East End Run

I had heard a dirty rumour that my favourite tavern had shutdown (The Black Horse) so decided I should do a run to confirm or deny.  Unfortunately it is closed :-(   Best Bermuda fish chowder on the island and I lived their Wahoo sandwich.   Not impressed at all.

But I did hit a few spots along the way and take some pictures on a very lovely day.   We did have some cloud and it looked like we were going to get a storm but it missed me completely.

My travels started at Tom Moore's Jungle which is right beside Tom Moore's Tavern.  This is the oldest tavern on the island having started in 1625.

 The fish in the bay beside the tavern seem to think I was there to feed them.

 The path through the jungle, much cleaner now after the 2 hurricanes went through last year.

 One of several ponds in the area.

 One of the first caves that you come across.   I went into this one a few years ago and it kinda creeped me out, so stayed outside today :-)

 The entrance to the more interesting cave.   I just missed an eco-tour who I believe were swimming inside.   I'm told the water is freezing in there but I guess if you ever want to swim in a cave this a good spot.

 As soon as I arrived I realized that I hadn't even thought of bringing my flash or a flashlight.  One of those doh moments.  I put the X-T1 up to 6400 ISO and hoped for the best.  It didn't disappoint, I did do some noise reduction but very usable images in almost near dark conditions.  The EVF handled the darkness as well.

 Was keeping my eye on the area for critters but this and a cat were the only ones that showed themselves.

Clear Water beach looking towards St David's. 

 Looking out towards Ferry Reach, clouds moving in.

 Still noticing boats abandoned on the shore after the hurricanes.

 One of the many beautiful houses on this island.

 Groto Bay Resort

A pano of Gotto Bay, be sure to click for a big image.

Spanish Point

A quiet Sunday on the island, spent most of the day reading a book and relaxing while the weather slowly began to change.  We have a high slowly moving in from the north and should push the showers and wind out of the area.

But didn't sit around all day, took a short run out to Spanish Point where there are plenty of derelicts to see, low tide and pretty scenery.

One of the sillier things I have seen in awhile.  This thing is a disaster waiting to happen. 

 Last time I was here this sailboat was laying on it's side.  Someone seems to have put it upright but she sure needs work.

 Sitting on the bottom.

 My first look at the American Cup boats, Oracle and Artemis, from a very long way away.  Need to get closer.

 Looking across to Dockyard

 The abandoned floating dock that wrecked here.

 A local family freezing in what they perceive to be cold water - lol

Fort Hamilton

Yesterday did a short visit to Fort Hamilton. The weather continues to be shaky but have managed to dodge any rain. The hurricanes last year knocked the vegetation back so visibility from the fort is very good right now.

The grounds are in lovely shape right now and everything is in bloom.

Overlooking Hamilton and the harbour, my last few trips up here I couldn't see anything through the vegetation.

Caught this guy hanging out.

Waterlot Dock

Last night we went out to the Waterlot Dock (http://www.fairmont.com/southampton-bermuda/dining/thedock/) for drinks, snacks and entertainment.   We had a few showers pass through but fortunately it didn't dampen the fun.   A local musician, Mike Hind, entertained us for about 4 hours non-stop and a good time was had by all.   But I did sneak away for a bit to grab a few photos of some of the scenic stuff around the Waterlot.

Unfortunately we didn't get much of a sunset, weather is still lingering.

 Looking at the Waterlot from out on the dock.  The guy in the red pants is Mike Hind.

 Trying to capture the light through the shutter onto the wall.  Kinda got what I wanted.

 Always lots of vegetation around the lights here.

Back on the Island

Back in Bermuda!  :-)   My home away from home, or maybe I should just call it my other home.   I left here right after Hurricane Fay last fall   http://canadianloon.blogspot.com/2014/10/tropical-storm-fay.html  and when I landed yesterday it sort of felt like I hadn't left.  Gusty wind, humidity, salt spray and I can still see all the damage to the trees (particularity the fiddle wood)  but at least the mess is all cleaned up.  

So only a few pictures on the first day, too busy chasing the weather and salt spray.  Instead took the morning to relax, read a book, pick up my bike and a few groceries.   Otherwise just playing with the dogs and chatting with some friends.

Took s short run down to Southlands for a couple of pictures of the surf and spray from the wind but didn't stay long.  Even my sunglasses were betting hazy with the spray and I decided to get the cameras under cover.  The pictures don't really do it justice.  It was rock'in and rolling!

Pano, so click to get the large version

Where are all the pictures?

Where are all my pictures this winter?   Well to be honest, I really haven't taken many.  It's been too F!@#ing cold!  :-)  and to be honest it's been a pretty blah kinda winter.  But seriously, getting out walking to take pictures has been difficult.  Too much snow in the woods for the dog to get through and too cold to walk the roads.   Poor guys feet really can't handle the cold that much, and there is no way I'd be able to get booties on his feet.  But that doesn't mean I didn't take a few here and there.  Digging through the hard drive, lets see what we find.

See, it even looks cold! - look at the shine on the snow, it got so cold it changed to ice.

Dramatic winter sunset

Another crazy sunset

Our newest cat, Onyx.  Also known as Satan.  Don't let that sweet look fool you.

So if I haven't been taking pictures, well what have I been up to?   Well my day job of course.   No I don't do photography for a living.  No money in it :-)   And if there was my ex-wife would probably try and take that as well.  Been playing computer games and just puttering around.   The only "new" things that I've been into is making bread and learning lightroom..

I started with making bread in a crockpot, yup a crockpot - http://homereadyhome.com/make-bread-crockpot/  That went ok but the bread was pretty heavy.  Had a great flavour tho.  Then a friend pointed me to no-knead bread - http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/11376-no-knead-bread  and I've been addicted ever since.

No-Knead Bread - note the homemade wine behind it, wine and bread - yup!

This bread is amazing.  So easy to make and so yummy.  I make 3 loafs every Saturday now.   One gets eaten on Sat/Sun, one gets eaten at home during the week and one goes to work for snacks.  Not doing my girly figure any good but it's too good to pass up :-)

Also over the winter I did Phil Steele's Lightroom made easy course.   This course is really good and for the price you can't go wrong.  I now have a much better feel for lightroom, I highly recommend it - http://steeletraining.com/lightroom-course-15.htm

Just to show you what "blah" looks like.  This was out walking today, one of the first days I've really been able to get out;

There is no colour in the sky, the snow is no longer bright white, no wildlife and all the vegetation is dead - BLAH!  :-)   Even converted to monochrome it's blah!  The only time we get bright snow and blues skies is when it's super cold.   Just no winning this year.

That was my winter.  Playing World of Warcraft, Elite Dangerous and Star Wars while my camera sits beside me waiting for spring.   My X100S is currently in Australia with Jen for a month while she gets a paid vacation down there.   Look forward to what she brings back for photos, at least my X100 gets to travel - lol

As spring approaches I should be out and about more, so check back from time to time.  Cheers!