We have arrived at a grand spot called Rosemarkie on the northern shore of the Moray Firth. It’s famous for Bottlenose and Common Dolphin. Minkie Whales and all manner of marine mammals. When I was reading all about it I imagined being able to walk across the firth stepping from one to another. Probably misplaced optimism. We’ve been a good wander and the dogs had a whale of a time on the beech so, despite my not seeing anything but waves, it wasn’t a wasted walk.
On the way here I called at Ffordes. It’s only small and mainly mail order. It would have to be a postie business. I missed the right road and spent an hour fighting my way back through construction traffic on single track roads…..All good fun! I wasn’t very impressed with the camera shop. The staff were polite but not chatty. They have tremendous stock, I could have spent hours there just drooling and dribbling over cameras old and new. I was impressed by what I saw of Balfour Beattie’s constructions. Looks something to do with electric…it’s massive but I didn’t spot a windmill. I’m guessing some sort of tidal hydro thingy….How’s that for technical clarity. Much the same as the chap in Ffordes.
Canon do replacement focus screens and I quite fancied giving them a whirl. Macro focusing is a pain without a tilt rear LCD. It’s fine if you are tethered shooting but a laptop is another load of weight to add to the camel load I carry on serious days. The bloke I got either didn’t know or wasn’t bothered. I like to go to a camera shop and find enthusiastic people. I could go to Dixons if I didn’t fancy the esoteric…They are fine but not into a cup of coffee and the pleasant robbery I’m used to at Harrison Cameras.
I’m here till Friday but may stay till Saturday depending what I find.
Hi Adrian Looks a lovely wee place. You have got all you need there. Hope the weather keeps up for you. Margaret
ReplyDeleteMargaret, if all else fails the gorse is in it's prime and a pretty flower. Very murky here this morning.
DeletePlenty of room on that beach now the brats are back at school,love the moody sky in the 1st photo.
ReplyDeletepeter
Peter, it's a different world when teachers are working.
DeleteI hope you do see whales and dolphins. Take a boat tour . They're worth seeing. I saw white whales in the acrtic many times.
ReplyDeleteRed, there are boat trips but not from here. If they are about they should be visible from the shore.
DeleteIt's a neat place and I think you handled the light well. My Canon 60D broke down today, so I will have to send it in. I contemplated the idea of going full frame with the Canon 6D (the first fairly priced full-frame and it's a new model), but I'm still debating. That's why I got that Sigma 15mm because it's compatible with a full frame camera if I decide later. Not buying any more APS-C lenses.
ReplyDeleteMaria, I have used a 4/3rds sensor for years. I've never regretted going full frame and if I could afford it would have no problem with medium format. I'd still keep a 35mm camera for long lenses. Weather proofing is high on my list so I'd rather have the 5D II second hand rather than a less well built new model. The 1Ds III despite it's weight is my favourite and they aren't expensive used. A new shutter and firmware update is £180.00p here.
DeleteI know what you mean. And the noise is driving me crazy. But the magnification of the APS-C sensor is hard to give up after shooting birds and animals for so many years. Some birders are reluctant to give up their Canon 7D's because of this.
DeleteMaria, you can always crop to artificially reduce sensor size.
DeleteThe 7D has a much higher burst rate.
Looks like a great spot to linger a while.
ReplyDeleteYes it seems a grand spot. I've booked through till Saturday.
DeleteRosemarkie looks like my kind of village, and with a deli, a beach and a pub, why ever leave?
ReplyDeleteGary, I like it here but there are only so many days in a year for the retired. I'm off to the Outer Isles on Monday.
DeleteI enjoy the sea. On vacation, we will see him, and walk in the sand. Not long to go :)))
ReplyDeleteA hug.
Laura, warm sand I hope. Have a good holiday.
DeleteIt's a long time since I was there Adrian. The Black Isle belongs to an era in my life which seems almost like another life. There are some good things to be found. Munlochy is where I had my first prolonged sightings of Red Kites.
ReplyDeleteGraham, it seems a grand spot. No Red Kites so far but it is very peaceful.
DeleteNice shots, Adrian, and interesting that you went to Ffordes, as that's where I bought my 1D Mark 111 by mail order.
ReplyDeleteJeremy, Ffordes certainly have a large stock but as is understandable they are primarily mail order.
DeleteWow, you're getting about, it's 20 years since I was at Inverness & beyond. Great shots, you make the ordinary scene like the last one magnificent with the HDR. I'm not quite sure where I'm going to shop for the next camera as Jessops seem to close down all the camera shops with their deals & in turn have become victims themselves.
ReplyDeleteJay, I tend to buy cameras second hand. There are plenty of private camera shops. Delivery is usually next day.
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