On my hols but still posting when I have time.
I have been waking early since I arrived in California a few days ago and as Allison was suffering the same adjustment to this time zone, we decided to get out early and make the most of our time. This morning we hit up Runyon Canyon. Here’s some photos from our walk. 6am and the walk was already busy.
I’ve been doing a fair bit of walking this last month and of course the camera comes along. I have a few snaps I’m pleased with and thought to share them here.
A few more photos, this time from St Fiachra’s Garden within the National Stud. A beautiful and peaceful spot. I could have sat all day.
Was down in Kildare last week and stopped by the Nation Stud to see the Japanese Garden. Here’s some snaps.
My walk on Sunday took me up to Scrabo Tower that overlooks my home town of Ards on one side and looks towards my birth City of Belfast on the other side. A great time to visit with the Bluebells in full bloom. I was joined on my walk as always by my friend Stephen aka the Bonsai Baker, and my son Daniel. Oh, and of course, Smudge, Maggie, and Stephen’s dog Rufus.
A Raven decided to sit and watch us for a while before it flew away.
Sunday was our regular walk in the local countryside, this time from the Lead mines in Ards along the Clandeboye Way to Helen’s Bay, about 7 miles. I rarely do the first bit of this walk as it’s mucky, but memories fade regarding this issue and we gave it another go. You guessed it, a mud hole! This is one of the old chimneys from the Lead mines.
This is the state of the paths due to scramblers cutting the shite out of the whole place!!
Helen’s Tower below. An exact replica of this is at Thiepval in Northern France at the site where local men fighting in the 36th Ulster division lost their lives in the battle of the Somme. They training on this hillside before being sent to War.
Some signs of Spring.
A laid Hedge, done the old way.
Skinny Beech, but nice.
Had my usual walk to Scrabo Tower this morning with my brother Philip and friend Stephen. Not many signs of Spring approaching as yet but I did spot some nice catkins on a willow.
Bumped into a fellow dog walker who suggested I look up a Youtube video of a drone flight over Scrabo Tower. I think he suggested it as he’s in it 🙂 Anyway I thought some of you might be interested in this birds eye view of a small part of our walk.
Had the pleasure of working down in the Kingdom of Mourne last week. Some snow about on the peaks and some great scenery.
And also this old deciduous tree along the roadside near Castlewellan.
A nice 8 mile walk in woods and then coastline. Always nice to see the seasons change.
Always a sucker for fungi
This Birch was clinging on to life. This whole side was deadwood but a live vein can be seen running up the other side.
Fungi forest
A mighty Oak
Low Winter sun
My constant companion on a walk, Maggie. Smudge is somewhat of a front runner and prone to run ahead to the nearest person at the waters edge willing to throw a stone for him. One of these days someone’s going to pinch him on me!
A few photos from my walk through Belvior Forest on Sunday.
Shop for quality bonsai
bonsai and garden
The Kaizen Bonsai Blog
Teaching, Learning, Enjoying Bonsai
The ramblings of an old artist and someone who would like to grow better bonsais trees
my bonsai
My wood creations
Hand Crafted Furniture
Creativity Through Bonsai
dirt leaves flowers
bonsaï | vidéo | Japon - ActuBonsaï
Japan's aesthetic, craftsmanship and spirit
Bonsai with a hint of madness...
Startup and Technology News
Bonsai Eejit 