Uncle Steve's take on the North Wales Fuji meet 16th Oct 2011
I am having another go at doing my photoblog of the North Wales meet held by Mike Hardisty on Oct 16th this year. So for a fifth attempt, here goes. I am going to put the pictures in first and add the text later all being well. Yippee it all went OK this time. Thank goodness.
I hope you enjoy it. Thank you.
So the morning of the meet arrived and as arranged I collected Glynis from her hotel in Beaumaris. I have spoken to Glynis on the phone a couple of times but as this was the first time we had met (in the flesh) I think we were both a bit nervous but a quick snog broke the ice and it was like we had know each for years.
So off we set, we are meeting the others at 1030 so I had time to take a quick shot of the Telford Bridge from the Beaumaris side as we were not going to see it from this angle today.
So we all meet up, I have met Mike twice before (when will I learn my lesson!!!) Sharon and Nigel arrive only Jan was a no-show (not his fault). So off we set through the woods and down to the shore of the Menai Straits
Everyone's very pleased that the weather is kind to us and we get our first view of the Britannia Bridge
Everyone sets their gear up. Mike is keen and after setting his camera up...
tells us all of what he wants to do with this shot. He wants to do an HDR shot and describes to us how many shots he will be taking to work on later. You can see his shot on his own photoblog, published earlier this evening.
Mike is getting in the mood too
Glynis decided not to bring her tripod and goes for all her shots hand-held. Note the position she takes up!! Low level.
Glynis seems to be enjoying herself.
Here we some some rusty old workings and just behind him an old winching wheel!!!! Lol Nigel sets up too.
You will be seeing plenty of shots of the bridge in other blogs so I will not bore you with too many here. I decide to go for something a bit "arty" OK OK I will stick to Hover-flies.
I did decide to submit this one though of the iron-work. Impressive stuff.
So then we have a coffee at Waitrose in Menai Bridge and I suggest we go to Church Island. Arriving I see this Magpie on a headstone, I guess it should have been a Raven!!! Spooky
This the church of St Tysylio, a very small church built yonks ago.
I nip inside and take a shot of the window.
From the mount in the church-Yard we can see out first glimpse of the Telford Bridge. We decide to make our way to the Menai Bridge
On the way we find a stone circle, Nigel takes a rest on the sacrificial table!!!! Lazy sod!!
So it's onward now toward the Telford bridge. The day is very kind to us and it's quite warm by now.
Here the impressive stonework can be seen in detail. To think they did not have any mechanical equipment in those days, you cannot be impressed with what they achieved.
Another angle.
Then it's a walk up the hill and I take a shot from the centre of the road. So we then go in convoy to Caernarfon
We park in the Castle car park and start to take pics of this historic castle.
Nigel sets up his HS20.
The quay, this is where I caught a glimpse of a Kingfisher in flight, "Kingfisher" I shouted, most saw it but noone could get a shot.
Sharon and Nigel walk along the quay.
Glynis is always looking for another angle.
Nigel wanders off again
Well you have to have a shot of a bloomin Seagull dont' you? It's the law, it was in the doomsday book you know!!! Lol
I suggest that our team leader buys us all an Ice-Cream and to my delight he does, that's leadership for you.
Well would you believe it, right out of the blue, Alison surprises us all. She knew we would be arriving at the castle sometime during the day and in her own words she said "I feel we are in Ransome country" True enough, her senses were right and they found us. I was disappointed and at that time worried as to what had happened to Jan as no word came from him, but the arrival of Alison along with hubby Geoff made up for that.
As with other meets, within 5 mins we were chatting away as if we had known each other for years. Well in a way we have I suppose. We all got on like a house on fire straight away.
Walking around laughing and chatting we all took our own piccies
A face in the crowd. I think I am in love again!!!
and we had a little walk around Caernarfon and Alison took us to show where she and Geoff were staying. the menu looked very tempting and we went inside and booked for later that evening.
On our way around the surrounding attractions, we were all snapping away.
Someone said look at that Anchor, I looked over and saw Mike, Oh I said "Anchor"!!! Lol
The Autumn colours were very nice.
A coffee break in the square where we all discussed various aspects of our cameras and various areas of photography. Nigel gave Alison a quick lesson on her camera and guided her through some settings. Very interesting it was too. Mike chatted a bit about HDR. It started to get quite cold and we headed back to the quay to get some shots of the sunset.
All waiting for that "golden moment" when we thought the sunset looked at it's best.
Ready for the Sunset Shot
Here is my attempt. I took 37 shots at various stages of the sunset.
Nigel then showed us his method of Light Painting and I took this one as Nigel did the choreography and I thank him for producing what is nearly a perfect Orb. Thanks Nigel. I would just say that Nigel had gone to a lot of trouble setting this display up for us all. He emailed me before the meet asking if he should do it, (health and safety) I am so glad I said go ahead.
He then did his burning wire-wool show. Good innit!!!
Nigel really did a good job of constructing this "dome wheel" It's Christmas lights (LED) with batteries taped to the hub and when he sets it in motion
you get this effect. Quite impressive I thought.
So I take another shot of the Castle, in the dark this time and we all head off for that meal. We were all very cold and starving.
I would just like to thank Mike Hardisty for arranging the meet and to the other members who supported him on this meet. A pity Jan could not make it but that was made up for by the surprise attendance of Alison and Geoff.
I thoroughly enjoyed the meet as I do each time I attend one, this is my fifth now. I would encourage other members to try their best to attend one if they can. They are great fun, you learn a lot and make new friends.
I would also like to take this opportunity of thanking Alison for the prezzie she bought for us all. A lens cleaning cloth for each and everyone of us. What a nice thought, also, for the "special" prezzie she bought for me for getting one of her song titles correct on her "Monkeys song titles" photoblog. That was very sweet of you Alison. XXX
Thanks for your patience in my doing this photoblog.
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lovely steve,will be back for your narrative
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Absolutely brilliant Steve, so glad you persevered. Wish I could'v been there! Ah well roll on the lakes.
Viv
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Nice one Steve, knew you'd get it up in the end! Everyone seemed to have enjoed themselves, sorry we couldn't be there.
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So glad you persevered Steve - I know how frustrating it has been for you but it was well worth it in the end - we all had a great time and I'm so pleased I met you all - roll on the Lakes meet!
Love the seagull
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Well done on the blog Steve. It's excellent, a delightfully personal view of the day. Glad you persevered.
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OBJECTION OBJECTION.......................... my camera is the HS20 not the HS10 that went into retirement in July lol
great blog, photos and memory of a great day in north Wales it is nice seeing how everyone sees the same things on a walk but capture different images will add this as a favorite
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Thanks for sharing your day with us. Lovely blog
Chris xx
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Very good detailed blog Steve,thanks for sharing the smashing day with us all
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Great blog Steve along with all the others. Wish I could have been there but hope to make the lakes next year.
Dave.
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A set of great images, I especially like the last one!
So nice to see everyone having a good time.
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Great blog Steve nice shots as well , looks like you all had a great time
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I have to say it's a comprehensive account of the day. It has a variety of shots, with lots of the Fuji friends, this is most welcome.
Very nicely done.
Jen xx
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I've already commented on the other site but thanks for perservering Steve.
We all know the troubles you've experienced....but we are worth it !
Great blog of a great day ....well done.
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Jim
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Well done on the perseverance, Steve - a lovely blog
Just wish we could have made this one...oh well, there's always another time.
Love the pics of the Bridge, and that magpie is magnificent! So glad you all had a good time.
Jacqui xx
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Hi Steve I wish I could have been there as you must have had a cracking time and long may these meets continue Steve thanks for sharing best wishes and regards BoB. P/S I comments on Alison - Glynis & Nigels Blog. DiD you have a peek at my Westonburt Arberatum BLog ??? Steve I did peek at your first Blog you posted sorry M8??????.
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Lovely blog. Must revisit this area sometime soon.
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'O Romeo, Romeo!' What a wonderful 'Wales' of time we had together! (and not forgetting the others..) Absolutely loved your photos and narrative and well worth persevering in completing the photoblog.Your images reflect the fantastic unfolding of the North Wales Meet. Geoff and myself had a truly wonderful time with you all in Caernarfon where the sun shone and there were miles of smiles. Fuji friendships formed that will last for always through our passion and love for photography. Interesting how all the photoblogs from yourself, Mike, Nigel, Glynis and myself reveal something different from our own perspective and angle on the day and like has been said before we all walked and saw the same things. Thanks again Steve and to the others for making our Caernarfon weekend a really memorable special time. Say hi to Steph for me and we hope to meet you all again soon perhaps when Geoff and myself visit Llandudno and Anglesey. I will Favourite your Photoblog Steve so we can look at time and time again. (I am about to load my photoblog now ) Love Alison xx
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Lovely blog Steve with great narative too. You all seem to have had a great time. I so wish I could meet up with you all - New Zealand makes a good holiday destination you know! So glad you didn't give in. Take care and thanks for the email. Chris xx
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At last been scared to peek until you finished saw you had problems but well worth the wait. It looks like you had a great time and you are right about trying to meet up I am hoping to go to Ian's. Very good of Nigel to do his light shows very considerate.
Thank you for sharing and as a foot note I think it was you that asked about Norton Manor the answer is yes that is were I was.
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Great blog, Steve.
I love North Wales and got many shots of the tail end of the hurricane ( shots of the sea lashing up over tyhe Barmouth prom due to the high winds)
I've never seen Caenarfen Castle lit up as it was always in the daytime that I have visited so found your pics of it very intersting.
In fact, I enjoyed evrything about you blog.
You have done far better than I have done with my feeble tries lol.
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Great blog Steve loved it x looks like a great day had by all x
Jenny
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Hello Christina
Posting here as you have no contact button active. How about we see some of your "feeble" tries? I see you have no piccies in your gallery although you have been with the site quite some time now. One of the aims of the site, let alone the meets, is to improve each others photography. You say your shots are feeble, could we at least have the chance to agree with you!!!! Lol. If you do read this, give it a go.
Thanks. XXX
Steve
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Brilliant Steve...Enjoyed every bit of it.
Regards.
Bob
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Well, well, well Steve.....Fuji folk having fun! Imagine such a group! Absolutely wonderful photos. Looks like everyone that attended the meet, posted a blog! I am jealous that I live so far away - would love to meet everyone. Glad the day was such a success...
Eleanor
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Great blog Steve, and the weather held up too. Thought I might have seen you at the 'food festival' in Conwy today (22/10). Kept an eye out but no luck.
Mike
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Glad you persevered Steve.
A wonderful, funny, enjoyable blog. Some cracking views and a lovely crowd of people. Sorry I missed it. But I'll be on the next one.
Not doing much lately, can't seem to get into anything, but I'll soon be back on form,
Well done to all the North Walers.
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Another excellent blog from North Wales. I am looking forward to seeing the rest.
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Looks like it was a good meeting Steve.
Liked the light show shots a lot.
I stayed in Caernarfon about 8 years ago for a couple of weeks by the quay side in a cottage there.
Nice place.
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Lovely shots of a lovely part of the country and great narrative, looks like you had a great tim, been there many times and loved it every time
love the photo of the bike wheel such a simple idea giving a great effect
Don't judge life by the amount of breathes we take, but by the amount of things that take our breath away.
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....... and a great day was had by all! A fulsome account of the day, Steve, in pictures and words. As I commented on Alison's blog, I really hope I can join one of these joyful groups one day!
Best regards, Steve
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A great blog Steve, with some excellent photography, brought back memories of my stay on Anglesey in the mid 70s also visiting Conway and Caernarfon Castles, Pleased that you all had a good time and that the sun eventually shone for you.
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LOL..Steve...You'll have folk talking if I send you my email address
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He he Alison, let em talk. They are only jealous!! XXX
Steve
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So glad you got there in the end Uncle Steve...it was well worth it
Such fab shots, arty and candid too - I love 'em all and so wish I could have joined you all. It's been so much fun viewing all the blogs but even more so when I can say, I know that man...I've met that man lol.
I can see how much you all enjoyed it and it's good to know others have experienced a Fuji meet......they're gonna be legendary
Big Mwah Steve, Ali xx
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Great blog Steve. My first comments kept on disappearing I hope this one stays. It's nice to see photographs from several people they always tell a different story. Thanks for persevering with this.
Best wishes Christine
Christine
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Nice work me duck.
Wish I could have gone too.
Nothing is permanent in this wicked world - not even our troubles. - Charlie Chaplin.<
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Well worth the wait Steve, what a fun time you must have had. Just a pity i couldnt make it boohoo its such a joy meeting up with people from the fuji clan!
Your shots are brilliant and really show what a brill day you all had.
Thanks for sticking with the blog its terrific xxxxx
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I thought I'd commented on this before, but guess it's just that I've seen so many versions I lost track.
Great blog Steve and really starts to build a image of people's characters etc. Hopefully we can have as good a time next year.
10/10 for the blog and for persevering!!
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Another first rate effort Steve. I am even more sorry now that I had to miss out. All of the blogs, although the same subject/place are, in their own way very different. Brilliant. Jan.
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Hi Steve,
Seems you all had a fun time in Caernarfon, great selection of photos to accompany your (cheeky in parts) blog, glad the weather was kind to you all, some great close up shots of the bridge.
Enjoyable blog well done Mr Ransome, put a smile on my face!
Take care
Pixel xx
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Steve i got to say that you are a star, a brilliant blog in so many ways great pictures and a most enjoyable humours narrative, glad that you have dried off from the misshap at the water fountain shot on the scoller lately, thank you for posting really enjoyed your blog .
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Just read this again Steve. What a wonderful time we had in Wales. It seems a long time ago now. I must have taken thousands of photos since then. Brilliant memories of a very happy Fuji Meet