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This was taken where the Umqua River empties into the Pacific Ocean. From its source northeast of Roseburg, the Umpqua flows northwest through the Oregon Coast Range and empties into the Pacific at Winchester Bay.
In the early 19th century, the Upper Umpqua tribe ceded most of its land to the U.S. government in the 1854 Treaty with the Umpqua and Kalapuya, agreeing to move to a reservation in Lincoln County as part of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz.
Due to its strategic riverside location, Winchester Bay began as a frontier town in the fur and timber trades. That proximity continues to pay dividends today, providing visitors to Winchester Bay the unique opportunity to explore along the river, venture into the dunes on foot, buggy, or horseback, or participate in the town’s famous crabbing tradition.
Badger
Major changes were made with regard to the lighting arrangement at the Badger drinking trough (flash will never be used on nocturnal creatures)
It seems to have paid dividends and augurs well for the future.
This is a new animal at the trough and I suspect is the same badger that has previously been photographed climbing the tree stump.
I was so very excited to see this "beauty", especially since I've witnessed the decline of insect visitors to my garden year after year. I was sure that by the time I raced to the house for my camera it would be gone. Fortunately, it was still feeding on the bee balm, at one of my backyard "nectar stations." I was able to carefully work around it and get plenty of shots of its beauty, a perfect specimen indeed. The last time I had one actually stay to feed anywhere in the garden was in 2019!
I have attached two additional photos of the area of my garden where the butterfly was observed. These areas have native plants including bee balm, two three species of milkweed, compass flower, and cone flowers.
One of my favorite creations till this time came today. I was listening to song Time by Zebra yesterday and I felt it is close to my life. The struggle, the trauma, the dreams and the future carrying my dreams. And for that I have to dream and to be strong. I was sick of working in BPO industry. I never belong to them. But I had to work to make sure that I have to survive.
Problem with artists is they belong to themselves. So it was very tough for me to get along. So it became an attitude issue too. And the whole goes for parties in a good way to enjoy themselves. For me it was the time to get out of it and make time to color splash.
It was getting hard and hard and one fine day I took my decision to say goodbye to the world where I don’t belong to be happy with what I dream off. Splashing colors.
Im glad I am following my passion and its paying dividends slowly.
Sometimes I think about time I wasted by working but not following my passion. Maybe its destiny.
Time Rolls by. Everybody gets older. I used to always think what I have achieved in life.
It was lot of pressure on me. Maybe I realized that I have to let loose my urge to dream and concentrate on what I am doing. And its paying dividends.
After 13 years of pressuring myself about my dreams, I just let it go like a water stream.
I don’t care about my dreams, but I care about my passion for art and creativity.
Gradually it’s coming back to my surprise. Though I never ever expected.
Now I got few proper good contacts of architects and art dealers. Problem is I cannot disappoint anyone. Its business. Its everything about time..Life is a highway.
‘Where ever I go, I carry my passion for Art’.
“If you chase anything in life.. chase the things that get you excited about living".
Days pass faster and faster. “Daylight Makes Way” for the beauty of the night sky. A promise is made that nature will bring to us all the beauty of another colorful sunrise in the East. The sunrise will be filled with color and the sounds of early rising animals as they look for their daily nourishment to begin another busy day. Thanks for viewing my work. Show gratitude daily and practice kindness. It pays dividends.
The main waterfall at Dividend Pond (Rocky Hill, Connecticut) is a great place to practice.
I was able to move in the stream relatively easily (though still cautiously) side-to-side and forward-backward. It was one of the few times I've been able to tinker with composition quite a bit as large natural waterfall areas are typically pretty restrictive or dangerous for in-person photography.
A late and speculative midweek visit to a regular haunt of mine paid rich dividends a little while ago with a spectacular sunset on this occasion, & with the added bonus that I had the place to myself apart from a few folk on the distant summit of Roseberry Topping. RT never disappoints.
©johnbleakleyphotography #JohnBleakleyPhotography
Copyright: © 2025 john bleakley photography. All rights reserved. All images protected by Pixy. No unauthorised use.
What incomes have we not had from a flower, and how unfailing are the dividends of the seasons! :-)
James Russell Lowell, letter to Thomas Hughes, 1890
HMM!
japanese camellia, 'October Affair', sarah p duke gardens, duke university, durham, north carolina
The old saying of taking one last look before finishing paid dividends this morning, just when I was about to walk away from the harbour at Lyme Regis, I took a look over my shoulder and spotted the beautiful display of sunrays over Charmouth further along the coast
So... Trip number five really paid dividends. Back at the same place as last night. This time she flew right past me and landed in the tree. No sign of the male tonight, but hey...
This was taken hand held and a good half hour after sunset, so forgive the poor image quality.
I like it when a plan comes together.
:@)
Ocean Network Express liveried 66587 "AS ONE WE CAN" passes an old platelayers hut in West Lyng, it's rear retaining wall all but submerged in ivy, while working the 6C72 08.30 Fairwater Yard-Westbury HOBC tripper; my first full-sun photo of this striking Freightliner shed and on my second time of trying.
A delay of 90 minutes proved to be beneficial as, had it run to time, I would've come away with a dull shot - with this being some of the day's best light. A change of location also helped to achieve a better sun angle which thankfully paid dividends.
It was nice to spot this small group of proudly flowering Early-purple orchids (Orchis mascula) within the boundaries of the reserve just in the middle of the path. Before I saw them just on the other side of the fence. Seems that recent conservation efforts to preserve this fantastic patch of ancient woodland and grassland with plants and wildlife starts paying its dividends. They are also first orchids for me this season. Brown's Folly Nature Reserve, Avon Wildlife Trust, Bathford, Somerset, England
About halfway through my shift, I got wind of an IC Deathstar leading on 505, and seriously considered shooting it, but figured it would be too late, so I wrote it off. When I was leaving work, I had noticed that the train was skipping its usual work in Flint and heading straight for Durand, to which I thought I should go. After retrieving my equipment, I headed out, quickly trying to get there. Then the waiting game began. 2 hours after I arrived and a small window of set up time so as not to arouse suspicion with the train crew, CN L505 finally departs Durand passing the classic depot. To think I didn't want to stay out late...
(Islas Canarias).
SÁLVESE QUIEN PUEDA.
(Un buen castigo).
El consejo de administración al completo, inaudito.
Estaban que echaban chispas y todos me miraban
a mí.
Y yo tan tranquilo.
Los conocía muy bien, demasiado.
Al fin y tras un largo silencio habló el presidente.
-Bueno, González, intentemos zanjar este espinoso
y delicado tema de la forma más civilizada posible.
La última auditoría externa, estima, que nos has robado
cuatro millones de euros y en tan solo un par de años.
Le tengo que felicitar, veo que mis empleados cuando
quieren, son muy diligentes y muy eficaces.
Le propongo un trato que creo que es el más ventajoso
para usted.
Nos devuelve los cuatro millones, nosotros miramos para
otro lado, le damos un buen puesto y aquí paz y después
gloria, ¿qué le parece?
-Ni de coña les pienso devolver un solo euro,
pura calderilla para ustedes.
¿Cuántas veces les dije que esta empresa estaba
expuesta a miles de riesgos informáticos, que me dieran
el control absoluto y haría un búnker inexpugnable
para hackers y ciberdelincuentes informáticos?
La vulnerabilidad de esta empresa roza lo esperpéntico.
Si empresas como Apple, Microsoft, Uber, PayPal, Tesla,
por no decir de Black Rock, que mueven millones
de activos, han sido pirateados, no quiero ni pensar que
sería de esta empresa en sus manos.
Y mueven millones en seguridad, auténticas fortunas.
Hay gente muy chunga por ahí afuera, presidente.
-Recapacite e intente salvar el pellejo González, o no nos deja
otra alternativa que ponerle en manos de las autoridades
monetarias y policiales.
-Pues ya que saca el tema presidente, al tribunal de cuentas
le gustaría conocer los tejemanejes y chanchullos de esta
empresa, por no hablar de la Comisión Nacional del Mercado
de Valores, se frotarían los ojos con sus opas encubiertas,
con sus opas hostiles, sus sobornos, sus chantajes, la política
de dividendos, votos amañados en las Juntas de Accionistas,
influir y alterar ciertos valores de títulos en mercados
secundarios.
Un escándalo, sean consecuentes.
Piensen en los pobres accionistas, lo pueden perder todo de
la noche a la mañana.
Personas físicas, vulnerables y que no dejan de ser propietarios
de esta empresa.
-Y ahora les dejo, nos los quiero aburrir.
Me voy a Fuerteventura, a vivir a cuerpo de rey los últimos
años que me queden de vida.
Ha sido un placer y por favor, cierren el pico y dejen de lloriquear,
apechuguen con las consecuencias y tengan un poco de sentido
común.
Agur.
Y ahora una canción de Fito & Fitipaldis: Un buen castigo.
I have been keeping a watch over these Great Horned Owls (chicks and adults) for a couple of weeks both morning and evening. Patience finally paid dividends when the parent brought in breakfast for the two owlets. You can see one of them peering out from under the gopher while the other has its back toward me on the right.
I found this bird in Madera Canyon a couple weeks ago. My first two attempts hiking up the trail in search of this bird were fruitless. The third try, however, paid dividends: After hiking with my big lens for a while, I sat and waited for a half hour before giving up and heading down, but soon heard the trogon vocalizing nearby. I found him deep in vegetation (which surrounds the trail on both sides), unable to get a clear shot. Still, I enjoyed watching him feed on insects for a while. Then, for some reason, he flew down and landed on a branch not 10 feet from me. I froze, not wanting to alarm him by my movements. It was pointless to raise my lens for a shot anyhow, as he was way too close to focus. So after he seemed comfortable, I slowly crept up the rocky trail while hoping he wouldn’t fly off, turned to grab a shot of his upper body, then climbed a few feet more, turned my camera vertical, and got this shot.
This year i have planted a number of Lavender plants in the boarders and it is already paying dividends with lots of bees and butterflies
Owner: Ron Leshock from Mayport, PA
The Franklin Automobile Company was a marketer of automobiles in the United States between 1902 and 1934 in Syracuse, New York. Herbert H. Franklin, the founder, began his career in the metal die casting business before establishing his automobile enterprise. Controlled by Herbert H. Franklin it had very few other significant shareholders. Franklin bought its vehicles from the H. H. Franklin Manufacturing Company which was only moderately profitable and frequently missed dividends on common stock.
The two major characteristics of their automobiles were their air-cooled engines and in the early years their lightness and responsiveness when compared with other luxury cars.
The Franklin companies suffered financial collapse in April 1934. Aside from his consequent retirement CEO Herbert Franklin's lifestyle was unaffected. (Wikipedia)
Sent to the Islands to put on a training session and individual training I tried to enjoy myself too. Walking the clean shoreline I really enjoyed taking photos too. This particular capture of a “Setting Sun At Cayman Island” has become a favorite. Thanks for viewing my work. Gratitude and Kindness always paid me dividends. Try it, you’ll like it.
I made the trip down to Connecticut to see a few new waterfalls and one that I'd seen before. Connecticut for me is the least visited state in New England by far. I always enjoy seeing new places. Dividend pond and ruins is one example of that. The carpet of leaves made it more interesting. Combined sunshine and shade yesterday in this location provided a bit of a challenge. The falls were quite modest but pleasant.
Happy Sunday all!
As I reported in a recent story, the bluebell season had proved to be a bit of a non event this year. A not very heady combination of poor weather, a poor attitude and even worse composition skills had delivered nothing whatsoever and I’d resorted to the archives for an image to share a story of abject failure. It was time to move on. What was next? Well a return to Echo Beach and Godrevy Lighthouse was long overdue. Very long overdue in fact – I was surprised to note that I hadn’t taken photos here since January. Even more startling was the realisation that on six of the previous eight visits, I hadn’t got beyond downloading the raw files onto my computer. Ok so during that period I was lucky enough to go to Iceland and the Canary Islands, trips which were filled with yet to be shared images, but it did make me wonder what on earth I’d been playing at. Why had I ignored all of these folders, and what was in them? I really should take a look.
So some time towards the end of last week, we headed down to Godrevy in the van. On a sunny afternoon that was colder than it looked, we sat at the field on the headland in our camping chairs, enjoying a cream tea that had arrived as part of an unexpected hamper delivery that morning. It seems that recommending services you’ve been happy with pays dividends once in a while. I’d brought the camera with me of course, with only a passing thought about whether we’d stay long enough for sunset. Really we’d just come down for an afternoon out, and a brief stroll to watch the seals at Mutton Cove before racing back to the van as a shower raced towards us from across the bay. Back in the van another cup of tea was brewed as we settled down to watch the world outside. Ali had a little snooze while I pushed on through the last few chapters of the novel that had taken me away to the dreamland marshes of the North Carolina coast for most of the last week. Afternoon ticked on towards early evening. At some point we’d have to make a decision about food.
So we trundled off to Hayle and continued to abandon our cholesterol levels outside the front door of the local chippy. We could always have alfalfa sprouts tomorrow. Once rumbling stomachs were refuelled, we returned to the exact same spot as before, noting that the gates would be locked at nine. I’d just hop down and have a look. There wasn’t much doing, so I told Ali I’d be back soon. I’m never back soon. She knows that.
After poppies, it’s sea thrift in this rapidly passing floral season. No sooner have the woodland blues begun to wane and descend back into the lush green foliage, the vivid pink blooms appear on clifftops across the coast. And while I’d gradually begun to make sense of bluebell compositions (at least until this year’s big step backwards), the sea thrift had remained complicated. I pretty much always shoot into the light because it’s what inspires me and moves me to landscape photography, but of course that sets its challenges. Shadows, silhouettes, and dynamic ranges to test the computer’s memory later on. I look back to early attempts where I’d followed the letter rather too closely – highlights all the way down, shadows all the way up, noise all the way up with it – all shots where I’d failed to keep the raw files to try again years later as I released the histogram was on the back of my camera for a reason and learned new techniques in the editing suite. At one time I tried a stage of shooting the foreground an hour before the background, but the blend never looked convincing. Focus stacks also came with accompanying headaches – all of those fiddly strands against the blue background sea that looked messy if you dived into the pixels too far.
The most pleasing result to date was one that ironically, I’ve never shared on Flickr. Maybe I should. A beautiful glowing mass of colourful cloud, a clutch of gulls making for the island and an appealing pink patch at the front of the image. Why did I never post it? Not sure, but when I have another creative block like the one I faced in the bluebell woods, I guess I can keep it up my sleeve. Two further years of learning how to use Photoshop will need to be applied first though. It was one of those pesky focus stacks and the blending needs another visit. At least this was in the era since I decided to keep every raw file forever. Except the real duds of course. Mind you that could be a mistake – ICM is so popular nowadays. Even if this is more like UCM.
This evening was also testing my brain cells. In truth, I’d left things late. If I’m out on my own I can happily set up a composition and wait for two hours until the light is at its best. But an hour ago we were queuing at the chippy three miles away in Hayle, and nowhere near any compositions. Not unless Asda superstores are your chosen subject. Now I dashed from one spot to another, always struggling with the gulf of water between the headland and the lighthouse that separated the foreground and background almost irreparably. As I settled on this one, Ali rang to say the man had arrived to lock the gates as a stream of vehicles headed along the clifftop towards the road. At the exact same moment, the sky was starting to get interesting, so shameful to say, I asked her if she could drive Brenda back to the main car park that is never locked, and five minutes later I saw a big red van moving away from me. “Got here without any bumps” came the message.
I settled down as the sun headed towards the horizon and the colours became ever more saturated. By now it was a case of seizing what I could from the scene and hoping for the best, before walking back along the cliff path and remembering what it is that brings me here again and again, whether or not I take photos, and whether or not I get around to working on them later.
Emboldened by her success at driving the van from the field to the car park, Ali drove us home. Cream teas, fish and chips, sea thrift and a chauffeur. Better than frowning in frustration at bluebells that don’t want to play.
Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal in Kinver, South Staffordshire.
It links the River Severn at Stourport in Worcestershire with the Trent and Mersey Canal in Great Haywood.
James Brindley was the chief engineer of the canal, which was part of his "Grand Cross" plan for waterways connecting the major ports at Hull (via the Trent), Liverpool (via the Mersey), Bristol (via the Severn) and London (via the Thames).
The Act of Parliament authorising the canal was passed on 14 May 1766. This created "The Company of Proprietors of the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal Navigation", which was empowered to raise an initial £70,000 (equivalent to £9,805,998 in 2019).
The canal was completed in 1771 for a cost that exceeded the authorised capital and opened to trade in 1772. It was a commercial success, with trade from the Staffordshire Potteries southwards to Gloucester and Bristol, and trade from the Black Country northwards to the Potteries via the junction with the Birmingham Canal at Aldersley.
The Company obtained a second Act of Parliament on 9 June 1790, authorising it to raise another £12,000 (equivalent to £1,444,462 in 2019), to improve the River Severn immediately below Stourport as far as Diglis, to improve navigation to and from the canal.
Trade declined when the newer Worcester and Birmingham Canal was opened in 1815, providing a more direct route between Birmingham and Bristol. To remain competitive, the company increased the hours when locks could be used, and by 1830 they were available 24 hours a day.
To resolve the situation, the Birmingham Canal Company and the Birmingham and Liverpool Junction Company jointly promoted an Act of Parliament to authorise a short canal that would have left the Birmingham Canal at a higher level than the junction, crossed the Staffordshire and Worcestershire by an aqueduct, and then dropped down by a series of locks to join the Birmingham and Liverpool Junction Canal.
Despite the competition, and later competition from the railways, the canal company paid dividends to its shareholders until the end of the 19th century, although profits fell steadily from the 1860s. It remained independent until the Transport Act 1947 nationalised Britain's canals on 1 January 1948. In its latter years, the major trade was in coal from Cannock to a power station at Stourport which closed in 1949.
In 1959 the British Transport Commission planned to close the canal, but it was saved by a volunteer group, the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal Society.
Information Source:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Staffordshire_and_Worcestershire_Canal
Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal in Kinver, South Staffordshire.
It links the River Severn at Stourport in Worcestershire with the Trent and Mersey Canal in Great Haywood.
James Brindley was the chief engineer of the canal, which was part of his "Grand Cross" plan for waterways connecting the major ports at Hull (via the Trent), Liverpool (via the Mersey), Bristol (via the Severn) and London (via the Thames).
The Act of Parliament authorising the canal was passed on 14 May 1766. This created "The Company of Proprietors of the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal Navigation".
The canal was completed in 1771 for a cost that exceeded the authorised capital and opened to trade in 1772. It was a commercial success, with trade from the Staffordshire Potteries southwards to Gloucester and Bristol, and trade from the Black Country northwards to the Potteries via the junction with the Birmingham Canal at Aldersley.
Trade declined when the newer Worcester and Birmingham Canal was opened in 1815, providing a more direct route between Birmingham and Bristol. To remain competitive, the company increased the hours when locks could be used, and by 1830 they were available 24 hours a day.
To resolve the situation, the Birmingham Canal Company and the Birmingham and Liverpool Junction Company jointly promoted an Act of Parliament to authorise a short canal that would have left the Birmingham Canal at a higher level than the junction, crossed the Staffordshire and Worcestershire by an aqueduct, and then dropped down by a series of locks to join the Birmingham and Liverpool Junction Canal.
Despite the competition, and later competition from the railways, the canal company paid dividends to its shareholders until the end of the 19th century, although profits fell steadily from the 1860s. It remained independent until the Transport Act 1947 nationalised Britain's canals on 1 January 1948. In its latter years, the major trade was in coal from Cannock to a power station at Stourport which closed in 1949.
In 1959 the British Transport Commission planned to close the canal, but it was saved by a volunteer group, the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal Society.
Information Source:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Staffordshire_and_Worcestershire_Canal
Quick visit to the Wetlands this afternoon paid dividends, including this image of a Silvereye having a feast on the Callistemon flowers of this bush.
Hope you like it!
Be sure to view Large on Black for best results.
Thanks for any comments, views or favorites - much appreciated!!
This was this individual's favorite tree to fly with an acorn, wedge it into a crack, and the hammer it until it splintered. Finding these trees, standing patiently somewhat concealed, and waiting until they return pays dividends.
Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal in Kinver, South Staffordshire.
It links the River Severn at Stourport in Worcestershire with the Trent and Mersey Canal in Great Haywood.
James Brindley was the chief engineer of the canal, which was part of his "Grand Cross" plan for waterways connecting the major ports at Hull (via the Trent), Liverpool (via the Mersey), Bristol (via the Severn) and London (via the Thames).
The Act of Parliament authorising the canal was passed on 14 May 1766. This created "The Company of Proprietors of the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal Navigation".
The canal was completed in 1771 for a cost that exceeded the authorised capital and opened to trade in 1772. It was a commercial success, with trade from the Staffordshire Potteries southwards to Gloucester and Bristol, and trade from the Black Country northwards to the Potteries via the junction with the Birmingham Canal at Aldersley.
Trade declined when the newer Worcester and Birmingham Canal was opened in 1815, providing a more direct route between Birmingham and Bristol. To remain competitive, the company increased the hours when locks could be used, and by 1830 they were available 24 hours a day.
To resolve the situation, the Birmingham Canal Company and the Birmingham and Liverpool Junction Company jointly promoted an Act of Parliament to authorise a short canal that would have left the Birmingham Canal at a higher level than the junction, crossed the Staffordshire and Worcestershire by an aqueduct, and then dropped down by a series of locks to join the Birmingham and Liverpool Junction Canal.
Despite the competition, and later competition from the railways, the canal company paid dividends to its shareholders until the end of the 19th century, although profits fell steadily from the 1860s. It remained independent until the Transport Act 1947 nationalised Britain's canals on 1 January 1948. In its latter years, the major trade was in coal from Cannock to a power station at Stourport which closed in 1949.
In 1959 the British Transport Commission planned to close the canal, but it was saved by a volunteer group, the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal Society.
Information Source:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Staffordshire_and_Worcestershire_Canal
I was with Ted and Scott at Fort DeSoto where we had the opportunity to observe and photograph a variety of birds, including this American Oystercatcher with a newly acquired prize.
Commercial: I have been promoting Steve, at Bedfords Camera and Video, for many years. Great service, great guy, free shipping, and as of now, no sales tax imposed at sale. The best customer service I've ever experienced. After referring so many people, Steve now gives me great deals and offers to my friends, a 5% discount. You can use the code BIRDS18 on their website or contact Steve Elkins, 479-381-2592, steve @bedfords.com and introduce yourself. Having a personal relationship with a dealer often pays dividends.
Since 1927 the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway has been an integral part of the landscape of the Romney Marsh.
Known as “Kent’s Mainline in Miniature”, our world famous one-third full size steam & diesel locomotives have powered their way along the 13½ miles of track from the Cinque Port town of Hythe, terminating in Dungeness; a National Nature Reserve. With 4 stations in between, all within walking distance of a beach, our railway provides you with an opportunity to explore this unique corner of Kent. Coast & country walks, with all manner of wildlife & flora to be seen, cycle rides, medieval churches and iconic lighthouses are all on our doorstep.
With excellent catering facilities available at some stations, our ever-popular Model Railway Exhibition, play parks, good station shops, free car parking and facilities to assist our disabled visitors, RH&DR is the perfect any-weather, all-generations great day out.
The RH&DR was the culmination of the dreams of Captain J. E. P. Howey — a racing driver, millionaire land owner, former Army Officer and miniature railway aficionado and Count Louis Zborowski — eminently well-known racing driver of his day (famous for owning and racing the Chitty Bang Bang Mercedes).
BUILDING THE RAILWAY
The Count was keen to build a fully working railway using the 15" gauge and Howey was inspired by the vision also. To try to fulfil their ambition the pair attempted to purchase the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway in the Lake District, but to no avail.
Despite this setback, the Count ordered two Pacific locomotives (Green Goddess and Northern Chief), to be designed by the leading model engineer of his day, Henry Greenly and built in Colchester by Davey, Paxman and Co.
Before they were delivered the Count was killed while racing at Monza in the Italian Grand Prix. Howey was left with two locos and the task of finding somewhere to run them. He commissioned Greenly to help him, and it was he that came up with the Romney Marsh.
The official opening took place on 16th July 1927, with Hercules hauling that inaugural train from Hythe to New Romney. When first opened to the public the line only covered, in double track, the eight miles between Hythe and New Romney. Owner Captain Jack Howey soon had his eye on extending the line and in 1928 double tracks carried the trains to Dungeness via Greatstone.
During those early years, the railway became famous and people came to ride on the 'Smallest Public Railway in the World'. The locomotive fleet was extended to nine main-line express engines and a fleet of luxurious coaches were built. The war years took their toll, the line being requisitioned by the War Department — they even created the only miniature armoured train in the world — and was used extensively during the building of PLUTO (Pipe Line Under The Ocean) which fuelled the Allied invasion force.
POST-WAR
As peace-time returned, the RH&DR were keen to re-open which they soon did; Hythe to New Romney in 1946 and the Dungeness section following a year later with Laurel and Hardy cutting the ribbon. But the cost of hostilities were obvious; New Romney to Dungeness was now single line only, as the raw materials to re-build were scarce and the cost high.
The post-war years were good, and the publicity gained from being a front-line railway paid some dividends. The fifties and early sixties saw a boom in tourism and the Kent coast and the RH&DR benefited greatly, but the arrival of cheap package holidays to sunnier climes soon saw the passenger numbers fall.
Owner Howey was also ageing (he died in September 1963) and investment in the railway was not all it could have been. As new owners took the concern on and then passed to yet other new owners, the extent of this lack of investment became apparent. Bridges were in poor condition, rolling stock was ageing and uncomfortable, locomotives were costly to maintain.
After a near-death experience a new consortium, headed by Sir William McAlpine, saved the day in 1973 and much investment has taken place over the intervening years to ensure the railway maintains its title as Kent's Mainline in Miniature and continues to uphold a high standard of customer service.
For further information please visit www.rhdr.org.uk/history-and-heritage/
A little visit to Treptower Park in Berlin a week or so ago paid dividends in the sunshine of early Spring, thankfully not completely annihilated by chemtrails, had me taking ground upward shots in all forms of bodily positions, quite deliberately allowing myself the odd chuckle whilst witnessing folks with camera phones, looking all so pensive trying to impress their significant others, who couldn’t even tell you what ISO stands for.
Know this, you are allowed to be confident, you are allowed to be a little smug and self-appreciating, give yourself that permission, if anyone else tells you otherwise, tell them to fuck off!
I hope everyone is well and so as always, thank you! 😊
Sometimes patience and hard work pays off. This morning I entered the forested area where I had seen this GHOW illusively fly the last time I visited 2 days ago. From the same area, it flew into a little more accessible strand of forest. I spent over an hour moving slowly through berries, stinging nettle, and tall grasses to put myself in position for this shot. Moving in a non-threatening way paid dividends. She slept most the time I was near her, but dogs passing in the distance brought her "egg yolk" colored eyes to full attention.
A Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) was timed perfectly with the jump, coming down for the foraging. It was all for the wait in anticipation of take off and landing that paid the dividend. The positions of wings, legs and the beak against such bokeh backdrop made it look very charming indeed. Pics was taken from Purbasthali wetland in West Bengal, India.