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RobCowell
RobCowell

RobCowell

Follow me on my adventures as I visit different places and photograph stunning locations. Read more🇬🇧United Kingdom
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  • RobCowellArctic Photography on SenjaTraveler
    Snow clouds in the distance
    Ersfjordbotn - where we stayed in December but very different now with all the extra snowThis looks totally different to when we were here in DecemberReturning my hire carThere's quite a bit of snow at the airport but they're used to itLast view of Tromsø as the plane gains altitude

    Back to the Airport

    March 4, 2019 in Norway ⋅ ❄️ -8 °C

    It was now time to start the final drive to the airport at Tromsø. There are two routes to get from Sommarøy to Tromsø and my preferred option was to take the Northern road. Having checked at the hotel reception I was advised to take the southern coastal route due to the potentially bad conditions away from the coast.

    The drive to the airport was quite straightforward with some heavy snow showers at times which weren't any problem because they didn't last very long. Before long I was refuelling the car and returning my car to Hertz. All that was needed now was to check-in, find something to eat and then board my flight. But first I needed to squeeze into a cubicle in the men's toilets.

    Now, I realise quite how that sounds but the reality is I needed to change my clothes because as I arrived at the airport I was wearing all my thermal attire, so sitting on a plane for three hours in clothing suitable for standing outside at -10c would only lead to a potential melt down ... literally. It was quite a manoeuvre to get into the cubicle but I managed okay and was soon having a bite to eat and watching the snow falling heavily outside.

    In no time at all I was boarding the plane to fly back to Gatwick and being amazed at how the airport copes when everywhere is covered in snow. In Britain, two snowflakes closes just about everywhere but here - no way. Things weren’t entirely straightforward however, because the amount of snow made it difficult for the aircraft to be pushed back from its stand - the wheels of the tractor (if that’s what it’s called) couldn’t get grip so grit had to be put down to help. Then the plane had to taxi to an area where de-icer was spayed over it then finally the 737 taxied to the runway and we were off, with a final view of the city before we climbed up towards and through the snow clouds.

    One last surprise: I had a window seat and as we rose above the clouds I peered out to find Aurora waving goodbye. Very dimly shining and white because of that, but a lovely sight to end my time in Norway.    Read more

  • RobCowellArctic Photography on SenjaTraveler

    Photography at Sommarøy

    March 4, 2019 in Norway ⋅ ❄️ -8 °C

    It was still very unsettled with snow blowing in and quite a wind too, and the wind made it feel really cold. I can't complain though, because I've had some amazing conditions during my trip, so I put my bags and things in the car then went to see if there were photographic opportunities to be had.

    I took a few photos from the decking area outside the bar in the hotel - a bit like the main photo in this footprint - and then left the hotel to investigate the local area, talking several photos in the cold and snow, though I'll have to wait until I get home to see if I have anything worthwhile.    Read more

  • RobCowellArctic Photography on SenjaTraveler
    This was the view when I opened the curtains
    View from my room a little later1View from the bar windowFinally the snow has stopped and it's brightening up

    Not Looking Good

    March 4, 2019 in Norway ⋅ ❄️ -4 °C

    My aim for the last day was to be out with my camera taking photos in the area surrounding the hotel. There are lots of little inlets and tiny beaches here and also the signature wooden red boat houses that would make excellent photographic subjects set against a snowy Arctic landscape. I was therefore somewhat disheartened when I opened the curtains and found it was still blizzard conditions outside. By the time I'd eaten breakfast things had improved a little so I decided to go and pack ready to leave then chill out in the bar area with yet another coffee so that, with good luck and fortune, the weather might improve. And so it did.Read more

  • RobCowellArctic Photography on SenjaTraveler
    At times it seemed like driving along a bob sleigh track

    Travelling to Sommarøy

    March 3, 2019 in Norway ⋅ ⛅ -12 °C

    The weather today was again bright and sunny and ideal for driving to Sommarøy. In a straight line the distance between Skaland and Sommarøy isn't all that great but by road it's a long drive because you can only go where the roads, bridges and tunnels take you - and that means a 4hr drive. I could save 30 minutes by retracing my route back to Tromsø then driving west, but I fancied the shorter route on more minor roads as I guessed the views on the way would be much prettier. It was the right choice and it turned out to be an amazing drive.

    What a landscape! It was truly stunning at times and the photos here are just a few taken on the way and where I felt it safe to pull over to take them. There were a couple of moments, one in particular, where I turned right onto a very narrow road, completely snow covered and wondering if all this was such a good idea in what seemed the middle of nowhere on my own. But of course it was fine: I had a very winter-capable car (even if it was a Skoda!), a constant phone signal and 4G Internet access and it's not like Britain because here the roads are ploughed and drivable even in these conditions. Okay, you often can't see tarmac, just a thick layer of ice, and the roads may be lined in snow 4ft high, but if you drive sensibly there's no problem.

    The journey took way more than 4 hours because I drove to the conditions but also because at times I stopped to take photos with the Canon and tripod. It's funny that - at one time I thought a tripod was an inconvenience but now I use it most of the time with landscape photography. In fact these days I feel a bit lost without it.

    Eventually I made it to Sommarøy. I arrived in time to catch any evening light and though I took a couple of images the light wasn't with me. When I got to the hotel I was really tired and after checking-in I found my room, showered and then chilled with a G&T in the bar. As I went to dinner I checked through the window to see if I might be lucky with a clear sky and get the Aurora tonight but the weather had suddenly changed and it was now a raging blizzard outside.

    Where did that come from?    Read more

  • RobCowellArctic Photography on SenjaTraveler
    The light was lovely even 45 minutes after sunrise
    Coffee and croissants at the hotel afterwards1Another lovely morningLast view of the area before starting my journey

    Up Early Again

    March 3, 2019 in Norway ⋅ ⛅ -10 °C

    The alarm was set for 5.30am so I could check the conditions to see if it was worth venturing out ... and it was. I'd already decided it might be good to photograph the mountains on the other side of the fjord if conditions looked promising and this was also a good idea because it meant I only had to venture across the road, around the buildings there and to the water's edge. I chose my spot and set up my tripod whilst the light was still quite blue, but it wasn't long before the delicate shades of pink I was hoping for arrived. I spent quite some time photographing the white snow-covered mountains against a pink-toned sky. Absolutely gorgeous, even though it felt much colder than yesterday morning.

    The main photo for this footprint was taken after I'd finished with my big camera and packed it away. You can see the kind of light I was experiencing but I'd got the images I wanted and now it was time for breakfast and the inevitable coffee.

    The last two photos in this footprint are typical views of the fjord, taken as I began my drive northwards to my next location. I'll take some photos as I travel because once again it looks like lovely weather for the long drive ahead.    Read more

  • RobCowellArctic Photography on SenjaTraveler
    The furthest place I drove to today
    More reflections

    Mefjordvær and Evening Light

    March 2, 2019 in Norway ⋅ ☀️ -4 °C

    Generally, the hour before sunset, when the sun's light is more towards yellow/orange, is known as the Golden hour. In northern climes this golden 'hour' lasts much longer because the sun is much lower and therefore grazes the horizon at a much more shallow angle. Sunset at the moment is around 5pm but the Golden hour starts around 2pm and after that time you start to get softer lighting and a very different colour pallet.

    My journey today took me as far as Mefjordvær - the main photo in this footprint - and the light was now changing as it was mid-afternoon. I took some photos here but it was really cold for some reason even though the car showed it wasn't any colder. My fingers didn't agree so after a while I waddled off in true Penguin style and ended the day photographing fjord reflections.

    Photography-wise this has been a quiet day, one of sightseeing and wonderful views. After dinner back at my hotel I checked the Aurora forecast and it wasn't so good so tonight they didn't make an appearance at all. I did however have a lovely evening chatting with a Norwegian couple. She worked in the old people's home next to the hotel and he was retired from working for Ever-Ready - you know, the battery people who I think had a factory in Wolverhampton at some point. Locally the area is important for graphite mining, hence why Ever-Ready are an important company here. They’re known by the brand name Energizer these days.

    The weather is still good with clear skies so it may be an early start again tomorrow. After an early start this morning my body was telling me it was time for sleep.    Read more

  • RobCowellArctic Photography on SenjaTraveler
    1
    1This is a common sight by the side of a road

    A Penguin on a Sunny Day

    March 2, 2019 in Norway ⋅ ☀️ -4 °C

    In December when I came to Tromsø with Penny & Tom, the forecast had been for pretty much continuous snow the entire time, but it wasn't anything like that and we had pretty much ideal weather the entire trip. It was the same this time - not continual snow forecast but mostly cloudy with regular snow showers. As you can see however, this has not (so far) been the case though for photography, as I've said already, bright sunny days with clear blue skies is not what's needed to get moody or atmospheric photographs. Don't get me wrong though, you can still capture some stunning views but as an example, take a look at the main photo of this footprint captured on a brief stop at Tungeneset where now it looks completely different to yesterday. Which do you prefer? I bet you prefer this one don't you ... sad face!

    The original plan was that yesterday I'd explore the area north of Skaland but I didnt get very far as you know. Having spoken to the hotel reception about whether I should stick to the original plan of going south today, or continuing northwards, they recommended north. So that's what I did, hence the very brief stop to check out the light at Tungeneset.

    I had a lovely driving tour with the odd stop for photography but I found it hard to find compositions with the harsh light today. I was either in full sunlight or flat shadow alongside fjords where the sun was too low to make it above the mountains. You have to remember that my photography isn't all about what the light may or may not be, I have to somehow also be in the right mood and be inspired to be creative. Today it wasn't happening for me and I've learned not to try and force things. Nothing good comes from that.

    For most of today I was therefore happy to be a wandering Penguin, taking a relaxing drive through the stunning landscapes in which I was immersed and stopping every now and then simply to try and take it all in.    Read more

  • RobCowellArctic Photography on SenjaTraveler

    Photography Before Breakfast

    March 2, 2019 in Norway ⋅ 🌙 -5 °C

    The alarm was set for 5.30am and a sneak peek through the curtains revealed clear skies and calm weather, which was what I hoped for. So once again it was time to layer-up and venture out into -7c.

    My destination was again the Bergsbotn Viewpoint because hopefully the morning light would create a subtly different scene. I expected other photographers to be there when I arrived at around 6.15am but in fact I had the place to myself, only interrupted when two walkers arrived to park their car there before setting off down the road.

    I stayed for quite a while taking photos as the sun rose and the light changed. You can see from the photos in this footprint how the light is gentle at first, about half-an-hour before sunrise, and when the light increases the scene soon looks completely different. The third photo I took when I arrived back at the hotel for breakfast at around 8am so comparing the three you can perhaps see why photographers love the beginning and end of the day, an hour or so either side of sunset or sunrise.

    It was just lovely this morning. Yes it was cold and yes it was a little bit of a push to leave a warm bed and head out into Arctic temperatures, but it was so relaxing and peaceful watching the light change as the sun moved gently upward to the horizon then rising above it and painting the landscape in a beautiful red-orange glow. A magical experience for sure.

    Then, in a moment, it's all over and the day had arrived.    Read more

  • RobCowellArctic Photography on SenjaTraveler
    Second location - by the roadside with the Skoda as my model
    2Back to Tungeneset for a third location

    She's More Subtle Tonight

    March 1, 2019 in Norway ⋅ ⛅ -3 °C

    It was a miracle that after such a cloudy day the clouds began to part as I arrived back at the hotel. I could see the sky was clearing but my first thought was that it'd be temporary, but it wasn't. So, once again after the meal I undertook the ritual of climbing into clothing layers with double socks, mittens, etc and headed off into the night in search of those mysterious lights and some serious deja vous visits. The temperature was the same ad yesterday too at -10c or thereabouts.

    First stop was the beach from this morning and when I arrived the Aurora had beaten me to it. Tonight the display was good for a while but very erratic and then it died down to almost nothing. The German couple were here too but soon they left, probably because like me they felt there may be other locations which might offer a more interesting composition. The problem here was too wide a vista, just a view out to sea, and there were street lights here too which was a nuisance.

    About half way back to the hotel there was a really dark section compared to the beach area and I decided to stop and wait a while to see if the Lights would return, which they did. They were nowhere near as bright as yesterday and were very much more subdued in tone, but in the darkness and with patience I managed the first photo you see here. It's definitely a more subtle photograph but I'm quite pleased with it all the same.

    The final location for the evening was to return to Tunganeset and the Devil's Teeth. I stayed here taking photos until 1am and the second photo in this footprint is just one of them.

    I packed away my gear at around 12.45am and just as I finished and zipped-up my camera bag, I happened to look up to see an explosion of activity and undoubtedly the best show of the evening, a last burst so to speak. It all happened really fast and I had no time to set up my camera so I chose to be an observer and simply enjoy what I was being given. It lasted only a short time with the Aurora appearing to surge from the top of the mountain across the fjord, sending a ribbon of green and red across the sky and over my head to behind me. It was truly wonderful and a brilliant end to the day - I think I got to sleep just after 2am and this meant I'd not get much sleep before the next event.    Read more

  • RobCowellArctic Photography on SenjaTraveler
    3The Devil's Fingers
    Evening light on the surrounding mountainsLooks like the skies are clearing

    Tungeneset Viewpoint

    March 1, 2019 in Norway ⋅ ☁️ -1 °C

    I drove away from the beach, passing my hotel then turning left to go through a long tunnel to pop out at Steinfjord. Not all that much further on from there is the Tunganeset Picnic Site but I think it sounds better if you call it a Viewpoint because you go there to view the Devil's Teeth mountains ... oh, and have a picnic I guess. The phone picture here gives the general idea but the reason photographers visit is because of the large rock pools which are great for reflections. Sorry, I should have taken a reflection shot for you and I neglected to. I ended up staying here until I needed to go back to the hotel to eat: Mexican buffet - really good.

    I took a number of 'proper' photos here and one which I particularly like and will undoubtedly enter into competitions. You see, while I was taking my photos there were other photographers there too then they left, leaving just one who was concentrating on photographing the waves breaking over the rocks. He ended up posing in one of my photos for me and was the perfect solitary figure on the rocks, with the Devil's Teeth behind. I really like it and hopefully you will too.

    My 'model' was also from Germany, travelling on his own because his wife 'hates the cold.' I wonder how many German photographers are left in Germany right now.

    The second image here represents me trying to capture the evening light over the mountains. I almost didn't include it because I don't think it's all that good, but hopefully I have better versions on the 'big' camera.

    So far then, not such a good day as yesterday but still some success and not a wasted day by any means ... and enjoyable too. Where did the time go?    Read more

  • RobCowellArctic Photography on SenjaTraveler
    Where snow meets sand
    Now I do like the sign - nice touchYes, that is the Public Toilets - closed in winter: bad luck if the sign represents your needs!

    Sand, Snow and Meeting New People

    March 1, 2019 in Norway ⋅ ❄️ -2 °C

    My plan for today was to travel northwards from Skaland and explore the coast to find photographic locations en-route, or i-rute as they say in Norway. I didn't get very far though.

    To start the day I decided to go to the beach at the end of the Fv251, or turn right out the hotel and keep going until you can't. I'd spotted this as a possible location before the trip and as it was only ten minutes away it seemed like a good idea.

    I spent way too much time here trying to find photographic compositions that simply didn't become apparent. I should have cut my losses and moved on because I ended up spending way too much time here. I have photos but I'll be surprised if they come to much.

    The highlights of this location were the sign for the toilets, the toilets themselves (check the photos) and the people I met here.

    I never thought of landscape photography as a social event but here I met a German couple who'd rented a house for two weeks using Skaland as a base for their photography. We chatted for ages about where we'd been, photography and photo related stuff. It was amazing how many locations in different countries we'd both been to. They left and I attempted a couple more photos, got nowhere then as I walked back to the car, I met another German who was on a Senja photo trip. Again we chatted for a while and I was amazed to discover he intended to walk up a mountain that night and would be camping there to hopefully catch the Aurora and maybe the sunrise tomorrow. When I mentioned the cold his answer was, "It's probably warmer in my tent than sleeping in the car." Okay, he was twenty-something but even so, neither of those choices would ever have been on my list of things to do in Norway in winter. I was kind've impressed though, even if I did think he was bonkers.    Read more

  • RobCowellArctic Photography on SenjaTraveler
    First view as I open the curtains
    View from my window when I arrived yesterday to drop my bag

    Different Day, Different Weather

    March 1, 2019 in Norway ⋅ ❄️ -1 °C

    The clouds that brought the show to an end last night also brought snow and this morning there was a dusting over the cars - not just the cars of course but white on in white is kind've hard to spot! I had set the alarm for an early rise to catch the morning light, but having peeped out of the curtains at much too early o'clock I could see that a little longer in a cosy bed was all that was needed until breakfasttime. I made it so.

     You can see the grey clouds hanging heavy which when combined with a snowy landscape can make for some lovely images. Clear blue skies, like yesterday, aren't the favoured conditions for photography - there needs to be something more such as moody clouds, dramatic light after a storm or simply fantastic light like yesterday afternoon. The scene yesterday from the Bergsbotn Viewpoint was amazing, but a few clouds lit by the sunset-orange tones of the moment wouldn't have done any harm at all. It was still truly wonderful to see though.

    So, what will today bring? Snow showers are forecast therefore anything could happen. Let's find out.    Read more

  • RobCowellArctic Photography on SenjaTraveler

    Aurora Came to Dance

    February 28, 2019 in Norway ⋅ ⛅ -3 °C

    No, the day certainly wasn't over yet. I finished my meal then went outside to check the skies. The app I have on my phone had already suggested the chances for the Northern Lights tonight were good. So when I looked up there they were, dimly shimmering in the northern skies.

    I quickly went inside and layered up, picked the wide angle lenses I needed, checked the spare battery and travelled back towards the Bergsbotn Viewpoint - where else?

    Along the way I stopped where I'd taken the reflections photos earlier and here's what I saw. I stayed here a while until the lights died down then headed for the viewpoint. The lights were almost gone now but every now and then they would appear again so I stayed up there for quite some time, taking photos when the opportunity arose and basking in the -10c temperatures of a cold evening. I have photos from there of course and you can see them when I've processed and printed them. I processed this one especially for you to see.

    Eventually the predicted cloud cover arrived and took the lights away. I stayed a little longer but then it was around 11.30pm and time to warm up. Funnily, I never felt cold at all.

    What an amazing day and what have I done to deserve this, to experience the wonders of our planet in the way I have done today?

    I really hope you've enjoyed today's journey with me. Wow!    Read more

  • RobCowellArctic Photography on SenjaTraveler
    The first photography location doesn't get much better than this!
    Couldn't resist a quick phone panorama even before checking inThere's beautiful light even way after sunsetUnexpected, stunning and such a pleasure to see

    Arriving at Skaland, Senja

    February 28, 2019 in Norway ⋅ ☀️ -4 °C

    As I drove up that road (final photo of the last footprint) the golden light on the snow was amazing and it only confirmed why I'd wanted to visit an Arctic region again, but now I wondered if I'd be too late to catch this light at the location I knew was not far past the end of the tunnel - The Bergsbotn Viewpoint.

    You'll have just seen the view from there because the main photo of this footprint is the view I saw when I arrived ... and remember, apart from any Aurora photos that might come my way, all photos in this blog are taken with my phone. That view was awe inspiring and I set my tripod and camera and stayed capturing images while the light changed as the sun set and the colours on the mountains and reflections in the water continually changed. It is true to say on this occasion there definitely was (perfect) light at the end of the tunnel.

    Eventually I had to drag myself away to go to my hotel about ten minutes further on and when I arrived the sunset afterglow was in full swing. A quick phone panorama then I quickly picked up my key, checked meal times (only until 7pm), found my room then left to see if there were photo opportunities to be had. I drove back along the fjord where the water was calm and acting as a mirror against majestic snow-brushed mountains. I couldn't believe what I was seeing, I had only just arrived and had already been given perfect conditions in which to play. I am so lucky.

    It was almost completely dark as I drove back to the hotel for my meal but I arrived in good time for good food.

    The day wasn't over yet however ...    Read more

  • RobCowellArctic Photography on SenjaTraveler
    There were some great views as I travelled southward
    I was really please the weather was do goodIn the centre of the island it was really coldIt's official: my hire car is a Skoda!At the top of this road a tunnel takes you through the mountain to Bergsbotn

    Travelling to Senja

    February 28, 2019 in Norway ⋅ ☀️ -3 °C

    It didn't take long to drive out of the city, Tromsø isn't all that big really so once across the bridge you turn right and head southward or, using traditional navigation techniques, toward the sun.

    The roads here aren't as quiet as Icelandic roads but they're not busy and once I'd crossed the bridge at Finnesness and started to cross the island of Senja, there was hardly any traffic at all.

    Any fears of bad weather and snow were unfounded - the conditions remained sunny and dry and even got better the further I drove. By the time I'd crossed Senja and almost reached my accommodation for the next three nights, the sky was perfectly clear and the late afternoon light simply gorgeous. It was cold of course. In Tromsø I think it was about -2c but as I crossed Senja the car showed -12c. Yep, it was that temperature when I stopped and took the photo with my hire car on show. Strange - it didn't actually feel that cold to be honest.

    I took the journey at a steady pace, no rush and kept strictly to the speed limits as I believe speeding fines are high in Norway. Anyway, why rush past all that stunning scenery?

    The first two photos here were taken when I stopped at a viewpoint and the second two as I traversed Senja. It seems Norway and Iceland are cast from the same mould as there is a sad lack of stopping places even when a view cries out for one.

    As I neared my destination for the day I suddenly realised that having that coffee before I left was probably not such a good idea. The light suddenly became amazing and now I wondered if I had enough time to take advantage of it.    Read more

  • RobCowellArctic Photography on SenjaTraveler
    From snow storm to sunny day
    This view was a really pleasant surprise given the forecast

    A Morning in Tromsø

    February 28, 2019 in Norway ⋅ ⛅ -4 °C

    The hotel where I was staying is called the Smarthotel and one thing that's smart about it is it provides a constant supply of free tea and coffee 24/7. That's why I knew I'd get that coffee when I got back so after the warm drink and a bit of a chill out it was time for bed. Ok, I know, coffee's not for bedtime but hey, the hotel wasn't quite smart enough to include hot chocolate in the deal and I was happy, so there you go.

    After an excellent night's sleep, despite that coffee of course, I woke to find it snowing. I had a four hour drive to get to get to Senja and the weather forecast was for snow, so I wasn't pleased to wake to white flakes gently falling past my window. Oh dear!

    The breakfast buffet was excellent and I was joined at the table by a Swiss couple who were in Norway for photography but for a couple of weeks, and had seen the Northern Lights for the first time the previous night, when I got snowed upon. They were trying their luck about 45 minutes drive away and had (sort of) clear skies. We compared our Aurora photos (I had a couple on my phone from Iceland) then went our separate ways. It all made breakfast really enjoyable and was a great start to the day.

    I decided to spend a little time in the city before I began my journey because while we ate our breakfast and chatted the snow had stopped, the clouds parted and it had become a lovely day. Having packed-up and checked-out I decided to take a stroll in the sunshine, pick up a few supplies and only then retrieve my trusty steed from the underground nuclear bunker .... err, I mean car park, of course. I must say though, it did look as though it might double-up for use in times of Armageddon.

    The panorama in this footprint was taken before I had a coffee (yes, more of the stuff) and if you zoom in near the other end of the bridge you can see the triangular church which Tromsø is known for. Soon I'd be driving across that bridge on my way to Senja but at the back of my mind I wondered if the weather would actually be okay and if I really should have left sooner, because snow was forecast after all. Too late to worry about that now!    Read more

  • RobCowellArctic Photography on SenjaTraveler
    View from the window over Norway
    Looks cold down thereThe massive underground parking complex below the cityRob's hotel - an ideal place to stayIt started to snow quite heavily with a bitingly cold windA bit colder than the UK but only -2c even though it felt much colder

    Tromsø

    February 27, 2019 in Norway ⋅ 🌬 0 °C

    The plane landed in Tromsø pretty much on time, perhaps even a few minutes early. As the plane descended through the clouds the surrounding air was full of snow rushing by and my first thought was the weather down there must be horrible. The pilot announced the landing could be bumpy due to strong winds then the plane descended to its destination. On final approach there was a good deal of buffeting, then the wheels touched the ground and all that was now needed was to stop. But each time the brakes were applied you could sense the wheels were skidding along due to the runway being covered with snow and ice. Engine breaking did the trick however and soon I was picking up the keys to the car - a Skoda similar to the one hired in December but the next model up: four wheel drive automatic with winter/studded tyres and heated everything. Just the ticket, so eight minutes later I was parking the car in the underground car park beneath the city and five minutes after that I was checking in to the hotel.

    Dinner was at a very nice pizzeria 50m from the hotel and afterwards I took a stroll through the streets to take in the air which was .... cold! Was that a hint of the Aurora just then? Indeed it was, but only the merest trace through a gap in the clouds and only for a moment or two. Soon it was snowing quite hard and the wind bitingly cold which meant it was time for a coffee back at the hotel to warm up.    Read more

  • RobCowellArctic Photography on SenjaTraveler
    The plane at gate 5 ....
    It's not often you depart from Britain with a view like thisNot a cloud in the skyGatwick airport from the air - is that haze good or bad?

    Gatwick Airport

    February 27, 2019 in England ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    After a lovely meal out with Penny last night the day started with my friend Liz collecting me from the B&B and then catching up over coffee. Liz then dropped me off at the airport in good time to catch my flight.

    Check-in almost went smoothly and was only interrupted when the motor on the baggage conveyor seized leaving my suitcase neither here nor there, but somewhere in between. After a while the bag was retrieved and checked-in at another desk. Phew! The tripod was in there and also other photographic accessories so it'd be bad if the case didn't make it. Oh, and some clothes and other things were in there of course!

    The flight left exactly on time and is now somewhere over the North Sea - not in Britain nor in Norway. Just somewhere in between.

    The plane has wi-fi too, hence why this footprint is posted from a great height.    Read more

  • RobCowellArctic Photography on SenjaTraveler

    Travelling to Gatwick

    February 26, 2019 in England ⋅ 🌙 11 °C

    So this is it - a return trip to Norway flying from Gatwick to Tromsø to begin a photography adventure well inside the Arctic Circle.

    The journey begins, however, with a drive down to Gatwick and an overnight stay in a B&B in Horley. I stayed here in December when the focus was on surprising my daughter, Penny, with a trip to see the Aurora, sight whales, ride a dog sled and more. That was a truly amazing trip but the focus this time is photography. All the gear is packed - and within the weight limits - so tomorrow it's to the airport when the trip officially begins.

    I arrived in Horley just as the sun was setting. There'd been clear blue skies all day and at one point when travelling down the M40 the car reported 21c ... in February, in Britain. It must surely be a dream. The sun was setting low over the airport buildings, offering a really atmospheric view driving along the dual carriageway towards my destination. It was worthy of a first photo but no opportunities to capture one, not whilst driving.

    Tromsø isn't quite so warm of course. Guess it'll come as a bit if a shock!    Read more

  • Sails, Sunsets and Snaps

    Photographs

    October 7, 2018 in Greece ⋅ 🌙 17 °C

    This final footprint contains just two of the photographs Rob took during the journey around the islands. The first shown here was taken when Rob left the boat a little before sunrise, when the others were still snoozing. It’s therefore not a sunset but a sunrise but it probably still counts if you’re generous.

    The second was taken from the viewpoint Penny, Tom and Rob visited. Again, it’s not a proper sunset but was taken a short while afterwards as the light was starting to fade.

    Hope you like them.    Read more

  • Sails, Sunsets and Snaps
    Gentle light across the marina starts the day
    Sunrise on the last morningThe main area of Rincewind's cabinView towards the stern

    Time to Leave

    October 7, 2018 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    The final morning and a calm start to the day. Sunrise was followed with a lovely light towards the town which is hopefully captured in the photo you see.

    So now it was time to finish packing and leave ... which is why you get to see a view of Rincewind's main cabin ... it's tidy! Penny & Tom were in the forward cabin, in the nose so to speak, with Alan to the left of the galley steps and Rob to the right, both at the stern of the boat.

    At around 9.15am the crew of four walked away from Rincewind for the very last time and headed off to get breakfast before leaving for the airport later on. All agreed it had been a brilliant week - a week that, even though it had flown by, was filled with numerous sights and experiences to remember for a very long time. Alan coped really well with the many demands placed upon his ninety year old body, but he made it through and joined-in with everything for the entire week. Penny and Tom coped brilliantly handling the yacht with two novice crew members ... which rope did what, did they say? Cleats, fenders, halliards, reefs and no, not a knot and a knot is a speed not a knot. Is red 40m of anchor chain, or is it blue? Isn't an oxo a game and which knot shouldn't you tie to hold a fender on a rail? Should a rope be on the cleat or around it, and when or why? Get the picture? Easy or what?

    Having said all that, it all worked in the end and the yacht was returned unscathed. Rob was hoping for photographic opportunities but had been warned there may not be many times to get out there with the camera and tripod, and there wasn't really. But this trip wasn't about that: it was an opportunity for a family getaway with some new experiences and in that respect the week has been exactly that and a great success.

    Now where's that G&T?    Read more

  • Sails, Sunsets and Snaps
    Rincewind moored for the last time
    There's no mistake - pirates in sightFinally there is a sunset, but no stunning location on handThese prawns wrapped in bacon were scrumptiousAlan and Penny enjoy their mealsRoute sailed on day 6

    Back to the Home Port of Lefkada

    October 6, 2018 in Greece ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    Rincewind was home.

    The journey from the bay was straightforward enough and for a while the wind increased and Penny & Tom raised the sails. The wind wasn't all that strong but there was just enough to help the yacht on its way. Rob took Rincewind down the channel which leads to the large marina in Lefkada then Penny took over when it was time to refuel.

    Once Rincewind was in her birth there was a short debrief to hand-back the yacht then that was it. But what's that in the harbour, if not a pirate boat blazenly flying its Skull & Crossbones? We have seen pirates!

    The final group event was at the nearby hotel bar and on the way to the gathering, Greece finally produced a sunset even though the only camera Rob had was his phone ... but at least there was finally a sunset which meant the title of this trip hasn't needed to be changed.

    At the 'goodbye meeting' various awards were given, with certificates too, and for the crew of Rincewind it was for best at parking of a yacht and for having the oldest crew member for at least this season, and probably much longer to be honest. Alan had been a bit of a celebrity all week it has to be said.

    The final meal was in town at the Nautilus restaurant which was recommended by friends of Penny & Tom. Good choice too as it was a lovely meal for the last night.    Read more

  • Sails, Sunsets and Snaps
    Lovely weather today
    Can you make out the sunken plane?Alan takes the helm againA stop for lunch and a swimPerfect weather at a fantastic locationLeaving the bay to head for the home port of Lefkada

    The Last Day on the Yacht

    October 6, 2018 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Another great morning weather-wise, being lovely and warm with a deep blue sky, as you can see. Being the last day there was no briefing this morning because the aim was simply to sail back to the home port of Lefkada: be there by 5pm. Breakfast was just a short stroll from the yacht and was the first time there was a waiter whose understanding of English was definitely from the 'could do better' school of international languages. Basically, the problem seemed to be that whatever you asked for it had to be related to coffee or an omelette. 'Toast and Jam' turned onto 'omelette with ham', though everyone concurred they could see how that might happen. What wasn't clear, however, is how a fresh orange juice eventually arrived, but it did.

    On the way back to the boat Rob spotted the sunken plane in the harbour. It seems it was purchased by a local and then sunk into the harbour - why? Who knows, but it's there and just a few metres from the quayside.

    Penny and Tom picked up some pastries for lunch then it was time to leave with Alan at the helm. The bay chosen to stop for lunch was simply perfect and Penny and Rob did a bit of snorkelling and Tom swam as well. All too soon it was time for the final journey of the week ... Rob steered Rincewind out of the bay of turquoise waters, leaving it to become a happy memory.    Read more

  • Sails, Sunsets and Snaps
    View from the breakfast table
    All of a sudden the wind came up for some great sailingEntering the harbour - ready on the anchorAlmost a sunset during the stroll to dinnerRoute sailed on day 5

    Little Vathy, Meganisi

    October 5, 2018 in Greece ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    Today brought excellent weather once again with the forecast predicting virtually no wind - wrong again.

    The briefing and breakfast were in the beach restaurant, where the meal was held the night before, but there wasn't very far to go today so the aim was to use the engine to once again find somewhere to stop for lunch and a swim. Essentially, this is what happened but before long the wind increased, the sails were raised and the engine turned off. You can see from the route for today that far more time was spent at sea than the day promised according to the forecast. The sailing was great in fact.

    The wind had disappeared after the stop for lunch and a swim (Rob wasn't such a wimp this time) so the engine was used to cruise to Little Vathy to end the day.

    The evening was once again a group meal but with pre-dinner drinks provided by the floatilla Captain and his wife ... though it's probably more accurate to say the drinks were included in the charter price. On the way there Rob managed to capture something approaching a sunset, though only on his phone, but it was better than nothing of course, though not quite the glorious event he was hoping for.    Read more

  • Sails, Sunsets and Snaps
    Evening view from 60m above the port
    G&T time and a toast to a safe arrivalAll lined up for the nightRoute sailed on day 4

    Spatochori, Meganisi

    October 4, 2018 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    The pirate ship sailed into the distance, clearly not at all interested in the bounty aboard Rincewind. Let's face it, your average pirate will never look mean and scary manning the cannons with a large blown-up pineapple under one arm. That pineapple was undoubtedly the saviour of the day.

    Before long the day's destination came into view and Captain Penny asked if Rob would like to take the helm to steer Rincewind onto her birth, so Rob took the wheel while Alan and Tom looked after the ropes. This was the first time Rob had done this and it was a delicate operation too ... the yacht had to be taken-in backwards (the standard way in Greece) but he also had to go manoeuvre around another boat into the reserved slot against the pontoon, whilst avoiding a group of swimmers nearby. Rob managed it perfectly and was really proud of his success, with the G&T's being used to toast the achievement a little later.

    Having completed the drinks tradition and showered, Penny, Tom and Rob took the path up to the viewpoint above the small marina. They were hoping for a good sunset but once again the light never came. The view was amazing though and well worth the effort of climbing all those steps. The main village was there too so a little time was spent having a quick look around.

    The evening ended with a group meal in the beach restaurant with the crews of all ten boats attending. It was a great evening and also a lovely atmosphere afterwards when Rincewind's crew chilled on her deck for a while before bed time.

    Another day comes to a close.    Read more

  • Sails, Sunsets and Snaps
    Heading out to sea
    SailingThere are many small beaches and covesCould that be a pirate ship?

    Sailing to Spatochori

    October 4, 2018 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    The journey to Spatochori was straightforward with the aim to find a pleasant cove or bay to drop anchor for lunch and to go swimming ... and this is exactly what happened. Penny was first in the water followed by Rob who, it has to be said, was a complete wimp about getting into the water. The water was lovely once you were in, Rob just made heavy weather of it and took ages. Yes a real wimp, but once he was in he agreed the water was lovely and both Penny and Rob messed about in the water, accompanied by large blow-up pineapple (there's a theme going on here don't you think) until it was time to raise the anchor and continue the journey.

    On the way to the port for the night there was a strange sighting. Tom and Rob were sure they spotted a skull & crossbones on another boat. Could there be pirates in these waters, me-hearty? Rob managed a blurry photo of the offending vessel so what do you think? Will there be dastardly deeds on the High Seas before nightfall?    Read more

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