News
Ride & Skid It - 22 August 17
24th August 2017 - 0 comments

Group Photo - 22nd August 2017
Tuesdays' Ride & Skid It event was the second and last evening session and even though the light had reduced drastically by the end of the session I still managed to get some reasonable shots at ISO 6400 or something silly.

I knew that there was a speedway photographer attending as a rider so it was nice to have a chat to Adrian and he gave me some useful information.

The session was run on the usual format: Familiarization, Mini-track, Follow the leader and lastly putting the learning into practice.
Familiarisation
The group usually tend take this one pretty easy while they get the feel of the bike and the track and this was no exception; even the fast lads took it easy!






Mini-track
I like this session as there is a good chance of managing to capture some of the riders sliding or falling!

Les advising one of the riders

He got to grips with it quickly




img]https://images.on-this.website/news/15606_2058243905599f0c2b875f6.jpg


Follow the Leader & Free for all.
The session where the learning is hopefully put into practice! All the riders are gaining confidence and speeding up. Unfortunately as I said earlier the light had started to go during these sessions so the ISO had to be increased to maintain the shutter speed and unfortunately the downside being the increase in noise but I think the photos are still acceptable.
Session3 - Getting Faster





Session4 - Letting Loose!








I only managed to snap one faller

Going

He went
The Stars of the Show Who make It All Happen

Aidan Collins

Aidan Collins

Les Collins

Adam Allott
Thanks for looking and I hope you enjoyed the pictorial review of the session.
Andy
24th August 2017 - 0 comments


Group Photo - 22nd August 2017
Tuesdays' Ride & Skid It event was the second and last evening session and even though the light had reduced drastically by the end of the session I still managed to get some reasonable shots at ISO 6400 or something silly.

I knew that there was a speedway photographer attending as a rider so it was nice to have a chat to Adrian and he gave me some useful information.

The session was run on the usual format: Familiarization, Mini-track, Follow the leader and lastly putting the learning into practice.
Familiarisation
The group usually tend take this one pretty easy while they get the feel of the bike and the track and this was no exception; even the fast lads took it easy!






Mini-track
I like this session as there is a good chance of managing to capture some of the riders sliding or falling!

Les advising one of the riders

He got to grips with it quickly




img]https://images.on-this.website/news/15606_2058243905599f0c2b875f6.jpg


Follow the Leader & Free for all.
The session where the learning is hopefully put into practice! All the riders are gaining confidence and speeding up. Unfortunately as I said earlier the light had started to go during these sessions so the ISO had to be increased to maintain the shutter speed and unfortunately the downside being the increase in noise but I think the photos are still acceptable.
Session3 - Getting Faster





Session4 - Letting Loose!








I only managed to snap one faller

Going

He went
The Stars of the Show Who make It All Happen

Aidan Collins

Aidan Collins

Les Collins

Adam Allott
Thanks for looking and I hope you enjoyed the pictorial review of the session.
Andy
Ride & Skid It - 19 August 17
21st August 2017 - 0 comments

Group Photo - 19th August 2017
The weather on Saturday was fine for the ducks, it rained most of the way to Buxton but it had stopped by the time I’d got there. However the sky remained dark, great for some dramatic landscape shots but not for this event.
The group photo was taken without any rain to spoil things and other than the group wanting to trail off to the left, nearly all the groups do it and I’ve no idea why! The event is about bikes and speed so its best not to waste time trying to organize a nicely composed group photo; as a photographer it does go against the grain though. Sometimes it’s best to say nought and just get on with it!!
The session is organized differently to the speedway sessions and all of the morning is spent on the cones or mini-track.
The cones or mini-track
Unfortunately the heavens opened for this session and I took shelter for some of the time; great for the ducks though!


Rain capes modelled by Adam and rider!



Get the front wheel turned in handle bars down!

Rick English getting to grips with it

Jenny Tinmouth
Between sessions

Rick English

A Budding star of the future?

And another

And another



Afternoon Sessions.
The sessions where the learning is hopefully put into practice! The first session in the afternoon is led out by Aidan for the riders to familiarize themselves with the track.
Aidan also leads out the second session but this session also includes the dirt track section and the chicane. I’ve got to say a few of the riders just ignored the chicane and rode straight through the cones and not around them!

Aidan Collins enjoying the dirt track

Jenny Tinmouth


Rick english







The fallers
The rain and the ensuing mud didn’t make things easier and there were quite a few slippages; what fun!



Jenny Timmouth slips


What good of them's good for me!



Stuck in the mud but her dad helped her out!
Hope you liked the pictorial view of the day!
Thanks for looking.
Andy
21st August 2017 - 0 comments


Group Photo - 19th August 2017
The weather on Saturday was fine for the ducks, it rained most of the way to Buxton but it had stopped by the time I’d got there. However the sky remained dark, great for some dramatic landscape shots but not for this event.
The group photo was taken without any rain to spoil things and other than the group wanting to trail off to the left, nearly all the groups do it and I’ve no idea why! The event is about bikes and speed so its best not to waste time trying to organize a nicely composed group photo; as a photographer it does go against the grain though. Sometimes it’s best to say nought and just get on with it!!
The session is organized differently to the speedway sessions and all of the morning is spent on the cones or mini-track.
The cones or mini-track
Unfortunately the heavens opened for this session and I took shelter for some of the time; great for the ducks though!


Rain capes modelled by Adam and rider!




Get the front wheel turned in handle bars down!

Rick English getting to grips with it

Jenny Tinmouth
Between sessions

Rick English

A Budding star of the future?

And another

And another



Afternoon Sessions.
The sessions where the learning is hopefully put into practice! The first session in the afternoon is led out by Aidan for the riders to familiarize themselves with the track.
Aidan also leads out the second session but this session also includes the dirt track section and the chicane. I’ve got to say a few of the riders just ignored the chicane and rode straight through the cones and not around them!

Aidan Collins enjoying the dirt track

Jenny Tinmouth


Rick english







The fallers
The rain and the ensuing mud didn’t make things easier and there were quite a few slippages; what fun!



Jenny Timmouth slips


What good of them's good for me!



Stuck in the mud but her dad helped her out!
Hope you liked the pictorial view of the day!
Thanks for looking.
Andy
Ride& Skid It - 01 August 17
05th August 2017 - 0 comments

Group Photo 01 Aug 17
Tuesdays Ride & Skid It event was my first evening session starting at five. Most of the way to Buxton it had rained however as I neared Buxton the rain eased off and it turned into a really nice evening. There were some dark skies but at times the light was wonderful casting some nice shadows of the riders on the track.

The session was run on the usual format: Familiarization, Mini-track, Follow the leader and lastly putting the learning into practice.
Familiarisation
The group usually tend take this one pretty easy while they get the feel of the bike and the track and this was no exception; I was spoiled by the riders from the stag do session!




Mini-track

Adam explaining the finer point of getting the slide


This lads getting it!

He couldn't get the bike over much more without falling & he didn't!


Follow the Leader & Free for all.
The session where the learning is hopefully put into practice! There were a number of fallers during the session but unfortunately I was in the wrong place to capture them. The light had started to go during this session so the ISO had to be increased to maintain the shutter speed and unfortunately the downside being the increase in noise but I think photos are acceptable although some may benefit from being made monochrome.









Converted to mono and some selective colouring

Tom McClean

Tom McClean

Young private rider

Got a bit of speed up here (No Fear)
Thanks for looking
Andy
05th August 2017 - 0 comments


Group Photo 01 Aug 17
Tuesdays Ride & Skid It event was my first evening session starting at five. Most of the way to Buxton it had rained however as I neared Buxton the rain eased off and it turned into a really nice evening. There were some dark skies but at times the light was wonderful casting some nice shadows of the riders on the track.

The session was run on the usual format: Familiarization, Mini-track, Follow the leader and lastly putting the learning into practice.
Familiarisation
The group usually tend take this one pretty easy while they get the feel of the bike and the track and this was no exception; I was spoiled by the riders from the stag do session!




Mini-track

Adam explaining the finer point of getting the slide


This lads getting it!

He couldn't get the bike over much more without falling & he didn't!


Follow the Leader & Free for all.
The session where the learning is hopefully put into practice! There were a number of fallers during the session but unfortunately I was in the wrong place to capture them. The light had started to go during this session so the ISO had to be increased to maintain the shutter speed and unfortunately the downside being the increase in noise but I think photos are acceptable although some may benefit from being made monochrome.









Converted to mono and some selective colouring

Tom McClean

Tom McClean

Young private rider

Got a bit of speed up here (No Fear)
Thanks for looking
Andy
Ride & Skid It (The Stag Do) 29 July 17
01st August 2017 - 0 comments

29th July 2017
Saturdays Ride & Skid It Event wasn’t in my schedule but after a little persuasion I made my way there and I’m glad I did. These lads were on the top of their game and certainly no slouches when it came to lapping the track. Plenty of skids to photograph this week!

Aidan explaining the finer points
I also had the pleasure of chatting to Ken Eyre one of the great speedway riders of the Belle Vue team from the 60’s and 70’s; you never know who will turn up at these events. I think he was the official photographer for the lads as well as taking some photos for MTX; no chance of me selling any then!
The session was run on the usual format: Familiarization, Mini-track, Follow the leader and lastly putting the learning into practice.
Familiarisation
The group usually tend take this one pretty easy while they get the feel of the bike and the track, not these lads!



Toby Eyre

Some friendly rivalry nor doubt

The Stag (I think)
Mini-track
The instructors do make this look easy but from experience it’s not and although the lads didn’t finds it easy peasy most got to grips with it and give it a good go. There were some however that slid to the floor and one who tried to ride up the fence!






Toby Going

Going twice

Gone

Follow the Leader & Free for all.
The session where the learning is put into practice! It was difficult to keep up with the speed of these lads!


Aidan Giving It Some




Going Head to Head





Tom Sliding

Tom Gone



And another One Bites the Dust


Les Collins
Thanks for Looking
Andy
01st August 2017 - 0 comments


29th July 2017
Saturdays Ride & Skid It Event wasn’t in my schedule but after a little persuasion I made my way there and I’m glad I did. These lads were on the top of their game and certainly no slouches when it came to lapping the track. Plenty of skids to photograph this week!

Aidan explaining the finer points
I also had the pleasure of chatting to Ken Eyre one of the great speedway riders of the Belle Vue team from the 60’s and 70’s; you never know who will turn up at these events. I think he was the official photographer for the lads as well as taking some photos for MTX; no chance of me selling any then!
The session was run on the usual format: Familiarization, Mini-track, Follow the leader and lastly putting the learning into practice.
Familiarisation
The group usually tend take this one pretty easy while they get the feel of the bike and the track, not these lads!



Toby Eyre

Some friendly rivalry nor doubt

The Stag (I think)
Mini-track
The instructors do make this look easy but from experience it’s not and although the lads didn’t finds it easy peasy most got to grips with it and give it a good go. There were some however that slid to the floor and one who tried to ride up the fence!






Toby Going

Going twice

Gone

Follow the Leader & Free for all.
The session where the learning is put into practice! It was difficult to keep up with the speed of these lads!


Aidan Giving It Some




Going Head to Head





Tom Sliding

Tom Gone



And another One Bites the Dust


Les Collins
Thanks for Looking
Andy
Ride & Skid It - Most viewed Photos
25th July 2017 - 0 comments
25th July 2017 - 0 comments
The six most viewed Ride & Skid It photos
Fifth

124 views
Equal 4th


134 views
Third

144 views
Second

155 views
First

550 views
Fifth

124 views
Equal 4th


134 views
Third

144 views
Second

155 views
First

550 views
Ride & Skid It 23 July 17
24th July 2017 - 0 comments

Group Photo 23rd July 2017
I went to this weeks Ride & Skid It session not knowing what to expect as it was their first Flat Track Experience day.
The layout and format was totally different to the speedway day so I had a bit of a learning experience as well as the guys on the bikes; new bikes and an additional instructor as well (Richard May).

Richard May explaining the format of session1

The new bikes
Morning Session
Unlike the speedway experience days, there was no familiarization of the track and the groups went straight into going round the cones in various combinations leading up to a flat track slide/skid; I think that was the idea anyway.

A novice rider with Les



Looks like Aidan's going in for the tackle!

Jenny Tinmouth - speeds not of the essence doing this!

On her way



Do it like Collins
Between Sessions

Jenny Tinmouth getting up a bit of speed

Matt Layt Pro Rider on a slide

Young lad getting on
Aternoon Session1
In the initial afternoon session Aidan leads each of the groups around the standard track while they familiarize themselves with the correct lines to take. After that groups of three speeds around the track attempting to put the learning into practice.






Aternoon Session2
In the second afternoon session Aidan leads each of the groups around the track including the new off track section and there is also a chicane thrown in on the home straight, just for good measure. After that the groups go around the full course, well that’s if they slow down enough to turn onto the off track section (not many missed it though).

Through the chicane

Going off track

Aidan sliding off track




Thanks for looking.
Andy
24th July 2017 - 0 comments


Group Photo 23rd July 2017
I went to this weeks Ride & Skid It session not knowing what to expect as it was their first Flat Track Experience day.
The layout and format was totally different to the speedway day so I had a bit of a learning experience as well as the guys on the bikes; new bikes and an additional instructor as well (Richard May).

Richard May explaining the format of session1

The new bikes
Morning Session
Unlike the speedway experience days, there was no familiarization of the track and the groups went straight into going round the cones in various combinations leading up to a flat track slide/skid; I think that was the idea anyway.

A novice rider with Les



Looks like Aidan's going in for the tackle!

Jenny Tinmouth - speeds not of the essence doing this!

On her way



Do it like Collins
Between Sessions

Jenny Tinmouth getting up a bit of speed

Matt Layt Pro Rider on a slide

Young lad getting on
Aternoon Session1
In the initial afternoon session Aidan leads each of the groups around the standard track while they familiarize themselves with the correct lines to take. After that groups of three speeds around the track attempting to put the learning into practice.






Aternoon Session2
In the second afternoon session Aidan leads each of the groups around the track including the new off track section and there is also a chicane thrown in on the home straight, just for good measure. After that the groups go around the full course, well that’s if they slow down enough to turn onto the off track section (not many missed it though).

Through the chicane

Going off track

Aidan sliding off track




Thanks for looking.
Andy
Ride & Skid It - 15 Jul 17
16th July 2017 - 0 comments

15th July 2017
Even though it was a pretty miserable Saturday morning, a misty drive there and damp to say the least for most of the morning. It was a morning that would have dampened any ones enthusiasm but if it did it didn’t show during the day.
The photos taken during the morning show the conditions pretty well and I did well to keep the rain off the lens.

The session was run on the usual format: Familiarization, Mini-track, Follow the leader and lastly putting the learning into practice.
Familiarisation
The group tend take this one pretty easy while they get the feel of the bike and the track, even more so when it’s wet.




Mini-track
Getting to grips with mini track and sliding is made to look easy by Les, Aidan and Adam but not many get to grips with it and perform a slide. Some get close and some just slide towards the deck.



Going

Going

Gone!

And another One bites the dust

And this lads Got It!

That's the way To do It!
Follow the Leader & Free for all.
The session where the learning is put into practice!

Aidan leads out a group







Going Well

Not Well Enough!



Wheels on fire, going too fast!

It's not often I see someone riding who you can see is really enjoying themselves!
Thanks for looking.
Andy
16th July 2017 - 0 comments


15th July 2017
Even though it was a pretty miserable Saturday morning, a misty drive there and damp to say the least for most of the morning. It was a morning that would have dampened any ones enthusiasm but if it did it didn’t show during the day.
The photos taken during the morning show the conditions pretty well and I did well to keep the rain off the lens.

The session was run on the usual format: Familiarization, Mini-track, Follow the leader and lastly putting the learning into practice.
Familiarisation
The group tend take this one pretty easy while they get the feel of the bike and the track, even more so when it’s wet.




Mini-track
Getting to grips with mini track and sliding is made to look easy by Les, Aidan and Adam but not many get to grips with it and perform a slide. Some get close and some just slide towards the deck.



Going

Going

Gone!

And another One bites the dust

And this lads Got It!

That's the way To do It!
Follow the Leader & Free for all.
The session where the learning is put into practice!

Aidan leads out a group







Going Well

Not Well Enough!



Wheels on fire, going too fast!

It's not often I see someone riding who you can see is really enjoying themselves!
Thanks for looking.
Andy
Ride & Skid It 01 Jul 17
03rd July 2017 - 0 comments
Date: 01 July 2017

KenBobs’ Skidders and I did notice the two fingers!
Almost thirteen months ago, I made my first visit to a Ride & Skid It session to see if I could cut the mustard as the photographer. As it happened the session had a group of young bucks on a stag do (KenBob & Co), a couple of media people (Sophie McGinn & Luke Bowler) and just to make it a day, Carl “Foggy” Fogarty!
Good day to choose then.
Anyway on Saturday it was the return of KenBob, KenBob Revisited. So to remind KenBob of his previous visit, a few photos from a year ago.

KenBob

Sophie McGinn

Luke Bowler

Carl “Foggy” Fogarty
Ken purchased quite a few photos and a video from the event last year however I didn’t actually speak to him on the day so it was very nice to meet Ken on Saturday and put a face to the name.

KenBob
And for the occasion I have just bought a Canon 100 – 400mm telephoto lens as I’ve been disappointed with the results from the 70 – 200mm lens + 1.4x Extender.
Even though Saturday was a private session it was run on the usual format: Familiarization, Mini-track, Follow the leader and lastly putting the learning into practice.
Familiarisation
A sesión when the riders take it easy as they get the feel of the bikes and the track



Mini-track
This session sorts out the men from the boys and definitely harder than it looks by all accounts!



Follow the Leader & Free for all







And we can't get away without some pics of the stars of the show

Les Collins ex World No2

Aidan Collins showing how it should be done
Finally my pic of the day

Tom McClean
Thanks for reading,
Andy
03rd July 2017 - 0 comments

Date: 01 July 2017

KenBobs’ Skidders and I did notice the two fingers!
Almost thirteen months ago, I made my first visit to a Ride & Skid It session to see if I could cut the mustard as the photographer. As it happened the session had a group of young bucks on a stag do (KenBob & Co), a couple of media people (Sophie McGinn & Luke Bowler) and just to make it a day, Carl “Foggy” Fogarty!
Good day to choose then.
Anyway on Saturday it was the return of KenBob, KenBob Revisited. So to remind KenBob of his previous visit, a few photos from a year ago.

KenBob

Sophie McGinn

Luke Bowler

Carl “Foggy” Fogarty
Ken purchased quite a few photos and a video from the event last year however I didn’t actually speak to him on the day so it was very nice to meet Ken on Saturday and put a face to the name.

KenBob
And for the occasion I have just bought a Canon 100 – 400mm telephoto lens as I’ve been disappointed with the results from the 70 – 200mm lens + 1.4x Extender.
Even though Saturday was a private session it was run on the usual format: Familiarization, Mini-track, Follow the leader and lastly putting the learning into practice.
Familiarisation
A sesión when the riders take it easy as they get the feel of the bikes and the track



Mini-track
This session sorts out the men from the boys and definitely harder than it looks by all accounts!



Follow the Leader & Free for all







And we can't get away without some pics of the stars of the show

Les Collins ex World No2

Aidan Collins showing how it should be done
Finally my pic of the day

Tom McClean
Thanks for reading,
Andy
Ride& Skid t 03 June 2017
04th June 2017 - 1 comment
04th June 2017 - 1 comment
The photographers View

The Skidders
Another fantastic day with Ride & Skid it yesterday and the weather was fine although it did look like it was going to bucket down at one stage during the afternoon.

Honda 125cc bike used by the riders
A few photos from Session 1 when the lads and lassies are familiarizing themselves with the bikes and the track. Everyone takes this session carefully and up to now I’ve not seen a faller in this session.



Session 2 - Adam, Aidan & Les show the wannabe speedway riders how to do a skid or a slide. It’s certainly not as easy as Aidan, Les & Aidan make it look as most of the riders find out!

Adam explains how it should be done

An early faller

Getting going!

Oops - he was ok

What it should look like

Yeh - getting there

This fella (Aidan Collins)can do it with his eyes shut! His next trick is blind folded!

By Jove he's got it!
Session 3 & 4 are pretty much the same, however during Session 3 the riders are led out by Aidan Collins who shows the riders the right lines to follow around the track. Session 4 the riders are left pretty much to their own devices and they do generate some speed and some excitement.

Aidan leads the riders out for Session 3





And this one is only for the braver riders

The session ends in a blaze of glory - only kidding
Thanks for looking.
Andy

The Skidders
Another fantastic day with Ride & Skid it yesterday and the weather was fine although it did look like it was going to bucket down at one stage during the afternoon.

Honda 125cc bike used by the riders
A few photos from Session 1 when the lads and lassies are familiarizing themselves with the bikes and the track. Everyone takes this session carefully and up to now I’ve not seen a faller in this session.



Session 2 - Adam, Aidan & Les show the wannabe speedway riders how to do a skid or a slide. It’s certainly not as easy as Aidan, Les & Aidan make it look as most of the riders find out!

Adam explains how it should be done

An early faller

Getting going!

Oops - he was ok

What it should look like

Yeh - getting there

This fella (Aidan Collins)can do it with his eyes shut! His next trick is blind folded!

By Jove he's got it!
Session 3 & 4 are pretty much the same, however during Session 3 the riders are led out by Aidan Collins who shows the riders the right lines to follow around the track. Session 4 the riders are left pretty much to their own devices and they do generate some speed and some excitement.

Aidan leads the riders out for Session 3





And this one is only for the braver riders

The session ends in a blaze of glory - only kidding
Thanks for looking.
Andy
27 May 17 Ride & Skid It
27th May 2017 - 0 comments
27th May 2017 - 0 comments
Todays Skidders

Another great day of action at todays Ride & Skid It and luckily the rain that threatened to put a dampener on the day blew over quite quickly.

Tom McClean getting on a slide
There was the usual broad spread of riders with 4 who hadn’t ridden before, the speedy youngsters who know no fear, through to the more experienced riders and the private riders.

First time on a bike
A couple of the youngsters in action.


A couple of the private riders in action.


Some of the action from the mini-track, theres usually some slippage with this.

Going

Going

Gone!
And another one bites the dust!

From the afternoon session

Adam Allott living on the edge!
Aidan Collins showing how it's done!

A nice shot of one of the private riders

So there were spills and thrills and fallers but anyone that did bite the dust and it was pretty dusty today picked theirselves up, dusted themselves down and started all over again! Even so it looked like everyone had a great time and enjoyed themselves.
Other photos from todays action will probably appear in the ride & Skid It Gallery tomorrow

Another great day of action at todays Ride & Skid It and luckily the rain that threatened to put a dampener on the day blew over quite quickly.

Tom McClean getting on a slide
There was the usual broad spread of riders with 4 who hadn’t ridden before, the speedy youngsters who know no fear, through to the more experienced riders and the private riders.

First time on a bike
A couple of the youngsters in action.


A couple of the private riders in action.


Some of the action from the mini-track, theres usually some slippage with this.

Going

Going

Gone!
And another one bites the dust!

From the afternoon session

Adam Allott living on the edge!
Aidan Collins showing how it's done!

A nice shot of one of the private riders

So there were spills and thrills and fallers but anyone that did bite the dust and it was pretty dusty today picked theirselves up, dusted themselves down and started all over again! Even so it looked like everyone had a great time and enjoyed themselves.
Other photos from todays action will probably appear in the ride & Skid It Gallery tomorrow
Ride & Skid It 06 May 17
20th May 2017 - 0 comments
20th May 2017 - 0 comments
RIDE & SKID IT
Event 06 May 2017

Summary of the Day
A great day for everyone from the complete beginner to accomplished motorcyclists wanting to have a speedway experience! Purely as an observer when it comes to it who is experienced and who isn’t, during certain parts of the day it’s difficult to tell who are and who aren’t!
All the bikes are Honda 125cc speedway bikes to give you an experience of how to power-slide a speedway bike in the correct and safe way, whilst having fun.
All the instructors make this look easy but as an observer/photographer not many can emulate them although occasionally some do come close.
It's all done at your own pace with full tuition from Les Collins, a former world ranked number two speedway rider; Adam Allott ex professional speedway rider and world U21 rider ; Les’ son Aidan, who is a five times British Flattrack Champion, currently leading the 2017 championship and also a former speedway rider.

Les Collins

Adam Allot

Aidan Collins
The day is split into four sessions
1. Familiarization: How to ride, operate and control the bike and some steady laps around the track.

Session 1 - Getting familiar with the bikes and track
2. The Mini-Track or around the cones: Probably the most difficult and interesting part of the day and an equalizer as not many can do it although it is made to look extremely easy by the instructors.

Giving the slide a go
3. Follow the Leader: Aidan leads a group of usually four riders around the track and shows them the right lines to take and hopefully avoid becoming a casualty; not seen any real injuries up to now, more wounded pride than anything!

Aidan Collins being the Leader
4. Put into practice the learning for the day: I think everyone enjoys this and most riders apart from the complete beginners do get a bit of speed up. Having said that purely as an observer and complete non bike rider the correct sitting position appears to disappear!

Ddn't quite grasp the lessons of the day!
Some of the riders in Action:








Some of the private riders:


A couple of the younger private riders



Probably my favourite image from the day
I'd love to have a go but I think I'll leave it to the younger, fitter and adrenalin junkies of this world! A great day had by everyone, even the fallers. An experience not to be missed, I wish I was younger!
Event 06 May 2017

Summary of the Day
A great day for everyone from the complete beginner to accomplished motorcyclists wanting to have a speedway experience! Purely as an observer when it comes to it who is experienced and who isn’t, during certain parts of the day it’s difficult to tell who are and who aren’t!
All the bikes are Honda 125cc speedway bikes to give you an experience of how to power-slide a speedway bike in the correct and safe way, whilst having fun.
All the instructors make this look easy but as an observer/photographer not many can emulate them although occasionally some do come close.
It's all done at your own pace with full tuition from Les Collins, a former world ranked number two speedway rider; Adam Allott ex professional speedway rider and world U21 rider ; Les’ son Aidan, who is a five times British Flattrack Champion, currently leading the 2017 championship and also a former speedway rider.

Les Collins

Adam Allot

Aidan Collins
The day is split into four sessions
1. Familiarization: How to ride, operate and control the bike and some steady laps around the track.

Session 1 - Getting familiar with the bikes and track
2. The Mini-Track or around the cones: Probably the most difficult and interesting part of the day and an equalizer as not many can do it although it is made to look extremely easy by the instructors.

Giving the slide a go
3. Follow the Leader: Aidan leads a group of usually four riders around the track and shows them the right lines to take and hopefully avoid becoming a casualty; not seen any real injuries up to now, more wounded pride than anything!

Aidan Collins being the Leader
4. Put into practice the learning for the day: I think everyone enjoys this and most riders apart from the complete beginners do get a bit of speed up. Having said that purely as an observer and complete non bike rider the correct sitting position appears to disappear!

Ddn't quite grasp the lessons of the day!
Some of the riders in Action:








Some of the private riders:


A couple of the younger private riders



Probably my favourite image from the day
I'd love to have a go but I think I'll leave it to the younger, fitter and adrenalin junkies of this world! A great day had by everyone, even the fallers. An experience not to be missed, I wish I was younger!
20 May 16 Woolston Eyes NR- Since the Last Time
20th May 2016 - 0 comments
20th May 2016 - 0 comments
Seeing as the last time I put pen to paper so to speak is over six months ago, it's about time I actually did something about it.
It's not that I haven't been out or taken any photographs because I have, I think work was demanding and I just needed to rest in my spare time.
So a few weeks back I retired from work after nearly 46 years in more or less the same place, it had changed names a few times and I'd risen up the ranks but it was time to go and so I have!
Since then I've been thinking about starting the blog again but couldn't make my mind up about whether I should continue from where I finished or start afresh.
After due consideration I've decided to include photos that I've taken during the last six months to date and hopefully as I do feel more refreshed now I'll maintain a better account of visits to Woolston Eyes and other places in the future!
10 October 15

Pied Wagtail

Moorhen

Greylag Geese

Greylag Geese

Grey Heron
21 November 15

Shelduck

Teal
17 January 16
From the photos it looks like it had been a cold day!

I can't believe it, I must have walked and as there aren't any bird photos I obviously didn't take the big lens, which would make it easier to walk!

Not only had I walked but nobody had crossed the footbridge before me, another first!

I just though the tree looked nice.

Winter Berries
30 January 16
I think this must have been another cold day as there aren't any photos of birds on the water, so I'm assuming it was frozen. Hence photos of the birds on and around the feeders by the John Morgan Hide.

Brambling

Brambling

Greenfinch

Greenfinch

Long-tailed tit

Magpie
12 March 16
Looking back at the photos I had taken I think I'd decided to try and take photos of birds in action, although there is always the exception to the rule!

Moorhen on the run

Shelduck coming in to splashdown

Shelduck impersonating the Red Arrows

Black-headed Gull coming in to land

Mallard
Some of the flora

Snowdrops

Snowdrops

Daffodil
20 March 16
It looks like a day of Geese and Gulls with the odd duck and a bit of flora thrown in just for good measure.

Greylag Goose

Greylag Goose

Greylag Goose

Black-headed Gull

Coot

Lesser black-backed Gull

Lesser black-backed Gull

Greylag Goose

Greylag Goose

Gadwall

Greylag Goose


04 April 16

Chiffchaff

Gadwall

Little Grebe - surely it can't be doing the "goose step"

Tufted duck

Lapwing

Lesser black-backed gull
10 April 16
Obviously not much action on this day!!

I thought the tree looked nice against the blue sky
13 April 16

Chiffchaff - catching a fly

The view from the south viewing screen, a misty start to the day.

Crow

Robin - who is viewing who?

Juvenile Gull

Greylag Goose

Black-necked Grebe
A pair looking resplendent in the golden reflection of the reeds, it would have been a nice photograph if they had been just that bit closer! Always moaning!!
16 April 16

Chiffchaff

Lesser black-backed Gull

Black-necked grebe

Pied Wagtail

Mallard and chicks

Mallard chicks
20 April 16
I think the spring migration and the hatching season had started in earnest.

Little Gull

Little Gull

Lapwing
23 April 16

Little Gull

Black-headed Gull - taking a dislike to a shelduck!

Little Gull
25 April 16
A day of gulls and chicks.

Black-headed gulls put up by a Buzzard or Harrier

Greylag Goose

Greylag Goose

Shelduck

Lesser Black-bached and Black-headed Gulls

Juvenile Gull

Greylag Goose

Greylag Goose

Greylag Goose

Greylag Goose
26 April 16

Juvenile Gull in flight

Little Gull

Little Gull

Little Gull
Shows the distinctive dark W on the wings when in flight

Gadwall splashdown

Greylag in flight
03 May 16
Plenty of chicks again.

Greylag Goose

Coot with nesting material

Coot on the run

Greylag Goose

Greylag Goose

Grey Heron
05 May 16
Some of the flora on No3 Bed.

Cowslips on the north meadow

Bluebells

Bluebells
07 May 16

Whitethroat

Magpie

Greylag Goose

Greylag Goose

Cowslip

Pheasant
12 May 16
A day when I was in attendance for the appearance of a Marsh Harrier

Wren

Great crested grebe

Pochard

Pochard

Pochard

Whitethroat
A series of Marsh harrier photographs that was too far away for good photography, if only it was closer! Just for information, the photographs were taken with Canon 7D Mk11, 500mm f4.0 Mk11 lens and 1.4 extender, equivalent to an 1120mm lens on a full frame camera. Very heavy cropping was also required!







14 May 16

Pink footed Goose
19 May 16
It looks like it was a Pochard day but I'll start with the Mallard!

Mallard and ducklings

Mallard Duckling

Pochard

Pochard

Pochard

Pochard
Well if you've made it this far I'm really surprised but extremely pleased!
thanks for looking.
Andy
It's not that I haven't been out or taken any photographs because I have, I think work was demanding and I just needed to rest in my spare time.
So a few weeks back I retired from work after nearly 46 years in more or less the same place, it had changed names a few times and I'd risen up the ranks but it was time to go and so I have!
Since then I've been thinking about starting the blog again but couldn't make my mind up about whether I should continue from where I finished or start afresh.
After due consideration I've decided to include photos that I've taken during the last six months to date and hopefully as I do feel more refreshed now I'll maintain a better account of visits to Woolston Eyes and other places in the future!
10 October 15

Pied Wagtail

Moorhen

Greylag Geese

Greylag Geese

Grey Heron
21 November 15

Shelduck

Teal
17 January 16
From the photos it looks like it had been a cold day!

I can't believe it, I must have walked and as there aren't any bird photos I obviously didn't take the big lens, which would make it easier to walk!

Not only had I walked but nobody had crossed the footbridge before me, another first!

I just though the tree looked nice.

Winter Berries
30 January 16
I think this must have been another cold day as there aren't any photos of birds on the water, so I'm assuming it was frozen. Hence photos of the birds on and around the feeders by the John Morgan Hide.

Brambling

Brambling

Greenfinch

Greenfinch

Long-tailed tit

Magpie
12 March 16
Looking back at the photos I had taken I think I'd decided to try and take photos of birds in action, although there is always the exception to the rule!

Moorhen on the run

Shelduck coming in to splashdown

Shelduck impersonating the Red Arrows

Black-headed Gull coming in to land

Mallard
Some of the flora

Snowdrops

Snowdrops

Daffodil
20 March 16
It looks like a day of Geese and Gulls with the odd duck and a bit of flora thrown in just for good measure.

Greylag Goose

Greylag Goose

Greylag Goose

Black-headed Gull

Coot

Lesser black-backed Gull

Lesser black-backed Gull

Greylag Goose

Greylag Goose

Gadwall

Greylag Goose


04 April 16

Chiffchaff

Gadwall

Little Grebe - surely it can't be doing the "goose step"

Tufted duck

Lapwing

Lesser black-backed gull
10 April 16
Obviously not much action on this day!!

I thought the tree looked nice against the blue sky
13 April 16

Chiffchaff - catching a fly

The view from the south viewing screen, a misty start to the day.

Crow

Robin - who is viewing who?

Juvenile Gull

Greylag Goose

Black-necked Grebe
A pair looking resplendent in the golden reflection of the reeds, it would have been a nice photograph if they had been just that bit closer! Always moaning!!
16 April 16

Chiffchaff

Lesser black-backed Gull

Black-necked grebe

Pied Wagtail

Mallard and chicks

Mallard chicks
20 April 16
I think the spring migration and the hatching season had started in earnest.

Little Gull

Little Gull

Lapwing
23 April 16

Little Gull

Black-headed Gull - taking a dislike to a shelduck!

Little Gull
25 April 16
A day of gulls and chicks.

Black-headed gulls put up by a Buzzard or Harrier

Greylag Goose

Greylag Goose

Shelduck

Lesser Black-bached and Black-headed Gulls

Juvenile Gull

Greylag Goose

Greylag Goose

Greylag Goose

Greylag Goose
26 April 16

Juvenile Gull in flight

Little Gull

Little Gull

Little Gull
Shows the distinctive dark W on the wings when in flight

Gadwall splashdown

Greylag in flight
03 May 16
Plenty of chicks again.

Greylag Goose

Coot with nesting material

Coot on the run

Greylag Goose

Greylag Goose

Grey Heron
05 May 16
Some of the flora on No3 Bed.

Cowslips on the north meadow

Bluebells

Bluebells
07 May 16

Whitethroat

Magpie

Greylag Goose

Greylag Goose

Cowslip

Pheasant
12 May 16
A day when I was in attendance for the appearance of a Marsh Harrier

Wren

Great crested grebe

Pochard

Pochard

Pochard

Whitethroat
A series of Marsh harrier photographs that was too far away for good photography, if only it was closer! Just for information, the photographs were taken with Canon 7D Mk11, 500mm f4.0 Mk11 lens and 1.4 extender, equivalent to an 1120mm lens on a full frame camera. Very heavy cropping was also required!







14 May 16

Pink footed Goose
19 May 16
It looks like it was a Pochard day but I'll start with the Mallard!

Mallard and ducklings

Mallard Duckling

Pochard

Pochard

Pochard

Pochard
Well if you've made it this far I'm really surprised but extremely pleased!
thanks for looking.
Andy
04 Oct 15 Woolston Eyes
06th October 2015 - 0 comments
06th October 2015 - 0 comments
After the autumnal mist on Saturday I was expecting the same on Sunday, however it was a very pleasant morning and no mist.
The water on No3 bed was much lower than my previous visit probably two weeks ago. Looking from the south screen, there weren’t any birds on the south pool and the nearest birds were probably on a level with the tower hide.
I moved swiftly on, well that may be an exaggeration, age and an hefty bag and camera has put paid to that!!
I eventually reached the John Morgan Hide and although there wasn’t anything on the scrape there were a few black tailed godwits just off the far end of the scrape.

Black-tailed Godwit
For once I dropped in lucky as a Kingfisher perched itself not too far away and I did get some nice shots. The only drawback being that I had the 2x converter on so some quality was lost, some photographers are never happy!
Kingfisher

Kingfisher
There were plenty of Lapwings doing the “Lapwing Fly”

Lapwing

Lapwing
During the morning loads of Geese flew in mainly Canada Geese, I think Woolston had more than it’s fair share of geese particularly the Canadas!

Canada Geese

Greylag Goose

Mute Swan

Splash down
At one stage it looked like all of the water in front of the hide was covered in Geese, unfortunately I didn’t have another lens with me to take a decent photograph of the scene. So I had to make do with a few photos with the 500mm.

Canada Geese

Geese

Geese
Thanks for reading
Andy
The water on No3 bed was much lower than my previous visit probably two weeks ago. Looking from the south screen, there weren’t any birds on the south pool and the nearest birds were probably on a level with the tower hide.
I moved swiftly on, well that may be an exaggeration, age and an hefty bag and camera has put paid to that!!
I eventually reached the John Morgan Hide and although there wasn’t anything on the scrape there were a few black tailed godwits just off the far end of the scrape.

Black-tailed Godwit
For once I dropped in lucky as a Kingfisher perched itself not too far away and I did get some nice shots. The only drawback being that I had the 2x converter on so some quality was lost, some photographers are never happy!


Kingfisher
There were plenty of Lapwings doing the “Lapwing Fly”

Lapwing

Lapwing
During the morning loads of Geese flew in mainly Canada Geese, I think Woolston had more than it’s fair share of geese particularly the Canadas!

Canada Geese

Greylag Goose

Mute Swan

Splash down
At one stage it looked like all of the water in front of the hide was covered in Geese, unfortunately I didn’t have another lens with me to take a decent photograph of the scene. So I had to make do with a few photos with the 500mm.

Canada Geese

Geese

Geese
Thanks for reading
Andy
20 Sep 2015 Woolston Eyes
20th September 2015 - 0 comments
20th September 2015 - 0 comments
I think it's about 2 months since I put anything in the blog or even in the galleries. It's not that I haven't taken any photographs just a loss of motivation to do something with the them!!
Unfortunately I can't remember a lot about most of my visits other than it was a quiet period however I did photograph the Great White Egret at varying distances.
So as I can't remember much there won't be many words just a pictorial view of the last few months.
02 August

Comma

Speckled Wood

Harlequin Ladybird

Ladybird larvae

Cormorant

Hoverfly

Harlequin Ladybird
09 August

Black-tailed Godwit

Lapwings
15 August

Himalayan Balsam (Backlit)

White Ermine moth caterpillar

Lapwing

Black-tailed Godwit

Black-tailed Godwit

Lapwing

Black-tailed Godwit
16 August

Hoverfly

View from John Morgan Hide, white bird just right of centre along the edge of the reeds is Great White Egret

Great White Egret

Great White Egret

Great White Egret

Hoverfly

Butterfly

Common Snipe
28 August

Green Sandpiper

Great White Egret
30 August

Meadow Brown Butterfly

View along the south bank path

Hoverfly

Elderberries

Sunflowers on North Meadow

Sunflowers on North Meadow

Sunflowers on North Meadow

Robin

Hoverfly

Black-tailed Godwit

Black-tailed Godwit

Greylag Goose

Four-banded Longhorn Beetle (Strangalia quadrifasciata)
19 September

Grey Heron

Grey Heron

Canada Goose

Green Sandpiper

Green Sandpiper

Green Sandpiper

Green Sandpiper
Thanks for looking.
Andy
Unfortunately I can't remember a lot about most of my visits other than it was a quiet period however I did photograph the Great White Egret at varying distances.
So as I can't remember much there won't be many words just a pictorial view of the last few months.
02 August

Comma

Speckled Wood

Harlequin Ladybird

Ladybird larvae

Cormorant

Hoverfly

Harlequin Ladybird
09 August

Black-tailed Godwit

Lapwings
15 August

Himalayan Balsam (Backlit)

White Ermine moth caterpillar

Lapwing

Black-tailed Godwit

Black-tailed Godwit

Lapwing

Black-tailed Godwit
16 August

Hoverfly

View from John Morgan Hide, white bird just right of centre along the edge of the reeds is Great White Egret

Great White Egret

Great White Egret

Great White Egret

Hoverfly

Butterfly

Common Snipe
28 August

Green Sandpiper

Great White Egret
30 August

Meadow Brown Butterfly

View along the south bank path

Hoverfly

Elderberries

Sunflowers on North Meadow

Sunflowers on North Meadow

Sunflowers on North Meadow

Robin

Hoverfly

Black-tailed Godwit

Black-tailed Godwit

Greylag Goose

Four-banded Longhorn Beetle (Strangalia quadrifasciata)
19 September

Grey Heron

Grey Heron

Canada Goose

Green Sandpiper

Green Sandpiper

Green Sandpiper

Green Sandpiper
Thanks for looking.
Andy
20 July 15 Rixton Claypits & Woolston Eyes Nature Reserves
23rd July 2015 - 0 comments
23rd July 2015 - 0 comments
05th July Rixton Claypits
It’s been nearly 12 months since I last visited Rixton claypits, so a visit was well overdue.
Kestrel & buzzard were apparent while I was walking around and plenty of small birds but I’d gone mainly to find dragonfly, butterfly and basically anything else that caught my attention i.e. no 500mm lens.
I managed to find the last of the northern marsh orchid that were still in flower.

Northern Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza purpurella)

Northern Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza purpurella)
There were quite a few butterflies on the wing but I only managed to snap a Meadow Brown.

Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina)
Six Spot Burnett moths were abundant.

Six-Spot Burnet moth (Zygaena filipendulae)
I’d waited about eight years to see Banded Demoiselle never mind photograph one and then I’ve managed to photograph two in the last month or so. Unfortunately I couldn’t get a clear view of it but what the heck.

Banded demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens)
I also saw plenty of Dragonflies and photographed Four-spotted Chaser and Emperor dragonfly, the Emperor being a first .

Four-spotted Chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata)

Emperor Dragonfly (Anax imperator)

Emperor Dragonfly (Anax imperator)
I also spotted a slight movement in of the pools while I was shooting dragonflies which turned out to be a Newt larvae. Something I haven’t seen since I was a lad in short pants, fifty plus years ago.

Newt Larvae
11th July Woolston Eyes
Birds were in short supply and certainly not a lot of action going on, however there was a little ringed plover on the scrape in front of the John Morgan Hide.

Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius)
A pair of great crested grebes and a couple of chicks turned up and other than that it was back to the insects.

Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus)

Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus)

Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus)

Ladybird larvae

Blue-tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans)

Blue-tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans)
18th July Woolston Eyes
A day with not many birds about although the Little Ringed Plover was on the furthest scrape.

Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius)
So another day for insects.

Comma (Polygonia c-album)

Leaf Beetle (Oulema obscura)

Hoverfly (Epistrophe grossulariae)

Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) in flight

Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) in flight

Hoverfly (Xylota segnis)

Common Cherry Oak Gall
Thanks for reading.
Andy
It’s been nearly 12 months since I last visited Rixton claypits, so a visit was well overdue.
Kestrel & buzzard were apparent while I was walking around and plenty of small birds but I’d gone mainly to find dragonfly, butterfly and basically anything else that caught my attention i.e. no 500mm lens.
I managed to find the last of the northern marsh orchid that were still in flower.

Northern Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza purpurella)

Northern Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza purpurella)
There were quite a few butterflies on the wing but I only managed to snap a Meadow Brown.

Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina)
Six Spot Burnett moths were abundant.

Six-Spot Burnet moth (Zygaena filipendulae)
I’d waited about eight years to see Banded Demoiselle never mind photograph one and then I’ve managed to photograph two in the last month or so. Unfortunately I couldn’t get a clear view of it but what the heck.

Banded demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens)
I also saw plenty of Dragonflies and photographed Four-spotted Chaser and Emperor dragonfly, the Emperor being a first .

Four-spotted Chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata)

Emperor Dragonfly (Anax imperator)

Emperor Dragonfly (Anax imperator)
I also spotted a slight movement in of the pools while I was shooting dragonflies which turned out to be a Newt larvae. Something I haven’t seen since I was a lad in short pants, fifty plus years ago.

Newt Larvae
11th July Woolston Eyes
Birds were in short supply and certainly not a lot of action going on, however there was a little ringed plover on the scrape in front of the John Morgan Hide.

Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius)
A pair of great crested grebes and a couple of chicks turned up and other than that it was back to the insects.

Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus)

Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus)

Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus)

Ladybird larvae

Blue-tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans)

Blue-tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans)
18th July Woolston Eyes
A day with not many birds about although the Little Ringed Plover was on the furthest scrape.

Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius)
So another day for insects.

Comma (Polygonia c-album)

Leaf Beetle (Oulema obscura)

Hoverfly (Epistrophe grossulariae)

Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) in flight

Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) in flight

Hoverfly (Xylota segnis)

Common Cherry Oak Gall
Thanks for reading.
Andy
27 June 15 At The Eyes
28th June 2015 - 0 comments
28th June 2015 - 0 comments
Tempus fugit and all of that, it had been three weeks since I visited “The Eyes” so I made my way there on Saturday. It’s not the Akamas Peninsula or the Troodos but it has it’s own charm.
I’ve included some photos from my last visit as well as Saturday.
03 June

Great crested grebe

Great crested grebe

Great crested grebe

Coot

Coot
Great crested grebe
27 June

Feather
After I crossed the footbridge there were quite a few damselflies on the wing.

Azure damselfly
On the south pool there was a pair of tufted duck male and female and a few coots and moorhens but not much else and it looks like the water level has dropped somewhat since my last visit.

Tufted duck
As I made my way to the John Morgan hide I noted some sycamore seeds waiting to take flight, I remember playing helicopters with them when I was young.
Helicopters
I was taking my time walking to the Morgan hide as I was looking for insects but nothing much was leaping out of the vegetation and waving at me.

Honey bee
When I reached the John Morgan hide and opened the shutter I was expecting to find it overgrown with vegetation but it had been cut down which was great news.
There were plenty of birds on the scrape but not a lot of anything going on, it was very quiet really.

Black-headed gull

Gadwall in flight (monochrome)
While I was rooting around waiting for some action I did find a weevil to photograph.

Weevil (Phyllobius Pomaceus)
Thanks for reading
Andy
I’ve included some photos from my last visit as well as Saturday.
03 June

Great crested grebe

Great crested grebe

Great crested grebe

Coot

Coot

Great crested grebe
27 June

Feather
After I crossed the footbridge there were quite a few damselflies on the wing.

Azure damselfly
On the south pool there was a pair of tufted duck male and female and a few coots and moorhens but not much else and it looks like the water level has dropped somewhat since my last visit.

Tufted duck
As I made my way to the John Morgan hide I noted some sycamore seeds waiting to take flight, I remember playing helicopters with them when I was young.

I was taking my time walking to the Morgan hide as I was looking for insects but nothing much was leaping out of the vegetation and waving at me.

Honey bee
When I reached the John Morgan hide and opened the shutter I was expecting to find it overgrown with vegetation but it had been cut down which was great news.
There were plenty of birds on the scrape but not a lot of anything going on, it was very quiet really.

Black-headed gull

Gadwall in flight (monochrome)
While I was rooting around waiting for some action I did find a weevil to photograph.

Weevil (Phyllobius Pomaceus)
Thanks for reading
Andy
Trip to the Akamas Peninsula
20th June 2015 - 0 comments
20th June 2015 - 0 comments
Trip to the Akamas Peninsula
We had a full day trip to the Akamas Peninsula through EcoTour Adventures Cyprus which took us up hill and down dale, hills and coast, the best of both worlds.
Our driver for the day was Andreas whom was extremely passionate about the culture and the history of Cyprus and entertained our group throughout the day with his knowledge and wit. Andreas & Chris are both fantastic people with a wealth of experience and are almost walking encyclopaedias when it comes to Cyprus. They like to impart their knowledge and ensure that you have learned something about their beautiful island and enjoyed the experience.
We started our tour by driving north from Paphos through Coral bay and into the Akamas Peninsula; our first stop being the Avakas Gorge. The idea was to be the first group there, which we succeeded in achieving but were followed quite quickly by a number of other groups, it’s obviously an extremely popular destination.
Akamas Peninsula

The Akamas looking from the hills to the coast, a panorama of about 10 shots, hand held
The Akamas National Park lies on the north west coast of Cyprus. It has an area coverage of 230 square kilometres containing valleys, gorges and wide sandy bays. The Akamas peninsula, named after an Athenian warrior and son of Theseus, who arrived here after the Trojan war, is a unique area, both geologically and physiographically and with regard to flora and fauna
The European Council has included it in its Mediterranean Protection Programme. The Cyprus Government has yet to fully declare it as a National Park for tourist and local landowners reasons, although friends of the Earth and Green Peace are lobbying hard for it.
Almost all the geological formations of Cyprus can be found here, from narrow deep valleys, caves and islets to gorges such as that of Avakas, resulting in a real geological mosaic. For this reason the Akamas peninsula is endowed with a unique biodiversity, habitats and ecosystems.
Avakas Gorge

The gorge is found on the western tip of the Akamas Peninsula and this impressive gorge is approximately 18 kilometres from Paphos. The trail leading through the gorge is roughly 2½ kilometres long with sheer rocks on both sides reaching up to 260 feet in height, the narrowest point being 10 feet wide.

In the gorge

Some of the other people on the tour, Patrick & Madi, Malcolm & Eileen
Deep inside the gorge are rare plants and flowers, reptiles, immense cliffs and even wild mountain goats. The walk into the gorge takes about 30 minutes at a leisurely pace, with various stops to identify some of the flora and geological features.

Centaurea akamantis endemic to the Avakas Gorge

Wild goats

Wild goats

An aerial view

sling-tailed agama (Stellagama stellio)
Quite frequently Andreas pulled some leaves from the trees for us to smell, they were well known to most of us but smelled totally different as they were still fresh, so aromatic and almost overpowering at times.

Phoenicean Juniper berries

Unknown berries, Andreas said used for making gum

Unknown
From the Avakas Gorge we drove a relatively short distance to Lara Bay/Beach.
Lara Beach

En-route to Lara Beach

Horse & foal
Andreas gave us an interesting talk about turtle conservation. Lara Bay is an essential Green Turtle and Hawk’s Bill turtle breeding ground; both are endangered species. Provisions are constantly been made for safe sites for the egg laying of these sea creatures.

Turtle nest on Lara Beach
The sand is soft and golden and the sea is crystal clear and clean. To reach this expansive and virtually deserted beach a 4×4 or other vehicle suitable for rough terrain is necessary, a tank springs to mind.

Lara Bay

Lara Beach
There was enough time to swim if you were so inclined but I don’t think anyone tried it, having said that it did look very inviting.

Lara Beach
Into the Hills
From Lara we kept off road and headed inland into the hills through windy, meandering tracks, were wildlife was in abundance. Plenty of birds, Kestrels, Rollers and Hoopoes were noted, along with swifts, swallows, chaffinches, etc.
Kestrel, a bit too far away

Wild dianthus
There were also loads of butterflies and the odd reptile, on both trips we saw Cyprus whip snake. I did take a photo of one but from some distance inside the jeep, unfortunately I hadn’t focused correctly and it looks more like a crack in the road than a metre long snake!! An excuse to return perhaps and soon.
Cyprus whip snake

A very poor specimen of a Swallowtail butterfly
We were heading into the hills for lunch, to the village of Steni but first visiting a small church, a 15th-Century Byzantine architectural style chapel of Agia Ekaterini (St Katherine) near the village of Kritou Terra.

Chapel of Agia Ekaterini (St Katherine)


We had a very nice lunch at a taverna in Steni, the Neromylos Café, I believe. I can’t remember what it was I had exactly but it was a mixture of various meats, sausage and vegetables that aren’t available anywhere else, I suppose it would be the house speciality or the chefs signature dish. All I know was that I was totally stuffed after that and didn’t have dinner when I got back to the hotel, hours later!!
From Steni we made our way through Polis and on to the Baths of Aphrodites.
Baths of Aphrodites.

Baths of Aphrodites
This is one of the favourite haunts of the mythological goddess Aphrodite. Legend has it that after swimming in the crystal clear waters of the bay, she would walk up the hill and bathe in a pool fed by a freshwater mountain spring dripping down the sides of a shady grotto overhung by a leafy fig tree, which has come to be known as the Baths of Aphrodite. It is here that Adonis saw and fell in love with her while hunting in the Akamas forest. The Italian poet Ariosto wrote a poem about the area and its waters which became known as the Fontana Amorosa (Love Spring).

Female banded demoiselle damselfly

Male banded demoiselle damselfly

Snake-eyed Lizard (Ophisops elegans schlueteri)
After the Baths of Aphrodites we drove west along a very narrow single track, with a very steep drop into the sea on one side, it’s not for the faint hearted! I don’t think it’s something I’d attempt to drive along. Anyway the view is spectacular and the sea a really deep blue, another cote d’azure.



After that we paid a brief visit to a donkey farm.

Young donkey in pen

Mum I think
On the way back to the hotel we stopped off in a small village to experience some authentic Turkish coffee, which I duly had, it has to be drunk with some water to dilute it. It was interesting but whether I’d have it again I’m not sure!
Well that was the end of another interesting and wonderful day, would I do it again, without a shadow of doubt, definitely. Worth every euro. Thanks to Ecotour Adventures and Andreas and Chris who drove us on two great trips.
Thanks for reading.
Andy
We had a full day trip to the Akamas Peninsula through EcoTour Adventures Cyprus which took us up hill and down dale, hills and coast, the best of both worlds.
Our driver for the day was Andreas whom was extremely passionate about the culture and the history of Cyprus and entertained our group throughout the day with his knowledge and wit. Andreas & Chris are both fantastic people with a wealth of experience and are almost walking encyclopaedias when it comes to Cyprus. They like to impart their knowledge and ensure that you have learned something about their beautiful island and enjoyed the experience.
We started our tour by driving north from Paphos through Coral bay and into the Akamas Peninsula; our first stop being the Avakas Gorge. The idea was to be the first group there, which we succeeded in achieving but were followed quite quickly by a number of other groups, it’s obviously an extremely popular destination.
Akamas Peninsula

The Akamas looking from the hills to the coast, a panorama of about 10 shots, hand held
The Akamas National Park lies on the north west coast of Cyprus. It has an area coverage of 230 square kilometres containing valleys, gorges and wide sandy bays. The Akamas peninsula, named after an Athenian warrior and son of Theseus, who arrived here after the Trojan war, is a unique area, both geologically and physiographically and with regard to flora and fauna
The European Council has included it in its Mediterranean Protection Programme. The Cyprus Government has yet to fully declare it as a National Park for tourist and local landowners reasons, although friends of the Earth and Green Peace are lobbying hard for it.
Almost all the geological formations of Cyprus can be found here, from narrow deep valleys, caves and islets to gorges such as that of Avakas, resulting in a real geological mosaic. For this reason the Akamas peninsula is endowed with a unique biodiversity, habitats and ecosystems.
Avakas Gorge

The gorge is found on the western tip of the Akamas Peninsula and this impressive gorge is approximately 18 kilometres from Paphos. The trail leading through the gorge is roughly 2½ kilometres long with sheer rocks on both sides reaching up to 260 feet in height, the narrowest point being 10 feet wide.

In the gorge

Some of the other people on the tour, Patrick & Madi, Malcolm & Eileen
Deep inside the gorge are rare plants and flowers, reptiles, immense cliffs and even wild mountain goats. The walk into the gorge takes about 30 minutes at a leisurely pace, with various stops to identify some of the flora and geological features.

Centaurea akamantis endemic to the Avakas Gorge

Wild goats

Wild goats

An aerial view

sling-tailed agama (Stellagama stellio)
Quite frequently Andreas pulled some leaves from the trees for us to smell, they were well known to most of us but smelled totally different as they were still fresh, so aromatic and almost overpowering at times.

Phoenicean Juniper berries

Unknown berries, Andreas said used for making gum

Unknown
From the Avakas Gorge we drove a relatively short distance to Lara Bay/Beach.
Lara Beach

En-route to Lara Beach

Horse & foal
Andreas gave us an interesting talk about turtle conservation. Lara Bay is an essential Green Turtle and Hawk’s Bill turtle breeding ground; both are endangered species. Provisions are constantly been made for safe sites for the egg laying of these sea creatures.

Turtle nest on Lara Beach
The sand is soft and golden and the sea is crystal clear and clean. To reach this expansive and virtually deserted beach a 4×4 or other vehicle suitable for rough terrain is necessary, a tank springs to mind.

Lara Bay

Lara Beach
There was enough time to swim if you were so inclined but I don’t think anyone tried it, having said that it did look very inviting.

Lara Beach
Into the Hills
From Lara we kept off road and headed inland into the hills through windy, meandering tracks, were wildlife was in abundance. Plenty of birds, Kestrels, Rollers and Hoopoes were noted, along with swifts, swallows, chaffinches, etc.

Kestrel, a bit too far away

Wild dianthus
There were also loads of butterflies and the odd reptile, on both trips we saw Cyprus whip snake. I did take a photo of one but from some distance inside the jeep, unfortunately I hadn’t focused correctly and it looks more like a crack in the road than a metre long snake!! An excuse to return perhaps and soon.

Cyprus whip snake

A very poor specimen of a Swallowtail butterfly
We were heading into the hills for lunch, to the village of Steni but first visiting a small church, a 15th-Century Byzantine architectural style chapel of Agia Ekaterini (St Katherine) near the village of Kritou Terra.

Chapel of Agia Ekaterini (St Katherine)


We had a very nice lunch at a taverna in Steni, the Neromylos Café, I believe. I can’t remember what it was I had exactly but it was a mixture of various meats, sausage and vegetables that aren’t available anywhere else, I suppose it would be the house speciality or the chefs signature dish. All I know was that I was totally stuffed after that and didn’t have dinner when I got back to the hotel, hours later!!
From Steni we made our way through Polis and on to the Baths of Aphrodites.
Baths of Aphrodites.

Baths of Aphrodites
This is one of the favourite haunts of the mythological goddess Aphrodite. Legend has it that after swimming in the crystal clear waters of the bay, she would walk up the hill and bathe in a pool fed by a freshwater mountain spring dripping down the sides of a shady grotto overhung by a leafy fig tree, which has come to be known as the Baths of Aphrodite. It is here that Adonis saw and fell in love with her while hunting in the Akamas forest. The Italian poet Ariosto wrote a poem about the area and its waters which became known as the Fontana Amorosa (Love Spring).

Female banded demoiselle damselfly

Male banded demoiselle damselfly

Snake-eyed Lizard (Ophisops elegans schlueteri)
After the Baths of Aphrodites we drove west along a very narrow single track, with a very steep drop into the sea on one side, it’s not for the faint hearted! I don’t think it’s something I’d attempt to drive along. Anyway the view is spectacular and the sea a really deep blue, another cote d’azure.



After that we paid a brief visit to a donkey farm.

Young donkey in pen

Mum I think
On the way back to the hotel we stopped off in a small village to experience some authentic Turkish coffee, which I duly had, it has to be drunk with some water to dilute it. It was interesting but whether I’d have it again I’m not sure!
Well that was the end of another interesting and wonderful day, would I do it again, without a shadow of doubt, definitely. Worth every euro. Thanks to Ecotour Adventures and Andreas and Chris who drove us on two great trips.
Thanks for reading.
Andy
The Troodos - EcoTours Adventures Cyprus
19th June 2015 - 0 comments
19th June 2015 - 0 comments
We had a full day trip to the Troodos through Ecotours Adventures Cyprus which took us to some of the less commercial areas and certainly well off the beaten track at times!
Our driver for the day was Chris whom was extremely passionate about the culture and the history of Cyprus and entertained our group throughout the day with his knowledge and wit.
I’m pleased to say he’s also a great driver as we drove on some extremely iffy roads/tracks.
We started our tour by driving south east from Paphos on the Limmasol road and our first stop was to see Aphrodites Rock.
Petra tou Romiou, a rock off the shore along the main road from Paphos to Limassol, has been regarded since ancient times as the birthplace of Aphrodite, goddess of love and fertility.
According to ancient tradition, Aphrodite was born from the waves on the site off the coast of Cyprus. In his Theogony (178-206), Hesiod provides the following dramatic account of the event:
Aphrodite was then escorted ashore on a shell by the soft breezes of the Zephyrs at the rocks known as Petra tou Romiou.
Petra tou Romiou means "the Rock of the Greek" and does not refer to Aphrodite but to another myth, that of the Byzantine hero Dighenis who threw the rocks at pirates to protect his lady.
It is said that in certain weather conditions, the waves rise, break and form a column of water that dissolves into a pillar of foam. With imagination, this looks for just a moment like an ephemeral, evanescent human shape.
There is a long narrow pebbly beach at Petra tou Romiou that extends to either side of the largest rock and its satellites.

Aphrodites rock from the west side

Aphrodites rock from the east side
From here we continued along the Limassol road and our next stop was to see one of the oldest olive trees in Cyprus at Avdimou.

The olive tree at Avdimou with girth 8,70m and estimated age 700 years
The cultivation of the olive tree began during the 2nd millennium BC but the earliest evidence of production of olive oil on the island goes back to the end of the 13th century BC.
The olive plant has had a huge role as a source of tradition, and as a symbol of wealth and abundance, glory and peace, honour and purity. Homer the great Greek poet referred to olive oil as ‘liquid gold’. The Olive has been, and still remains, more than mere food to the people of the Mediterranean – it has been used to crown victors in athletic games, war heroes and also ancient kings.
In many parts of the island there are groups of century old trees, known as “Frankoelies” and following an order of the Minister of Interior, many of these groups and other isolated
olive trees have been declared as protected, and the Department of Forests has the
responsibility of protecting and tending them.
From here we started to make our way to Omodus.

A typical Cypriot village en-route to Omodus
One of the most beautifull villages in Cyprus it nestles in the southern foothills of the Troodos Mountains. At an altitude of 900 meters, Omodos is in the centre of the famous wine making region of the country and is only a 30 minute drive from Limassol town.
The village is built around the Monastery of the Holy Cross which, according to records, dates back to the arrival of Saint Helena in Cyprus (A.D.337). The Monastery is home to a piece of the Holy Rope with which Christ’s hands were tied to the Cross.
In the centre of the Monastery an imposing Church stands having a gilded icon stand inside, dating back to 1817.


Within the Church valuable relics are kept such as fragments of saintly bones and the skull of Saint Philip.
In front of the Monastery there is a colourful, cobblestoned square covering an area of 3000m², surrounded by coffee houses, tavernas and shops. The square is the only one of its kind in Cyprus.

The medieval “Linos” (wine-press) is one of the oldest in Cyprus and a representative example of traditional craftsmanship and wine making techniques.

The wine press
The stop at Omodus was about 45mins long enough to wander around the church, the village, but a lace table cloth and have a drink at one of the tavernas.
Chantara or Foini Waterfall
Located near the Foini village, Chantara waterfall is just 1.5 km from Foini and about 3.5 km from the Trooditissa Monastery.
First there is a small wooden bridge that passes over the stream. On the left side you will hear and find the waterfall.
The water stream is split from the rock in the middle and gives the name of the waterfall. Chantara means a Scale or "weighing machine". The waterfall is not the highest or the biggest in Cyprus but it is said to be the most beautiful.

Chantara or Foini Waterfall
Compared to waterfalls in England it is a little lacking, Chris our driver recalled one English lady saying that her lavatory had more running water than the waterfall! Mind you with an estimated 320 days of sunshine each year it’s not surprising that there isn’t a massive flow of water.

Chantara or Foini Waterfall
It was very pleasant around the waterfall with numerous butterflies and lizards to be found.
On leaving the waterfall we went off road en-route to Pedoulas (sounds like it should be Wales) and we had only travelled a short distance when Chris spotted what he believed to be a Bonelli’s Eagle. I did get a look at it before it disappeared and reading up about it we were very lucky as it’s estimated that there are only about 20-40 pairs in Cyprus. Goshawks and Bonelli’s eagle are both possible in this area.
We carried on up the meandering dirt track climbing all the way and eventually we made road again.
The next photo was taken somewhere between Foini and Pedoulas and the view was wonderful and also made special by the singing of Nightingales that could be heard in the wooded valley below, beautiful.

Eventually we reached Pedoulas where we had lunch in a local tavern, the food was very nice and not expensive, unfortunately I don’t know the name of the taverna. I had stuffed vine leaves that were excellent along with a very nice local beer.

Rose at the taverna
After lunch we walked to one of the painted churches of the Troodos, The Church of Archangelos Michail. In 1985 it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List which includes nine other painted Byzantine churches of the Troodos range.

According to the dedicatory inscription above the north entrance, the church was built and decorated with frescoes in 1474, with the donation of priest Vasilios Chamados. The priest, accompanied by his wife and two daughters, is depicted above the dedicatory inscription, offering Archangel Michael a model of the church.

This church belongs to the typical single-aisled, timber-roof type of the Troodos region. The narthex, which extends to its south and west side, was used as a loft due to the small size of the church. The loft was used by the women, while only men entered the main church.

The church of Archangelos Michail is one of the few churches in Cyprus which preserves the name of the artist who decorated it. His name was Minas and he was a local painter who came from the area of Marathasa. Minas was a typical “naïve” painter with a conservative style, and followed the Byzantine tradition. However, he was aware of the artistic trends of this time and place which explains the influx of western elements in his work.
During this period many contemporary churches were decorated with wall-paintings of the same style.

On leaving Pedoulas we made our way to the Kykkos Monastery.

The Monastery of Kykkos, the richest and most lavish of the monasteries of Cyprus, is found in the region of Marathasa. It is situated on a mountain peak, at an altitude of 1318 metres northwest of Troodos. Dedicated to Panagia, it possesses one of three icons attributed to Agios Loukas the Evangelist. The icon, covered in silver gilt, is in a shrine made of tortoise shell and mother - of - pearl that stands in front of the iconostasis.

The monastery was founded sometime between the end of the 11th century and the beginning of the12th century, during the reign of Emperor Alexios I Komnenos (1081-1118 AD). Unfortunately the monastery burned down several times and nothing remains of the original structure. Blessed with divine grace, Cypriot hermit Isaiah miraculously cured the emperor's daughter of an incurable illness. As a reward, he asked for the icon of the Theotokos (Virgin Mary) kept at the imperial palace at Constantinople. Though grieved at the prospect of losing his precious treasure, the emperor sent it to Cyprus with fitting honours together with funds to pay for the construction of a monastery where the sacred relic would be kept. At the hermit's request, the emperor’s representative in Cyprus Manuel Vutomites also endowed the monastery with three villages. As the gift was later confirmed by imperial charter, the monastery is considered to have been established by imperial decree.


The first President of the Republic of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios III, served here as a novice. At his own wish he was buried on the summit of Throni, 3 kilometres west of the monastery, and not far from his native village of Panayia.

After Kykkos we made our way to the village of Mylikouri and Chris was telling us about the population and unfortunately I can't remember exactly what he said. However it was something along the lines of that a once thriving village of about 2000 is now down to a about 20 people, mainly old people in their 70's.

Mylikouri
Most of the village houses are now holiday homes for people looking for rest and relaxation of a weekend and during the summer. This applies to most of the traditional villages in the Triodes. Most of the young people have left to find employment in the cities and coastal regions.
Mylikouri was the start of our descent into the Troodos Forest and our search for the elusive Mouflon.

Looking into the Troodos forest from Mylikouri
The mouflon is a subspecies group of the wild sheep. The mouflon is thought to be one of the two ancestors for all modern domestic sheep breeds.
We had a 30 minute walk through the forest but unfortunately the Mouflon remained elusive, a good excuse for another visit!
After the forest we made our way to one of the Venetian bridges in Cyprus, the Tzielefos bridge, Pera Vasa. Tzielefos bridge is found 5 kilometres from Agios Nikolaos, in the direction of Kaminaria. It is built on the Diarizos river, a river that has been called “barbarian” by the people, because of the great noise its waters make. Unfortunately there wasn't much water and it was more of a hush than a roar.

A pair of Cyprus tigers as Chris called them
Personally I didn't find the bridge that inspiring and I didn't photograph it. It appears however that it is a popular place for wedding photographers and there were three couples there having photos taken that I thought was more interesting.

Brides shoes on the venetian bridge

Bride & Groom
After the bridge our last stop was to look at the Arminou dam. The dam was built in 1998 on the river Diarizos at an altitude of about 300 meters and has capacity of 4.3 million cubic meters.


After that it was back to Paphos and the hotel.
This was an excellent trip, a great host in Chris and an excellent ambassador for his country. I can recommend the trip and at 40euro per person very reasonably priced.

The 4x4 Jeep used for the tour
Thanks for reading
Andy
Our driver for the day was Chris whom was extremely passionate about the culture and the history of Cyprus and entertained our group throughout the day with his knowledge and wit.
I’m pleased to say he’s also a great driver as we drove on some extremely iffy roads/tracks.
We started our tour by driving south east from Paphos on the Limmasol road and our first stop was to see Aphrodites Rock.
Petra tou Romiou, a rock off the shore along the main road from Paphos to Limassol, has been regarded since ancient times as the birthplace of Aphrodite, goddess of love and fertility.
According to ancient tradition, Aphrodite was born from the waves on the site off the coast of Cyprus. In his Theogony (178-206), Hesiod provides the following dramatic account of the event:
Aphrodite was then escorted ashore on a shell by the soft breezes of the Zephyrs at the rocks known as Petra tou Romiou.
Petra tou Romiou means "the Rock of the Greek" and does not refer to Aphrodite but to another myth, that of the Byzantine hero Dighenis who threw the rocks at pirates to protect his lady.
It is said that in certain weather conditions, the waves rise, break and form a column of water that dissolves into a pillar of foam. With imagination, this looks for just a moment like an ephemeral, evanescent human shape.
There is a long narrow pebbly beach at Petra tou Romiou that extends to either side of the largest rock and its satellites.

Aphrodites rock from the west side

Aphrodites rock from the east side
From here we continued along the Limassol road and our next stop was to see one of the oldest olive trees in Cyprus at Avdimou.

The olive tree at Avdimou with girth 8,70m and estimated age 700 years
The cultivation of the olive tree began during the 2nd millennium BC but the earliest evidence of production of olive oil on the island goes back to the end of the 13th century BC.
The olive plant has had a huge role as a source of tradition, and as a symbol of wealth and abundance, glory and peace, honour and purity. Homer the great Greek poet referred to olive oil as ‘liquid gold’. The Olive has been, and still remains, more than mere food to the people of the Mediterranean – it has been used to crown victors in athletic games, war heroes and also ancient kings.
In many parts of the island there are groups of century old trees, known as “Frankoelies” and following an order of the Minister of Interior, many of these groups and other isolated
olive trees have been declared as protected, and the Department of Forests has the
responsibility of protecting and tending them.
From here we started to make our way to Omodus.

A typical Cypriot village en-route to Omodus
One of the most beautifull villages in Cyprus it nestles in the southern foothills of the Troodos Mountains. At an altitude of 900 meters, Omodos is in the centre of the famous wine making region of the country and is only a 30 minute drive from Limassol town.
The village is built around the Monastery of the Holy Cross which, according to records, dates back to the arrival of Saint Helena in Cyprus (A.D.337). The Monastery is home to a piece of the Holy Rope with which Christ’s hands were tied to the Cross.
In the centre of the Monastery an imposing Church stands having a gilded icon stand inside, dating back to 1817.


Within the Church valuable relics are kept such as fragments of saintly bones and the skull of Saint Philip.
In front of the Monastery there is a colourful, cobblestoned square covering an area of 3000m², surrounded by coffee houses, tavernas and shops. The square is the only one of its kind in Cyprus.

The medieval “Linos” (wine-press) is one of the oldest in Cyprus and a representative example of traditional craftsmanship and wine making techniques.

The wine press
The stop at Omodus was about 45mins long enough to wander around the church, the village, but a lace table cloth and have a drink at one of the tavernas.
Chantara or Foini Waterfall
Located near the Foini village, Chantara waterfall is just 1.5 km from Foini and about 3.5 km from the Trooditissa Monastery.
First there is a small wooden bridge that passes over the stream. On the left side you will hear and find the waterfall.
The water stream is split from the rock in the middle and gives the name of the waterfall. Chantara means a Scale or "weighing machine". The waterfall is not the highest or the biggest in Cyprus but it is said to be the most beautiful.

Chantara or Foini Waterfall
Compared to waterfalls in England it is a little lacking, Chris our driver recalled one English lady saying that her lavatory had more running water than the waterfall! Mind you with an estimated 320 days of sunshine each year it’s not surprising that there isn’t a massive flow of water.

Chantara or Foini Waterfall
It was very pleasant around the waterfall with numerous butterflies and lizards to be found.
On leaving the waterfall we went off road en-route to Pedoulas (sounds like it should be Wales) and we had only travelled a short distance when Chris spotted what he believed to be a Bonelli’s Eagle. I did get a look at it before it disappeared and reading up about it we were very lucky as it’s estimated that there are only about 20-40 pairs in Cyprus. Goshawks and Bonelli’s eagle are both possible in this area.
We carried on up the meandering dirt track climbing all the way and eventually we made road again.
The next photo was taken somewhere between Foini and Pedoulas and the view was wonderful and also made special by the singing of Nightingales that could be heard in the wooded valley below, beautiful.

Eventually we reached Pedoulas where we had lunch in a local tavern, the food was very nice and not expensive, unfortunately I don’t know the name of the taverna. I had stuffed vine leaves that were excellent along with a very nice local beer.

Rose at the taverna
After lunch we walked to one of the painted churches of the Troodos, The Church of Archangelos Michail. In 1985 it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List which includes nine other painted Byzantine churches of the Troodos range.

According to the dedicatory inscription above the north entrance, the church was built and decorated with frescoes in 1474, with the donation of priest Vasilios Chamados. The priest, accompanied by his wife and two daughters, is depicted above the dedicatory inscription, offering Archangel Michael a model of the church.

This church belongs to the typical single-aisled, timber-roof type of the Troodos region. The narthex, which extends to its south and west side, was used as a loft due to the small size of the church. The loft was used by the women, while only men entered the main church.

The church of Archangelos Michail is one of the few churches in Cyprus which preserves the name of the artist who decorated it. His name was Minas and he was a local painter who came from the area of Marathasa. Minas was a typical “naïve” painter with a conservative style, and followed the Byzantine tradition. However, he was aware of the artistic trends of this time and place which explains the influx of western elements in his work.
During this period many contemporary churches were decorated with wall-paintings of the same style.

On leaving Pedoulas we made our way to the Kykkos Monastery.

The Monastery of Kykkos, the richest and most lavish of the monasteries of Cyprus, is found in the region of Marathasa. It is situated on a mountain peak, at an altitude of 1318 metres northwest of Troodos. Dedicated to Panagia, it possesses one of three icons attributed to Agios Loukas the Evangelist. The icon, covered in silver gilt, is in a shrine made of tortoise shell and mother - of - pearl that stands in front of the iconostasis.

The monastery was founded sometime between the end of the 11th century and the beginning of the12th century, during the reign of Emperor Alexios I Komnenos (1081-1118 AD). Unfortunately the monastery burned down several times and nothing remains of the original structure. Blessed with divine grace, Cypriot hermit Isaiah miraculously cured the emperor's daughter of an incurable illness. As a reward, he asked for the icon of the Theotokos (Virgin Mary) kept at the imperial palace at Constantinople. Though grieved at the prospect of losing his precious treasure, the emperor sent it to Cyprus with fitting honours together with funds to pay for the construction of a monastery where the sacred relic would be kept. At the hermit's request, the emperor’s representative in Cyprus Manuel Vutomites also endowed the monastery with three villages. As the gift was later confirmed by imperial charter, the monastery is considered to have been established by imperial decree.


The first President of the Republic of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios III, served here as a novice. At his own wish he was buried on the summit of Throni, 3 kilometres west of the monastery, and not far from his native village of Panayia.

After Kykkos we made our way to the village of Mylikouri and Chris was telling us about the population and unfortunately I can't remember exactly what he said. However it was something along the lines of that a once thriving village of about 2000 is now down to a about 20 people, mainly old people in their 70's.

Mylikouri
Most of the village houses are now holiday homes for people looking for rest and relaxation of a weekend and during the summer. This applies to most of the traditional villages in the Triodes. Most of the young people have left to find employment in the cities and coastal regions.
Mylikouri was the start of our descent into the Troodos Forest and our search for the elusive Mouflon.

Looking into the Troodos forest from Mylikouri
The mouflon is a subspecies group of the wild sheep. The mouflon is thought to be one of the two ancestors for all modern domestic sheep breeds.
We had a 30 minute walk through the forest but unfortunately the Mouflon remained elusive, a good excuse for another visit!
After the forest we made our way to one of the Venetian bridges in Cyprus, the Tzielefos bridge, Pera Vasa. Tzielefos bridge is found 5 kilometres from Agios Nikolaos, in the direction of Kaminaria. It is built on the Diarizos river, a river that has been called “barbarian” by the people, because of the great noise its waters make. Unfortunately there wasn't much water and it was more of a hush than a roar.

A pair of Cyprus tigers as Chris called them
Personally I didn't find the bridge that inspiring and I didn't photograph it. It appears however that it is a popular place for wedding photographers and there were three couples there having photos taken that I thought was more interesting.

Brides shoes on the venetian bridge

Bride & Groom
After the bridge our last stop was to look at the Arminou dam. The dam was built in 1998 on the river Diarizos at an altitude of about 300 meters and has capacity of 4.3 million cubic meters.


After that it was back to Paphos and the hotel.
This was an excellent trip, a great host in Chris and an excellent ambassador for his country. I can recommend the trip and at 40euro per person very reasonably priced.

The 4x4 Jeep used for the tour
Thanks for reading
Andy
23 May 15 Woolston Eyes
23rd May 2015 - 0 comments
23rd May 2015 - 0 comments
A selection of photos that I haven't put in the galleries or uploaded to the Woolston Eyes website from that last three or four weeks.
For once I managed to get up early and I was on the Eyes for silly o'clock, about 05:45. As it happens the sun was shining and had a lovely golden glow.

Greylag Goose and chicks feeding in the early morning sun

Greylag Goose and reflection

Greylag Goose and chicks

Little Grebe with the reeds reflecting in the water

Chiffchaff
Some of the action from in front of the John Morgan Hide

Black-headed Gulls mating

Gadwall in the early morning sun
Shelducks being their usual aggressive selves.



Tufted duck on the South Pool
A week later.

Lesser black-backed Gulls

Lesser black-backed Gulls mating on the scrape

Lapwing and two eggs in the nest
The Lapwing is still sitting on the two eggs today.

Black-headed Gull

Lesser black-backed Gull preparing for lift off
There have been a few small waders, Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Dunlin and Sanderling visiting the scrape over the last few weeks. Unfortunately I've only seen the Little Ringed Plover.

Little ringed Plover
Some photos from this weekend.

Herring Gull - Probably 1st Winter

Little ringed Plover

Gadwall in flight
There wasn't much discernable colour in the above photo so I converted it to monochrome.

Black-headed Gull in flight
There are plenty of chicks around at the moment.

Canada Goose chicks

Canada Goose chicks in a huddle

Canada Goose chicks following mum

Mute Swan

Lapwing still sitting on the nest - there were some Greylag goose chicks very close to her and she was calling.

Pied Wagtail

View from the John Morgan Hide
I've tried to include some action photos, some cute with the chicks and some that I just like and deserve to be seen.
I hope you enjoyed them and thanks for looking.
cheers
Andy
For once I managed to get up early and I was on the Eyes for silly o'clock, about 05:45. As it happens the sun was shining and had a lovely golden glow.

Greylag Goose and chicks feeding in the early morning sun

Greylag Goose and reflection

Greylag Goose and chicks

Little Grebe with the reeds reflecting in the water

Chiffchaff
Some of the action from in front of the John Morgan Hide

Black-headed Gulls mating

Gadwall in the early morning sun
Shelducks being their usual aggressive selves.



Tufted duck on the South Pool
A week later.

Lesser black-backed Gulls

Lesser black-backed Gulls mating on the scrape

Lapwing and two eggs in the nest
The Lapwing is still sitting on the two eggs today.

Black-headed Gull

Lesser black-backed Gull preparing for lift off
There have been a few small waders, Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Dunlin and Sanderling visiting the scrape over the last few weeks. Unfortunately I've only seen the Little Ringed Plover.

Little ringed Plover
Some photos from this weekend.

Herring Gull - Probably 1st Winter

Little ringed Plover

Gadwall in flight
There wasn't much discernable colour in the above photo so I converted it to monochrome.

Black-headed Gull in flight
There are plenty of chicks around at the moment.

Canada Goose chicks

Canada Goose chicks in a huddle

Canada Goose chicks following mum

Mute Swan

Lapwing still sitting on the nest - there were some Greylag goose chicks very close to her and she was calling.

Pied Wagtail

View from the John Morgan Hide
I've tried to include some action photos, some cute with the chicks and some that I just like and deserve to be seen.
I hope you enjoyed them and thanks for looking.
cheers
Andy
26 April 15 Woolston Eyes
28th April 2015 - 1 comment
28th April 2015 - 1 comment
I made my way to “The Eyes” on Sunday and as I crossed the footbridge the Chiffchaffs were apparent and like last week there was a Chiffchaff on the lower branches of a tree. This week I did get a reasonable photo and it’s probably the best I’ve managed to take so far, even though its tail is hidden behind a branch.

Chiffchaff
On reaching the John Morgan Hide there were the usual suspects on the scrape, Black-headed Gull, Moorhen, Coot, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Lapwing and Shelduck.

Lapwing

Greylag Goose
On the water I could see Teal, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Great-crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Mute Swan, Lesser black-backed Gull, Cormorant and Shoveler.

Shoveler
The Shovelers (male & female) waddled onto the scrape something I haven’t seen before.

Shoveler
An Oyster catcher dropped onto the scrape.

Oyster Catcher
The Lapwing seemed to take umbrage and swooped over it frequently.

Lapwing & Oyster Catcher

Lapwing & Oyster Catcher
As I made my way back I saw a largish bird fly behind a small tree but I couldn’t see it from where I was. As I passed the tree I looked up and there was a Kestrel hovering not too far away. As luck would have it I’d done something I don’t normally do and left the camera on the tripod, All I had to do was place it down and focus, yippee, some decent shots of another of my bogey birds!!
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Kestrel

Kestrel
Thanks for reading.
Andy

Chiffchaff
On reaching the John Morgan Hide there were the usual suspects on the scrape, Black-headed Gull, Moorhen, Coot, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Lapwing and Shelduck.

Lapwing

Greylag Goose
On the water I could see Teal, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Great-crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Mute Swan, Lesser black-backed Gull, Cormorant and Shoveler.

Shoveler
The Shovelers (male & female) waddled onto the scrape something I haven’t seen before.

Shoveler
An Oyster catcher dropped onto the scrape.

Oyster Catcher
The Lapwing seemed to take umbrage and swooped over it frequently.

Lapwing & Oyster Catcher

Lapwing & Oyster Catcher
As I made my way back I saw a largish bird fly behind a small tree but I couldn’t see it from where I was. As I passed the tree I looked up and there was a Kestrel hovering not too far away. As luck would have it I’d done something I don’t normally do and left the camera on the tripod, All I had to do was place it down and focus, yippee, some decent shots of another of my bogey birds!!

Kestrel

Kestrel
Thanks for reading.
Andy