008-12-08T22:23:00.001Z

Left home at 8.30 this morning to drive to Newry. A two hour drive - about as far as I can go without leaving Northern Ireland.
Came home via Ballyclare, as I had a couple of calls to do.
Got home again just after 7.30.

So, once again, no time for photos.

Shopping

2008-12-06T20:08:00.001Z

I did say there was good walking weather forecast...

But, no walking, just shopping. I think I heard Christmas mentioned.

Friday

2008-12-05T23:02:00.001Z

Friday again.

Almost the weekend - with frosty nights and sunny days forecast.
Good weather for walking. And taking photos?

Snow Again

2008-12-04T23:26:00.001Z

I should have taken a photo before I went to bed last night.
It had snowed heavily - well, I suppose there might have been an inch of the stuff.

I thought I'd wait until daylight. And this morning, it had gone...

Moral? Never put off, etc, etc.

Time

2008-12-03T21:55:00.001Z

Another day drifts past...

My son was 26 to-day. Can it possibly be that long since I first saw him emerge into the world?

Busy?

2008-12-02T23:17:00.001Z

Over the last week, photo opportunities have been few and far between...Or have I just been too busy with other things and have failed to spot the opportunities?

Frost

2008-11-29T20:23:00.001Z

The view from the back of my house early this morning. A really hard frost last night.

No Photo (7)

2008-11-27T23:12:00.002Z

To-day was Team Meeting day.
For most people going to a team meeting in connection with work is relatively straightforward. But not for me.
My team meetings are held in Scotland - either Glasgow or Edinburgh. To-day was Glasgow, which meant I left home just before 6.30am and didn't get back until 10.00pm.
I should have been away earlier in the morning because, when I was queueing for security, I heard the last call for my flight. I got escorted out to the plane on my own - the last passenger to board.
Apparently the flight had arrived early, and was ready to leave early...so not my fault then!
On the way back, however, there was a twenty minute delay - well done, Easyjet.

Reflection

2008-11-26T20:17:00.002Z

Reflection after heavy rain.

Beginning or End?

2008-11-23T20:45:00.001Z

Depending on which way you approach it, this is either the beginning or the end of the riverside path I have shown recently.
Above is looking down the path towards Coleraine, while below, looking the other way, is the car park.

Belfast

2008-11-22T21:37:00.001Z

We spent a few hours in Belfast to-day. One of the places we visited was the relatively new Victoria Square shopping centre. It's got a large House of Fraser store, along with a variety of other quite upmarket stores.
An attraction for shoppers - or tourists - is the dome above the centre. From here you can see the city in all directions. We decided to go up for a look to-day, but we left it rather late. By the time we got up, it was almost dark and all that could be seen was the reflection of parts of the inside of the centre - see the above photo.

This is the Belfast Wheel, with the City Hall behind it.
I went on the Wheel this time last year. You have a terrific view of the city when you're up at the top.

Reeds?

2008-11-21T22:16:00.001Z

This is another view of the riverside path. I think these are reeds which grow between the path and the river.

Leaves

2008-11-20T21:49:00.001Z

Looks more like winter now.......taken on the riverside walk I mentioned yesterday.
This is an alternative to walking down Castlerock beach, although I prefer the seaside.

High Tide

2008-11-19T22:30:00.001Z

At high tide the river comes very close to the path which runs from just below the Cutts towards the town.

A Lock

2008-11-18T21:34:00.001Z

Beside the sluice gates at the Cutts, there is a lock. This is one of five locks on the Lower Bann, which allow navigation of the river from Lough Neagh to the sea. The photo above shows the approach to the lock from upriver of the sluice gates. The small jetty has been constructed recently.

This is the approach to the lock.
The Cutts got its' name from the fact that a channel was cut into the bedrock of the river to bypass the rapids and allow navigation.

Calm Water

2008-11-17T21:17:00.001Z

Upriver from the sluice gates the water looks calm. The area which is cordoned off is the danger area for small boats. Here the force of the current under the gates could easily destroy a boat.

Floodgates

2008-11-16T20:47:00.001Z

There are three sets of floodgates on the Lower Bann. This is the final set at the Cutts, just outside Coleraine. The remaining 9km of the river is tidal.
The floodgates are used to control water levels in Lough Neagh - the largest lake in the British Isles - which has a catchment area draining 43% of the land area of Northern Ireland. The lough has only one outlet - the Lower Bann.

Canoeing is being promoted from a tourism perspective. The Lower Bann Canoe Trail runs the approximate 60km length of the river.

These photos were taken from the west bank of the river. Next to the east bank there is a weir, which can be seen in the above picture.

Bridge

2008-11-15T21:03:00.001Z

This is a view of the Foyle Bridge in Derry/Londonderry/Doire (delete according to your political/religious viewpoint).
Personally, I have always known this city as Derry - in the same way as I have lived most of my life in Co. Derry. My use of the name reflects no particular political or religious belief.
The city is also known as the Maiden City. More recently, in a move aimed at tourists, it has become known as the Walled City.
I was too far away from the bridge to do it justice......better next time, perhaps.

Another Beach

2008-11-14T23:25:00.001Z

This is part of the beach at Portballintrae. The Giant's Causeway is just behind the headland in the background.

Low Cloud

2008-11-13T19:03:00.001Z

I drove from Coleraine to Limavady this morning. As can be seen, it was a miserable day. The picture was taken at the top of the mountain - well, what we call a mountain here...more of a big hill, really.

End of Autumn...

2008-11-12T21:32:00.001Z

Just a quick shot of Mountsandel Wood, fading now from its' autumn glory.

No Photo (6)

2008-11-11T23:51:00.002Z

Another day without a photo. A combination of work and personal business to-day.
Lucy had a hospital appointment in Belfast and, as her mum and dad don't have a car, I took them.
She was born with an extra thumb on one hand - apparently an extra finger or toe is quite common. This was her first time to see the plastic surgeon.
He said it would be a straightforward operation, but he wouldn't do anything until she was at least a year old.

No Photo (5)

2008-11-10T20:47:00.001Z

A few days ago I said that I might have been over-ambitious in aiming to post a photo taken, on the day, each day.
In fact, until I have built up a reserve, there will be days like to-day when I can't post any photo.

I don't work set hours, so some days are busier than others. Not every day offers the same photographic opportunities.
But, I'll keep going...

County Hall

2008-11-09T19:59:00.001Z

This is a view of the County Hall in Coleraine - looking across the river Bann from what was once part of the harbour. This site has been redeveloped and is now a retail store with associated car parking.

Early Morning

2008-11-07T22:33:00.001Z

I was on the beach before nine this morning. As you can see, I was completely alone.
Judging by the footprints, however, other people were there before me.

This is a view of Castlerock, with the Mussenden Temple on the edge of the cliff in the distance.
The shot was taken from the pier at the Barmouth. The camera's lens was at full stretch, so the quality isn't great.

Promenade

2008-11-06T23:07:00.001Z

If you live here the address, simply and grandly, is Promenade, Castlerock. Mind you, there aren't very many houses with this address. There were more houses built further back on Main Street, because the ground was higher and there was a better view of the sea.
According to what it says here, this should be known as an Esplanade.
Whatever you call it, it's where I park my car when I walk down the beach. My car isn't in the photo, by the way...

Car Park

2008-11-05T20:03:00.001Z

On the other side of the road from the swimming pool, which I mentioned yesterday, there was a car park. Guess what.......it's now an apartment block!

The view of the back of the block was taken from a small car park which overlooks the village and the sea. It was dull and damp this morning, so it isn't possible to see the sea beyond the apartments.
The Belfast to Derry railway line is just visible in the bottom corner of the photo.

Swimming Pool

2008-11-04T20:58:00.001Z

This was once the site of Castlerock's swimming pool.
I suppose an outdoor pool on the north coast of Northern Ireland was always doomed. People want pools to be covered over and to contain comfortably warm water.
Still, it's a pity it had to be replaced with another apartment block.

Perhaps I'm just jealous that I don't own one of the apartments. They've got a quite spectacular view, after all.
And I wouldn't have to drive from Coleraine for a morning walk...

Castlerock Beach

2008-11-03T20:51:00.001Z

I have mentioned Castlerock before - it's a small coastal village a few miles from Coleraine.
I like the beach here because it's quite an easy walk from the promenade to the Barmouth. I did that walk early this morning, before work.
I would like to live right beside the beach, but perhaps I'd never get to work then...
The photo above was taken from close to the Barmouth looking towards the village. The early morning mist is just clearing away.

This is where the beach ends - in a contrast between old and new. Like all the seaside towns and villages in Northern Ireland, Castlerock is being swamped with new apartment buildings. Or rather, it was being swamped - the housing market is dead, no-one wants a holiday apartment, so all building work has stopped for a while.

Light

2008-11-02T16:50:00.002Z

The photo above was taken from the top of Ramore Head, Portrush, looking across the West Bay.
The one below is a view of the Skerries to the east side of the town. The Skerries are a number of small rocky outcrops off the East Strand.

It was a lovely afternoon, so my wife and I walked right round Portrush.
The town is situated on a peninsula jutting out into the sea, with Ramore Head being its' outermost point.
It's a small seaside resort, long past its' heyday now.

No Photo (4)

2008-11-01T21:56:00.003Z

I'm beginning to realise that I might have been a little over-ambitious when I decided to take a photo every day to post on this blog.
There are some days when, for various reasons, it just isn't possible to take any photographs.
So, a small change to my rules. I'll still aim to post a photo every day - but it may have been taken a few days earlier.

I mentioned Causeway Hospital yesterday and I got one fact wrong.
They do ring a bell at the end of visiting time. A small hand bell at that!!
My mistake came about because, on Friday afternoon, my wife's sister was in Coronary Care. No bells allowed there.
To-day, because her bed was needed, she has been moved to a medical ward. At 9.00pm, visiting over, the bell rang.

Causeway Hospital

2008-10-31T22:10:00.002Z

This is a view of the Causeway Hospital in Coleraine.
I was visiting this afternoon because my wife's sister is a patient at the moment.
When I arrived it was virtually impossible to get parked. The car park isn't big enough - although, admittedly, there's no charge for using it.

Car parking has become a particular problem since the new restrictions on visiting hours were imposed. The recent outbreak of c.difficile in the Northern Trust's area has caused changes in the way our local hospitals are run.
There has been a return to the old ways - visitors not allowed before or after certain times. The only thing missing is the bell ringing to tell everyone "Time to leave".

I was a little late in leaving, so the car park had begun to empty by the time I took the photo. What really annoyed me when I was trying to find a space was the number of times two cars - parked at an angle - were occupying three spaces.
Is it that difficult to park a car properly?

No Photo (3)

2008-10-30T21:06:00.001Z

No photo again to-day.
The situation was pretty much the same as yesterday...

A lovely bright sunny day. Cold, yes, but winter may have gone away for a little while.

No Photo (2)

2008-10-29T20:15:00.001Z

I have my regional manager over from England to-day and to-morrow. I had to meet him at the airport at 9.00 this morning and left him off at his hotel at around 7.00 this evening.
I didn't think stopping to take photos would be a good idea...

Winter was here with a vengeance to-day. I believe it snowed all afternoon in Coleraine. Although it had turned to rain by the time I arrived home, there was still snow lying in the fields and gardens.

Snowploughs were out on some roads - unheard of for the time of year.

Snow

2008-10-28T20:46:00.001Z

I said it was getting like winter, but it's unusual for us to have snow this early. The photo is of Slemish near Ballymena. Like the rest of the Antrim Hills it's got a light coating of snow.
We've had a bad summer and autumn, so I hope this isn't a sign of an equally bad winter to come.
Apparently to-day was the coldest October day here since 1934.

Winter

2008-10-27T22:35:00.001Z

The clocks went back on Saturday night, so it's almost dark by 5.30 now. Makes it feel like winter.
The weather is changing too. Only 6 degrees this afternoon, with a chilly northwest breeze making it feel colder. According to the forecast, it's to get colder as the week goes on.
There must be a possibility of frost to-night because the gritting lorries were out when I was coming home this evening. It was raining at the time, mind you, so I thought it sort of defeated the object of the exercise.

The photograph above is of Ramore Head at Portrush. It's more effective if you click to enlarge it.
Below? Well, just the end of autumn.

No Photo...

2008-10-26T22:50:00.002Z

My wife and I were looking after Lucy for a few hours to-day, to give her Mum and Dad a break.
We would usually take her for a walk - but it was cold and windy with heavy showers, so we stayed at home.
I had forgotten just how labour-intensive a small baby can be. Especially when she only slept for half an hour!
I enjoy looking after her. Feeding, changing nappies, changing clothes when she's sick and all the rest.
But I wouldn't really want a full-time baby of my own again.......I don't understand why men in their fifties and sixties - and older - want babies.
I can live quite happily without proving my virility!

Anyway, I didn't have time to take photographs - even of Lucy.

Renewable Energy

2008-10-24T18:56:00.001+01:00

This windmill is a recent addition to our local skyline. It is situated in the grounds of the University of Ulster's Coleraine campus and provides part of their electricity supply.
There were a variety of protests about a windmill being constructed close to the town. Many people regard it as an eyesore.
I don't agree. I think windmills are quite elegant - and infinitely better than having a power station on your doorstep.

Late Afternoon Sky

2008-10-23T21:41:00.001+01:00

Blue sky appeared briefly, late this afternoon. It was a windy, wet and miserable day, typical of autumn. Many trees have lost virtually all their leaves already. And a hint of winter is in the air.

Railings

2008-10-22T19:36:00.001+01:00

Our local council have obviously decided that these railings should be highly visible. Perhaps they even glow in the dark?
I suppose they have to use special paint to prevent corrosion caused by the sea spray, but surely other colours are available. Or is it just undercoat?
This is part of the West Strand at Portrush at close to high tide.

More Rain

2008-10-21T20:03:00.001+01:00

If there's a pot of gold at the foot of the rainbow, I should have spent the day searching around the second field back from my house.
Just think, I could be rich now...

Gale Force?

2008-10-20T19:50:00.001+01:00

It was quite breezy to-day, but I didn't think it was bad enough to bring branches of trees down.
This was the scene in a local car-park.
There were no parking spaces, so the photo was taken out the car window.
The quality isn't great, but there was just one shot because I was blocking the way and the impatient person behind started blowing their car horn.

The Barmouth

2008-10-18T20:32:00.001+01:00

The Barmouth is where the River Bann enters the sea close to the village of Castlerock. The river divides Portstewart Strand from Castlerock Beach. The photo above is looking up-river, while the one below is the view out to sea.

This little warning sign doesn't deter people from walking down the pier. But what it says is very true, as can be seen below. This picture was taken from the Castlerock side of the river.

Petrol...Prices Down?

2008-10-17T21:54:00.001+01:00

In Coleraine a litre of petrol costs less than £1 again. OK, it's 99.9 pence, but that's less than £1. Diesel is still about 11p dearer than petrol.
The situation's a bit different when you cross the border into the Republic. The photo above shows petrol slightly cheaper than in the UK, but diesel is around 15p cheaper.
I have bought all my petrol and diesel at this filling station in Muff, Co. Donegal for a number of years. I have saved a lot of money over the years, because the price differential used to be greater. The exchange rate hasn't been in my favour for some months now. Around a year ago a euro's worth of fuel cost me 69p, now it costs 80p.
It's getting to the point where it won't be worth driving over the border to get petrol, but I'll still make the trip for my diesel.

Exercise?

2008-10-16T23:10:00.001+01:00

Somerset Wood covers an area of 375 acres. It was originally part of Somerset Desmesne and was purchased by the Forest Service in 1944. During World War II it was an American Army base used for training exercises prior to D-Day.

The photo below shows the Exercise Cluster referred to on the sign at the entrance. There is some information about how this cluster should be used.
I didn't bother to read the details because exercise and I are not compatible. Apart from walking, that is.
There are two walks around the wood, the longer one being commonly known as the Trim Trail.

This is the entrance to the car park. I took this photo because the sun was shining!

Wet...Again

2008-10-15T20:00:00.001+01:00

Trees at the entrance to Somerset Wood just outside Coleraine on the A54 Kilrea Road, known as the Castleroe Road. This wood is one of three around Coleraine. The others are Mountsandel and Castleroe.
The photo was taken quickly during a heavy shower.

Socks

2008-10-13T16:59:00.003+01:00

It's a long time since tiny socks like these were blowing on our washing line. Perhaps smaller pegs would be a good idea...

Looking across Coleraine with Knocklayde in the background.

River Bann

2008-10-11T20:37:00.003+01:00

Had a walk along the Bann to-day. This is the river which flows through Coleraine.

I noticed this colourful character lying at the edge of the river. I wonder what happened - thrown away, or washed away by a flood?

There is a path along the side of the river. This was a very rough path, but it has recently been upgraded and resurfaced. It's now suitable for wheeling a pram, so my wife and I took our grand-daughter out for some fresh air on a beautiful afternoon.

Waves

2008-10-10T22:45:00.001+01:00

I have lived within a few miles of the sea for over thirty years. When you live with anything, you get used to it. But sometimes I realise how fortunate I am.
The picture was taken at Portstewart.

This is a Friday afternoon traffic jam in Coleraine. It must have taken me all of five minutes to get to the end of the road.

Shepherd's Warning

2008-10-09T20:40:00.001+01:00

This photo was taken at 7.30 this morning. When I got up, I had this view from my kitchen window.
The old saying is right - Red sky in the morning... Within an hour it was raining and it hasn't stopped all day.

The second picture is another reminder of autumn and long dark nights.

While the winter wheat showing through the ground makes me think of spring and back to brighter days.

Sell-by Date?

2008-10-08T19:39:00.001+01:00

To-day's sunshine made me realise my pot plants are getting a bit past it. Time for a tidy up, I think.

But it is autumn after all.

Must start somewhere...

2008-10-07T21:24:00.005+01:00

I have been meaning to take at least one photograph every day. But days, even weeks, pass without my camera being used.

The camera is a simple little Nikon Coolpix L12.

This photo shows our recent weather - yet another wet day!

Now, a photograph every day...