Originally Posted by mobertol (Post 1093475)

Lovely shots of the birds Turtle - you seem to have as much snow as we have rain! I really liked the close-up of the seed-head Dave - the school were lucky that someone as conscientious as you found their balloon. I wonder if you win a prize or something if you find the one that's travelled furthest?

Originally Posted by mobertol (Post 1093481)

Today's trip out into Cremona and the museum was slightly marred by the weather. It was only light rain when getting to the museum, where I had a nice lunch in their trendy bar/restaurant. Also you weren't allowed to take photos inside the museum which was a real shame as it is very interesting architecturally and for the actual collection of violins. It's very state of the art, multi-media and interactive - you have a little handset which gives you an audio tour -it activates automatically depending on which part of the museum you're in. You go into a little workshop where the sights, sounds and smells of a violin-makers workshop are recreated and can activate films on special tables showing all the various parts of the violin, how they are made and put together. The technique is more or less exactly as it was in the time of the 3 great violin-makers from Cremona - Andrea Amati, Guarneri and Antonio Stradivari whose work covers from about 1580 through to the early 1700's. There is a violin in the collection which was made for the court of Henry VIII ! Some of them are beautifully decorated - unbelievable workmanship and they are worth a fortune.
1 Arrival at the museum -light rain!
2-5 Inside the bar/restaurant "Chiave di Bacco" (Bacchus's Key) - the ceiling is covered in musical scores and the large illuminated squares are some of the walls of the museum which is on the first floor.
6 Advert for the museum showing the most precious part of the collection
7 Suspended advert for the museum on the old tram lines.
8 The courtyard and sculpture -taken when leaving
9 Leaving the museum in heavy rain
10 Statue of Antonio Stradivari in the piazza in Cremona which bears his name -he looks pretty wet as I was at this point -no brolly!

Originally Posted by mobertol (Post 1093482)

Good photos on this link show what the museum is like inside - the auditorium is constructed to be like the inside of a violin and is very impressive -also it is designed to be acustically perfect so wherever you sit you hear the music perfectly.
Museo del Violino - Cremona - Recensioni su Museo del Violino - TripAdvisor


The following link is to a really good article published in the Guardian when the museum opened last September.
Violin museum shows off musical heritage of Stradivari's birthplace | World news | The Guardian

Originally Posted by davemac (Post 1093526)

Today in Pictures, is a bit of a mash up, a few in Cutwood Park and the last of Hagg Lodge.

Originally Posted by davemac (Post 1093526)

Today in Pictures, is a bit of a mash up, a few in Cutwood Park and the last of Hagg Lodge.

Originally Posted by Turtle (Post 1093594)

It looks like Spring is there for you - I'm envious yet pleased for you :)
I used to know the buds on trees in lancashire, and the order in which they would 'burst'. There were Sticky Buds, and Lambs Tails. The ash was the last to come out, I think. I've long ago forgotten all that, but please tell me: what is that coming out in number 2? It looks very exotic!

Originally Posted by mobertol (Post 1093597)

If the Oak comes out before the Ash,
the earth will get a splash.
If the Ash comes out before the Oak
The earth will get a soak.

Originally Posted by mobertol (Post 1093605)

More photos of yesterday in the center of Cremona - the cake shop was closed (unfortunately) - on the top shelf of their display you can see the tower, cathedral, baptistry and town hall buildings which are in the piazza up ahead - you can see all four buildings in my photos!

Originally Posted by gpick24 (Post 1093646)

Seen this place loads of times from the M62, but first time walking around.

1. A quick run on the moors.
2. The M62 runing alongside Scammonden Reservoir.
3. The valve tower.
4&5. A look back down the Res.
6. The sailing club.
7. The valve tower again.
8. Deanhead church.

Originally Posted by Turtle (Post 1093594)

It looks like Spring is there for you - I'm envious yet pleased for you :)
I used to know the buds on trees in lancashire, and the order in which they would 'burst'. There were Sticky Buds, and Lambs Tails. The ash was the last to come out, I think. I've long ago forgotten all that, but please tell me: what is that coming out in number 2? It looks very exotic!

Originally Posted by mobertol (Post 1093597)

Is that blossom this year's Dave? Seems really early - here we just have the lambs tails (catkins) and signs that a few bulbs are coming through the soil.

I knew the following rhyme about spring which mentions the Ash tree Turtle:

If the Oak comes out before the Ash,
the earth will get a splash.
If the Ash comes out before the Oak
The earth will get a soak.

Originally Posted by mobertol (Post 1093605)

More photos of yesterday in the center of Cremona - the cake shop was closed (unfortunately) - on the top shelf of their display you can see the tower, cathedral, baptistry and town hall buildings which are in the piazza up ahead - you can see all four buildings in my photos!

Originally Posted by gpick24 (Post 1093646)

Seen this place loads of times from the M62, but first time walking around.

1. A quick run on the moors.
2. The M62 runing alongside Scammonden Reservoir.
3. The valve tower.
4&5. A look back down the Res.
6. The sailing club.
7. The valve tower again.
8. Deanhead church.

Originally Posted by maxthecollie (Post 1093654)

Where did you park for that walk?

Originally Posted by gpick24 (Post 1093664)

There are 3 car parks, we parked at the one nearest to the M62.

Map here - Scammonden

Originally Posted by maxthecollie (Post 1093669)

Thanks for the info.May try that one day.

Originally Posted by maxthecollie (Post 1093636)

Have you got our rain?

Originally Posted by DaveinGermany (Post 1093616)

Oak schmoke! The only Oak of any interest is the ones Whisky comes out of! :D

And as for your town centre Di, it looks nice despite the lousy weather, but there seems to be a distinct lack of bods mooching about.

Originally Posted by davemac (Post 1093659)

Tall buildings, narrow streets, cobbles, and rain, and the lack of people makes it very photogenic, not very good for trade though.

Originally Posted by davemac (Post 1093655)

I don't think Spring is here just yet

Originally Posted by mobertol (Post 1093735)

Short walk today - bracing winds but blue skies and sunshine. A couple of shots in the farm courtyard - featuring 3 Topcats from the large number that populate the hay barns. Then I decided to concentrate on the little collapsing bridge up the lane as I remembered Dave recently said it looked like it would be interesting to investigate. There was a nice late afternoon light and I finally managed to read the date stone which says "Ponte Comunale 1861" (Municipal Bridge 1861) - hadn't realised it was that old. I didn't need to get into the water to take the pics just beat back rather a lot of undergrowth down the other side to the path!

Originally Posted by davemac (Post 1093768)

Today in Pictures, another muddy experience, and I wont tell you what part of my body slid down a gloopy slope.

1. It's only a small stream, but a bit swollen at the moment.
2. Have to be careful, I dont want to ladder my tights.
3. Haven't a clue, just looked a good idea.
4. Signs that a colliery once thrived on this site, now forgotten brickwork.(Huncoat Colliery)
5. Bluebells growing on a steep slope.
6. Looking down to the bottom of the site.
7. I'm not supposed to climb trees.
8. There is always a fungi lurking somewhere.
9. Or perhaps two.
10. When I took this I never noticed the rainbow starting.

Originally Posted by gpick24 (Post 1093788)

Today, an amble around the coppice.

1. Lots of tree chopping going on.
2. A view of the farm.
3. Some birds.
4. That`s not how dogs are supposed to sneak.
5. Duke having a run.
6. Playing in the stream.
7. Cobbles always look best in B&W.
8. I think I might invest in a wood burner.
9. Ever get the fealing you`re being followed.
10. Time for me to fly as well.

Originally Posted by davemac (Post 1093789)

I though my dog could get dirty, but yours win by a mile.

Originally Posted by mobertol (Post 1093605)

More photos of yesterday in the center of Cremona - the cake shop was closed (unfortunately) - on the top shelf of their display you can see the tower, cathedral, baptistry and town hall buildings which are in the piazza up ahead - you can see all four buildings in my photos!

Originally Posted by mobertol (Post 1093735)

Short walk today - bracing winds but blue skies and sunshine. A couple of shots in the farm courtyard - featuring 3 Topcats from the large number that populate the hay barns. Then I decided to concentrate on the little collapsing bridge up the lane as I remembered Dave recently said it looked like it would be interesting to investigate. There was a nice late afternoon light and I finally managed to read the date stone which says "Ponte Comunale 1861" (Municipal Bridge 1861) - hadn't realised it was that old. I didn't need to get into the water to take the pics just beat back rather a lot of undergrowth down the other side to the path!

Originally Posted by Eric (Post 1093754)

Me niether;)

Originally Posted by gpick24 (Post 1093788)

Today, an amble around the coppice.

1. Lots of tree chopping going on.
2. A view of the farm.
3. Some birds.
4. That`s not how dogs are supposed to sneak.
5. Duke having a run.
6. Playing in the stream.
7. Cobbles always look best in B&W.
8. I think I might invest in a wood burner.
9. Ever get the fealing you`re being followed.
10. Time for me to fly as well.

Originally Posted by gpick24 (Post 1093788)

Today, an amble around the coppice.

1. Lots of tree chopping going on.
2. A view of the farm.
3. Some birds.
4. That`s not how dogs are supposed to sneak.
5. Duke having a run.
6. Playing in the stream.
7. Cobbles always look best in B&W.
8. I think I might invest in a wood burner.
9. Ever get the fealing you`re being followed.
10. Time for me to fly as well.

Originally Posted by gpick24 (Post 1093791)

They`re drawn to mud, thankfully, they like water as well so they tend to clean themselves.

Originally Posted by maxthecollie (Post 1093858)

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We made the best of the sunshine today and went to Formby

Originally Posted by mobertol (Post 1093862)

Lovely set of photos - especially the ones of the dogs, Spire's Farm and the cobbles which is really good in B&W - is that Plantation Road?

Originally Posted by mobertol (Post 1093862)

Lovely set of photos - especially the ones of the dogs, Spire's Farm and the cobbles which is really good in B&W - is that Plantation Road?

Originally Posted by maxthecollie (Post 1093872)

It is Plantation Road

Originally Posted by mobertol (Post 1093864)

I was wondering if you had some kind of special washing facilities at home - out in the yard maybe! :p

Originally Posted by maxthecollie (Post 1093858)

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We made the best of the sunshine today and went to Formby

Originally Posted by davemac (Post 1093881)

Nice blues today.

Has your photography class started yet, and if it has, how is it going ?

Originally Posted by maxthecollie (Post 1093885)

My class started on the 15th January and is getting a bit involved now.We are on shutter speeds next week.

Originally Posted by maxthecollie (Post 1093885)

My class started on the 15th January and is getting a bit involved now.We are on shutter speeds next week.

Originally Posted by gpick24 (Post 1093894)

If you get any tips on how to not miss a shot through your own stupidity, please share them.:(

Originally Posted by davemac (Post 1093882)

Today in Pictures, it was just a gentle mooch today, from Goldacre lane to the edge of the reservoir and then a bit of a shuffle around the stream and back to Goldacre Lane.

Originally Posted by davemac (Post 1093898)

That sounds like there is a story behind that remark ?

Originally Posted by gpick24 (Post 1093894)

If you get any tips on how to not miss a shot through your own stupidity, please share them.:(

Originally Posted by gpick24 (Post 1093903)

Driving past some farmers fields yesterday, I saw the biggest bird of prey I`ve ever seen, it was huge, just stood there in the field. From the RSPB bird identifier it was a white tailed eagle. Pulled over, got my camera, sneaked up to the the gate, click, nothing. clicked again, nothing. I`m thinking come on you stupid camera, frantically pressing the shutter and altering settings, nothing. The bird flew away and my camera started to beep. I`d been messing the night before and left it on timed shutter release.:mad:

Originally Posted by maxthecollie (Post 1093912)

I went out one day ,took loads of pics, got home to download them to my pc, only to find I had not put my sd card in my camera

Originally Posted by maxthecollie (Post 1093915)

Senior moments?

Originally Posted by gpick24 (Post 1093919)

Steady on, I`m only 44.

Originally Posted by davemac (Post 1093926)

You must be an early starter.

Originally Posted by Margaret Pilkington (Post 1093948)

Those geese would be grand in the current picture comp...please put them in if you haven't already done so....we need much more participation.

Originally Posted by Margaret Pilkington (Post 1093948)

Those geese would be grand in the current picture comp...please put them in if you haven't already done so....we need much more participation.

Originally Posted by Accyexplorer (Post 1093951)

Your right (again ) about more member participation needed.I really can't understand why out of all the members on here,10 might enter and 20(max) might actually vote

Originally Posted by gpick24 (Post 1093952)

I`ll be putting more in, problem I`ve had in the past is I enter 5 pics straight away then get another pic that would be more suitable but can`t enter it. So I`m hanging back a bit this time.

Originally Posted by Accyexplorer (Post 1093958)

Do you teach light painting max?
I could do with learning,I've seen some in abandoned buildings an they really are second to none.
My attempts with shutter speed
(don't laugh) :o

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Originally Posted by maxthecollie (Post 1093968)

Here's my lot for today
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Originally Posted by maxthecollie (Post 1093969)

No I am a mature student.( I think that's the correct way)

Originally Posted by Margaret Pilkington (Post 1093975)

Lovely shots of the squirrels and the robin.

Originally Posted by Margaret Pilkington (Post 1093977)

My sister in law used to go to Towneley just to feed the squirrels.....they would come onto her hand.

Originally Posted by Margaret Pilkington (Post 1093977)

My sister in law used to go to Towneley just to feed the squirrels.....they would come onto her hand.

Originally Posted by gpick24 (Post 1094004)

I`d have kept that to myself if I were her. :hidewall:

Originally Posted by davemac (Post 1094034)

Today in Pictures was just a walk around Oak Hill Park, it was slightly sunny but a chilly wind.

Originally Posted by maxthecollie (Post 1094073)

Did you not explore the lodging house?

Originally Posted by maxthecollie (Post 1093968)

Here's my lot for today
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Originally Posted by davemac (Post 1094034)

Today in Pictures was just a walk around Oak Hill Park, it was slightly sunny but a chilly wind.

Originally Posted by Accyexplorer (Post 1094071)

I had a little drive over to Darwen to look at India mill chimney.
What a beauty :D

Some may remeber a few off them "urbexing" type ;) climbing it :eek:
Three men scale Darwen 279ft mill in dead of night (From Lancashire Telegraph) :D

Anyway here are my pics of the chimney an things.

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Originally Posted by Turtle (Post 1094089)

Really nice views and the squirrels are great! Just curious: I've seen many examples in this thread of trees that have been turned into statues. Is this an initiative of local government to find work for starving artists, or can anyone show up with chainsaw and chisel?

Originally Posted by Accyexplorer (Post 1094064)

Did you get any pics of the Victorian Water Fountain?
Attachment 37875 Attachment 37876

Originally Posted by davemac (Post 1094160)

Not on my recent visit, but previously I took a few, I think they are posted on here but would be some time ago.

Originally Posted by Accyexplorer (Post 1094180)

I remember washing my conkers in it when I was a kid,don't get many,if any if them anymore.

I also like the new profile pic if it's what I think it is :D

Originally Posted by maxthecollie (Post 1094202)

Where's todays ramble,Dave?

Originally Posted by davemac (Post 1094196)

I don't think I would admit to washing my "conkers" in the fountain, I was never tall enough. Just a bit of personal trivia, I left school on a Friday and on Monday walked through the side gate, passed the fountain and into the Mansion to start my apprenticeship. When I started, there was talk of getting the fountain working again, they are still saying it !

The Profile pic is Fly Agaric (Amanita Muscaria ) deadly and hallucinogenic...............It reminds me of myself.............pink in the face with white lumps.
I came across it when mooching through the millennium woods in Altham, another "lying in the muck" shot

Originally Posted by Restless (Post 1094242)

woah!

I didnt expect that to happen. I uploaded that with tapatalk and it didnt show the post looking like that

Originally Posted by gpick24 (Post 1094249)

Today, I headed North East. Rowlands Gill (Red Kite country - saw some but too quick for me:(), Gateshead, then back through flooded country roads.

1. Sage Building, Gateshead.
2. Derwenthaugh fish pass.
3-7. Flooded fields and roads.
8 & 9. Some snowy hills.

10. One from yesterday - St Marys Church Astbury.

Originally Posted by Retlaw (Post 1094294)