Monday 28 September 2015

Tavy Cleavage in All its Glory - Dartmoor's Hidden Gem

Had the most amazing wild camp on Dartmoor this weekend at Tavy Cleave.  The weather has been a gift, gratefully received and used.

The Cleave was stunning, especially in the evening and at first light; the low sun carved deep shadows out of the hills and the River Tavy was as busy as usual, cascading down the steep gradients.  It was, however, extremely cold as a quick dip proved within 0.3 seconds of entering the water before hyperventilating whilst scrambling to get out again.





Wednesday 23 September 2015

Watern Tor and Tolmen Stone - Big Holes in Stone on Dartmoor

I rounded the Gertaven Mire recently, taking in Rival Tor, Watern Tor, Manga Rock and the North Teign River at Scorhill Down.

It was the first time I had some time to study the granite at Watern Tor.  It is text book pressure release jointing of the finest order.  Two of the outcrops have been so weathered as to form what they call a 'Thurlestone" meaning holed stone like the arch at Thurlestone Bay.  Though not strictly a hole, it was once and now offers a pleasing profile:

Watern Tor "Thurlestone", Dartmoor

Watern Tor "Thurlestone", Dartmoor























































Further on, near Scorhill is the famous Tolmen Stone, also meaning hole in stone (Celtic).  This is fabulous - the river has eroded basins in a massive granite boulder with small rocks constantly spinning in them with the eddies of the flow.  Over millennia these smooth basins enlarge to the point where the bottom is removed, leaving a hole.

It's interesting to think of the normal river levels over the past 30,000 years or so that would have made this possible.

Passing through the stone is suppose to bring healing benefits, so long as you don't fall into the river and break your leg.

Having photographed it, I did the deed and felt ridiculous and pleased.

Tolmen Stone in North Teign River, Dartmoor

Friday 18 September 2015

Sheepstor at Dawn on a Misty Morning

Coming back over Dartmoor after an early morning in Plymouth, I stopped near Sheepstor with a coffee to see if the sunrise would give a show.  It didn't, but the mist was interesting...


Wednesday 16 September 2015

Italy 2015 - Medieval Aesthetics and Chic

Just a few snaps from Bella Italia, Umbria to be precise.  Beautiful architecture, food and some OK kids I suppose.






Saturday 12 September 2015

New York City

On a bit of a catch-up here.  Busy busy busy.....Snuck in tag-along trip to New York last month.  Endless - surprises, buildings, people and opportunities.  Love it.

Here are some pictures of iconic New York City.

New York Billboards

New York Bus

New York streets in the morning

Walkway to One World Trade Centre Tower