Wet Weekend Part II: Downhill Strand and Mussenden Temple

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Hi Everyone,

So, you're at least a little interested in the second soaking, right?  Despite the calm image above, the second soaking was worse by far.  Less then 24 hours after my salt water experience at the Causeway, I left my lovely family just down the beach at Downhill in the car, to "grab a quick shot because the clouds are nice".  Cue wellies, tripod, camera bag and polariser.

I wandered towards the beautiful Mussenden Temple trying different compositions as I got closer.  Working at one particular spot, I got a bit too engrossed in my camera settings and failed notice a 'much larger-than-the-rest' wave approaching!  Soaked up to the thighs, with water-logged (squelching) wellies.  And we were on our way to lunch out with no spare trousers...

You'd think I'd have headed straight for the car, right?  Wrong.  Glutton for punishment.  Then I took the image above.  Crazy?  Probably - but on browsing them later, I was glad I persevered.  Causes don't come much better, so it was worth it.  And I dried off soon enough (over lunch at the Roe Park Resort...!).

Thanks again for your interest and for sharing this post with your friends and family - let them know what it's all about.

Paul

P.S. My first test display prints arrived yesterday.  It's all coming together! :)

Wet Weekend, Part I: The Giant's Causeway

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Dear Friends,

I got pretty soaked twice this weekend.  The first was on Friday evening, when I took a trip down to our own UNESCO World Heritage Site at the Giant's Causeway.  The weather on my Met Office app looked very promising for an interesting picture, but what I hadn't taken notice of was the wind forecast!

When I arrived it was really very windy.  Nevertheless, I was excited by the churning seas and dramatic sky.  Cleaning the salty spray off my filter between each shot and holding onto my tripod-mounted camera for all I was worth, I had a go at capturing this magnificent scene.  There's nothing quite like being out in the elements (the wellies were with me again of course!) and there aren't many better places than here at the Causeway.  I arrived home windswept and with the taste of salt water still on my lips.

Imagining life without water when you live right by this spectacular coastline is hard to say the least.  And yet that's what this project is all about.  Providing clean water to those who really, really struggle to get it on a daily basis in the mountainous regions of Uganda is at the heart of this WASH project.

Water is life.  Jesus is Everlasting Life.

Spread the word!  I would be delighted if you felt you could share this post and blog with your friends and family.  It's a great cause.

Thanks!

Paul

Shimna River, Tollymore Forest Park

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This beautiful forest park just outside of Newcastle, Co. Down is a particular favourite of mine, primarily because of the beautiful, undulating Shimna River that meanders through it.  It's stunning in all seasons and weathers, but takes on an especially rich beauty in Autumn.  With the weather starting to change after a great summer (hooray!), I can't recommend highly enough that you pay this place a visit.  

And if it's a nice day, be sure to take a picnic.  You won't want to leave!

Paul

Blackhead Lighthouse (Whitehead)

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Like many who have walked around this lighthouse, I was surprised to find that it isn't called Whitehead Lighthouse (which is the nearest town), but Blackhead Lighthouse (as it sits on Blackhead).  This image was taken at dawn, after an early trek with my good friend Ashley Teague.  While I think it looks magnificent in dawn light, its purpose is to shine in the darkness.  I read a well-known verse again the other day, where Jesus says ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’ (John 8:12)  Worth thinking over, I'm sure you agree.

Paul

Carrickfergus Castle

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I must say, I do love our little country (because it is little - relative to Mexico, or Russia, or... well... most countries!).  For such a small country, we have a very rich heritage and fantastic places to explore.  Places like Carrickfergus Castle, for instance.

Did you know that Belfast Lough was known as Carrickfergus Bay until well into the 17th century?  And the castle itself is more than 800 years old!  Well, I'm not about to give you a history lesson.  If you want that, you could (and should) visit the castle.  In any case, I think it's amazing that it's virtually on my doorstep.  Actually, hop in the car (or bus, train or bike) for an hour or two and you can see anything our fabulous 'little' country has to offer.  (I'm not expecting commission fees from Discover Northern Ireland!).  And a rainy day should not spell an end to exploring either...! As my Granny would say, "You're neither sugar nor salt - you'll not melt!"

Go explore! :)
Paul

Share, Lough Erne

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Today, I was drawn to this image (taken in 2009) of the shores of Lough Erne at Share (Ireland's largest residential outdoor activity and adventure centre).  Share is well named, because is a place where people come together - people of all abilities and ages.  Its celebration of togetherness reminds me one of the foundational truths about life:  We are all created in God's image to share in a relationship with Him.  Togetherness attracts people.  I believe we were made to enjoy God and His creation together.  And sharing God's goodness is one of main reasons I love to take photographs.

Enjoy your weekend!
Paul :)

Gleno Waterfall

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Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to update you about the project.  Between now and the beginning of October, I'll be showcasing the images that I'm planning to make available to buy.  Hopefully this will whet (or wet!) your appetite!  The images will then be available for sale from 1st October.  More details about that nearer the time, though I do hope to be able to offer ordering both locally (through me or Knock Presbyterian) and online in some form.

In the meantime, if you've not been to Gleno Waterfall in Co. Antrim, I'd highly recommend even a short visit.  Susie, Bethany and myself had a short trip there yesterday.  They played Poohsticks and had a wander, while I donned my wellies and had a go at taking a picture.  I'll probably end up purchasing waders by the end of this project, but for now the wellies will have to do!

Stay tuned and thanks for all the support you've already shown for this idea.

Paul :)