I was in my late 20s. I was fit. I had climbed in the Alps and wintered in Scotland’s Cairngorms. I had been caving for ten years mainly on the Mendips but also in Yorkshire and South Wales. I was on expedition to Grotte Casteret, near Gavarnie, in the Pyrenees. This photo was taken just … Continue reading
Winter skies
A winter break in Scotland. Mists melt into clear skies and still waters. The sun is low over the horizon. Liquid gold waves kiss the rocks and dissolve onto the shore. A pathway of sunlight leads to the hidden. Short daylight hours mean that as in one direction the dawn sun rises behind masts, in … Continue reading
From Summits to Shore (1)
We have often travelled to Canada. We’ve skied many times in the Rockies and Quebec. We’ve camped in the Rockies and British Columbia. We’ve ‘done’ the Inside Passage on the Ferries. We’ve had a fleeting drive around Nova Scotia, so we were convinced that we knew what to expect. Listen in to a very brief … Continue reading
What is a literature review?
I picture the literature review as a map, with interconnecting routes and discoveries of new landscapes as I explore new pathways and notice new vistas. Exciting! I am struggling with clarifying my research question, which will then frame my reading. I have talked with a colleague which was very useful as she was able to … Continue reading
Research blog
Here, I will be recording my developing research writings. These are part retrospective and part looking to the future. After a life time in outdoor learning, I am eager to pass on some of my insights, and just as interested in developing my ideas and thoughts. I have been greatly influenced by colleagues here in … Continue reading
Taking a moment
It is easy to rush around, grabbing photographs and missing the wonder of the changing dance of light on the surrounding slopes and watery surfaces. I am standing in a favourite spot. Most of the time I am alone. A curious young motorcyclist comes and asks for ‘photograph’. His brief presence adds to the mood … Continue reading
Ripples and Reflections
Many years ago I was flicking through a magazine and came upon an article about Andy Worhol’s swimming pool collection. I was mesmerised by the translucent turquoise; the patterns and ripples that transformed reality into an organic and abstract work of art. I have since been drawn to the liquid art of The Jubilee Pool … Continue reading
Getting Inspiration
Many will know that I spend a lot of time each year at Cardamom House, in the foot hills of the Western Ghats. This is in Tamil Nadu, a drier state than Kerala. The sunsets can be spectacular; the birds and flowers exotic. We are visited by many artists and some of my inspirations … Continue reading
Celebrating Southsea
Southsea is my home. I’ve lived here for over 50 years and have discovered that my forebears lived on Portsea Island as long ago as the mid 1700s. The sea surrounding Portsea Island is the best of two worlds – a built up sea front offering a cycle route, places to walk, historic monuments, piers … Continue reading
Playing with Light
For me, these images have a sensual quality.