INUNDATED. (06/02/14)

I had a fairly good run south yesterday. I was thinking of splitting the journey and having a night in Montrose. I felt fine so carried on down to Stockton-on-Tees. What with the wind and rain it took the best part of eight hours.

I took the dogs a walk down to the Tees Barrage this morning and there was not as much water as I expected. It was then back for breakfast and an hour on the phone trying to find a couple of rear light clusters for the van. One was broken already and super glued together. The other I broke yesterday on a sticky out bit of fence post.

“Bless My Soul.” I said.

They should arrive tomorrow. I suspected it would be a longer job but if the correct ones come then I should be away again on Monday. If not it will be back on the phone. I had a friend call round for coffee and then after a trip to Asda I have all the ingredients for a Beef Stroganoff for tea. I forgot to get wine so I hope the guest got my text.

‘No cheapo five pound a bottle love. I’m making an effort here!’

Middlesbrough Skyline. I don’t know how much time I’ll have here but if I get the chance and the light I’ll go and have a snap or two at the two towers breaking the skyline to the right of centre. This is Tees Newport Bridge. It is a magnificent lifting bridge. I have spent so much time in the area and never got round to taking it’s picture. It really wants taking at dusk but I have become just a little wary of walking round here with a load of cameras in the dark. Like many places ninety nine percent of people are friendly and honest. It is probably just me being paranoid. I don’t feel at home in urban areas.

A19 Skyline. I may stop a couple of days into next week as if I can get close enough a few night time shots here would add to the hundreds of images I have of the area. The ponds in the foreground are Portrack nature Reserve. Home to many disparate forms of wildlife. I never travel without a monopod in this area. I use it to threaten the wildlife; genus ‘Snotty Nosed Hoody’.

I generally dislike taking pictures in company. If it’s a little strobe job then another pair of hands are great, it saves having to work out how to sync the light meter with Pocket Wizard, with the camera, with the laptop.

I have sold my printer to a lass here who will come out snapping with me for my not adding in the price of nine spare ink cartridges. She also demands the loan of the Bronica plus two rolls of film. She is young, fearless and quite intimidating. She drives a hard bargain but unfortunately not an Aston Martin.

I hope she goes far as an artist. Her hair is all the colours of the spectrum and shorter than mine. She is a lovely wee lass and attractive if one ignores ears and eyebrows covered in chainmail…..I would be delighted if my son brought such a specimen home. She is a bit gobby but I suspect that is her covering her insecurity…I’m like that.

She is currently into Lomo. It’s crap and cheap but it is film, it’s like a knackered Box Brownie. So if you buy one then expect blown skies or black foregrounds, also buy a roll of insulating tape to stop light leaking onto your precious 120 film. I’m thinking of a lad I know here who only shoots film; we could make up a threesome. His manual Hasselblads, backs and lenses are also vulnerable. I’ll ask Graham if she can play with his. Graham is only thirty and much more able to cope should she agree. He owns three Hassy’s.

I am busy. I only came down for a birthday on Sunday and much like Somerset, Devon and Cornwall am inundated.

Have fun.