View allAll Photos Tagged INTENTION
**********************************
Trumped By the Knave Of Hearts
Rendering is derived from the short story:
Turn of a Friendly Card.
flic. kr/p/zGVBd1
Finally I reached the patios outer edge without further incident, or gain. I went on the grass and turned a corner with the intention of going, post haste around the house to reach the gardens by the long way, hoping not to be seen by anyone. But I no sooner turned the corner, when I realized that it was not to be the case.
It was my blithe spirit in white chiffon from the garden party, pardon me, soiree. She was unescorted, looking up at the moon above a stone turret with one lit window, so intently that my presence had not been noticed. I had been absolutely correct in my observation of her as far as what she would be wearing for the evening. For what she had lacked in ornaments at the soiree, she had more than made up for in the evening festivities. She was absolutely gorgeous, resplendent in as beautiful a silvery satin gown that I had ever witness. It was just pouring down, shimmering along her delightful figure. Her long blazing red hair was still curling down and free, but now a pair of long chandelier earrings cascading down from her earlobes, were peeking out every now and then as they swayed with her every movement. Her blazingly rippling necklace was all diamonds, dripping down the front of her tightly satin covered bosom, twinkling iridescently like an intensively glimmering waterfall. Her slender gloved wrists were home to a pair of dangling diamond bracelets that were almost outshone by her many glistening rings. All in all she was quite a lure all too herself
I came up to her, starling her from her reverie. Taking up her hand, I looked into her startled, suddenly blushing face. I complimented her on the fine gown she wore. She thanked me, and I could see I that she suddenly remembered she me as the chap who she thought smiled to her in the garden. She seemed to accept my compliment quite readily. I chanced it( although Lord knows I was short on time) and asked her to a dance. I did not think she would agree, so it was with a little bit of surprise, hoping she would politely decline and walk off, leaving me free to go about my business unobserved. But she accepted, and I will admit that my heart leapt as she agreed (although in the back of my mind I knew I should be off if my plan was to work). The music had stopped so we made small talk as we slowly walked back to the ballroom. Her name was Katrina. It seems she was waiting for someone, which suited my plans, but he was late and so she had time. Which may have sounded dismissive, but from the apologetic way she said it, it was anything but the sort.
The orchestra started to tune back up as we entered, and taking her offered hand up, was soon lost in the elegance of my appealing partner. It was a long dance, and a formal one, but I could tell she was subtly anxious to be off on her meeting, as I was to be off to my own adventure. But Katrina did not really allow it to show, which was very uncharacteristic of her someone with her obvious breeding. So I was ready when the by the end of the music she begged her condolences and took flight. I watched her as she fluidly moved away, her jewels sparkling, all of them. On her mission to meet Mr. X I thought, for whom I was already harboring a quite jealous dislike. I should be off I thought to meself.
But I stood, still as stone; totally mesmerized by the way Katrina’s swirling silvery satin gown was playing out along her petite, jewel sparkling figure. It wasn’t till the last of her gown swished around a corner out of sight that I moved, but not without having to shake my head to clear the thoughts of her out of it. Well old son, focus. For by now the guests were starting to wander a bit afield in the waning hours of the Autumn Ball, and my small window of opportunity was closing fast. If my little plan was going to have any chance of success it would have to be now.
For the entire story please meander to the rendering :
Playing the Cards that were dealt..
flic. kr/p/zGVBd1
(Thank you to Morgan for my suit. Thanks to Teddi and Gloria. This pic can also be seen on Teddi's Flickr, it's a joint effort. Tip of the lid to Chatwick.)
Intention was to get star trails but really needed a wide angle lens for this location to get more sky in. Next time though....This one 30 sec exp
Long ago I wished to create this kind of shape. That's not very complicated if you sacrifice the smoothness of the surface. But I didn't want to sacrifice it...
So here it is, smooth, made from squares ;) I call it "Intention" since it's what it is ;)
Intention
Designer: Ekaterina Lukasheva
Created: 2016
Folder: Ekaterina Lukasheva
Parts: 30
Paper's size: 7 cm
Paper: kraft
Joined with : nothing
Final height: 10 cm
Opus K-519
I hope to be back soon :) I seriously miss folding ;)
Jane and I decided to take little Max out for a walk. Our intention was to explore the Ardrossan harbour area and allow Max's mum to get on with some packing ( the family were flying out to see their dad the next day ) One look at his little face let us know it was just abit too cold :-)
I never had the malicious intention that you and 'friends' are talking about. I jus used your image as a background and didn't worked it good and I forgot to give credit to our image. Brigitta you know that I already published an apology of my mistake . It can look like a malicious act but no way. I forgot the link after use your photo as background. It was my first try and it didn't work at all.
I already explained what REALLY happened as you well know .
I didn't payed enough atention to all details I should, and the mistake happened. I am just human. I am sorry.
You are my contact and you should talk to me before let yourself became hysterical. We are persons and people can talk . On the other hand, nobody has the right to judge without have the aknowledge of all facts. I don't judge you and I even believe that you didn't saw to my email asking you permission to work on your photo but... I don't know.
Your concience knows. You shouldn't be so worried. You look all my stream and you can see all photos by myself.
My conscience is quite clean.
For the pain it causes to you, I just ask you to forgive me for my human mistake.
From all events you and your friends caused pain to me I forgive you and the rest of the members who atacked me without knowing how things really happened.
I never, never hurt nobody and your 'friends' did.
My heart is in Peace because I didn't sinned. I hope your heart can find some Peace among all this mess.
Great friends you have: there are some popular said like these "what you see is what you are" and also another " Tell me who are your fellow friends and I'll tell you who you are"...
Very philisophical?? NO...
I don't believe that you are like them.
Acrylic on canvas 24in x 36 in.
Painting inspired from photograph named "Charge" by photographer Alex Bernasconi. Prints available!
Intention: Everything that happens in the Universe begins with intention. Intention is higher consciousness thought. Deliberate.
SMA 18 is seen loading at Sidcup Police Station on 6th August 1975. Despite problems with punctuality, patronage held up well on route 725, and additional peak period journeys were introduced over certain sectors such as Croydon – Dartford. Whilst the “traditional” radial Green Line routes struggled into oblivion, route 725’s range of orbital links remained highly popular.
In the mid-1970s, London Country’s parent National Bus Company imposed standard liveries upon its constituents, who had to choose between poppy red or leaf green. London Country chose the green option, which could be modified to include an “express” white component. The SMA class was thus repainted, and SMA 18 had already lost its London Country logo (irreverently called “flying polo”, “gun carriage”, etc. etc.) in preparation. It saddens me to admit that following the demise of the Green Line livery, my interest in the shrinking network waned.
However, route 725 bucked the trend of decline. Companion route 726 was introduced in 1977 operating via Heathrow Airport, and route 725 was diverted to serve Bexleyheath a year later. 1978 also saw the demise of the SMA class. New timetables at last took account of average prevailing traffic conditions. Subsequent years are well documented elsewhere, suffice to say that dogmatism attempted to abolish these successful orbital express routes, and at the time of writing, all that remains is a route X26 confined to the Croydon – Heathrow leg. This despite the incoming London Mayor’s declaration in 2008 to revive orbital express services, an intention proving fruitless, with no comment on the subject forthcoming from any of the Mayoral contenders in 2016!
However, I dislike discussing politics, so perhaps I could return to the 1975 picture and point out a remnant of London Transport practice instituted from its inception 42 years earlier: finials adorning the tops of bus stop posts. Stops at which buses (central and country area) called were equipped with the red “apple core” variety, while stops at which Green Line coaches called were topped with the green “pineapple” type. This stop at Sidcup Police Station was served by both buses and coaches, so was equipped with both types of finial. Opinions vary regarding their significance, however, in my mind, they are regarded as Art Décor embellishments so typical of the 1930s, embraced by the fledgling style-conscious LT.
“Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Appreciate your friends. Continue to learn. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is.”
~ Mary Anne Radmacher
I love how these little water drops perch on the edge of the hosta leaves after a rain...ready to face the day no matter what the circumstances!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pELoCBrPDyQ
This year I have been using Microsoft's Clipchamp video editor, with the intention of developing my IT skills and using the old grey matter.
Maybe the 1812 Overture would be a better backing track.
Every pure intention ends when the good times start
Fallin' over everything to reach the first time's spark
It started under neon lights, and then it all got dark
I only know how to go too far
My bad habits lead to late nights endin' alone
Conversations with a stranger I barely know
Swearin' this will be the last, but it probably won't
I got nothin' left to lose, or use, or do
- Bad Habits, Ed Sheeran
♰ Featured/Event/Sale Items ♰
Dress:
Oh! - Sylvie - Fatpack
• Features: Wear or Hold options
• Fits: Legacy/Perky/Bombshell, LaraX/PetiteX, Reborn/Waifu
• HUD Options: 20 Colors + 9 Crochet + Crochet Size + Transparency
>>-----Get it Here April 18th - May 11th-----> Dollholic Event
Bracelets:
Vahalla - Lorin Bracelets
- Fits: Gianni, Jake, Legacy F/M/Athletic, Reborn, & Malevolent(LegacyF/M/Athletic/Reborn)
- HUD Options: 4 Metals + 6 leathers + Shine + Hide/Show Options
>>-----Get it Here-----> Man Cave Event
Earrings:
Vahalla - Pneuma Earrings
• Fits: Swallow XL Gauges M & F
• HUD Options: 5 Metal Options + 5 Sections + Shine
>>-----Get it Here-----> Sabbath Event
Collar:
Vahalla - Leena Collar
• Fits: Reborn/Waifu, Legacy M/Athletic, Legacy/Perky/Bombshell
• HUD Options: 5 Metal Colors + 5 Leather Trim + 5 Leather + Shine
>>-----Get it Here-----> Kinky Event
♰ Sponsored Items ♰
Body - eBODY - Reborn Body + Waifu Boobs
Septum - Badwolf Accessories & Co. - Lagertha Septum
Other Rings - Badwolf Accessories & Co. - Garnet Rings
Garters & Armbands - Badwolf Accessories & Co. - Lullaby
♰ Base & Extras ♰
Shape - +Arana+
Head - LeLutka
Ears - ^^Swallow^^
Mods - MAZE
Face Skin - DeeTaleZ
Body Skin - Velour
Eyes - Avi-Glam
Hair - Foxy
Shoes - -KC-
Makeup - Suicidal Unborn
Tattoo - Macabra
Shine/Eye Shine - This is Wrong
♰ Background/Studio/Decor ♰
Pose - piXit - Bad Habits
Background - The Bearded Guy - Sotano - Renaissance Backdrops
My orignal intention for this month was to shoot in a 5x4 vertical format, resize images to 2000px wide, add a 500px coloured band to the right with a 4 letter word. I didn't set out to do shades of brown, but by day 2, brown it was, although there is the odd splash of colour :)
And just to add to the challenge, at least 1 letter had to appear in the same place in the word on consecutive days ... no pressure, hey :)
Next month, I'm going to try and avoid all shades of brown, which I think is going to be very tricky and I seem to live in a brown world :)))
1. Rust,
2. Cuff,
3. Loaf,
4. Fork,
5. Park,
6. Plum,
7. Trim,
8. Tart,
9. Mint,
10. Cone,
11. Soap,
12. Bead,
13. Leaf,
14. Lime,
15. Gate,
16. Vase,
17. Nest,
18. Rose,
19. Door,
20. Pear,
21. Star,
22. Stem,
23. Reel,
24. Nail,
25. Coin,
26. Wool,
27. Weed,
28. Seed,
29. Keys,
30. Huts,
31. Auto
THE DUKE OF LANCASTER AND HER TWO SISTERS, THE DUKE OF ARGYLL AND DUKE OF ROTHESAY, WERE AMONGST THE FINAL 'CLASSIC' PASSENGER-ONLY RAILWAY STEAMERS. AS SUCH, WHILST THEY REPRESENTED THE ULTIMATE EVOLUTION OF THE TYPE, THEY WERE ALSO HAMPERED BY BEING FAIRLY SPEEDILY OUTMODED. BUILT FOR THE TRADITIONAL OVERNIGHT HEYSHAM-BELFAST SERVICE, THE DUKES WERE CONSIDERABLY LARGER THAN THE SHIPS OF THE SAME NAMES THAT THEY REPLACED. THEY COULD ACCOMMODATE 600 FIRST CLASS AND 1,200 SECOND CLASS PASSENGERS AS WELL AS FAIRLY SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF CARGO IN HOLDS FORWARD AND AFT. WITH A TIGHT DELIVERY TIME DEMANDED, THE PREFERRED BUILDERS, DENNY'S OF DUMBARTON, WERE UNABLE TO GUARANTEE DELIVERY OF ALL THREE SHIPS, SO THE ORDER WAS SPLIT BETWEEN DENNY'S (WHO BUILT ONLY THE DUKE OF ROTHESAY) AND HARLAND & WOLFF IN BELFAST. THE DUKE OF LANCASTER WAS THE FIRST TO BE DELIVERED, IN 1956, AND WAS FITTED OUT SLIGHTLY DIFFERENTLY TO HER SISTERS TO ENABLE HER TO OPERATE CRUISES, WHICH SHE DID UNTIL ABOUT 1966, TRAVELLING AS FAR AS NORWAY, DENMARK, HOLLAND AND SPAIN ALTHOUGH THE SCOTTISH ISLANDS WERE A MORE REGULAR HAUNT. THE HEYSHAM-BELFAST SERVICE WAS A TWO-VESSEL OPERATION IN PRACTICE (APART FROM THE VERY PEAK SEASON WHEN SOME DAYLIGHT AND DOUBLE NIGHTLY CROSSINGS WERE MADE), SO THE 'LANCASTER' COULD BE SPARED WHEN HER CRUISING ITINERARIES DICTATED.
ON AUGUST 10TH, 1979, A FORMER SEALINK PASSENGER FERRY “THE DUKE OF LANCASTER" WAS BEACHED AT LLANERCH-Y-MOR, NEAR MOSTYN IN NORTH WALES WITH THE INTENTION OF TURNING IT INTO A FLOATING LEISURE AND RETAIL COMPLEX CALLED THE FUN SHIP BUT THE PROJECT NEVER ACHIEVED IT’S FULL POTENTIAL DUE TO MANY LONG RUNNING LEGAL DISPUTES WITH THE LOCAL COUNCIL.
Happy spring, everyone!
My intention had been to post very recent photos and just occasionally add odds and ends from Trinidad & Tobago. However, I haven't been taking any new photos, other than the Great Gray Owl captures, so I am back to the neotropical birds. This photo of a Palm Tanager was taken on 18 March 2017, on the island of Trinidad.
"The palm tanager (Thraupis palmarum) is a medium-sized passerine bird. This tanager is a resident breeder from Nicaragua south to Bolivia, Paraguay and southern Brazil. It also breeds on Trinidad and, since 1962, on Tobago. In Trinidad and Tobago, it is known by colloquial names such as the "palmiste" and the "green jean".
Adult palm tanagers are 19 cm (7.5 in) long and weigh 36 g (1.3 oz). They are grey to dull olive-green. The flight feathers are blackish, and the long tail is blackish edged with green. A yellow wingbar shows in flight. Sexes are similar, although females may be somewhat paler.
Palm tanagers are social, restless but unwary birds which eat a wide variety of small fruit. They also regularly take some nectar and insects, including caterpillars. The song is fast and squeaky." From Wikipedia.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palm_tanager
This adventure was only the second holiday of any kind, anywhere, that I have had in something like 30 or 35 years! The other holiday was a wonderful, one-week trip with my great friends from England, Linda and Tony, when we went down south to Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons in September 2012. I have had maybe half a dozen weekends away, including to Waterton National Park, which have helped keep me going.
Six birding/photographer friends and I decided that we would take this exciting trip together (from 12-21 March 2017), spending the first two or three days on the island of Tobago and then the rest of the time at the Asa Wright Nature Centre on the nearby, much larger island of Trinidad. We decided to take a complete package, so everything was included - accommodation at both places, all our food, and the various walks and day trips that we could choose from. Two of my friends, Anne B. and Brenda, saw to all the planning of flights and accommodations, which was so very much appreciated by the rest of us. I could never have done all this myself! We were so lucky with our flights, as we were just in time to get Black Friday prices, which were 50% off!
What a time we had, seeing so many beautiful and interesting things - and, of course, everything was a lifer for me. Some of these friends had visited Costa Rica before, so were familiar with some of the birds. There was a lot more to see on Trinidad, so we were glad that we chose Tobago to visit first and then spend a longer time at Asa Wright. It was wonderful to be right by the sea, though, at the Blue Waters Inn on the island of Tobago. Just gorgeous.
The Asa Wright Nature Centre, on Trinidad, is such an amazing place! We stayed in cabins up or down hill from the main building. Really, one doesn't need to travel away from the Centre for birding, as so many different species visit the Hummingbird feeders that are right by the huge, open veranda, and the trees of the rain forest high up the mountainous road. The drive up and down this narrow, twisting, pot-holed road was an adventure in itself! Never would I ever do this drive myself - we had a guide who drove us everywhere in a minibus. I had read many accounts of this road, lol! There was enough room for two vehicles to pass each other, and the honking of horns was almost continuous - either to warn any vehicle that might be coming fast around the next bend or as a sign that drivers knew each other. The drive along this road, from the coast to Asa Wright, took just over an hour each way.
I still miss the great food that was provided every single day at Asa Wright and even the Rum Punch that appeared each evening. I never drink at all, so I wasn't sure if I would even try the Punch - glad I did, though, as it was delicious and refreshing. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were all served buffet-style, with a great variety of dishes from which to choose. To me, pure luxury. So very, very grateful to have been invited to be part of this amazing adventure.
This is a video that I came across on YouTube, taken by Rigdon Currie and Trish Johnson, at many of the same places we visited on Trinidad and Tobago. Not my video, but it made me feel like I was right there still. Posting the link here again, so that I won't lose it.
I also came across the following 27-minute YouTube video of the flora and fauna of Trinidad, filmed by John Patrick Smith in February 2015.
Happy spring, everyone!
My intention had been to post very recent photos and just occasionally add odds and ends from Trinidad & Tobago. However, I haven't been taking any new photos, other than the Great Gray Owl captures, so I am back to the neotropical birds.
I was so happy to see this small kingfisher. Unfortunately, the light within the swamp was really bad, and photos were not as sharp as I would have liked.
"The American pygmy kingfisher (Chloroceryle aenea) is a resident breeding kingfisher which occurs in the American tropics from southern Mexico south through Central America to western Ecuador, and then around the northern Andes cordillera in the east to central Bolivia and central Brazil. The species occupies the entire Amazon basin and the Tocantins River drainage adjacent in Pará state Brazil. It also occurs on Trinidad.
The American pygmy kingfisher is 13 cm (5.1 in) long and weighs 10–16 g (0.35–0.56 oz). It has the typical kingfisher shape, with a short tail and long bill. It is oily green above, with a yellow-orange collar around the neck, rufous underparts and a white belly. The female has a narrow green breast band.
This tiny kingfisher occurs in dense forests and mangrove swamps along small streams or rivers with heavily vegetated banks. They perch quietly on a low branch close to water before plunging in head first after small fish or tadpoles. They will also hawk for insects. They are not shy, but easily overlooked as they sit silently amongst riverside branches." From Wikipedia.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_pygmy_kingfisher
This outing really was the highlight of our holiday, kept to the last but one day on Trinidad. There was just one more outing the following morning, and then we spent that afternoon hanging out at the Asa Wright Nature Centre, photographing some of the birds and packing our bags ready for leaving in the middle of the night to catch our flight home.
On this day, 19 March 2017, we hiked to see the unusual Oilbirds in the morning and then we went to the Caroni Swamp in the afternoon and evening. We were lucky enough to see a Masked Cardinal along the edge of the Caroni Swamp, before going on the boat to see the Scarlet Ibis.
At the Swamp, my six friends and I were privileged to be able to watch the arrival of huge flocks of amazing Scarlet Ibis flying in to roost. Will add this YouTube link (not my video) to give an idea of what our boat ride was like - including the large snake curled up in a tree over our heads! All the other boats we saw were packed full of people, but we were given a boat to ourselves, which was great.
This adventure was only the second holiday of any kind, anywhere, that I have had in something like 30 or 35 years! The other holiday was a wonderful, one-week trip with my dear friends from England, Linda and Tony, when we went down south to Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons in September 2012. I have had maybe half a dozen weekends away, including to Waterton National Park, which have helped keep me going.
Six birding/photographer friends and I decided that we would take this exciting trip together (from 12-21 March 2017), spending the first two or three days on the island of Tobago and then the rest of the time at the Asa Wright Nature Centre on the nearby, much larger island of Trinidad. We decided to take a complete package, so everything was included - accommodation at both places, all our food, and the various walks and day trips that we could choose from. Two of my friends, Anne B. and Brenda, saw to all the planning of flights and accommodations, which was so very much appreciated by the rest of us. I could never have done all this myself! We were so lucky with our flights, as we were just in time to get Black Friday prices, which were 50% off!
What a time we had, seeing so many beautiful and interesting things - and, of course, everything was a lifer for me. Some of these friends had visited Costa Rica before, so were familiar with some of the birds. There was a lot more to see on Trinidad, so we were glad that we chose Tobago to visit first and then spend a longer time at Asa Wright. It was wonderful to be right by the sea, though, at the Blue Waters Inn on the island of Tobago. Just gorgeous.
The Asa Wright Nature Centre, on Trinidad, is such an amazing place! We stayed in cabins up or down hill from the main building. Really, one doesn't need to travel away from the Centre for birding, as so many different species visit the Hummingbird feeders that are right by the huge, open veranda, and the trees of the rain forest high up the mountainous road. The drive up and down this narrow, twisting, pot-holed road was an adventure in itself! Never would I ever do this drive myself - we had a guide who drove us everywhere in a minibus. I had read many accounts of this road, lol! There was enough room for two vehicles to pass each other, and the honking of horns was almost continuous - either to warn any vehicle that might be coming fast around the next bend or as a sign that drivers knew each other. The drive along this road, from the coast to Asa Wright, took just over an hour each way.
I still miss the great food that was provided every single day at Asa Wright and even the Rum Punch that appeared each evening. I never drink at all, so I wasn't sure if I would even try the Punch - glad I did, though, as it was delicious and refreshing. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were all served buffet-style, with a great variety of dishes from which to choose. To me, pure luxury. So very, very grateful to have been invited to be part of this amazing adventure.
This is a video that I came across on YouTube, taken by Rigdon Currie and Trish Johnson, at many of the same places we visited on Trinidad and Tobago. Not my video, but it made me feel like I was right there still. Posting the link here again, so that I won't lose it.
I also came across the following 27-minute YouTube video of the flora and fauna of Trinidad, filmed by John Patrick Smith in February 2015.
My intention was to do a pano, but not having done one before it didn't work out. I liked this shot not only because it was a great morning with good light and atmosphere, but because of the "S" in the river. I've also decided today would be a good day to post it because Jave and David may be shooting it this weekend and will no doubt post some killer shots putting this one to shame! :P
Happy Friday and thanks to everyone for having a look! :)
Happy spring, everyone!
My intention had been to post very recent photos and just occasionally add odds and ends from Trinidad & Tobago. However, I haven't been taking any new photos, other than the Great Gray Owl captures, so I am back to the neotropical birds.
This photo was taken on 19 March 2017, while we were staying at the Asa Wright Nature Centre, on the island of Trinidad, for five days. These birds were always around. Spectacular birds when in flight, as the underneath of the tail is brilliant yellow. I love their blue eyes.
"The crested oropendola also known as the Suriname crested oropendola or the cornbird (Psarocolius decumanus) is a New World tropical icterid bird. It is a resident breeder in lowland South America east of the Andes, from Panama and Colombia south to northern Argentina, as well as on Trinidad and Tobago.
It is a common bird, seen alone or in small flocks foraging in trees for large insects, fruit and some nectar. The male is 46 cm long and weighs 300 g; the smaller female is 37 cm long and weighs 180 g.
The plumage of the crested oropendola has a musty smell due to the oil from the preen gland. Adult males are mainly black with a chestnut rump and a tail which is bright yellow apart from two dark central feathers. There is a long narrow crest which is often difficult to see. The iris is blue and the long bill is whitish. Females are similar but smaller, duller, and crestless.
The crested oropendola inhabits forest edges and clearings. It is a colonial breeder which builds a hanging woven nest, more than 125 cm long, high in a tree." From Wikipedia.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crested_oropendola
This adventure was only the second holiday of any kind, anywhere, that I have had in something like 30 or 35 years! The other holiday was a wonderful, one-week trip with my dear friends from England, Linda and Tony, when we went down south to Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons in September 2012. I have had maybe half a dozen weekends away, including to Waterton National Park, which have helped keep me going.
Six birding/photographer friends and I decided that we would take this exciting trip together (from 12-21 March 2017), spending the first two or three days on the island of Tobago and then the rest of the time at the Asa Wright Nature Centre on the nearby, much larger island of Trinidad. We decided to take a complete package, so everything was included - accommodation at both places, all our food, and the various walks and day trips that we could choose from. Two of my friends, Anne B. and Brenda, saw to all the planning of flights and accommodations, which was so very much appreciated by the rest of us. I could never have done all this myself! We were so lucky with our flights, as we were just in time to get Black Friday prices, which were 50% off!
What a time we had, seeing so many beautiful and interesting things - and, of course, everything was a lifer for me. Some of these friends had visited Costa Rica before, so were familiar with some of the birds. There was a lot more to see on Trinidad, so we were glad that we chose Tobago to visit first and then spend a longer time at Asa Wright. It was wonderful to be right by the sea, though, at the Blue Waters Inn on the island of Tobago. Just gorgeous.
The Asa Wright Nature Centre, on Trinidad, is such an amazing place! We stayed in cabins up or down hill from the main building. Really, one doesn't need to travel away from the Centre for birding, as so many different species visit the Hummingbird feeders that are right by the huge, open veranda, and the trees of the rain forest high up the mountainous road. The drive up and down this narrow, twisting, pot-holed road was an adventure in itself! Never would I ever do this drive myself - we had a guide who drove us everywhere in a minibus. I had read many accounts of this road, lol! There was enough room for two vehicles to pass each other, and the honking of horns was almost continuous - either to warn any vehicle that might be coming fast around the next bend or as a sign that drivers knew each other. The drive along this road, from the coast to Asa Wright, took just over an hour each way.
I still miss the great food that was provided every single day at Asa Wright and even the Rum Punch that appeared each evening. I never drink at all, so I wasn't sure if I would even try the Punch - glad I did, though, as it was delicious and refreshing. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were all served buffet-style, with a great variety of dishes from which to choose. To me, pure luxury. So very, very grateful to have been invited to be part of this amazing adventure.
This is a video that I came across on YouTube, taken by Rigdon Currie and Trish Johnson, at many of the same places we visited on Trinidad and Tobago. Not my video, but it made me feel like I was right there still. Posting the link here again, so that I won't lose it.
I also came across the following 27-minute YouTube video of the flora and fauna of Trinidad, filmed by John Patrick Smith in February 2015.
Happy holidays everyone. It has been a while since my last post, for which I apologise for. Opportunities for Ann to go out have been very slim. However a couple of weeks before Christmas I was required to be away from home requiring some overnight Hotel stay. So I decided to bring Ann along for the ride. What is a girl to do when bored in the hotel room...... get ready for the evening of course. I had brought a selection of outfits with the intention to eat in the hotel restaurant. I went with the velvet dress in the end, sooo nice to wear. Also gave me the opportunity to give my new wig an outing. It is a hotel I have taken Ann to before and ate in the restaurant. It was so sad to see how empty the hotel was, with just a handful of people eating in the restaurant. The staff were brilliant and had a good laugh with them. Anyway Enjoy!
This image was created with the intention to show all of the pressure I feel like I am under. In a way the umbrella represents me and if I were transparent then you might see some impending storm clouds building up.
I am in my final *eep!* semester right now working on my undergrad. For my senior portfolio class I chose to tackle self-portraits. For a long time I avoided self portraits convinced that I wasn't good enough to be in them because I don't feel that I look like the typical, ideal, girl who is perfect and dainty and delicate. A lot of this stems from my own horribly distorted body image and that is what I am hoping to change this semester.
Happy holidays everyone. It has been a while since my last post, for which I apologise for. Opportunities for Ann to go out have been very slim. However a couple of weeks before Christmas I was required to be away from home requiring some overnight Hotel stay. So I decided to bring Ann along for the ride. What is a girl to do when bored in the hotel room...... get ready for the evening of course. I had brought a selection of outfits with the intention to eat in the hotel restaurant. I went with the velvet dress in the end, sooo nice to wear. Also gave me the opportunity to give my new wig an outing. It is a hotel I have taken Ann to before and ate in the restaurant. It was so sad to see how empty the hotel was, with just a handful of people eating in the restaurant. The staff were brilliant and had a good laugh with them. Anyway Enjoy!
In the remote areas of Colorado, we get to see many different kinds of wildlife. On this particular day, we watched desert bighorn sheep, wild turkeys, a variety of predator birds, and this handsome guy. Mule deer are so ordinary to many, but to me, they're quite fascinating to observe and photograph, especially when they sport beautiful racks like this buck.
It always amazes me how wildlife seem to know when it's safe out there. Whether it be the wrong season for hunting, an area where hunting is not allowed, or could they even sense the intent of the human on the other end of the encounter. Probably a combination of many factors.
I always tell the wildlife that I encounter that I mean them no harm and come in peace. LOL. Ask Tom if you think I'm kidding. When I'm through photographing, I thank them for their time and cooperation. LOL. Maybe he understood.... or maybe I haven't had enough coffee yet this morning. ;-)
Happy Thursday! Thanks for stopping by everyone!
© 2016 Debbie Tubridy / TNWA Photography
Read more about the Colorado wildlife, as well as see more images, in the most recent blog post.
My intention on Monday was to take some close-up shots of the structure of the West Pier and I stuck to my goal ... briefly. As soon as the starlings started to arrive I was instantly distracted. Who wouldn't be? Anyway, I took this shot early on, so at least I can say I achieved my objective ... partially. :)
Available for purchase along with Jthree tees and laser etched sketchbook at Brand New Intention www.brandnewintention.com/
Full story here www.behance.net/Gallery/Brand-New-Intention-vs_-Jthree/40...
Every morning so far this week has been stunning for colour....I hope it continues. I went to this location with the intention of photographing the trees reflecting in the water but the pond had frozen over.
My intention was to do a star trail shot here this evening, however, the weather forecast didn't live up to scratch. The forecast was clear all night but that just wasn't the case. I hung around for an hour or so in the hope the sky would clear up but there were patches of cloud as far as the eye could see. I thought since I was there I'd grab a few shots anyway.
for the hesitant, the anxious moment, the start of the move of action which is halted as the drive of intention fades
not quite depression not quite anything
"To transform the world, we must begin with ourselves; and what is important in beginning with ourselves is the intention.
The intention must be to understand ourselves and not to leave it to others to transform themselves or to bring about a modified change through revolution, either of the left or of the right.
It is important to understand that this is our responsibility, yours and mine..."
(Jiddu Krishnamurti)
Those are wood painted cylinders called “jodi”, each is 45 Kg weight.
They are used in twisting rotations by pehlwan during their physical training.
I took this picture in a little akhara which not far from Aurangzeb’s mosque in Kashi, the oldest part of Varanasi (Benaras).
© All photographs are copyrighted and all rights reserved.
Please do not use any photographs without permission (even for private use).
The use of any work without consent of the artist is PROHIBITED and will lead automatically to consequences.
Intention/Technical The purpose was to capture this story telling image to show complexity by using f/10 and wide-angle lens.
Reference to the reading.Lesson 8 Duchemin suggest Don’t get so caught up in this technique that you forget to compose. You’re creating an image about motion—it’s dynamic, so use a dynamic composition. Placing the subject almost anywhere other than in the middle is a good start.
Outcome/. I have filled up the frame with lots of subject to draws the viewers’ attention and it is beautifully telling a story to catch the eye. The painting on the wall evokes feelings of curiosity and all elements of the image create a pleasing and harmonies in the frame together.
Edits/ I adjusted temperature and slightly decrease contrast, shadow, and highlight to make the image little bit light and I also slightly increased vibrance to boosts colors of the image. I also removed distracting elements from the image with the content aware tool.
Hoth Leia was very upset when I told her that she had been excluded from LEGO's UCS Hoth set. There are 14 minifigures in that set. Luke and Han are in the set but not Leia.
This is the first time I've gotten upset over a LEGO set. Usually if I don't like a set, I just shrug it off and move on but I was looking forward to this set ever since the rumors started last year.
As a female fan of Star Wars and LEGO, the exclusion of Leia from this set really hurts. I'm used to this kind of stunt from Hasbro but I've always been proud of LEGO for never excluding the female characters from a set (until now).
I would really like to know WHY LEGO felt it was okay to leave one of the major characters out of this set? Adding a Toryn Farr minifig is okay but it doesn't make up for the exclusion of Leia from the largest Hoth set ever made by LEGO (as far as I know).
Disclaimer: Although I'm using this quote from the movie to show that Leia is angry, it's not my intention to call LEGO a Nerfherder or any of the other adjectives in this quote :-)
The gold painted GBRf class 66 was my main reason for travelling to Suffolk yesterday and my original intention had been to shoot it at Badley, mid-way between Stowmarket and Needham Market. However when I passed this field on the train heading for Stowmarket I was very surprised to see it flooded, considering how little rain there has been of late. It was also white around the edges after the hard overnight frost so I alighted at Needham Market and caught the bus a few minutes later to this spot as the more interesting location. I had a 2 hour wait before my quarry was scheduled, during which time a substantial amount of cloud came sweeping through driven by a strong freezing cold wind, some of which can be seen in the background. However I was exceptionally lucky and only lost the sun on a couple of trains, one of which, alas, was the poppy decorated 755 returning to Cambridge (fortunately it had been in sun coming south so it wasn't a big loss). However it turned grim as 4E20 departed from it's booked pathing wait at Europa Junction so I thought I was going to lose the sun on the one thing I had come out for but as can be seen I did narrowly manage to get my golden glint shot in a well timed gap in the clouds in the last couple of seconds of sun as by the time it was level with me the sun had gone! The empty front flat was very annoying..... Note the still icy front edge to the water despite sun all day!
Sometimes the simplest of things in life are the hardest things to do. Like clicking send on an email...
Today I did that twice, but those emails represented something far greater, something that has been a long, long time in the making.
One email was addressed to my colleagues (about 120 people), the other addressed to people I deal with regularly through work (another 100+). They both explained my intention go fulltime as Siân in the near future!
Having plucked-up the courage to click 'send', I then sat there weeping as a constant flow of emails and texts piled-in with messages of support, admiration and love. It was just an amazing moment.
For those interested, I have set out below my message.
Another (BIG) step forward...
Siân x
I feel now is an appropriate time to share with you all a deeply personal issue that I have wrestled with for many years, and to advise you of some changes that will take place in the not-so-distant future.
Whilst I recognise that this may well come as a shock to many of you (or maybe not?), I wish to advise you all that I am transgender and that I intend on transitioning, living full time as a female.
The last few years in particular have been very difficult for me, and you will appreciate, I hope, that this isn’t a decision I’ve taken lightly.
Until recently, I didn’t believe that I would ever have the strength to discuss openly my gender dysphoria. But of late, I have come to realise that there is a way forward for me, however to achieve that, I need to be honest about my feelings.
Getting to this stage hasn’t been easy. Since my early teenage years, I felt a deep sense of shame about my dysphoria, fearing that my life would be over if anyone were ever to find out. However, after much soul searching, of late I have come to accept my feelings, and in doing so, develop a strong sense of personal pride.
I recognise that many of you may well be struggling to comprehend why I feel the way I do and why I’ve opted to go public. The truth is really quite simple... It is about me leading the life that I want to lead, not leading the life that others want me to lead.
It’s not about drawing attention to myself. Quite the opposite actually; I want to be able to walk down the street and go about my day-to-day life un-noticed.
It’s not a hobby. And it’s not about fulfilling sexual desires.
Instead, it’s about feeling good about myself. About feeling content.
And I would hope that you all recognise those basic needs to some degree.
Over the last three years, I have made some great strides forward, initially opening-up to my family and thereafter my friends.
My family – I’m sad to say – initially struggled to accept it, with my Dad first suggesting “Why don’t you just stop doing it?” If only it were that simple…
But we’re making progress, which is great, and credit to them for finally engaging in a very difficult situation.
My friends have been wonderfully supportive and have encouraged me on my journey. And I’ve also received much-welcome support recently from those colleagues in whom I have already confided.
I’m sorry to say that I haven’t received the same level of support from the NHS. Whilst my GP has been a fantastic ally, unfortunately the rest of the system has been found wanting. To illustrate, I was referred to a Gender Identity Clinic (GIC) in Summer 2017 – so, coming up on two years ago – and suspect I’ve still got at least another 18 months to wait until my first appointment!
Clearly this is hugely frustrating, but if nothing else, illustrates the scale of gender dysphoria within society.
Having received my referral, I foresaw the GIC process as providing much needed support and guidance in helping me conclude these important life decisions. However, given the timescales involved, I came to realise that I couldn’t wait and would instead need to make decisions unassisted, based ultimately on what felt right.
A little over a year ago, I opted to start a slow transition, not least growing my hair in order to achieve a more feminine appearance. I know that a number of you have queried what’s been going on with me over recent months, so now you know!
The most important consideration in all of this are my children. Whilst I have had an initial conversation with them, until such time as they are comfortable with the new situation, I will continue to present at work as [ ], so please (for now), continue to refer to me as [ ], using the pronouns he and his.
However, ultimately, it is my intention to present fulltime as a female, going by the name of Siân (pronounced ‘Sharn’) and using the pronouns she and her. At present, I am unable to be more specific with regards timings, but at least now you know my intentions.
Clearly there are a lot of logistics still to address, but with the help of the Board and HR, I would hope these are sorted in good order. We will, of course, keep you appraised as to the next steps and when I intend to present fulltime as Siân.
I have worked with some of you for more than 15 years and recognise that these changes – as and when they materialise – may cause some confusion initially, so please don’t feel bad if you accidentally call me [ ] or mis-gender me, and please don’t treat me any differently.
One important point I’m keen to leave you with is to stress that I am – and will remain – the same person, with the same morals and the same principles. I just look a little bit different; a bit like when Marathon bars became Snickers, as a close friend once described it.
I’ve chosen to share this with you as a trusted colleague and would appreciate your discretion in this matter. I would ask that you do not share this more broadly without my permission as my children’s mother and I are trying to support our children through this change in a gradual and considered way, and I therefore trust that you will respect our wishes.
If you’re unsure on anything I’ve explained herein – whatever it may be – please do come and speak to me; believe me, I’ve answered many embarrassing questions already, so you probably won’t be the first to ask!
In the meantime, you may find the following information resources of use:
www.livescience.com/54949-transgender-definition.html - what does ‘Transgender’ mean?
www.glaad.org/transgender/allies - tips for allies of transgender people
thinkgrowth.org/how-to-support-a-trans-colleague-641f0b34... - how to support a transgender colleague
transequality.org/sites/default/files/docs/resources/Unde... - frequently asked questions about transgender people
In closing, I simply ask for your support and understanding in the coming months and years, thank you.
Kind regards
[ ]
(soon to be Siân)
I had no intention of visiting the harbour today however a quick check of the website showed this tall ship was due to arrive from Sweden at 18pm, hence I popped down on my way home and sure enough she slipped into the harbour at 18.05pm, pity no sails on display though it was a fine sight to view indeed.
Fryderyk Chopin is a Polish brig-rigged sailing-ship.
Name:Fryderyk Chopin
Operator:3Oceans, Poland
Builder:Dora Shipyard, Gdańsk, Poland
Launched:1992
Homeport:Szczecin, Poland
General characteristics
Tonnage:306 BRT
Displacement:400 tons
Length:181 ft (55 m)
Beam:28 ft (8.5 m)
Draft:13.1 ft (4.0 m)
Propulsion:sail, 520 hp diesel
Complement:50
Notes:Sail area: 1200 m²
The ship was designed by Polish naval architect Zygmunt Choreń, named in honour of the early to mid 19th century Polish composer Fryderyk Chopin, and launched in 1992 in the Dora Shipyard, Gdańsk, Poland. She was chartered for a year by West Island College (Class Afloat) in Nova Scotia to expand their Tall Ship educational program.[1] After that, she was operated by the European School of Law and Administration, a private university in Poland.
On 29 October 2010 the vessel was reported as in distress 100 miles off the Isles of Scilly having lost both masts in gale force winds and heavy seas. She was on a three and a half month cruise from the Netherlands to the Caribbean with 47 crew aboard including 36 trainees aged 14 years.
Although there was an engine the ship's master was unwilling to use it for fear of trailing debris snagging on the propeller. There were no reported injuries. The ship was towed into the sheltered waters of Falmouth Bay after 100 miles and three days on tow by a small fishing trawler Nova Spero; whose Captain, Shaun Edwards answered the Mayday call.
Since 2011, the ship is operated by 3Oceans, a Polish private ship operator. She serves as the ship of The Blue School, a sail training project ran by STS Fryderyk Chopin foundation.
News 1/11/2010
Media captionThe "Fryderyk Chopin" has arrived in Falmouth
The captain of a tall ship has blamed a "freak gust" of wind for crippling his vessel.
The Fryderyk Chopin lost both its masts about 100 miles (160km) south west of the Isles of Scilly on Friday.
The vessel, which had 36 14-year-olds on board, was towed into Falmouth Bay by a tug and moored to a buoy earlier.
Captain Ziemowit Baranski said the ship was built to sail around the world and should have been able to withstand the gale-force winds.
He said the Polish-registered ship, which had previously sailed around Cape Horn, was hit by a freak gust on Friday.
The teenagers have been brought ashore and are expected to spend the next few nights in a hostel.
One of the adult crew members said the young people were all "in very good spirits" and wanted to continue the voyage once repairs had been made to the masts and rigging.
Teenager Natalia Galda said only adults were allowed on deck after the first mast was damaged.
"It wasn't so terrifying for us, because we didn't see what happened," she told BBC News.
"For us under the deck, life went on normally."
The Polish-registered ship got into trouble about 100 miles (160km) south west of the Isles of Scilly on Friday. It had left Holland last month on a three-and-a-half-month cruise to the Caribbean.
The ship is owned by the European School of Law and Administration, a private university based in Poland.
A visit by Bishop Thomas to Wentworth in 1870 resulted in local pressure for the construction of a church. However, it was a time of hardship as the 1870 flood had devastated Wentworth driving out residents and checking trade. Money was elusive when in February 1871 Bishop Thomas sent the Reverend William Cocks to report on what might be done in forming a parish in Wentworth.
Reverend Cocks became the first resident Anglican minister in Wentworth. A building fund was established and over 100 community members subscribed that resulted in the construction of the church. A bazaar and auction was also held that resulted in the raising of 188 pounds. On the 23rd of May 1871 the Foundation Stone of the new church was laid by His Honour, Judge Francis.
'There might have been a race on at the time because the Catholic church's foundation stone was laid in September of the same year,' Deacon Mary-Ann Crisp said, with a laugh.
Many people of other denominations were very generous and contributed financially to the construction of the Church. In return the Reverend Cocks, with concurrence of his Bishop made the services of the Church of England available to all denominations which desired his care, because there was no other Church or Minister available. Considering that the township of Wentworth only contained 370 inhabitants and the entire district about 1200 all told, the construction of the building is of great credit to the local community.
Reverend Cocks acted as overseer and contractor of the building of Saint John's. The stone was brought to the site by barges. He gave assistance wherever he could be useful and after clerical duties he would mix mortar and he became known as 'the Reverent Mixer of Mortar'. The bricks were acquired from the Presbyterian Church Committee which had abandoned the intention of building. The building committee of the Roman Catholic Church likewise suffered a setback and as a result, Reverend Cocks acquired their stained glass windows. Mr G. Brooks of Kermode Street, North Adelaide, completed the set of twelve windows. They are elaborately constructed of stained glass with appropriate devices, with the large gable window over the altar being especially rich in ornamentation.
'The whole community came together to help with the building, making bricks' said Decon Mary-Ann Crisp.
The Church of Saint John's was opened for Worship on Christmas Day 1871 and the first service was conducted by Reverend Cocks. 'It was a community event, getting the church built, because it was the first church ever finished being built on the whole length of the Darling River' Deacon Crisp said.
On the 14th of August 1874, the Foundation Stone of the Rectory was laid by Mrs William Crozier of Moorna Station and at the same time a wooden schoolhouse and meeting room (Parish Hall) was opened.
'A lot of local families have connections' said Deacon Crisp. 'Their ancestors had something to do with it, they helped fund it, they worked on it or they've been members of the church. People just keep coming up with all sorts of memorabilia to do with the history of the church' she said. 'For many years there were deb(utante) balls every year or so... and obviously there's lots of marriages, births, and funerals, so all of those registeres are in there'. But to many, the chruch is more than just a building: 'we love it - it's a beautiful old structure', Deacon Crisp said. 'The building is just somewhere to meet and we have to remember that too: that we could just meet on the riverbank to 'sit in church''.
In 1986 the Heritage Branch was contacted in relation to a proposal to purchase the rectory for demolition to provide car park spaces for the adjoining Services Club.
On the 9th of December 1986 a section 130 order was placed over the site. On the 20th of March 1987 an Interim Heritage Order was placed over the buildings. In 1987 financial assistance of $16, 000 was made available for restoration works. A Permanent Conservation Order was placed on the 23rd of March 1989. On the 2nd of April 1999, Saint John's Anglican Church and Rectory was transferred to the State Heritage Register.
On the 23rd of May 2021 the church marked 150 years since works first started on it. The community celebrated with a morning service, a makers' market, a Delta Scout-run barbeque, a morning tea prepared by the Country Women's Association, a vintage car show, and a communion service led by Bishop Donald Kirk.
Source: New South Wales Heritage Register.
Bae-Aérospatiale Concorde: 21st January 1976 - November 26th 2003
Yep, I'm on another one of my Concorde bouts again, but I don't consider that a bad thing if I'm honest because I've never known anyone who really doesn't like this aircraft. The thing about Concorde is the fact that it was, and still is, probably one of the most beautiful and sophisticated creations mankind has ever made, up there with the likes of the Saturn V Rocket. With smooth crisp lines and a long sweeping body, Concorde, although very much a plaything for the rich, showed the world that Supersonic travel is not just reserved for Fighter Pilots, but for the fare paying public as well, and took us to a place where I sadly feel we shan't return to, not in this day and age.
So where does Concorde's story begin? Well, our ability to break the Sound Barrier is a good start, with the early Spitfire pilots of World War II inadvertently doing so, and then a flight by the experimental Bell X-1, which was launched from the underbelly of a bomber and jetted off into a world very much of its own. Following these breakthroughs in speed, the first considerations for a passenger alternative were considered as far back as 1950, and in 1954 the first meeting of the Super Sonic Transport (SST) Committee was held.
Original intentions were to build passenger aircraft to similar principles as the X-1, but these were shelved due to impracticality. Instead, a new design known as the Delta-Wing was looked at, being used on the likes of the AVRO Vulcan. Ideas were created, and tests carried out on the similarly designed Handley Page HP.115, a purpose built aircraft for the intention of making the perfect testbed for the future SST. Eventually, the Delta design chosen was dubbed the Ogee Platform, derived from the Ogival Wing design. The most important intention of the design was to place the wing's centre of pressure as close as possible to the centre of gravity so as to lower the amount of control force required to pitch the aircraft, and the Ogee Platform came closest to this requirement.
Final design requirements came down to the design of the airframe itself outside of the wings. Essentially, the aircraft was similar in design to contemporary Delta-Wing fighter jets, with a long streamlined nose and a smooth body to reduce resistance as much as possible. Problems came with the actual operation of the aircraft's basic functions, most notably the cockpit, which had to be designed with streamlining in mind, but couldn't use conventional aircraft windows, with the strengthened window frame obscuring the view forward for takeoff and landing. In response, designers created a Drooping Nose, where the streamlined visor could be raised and lowered, with conventional aircraft windscreens behind to provide a view similar to that of a regular aircraft. Due to the length of the aircraft, the plane was fitted with a small wheel at the rear of the frame so as to absorb any potential tail-strikes during takeoff and landing.
During supersonic flight and transit through the Sound Barrier, fuel would be distributed between the forward fuel tanks and a small fuel tank in the rear whilst the aircraft was accelerating and decelerating so as to alter the centre of mass, essentially acting as an auxiliary trim control.
But one of the most endearing parts of the design was the point on the nose, which is not there for stylish flare, but for a very important reason. Without the point, aircraft attempting to transit the sound barrier would face much greater resistance as the airframe is much larger and more obtrusive, the point on the other hand breaks the sound barrier ahead of the actual aircraft itself, meaning the transit effect travels around the frame of the aircraft rather than against the hull.
Of course, the most difficult part when it came to getting the SST to go are the actual engines themselves. For the greatest efficiency, the new SST couldn't use conventional Turbofan engines as their cross-sectional area was too excessive. Instead, Rolls Royce was commissioned to build a set of Turbojet engines that could be slung in streamlined pods underneath the wings. The result was a quad set of Rolls Royce/Snecma Olympus 593 engines that had been developed from the Bristol engines used on the Vulcan bomber. In all, only 67 of these engines were ever built, and had an overall maximum thrust of 38,000lbf, pushing the SST to beyond the speed of sound.
By the mid-1960's the designs had been near enough perfected, and after signing up with Sud Aviation of France (later to become Aérospatiale), the combined efforts of British Aerospace and Aérospatiale resulted in the construction of two prototypes in 1965, these aircraft being dubbed 'Concorde', the French word for Harmony, Agreement, or Union. Concorde 001 was built in France at Aérospatiale's factory in Toulouse, whilst Concorde 002 was built at the BAC works in Filton near Bristol. The first flight of a Concorde aircraft took place on the 2nd March 1969, with Concorde 001 flying from Toulouse. On the 9th April, Concorde 002 made its first flight from Filton, and on October 1st, 001 made its first supersonic flight.
Both aircraft were presented at the Paris Airshow of June 1969, alongside one of their rivals, the Boeing 747. But Concorde was not the world's first supersonic commercial airliner, as the Soviet Union had beaten them to the punch in June of that year with the Tupolev Tu-144, an aircraft of almost exactly the same principles of Concorde that had been hastily put together between 1965 and 1968 after blueprints and designs had been obtained by Soviet Agent Sergei Fabiew. The Tu-144 made its first supersonic flight in June 1969, and made its first supersonic commercial flights with Aeroflot in May 1970.
However, the 'Concordski' (as it was known by the West), had many serious flaws, which came to bear in a series of horrendous crashes. The first major crash was at the 1973 Paris Air Show, where during a display flight, the first production Tu-144 aircraft broke apart over a suburb, killing 6 people on the aircraft and 8 on the ground. Another major incident took place in May 1978, when on a routine test flight an improved version of the aircraft known as the Tu-144D crashed on landing, resulting in the withdrawal of the 144's from commercial service after only 55 flights. They would remain cargo aircraft until 1983, after which they were used for the training of Soviet Cosmonauts for the Buran Space Shuttle project.
Concordski however did have a profound effect on Concorde, especially after its crash of 1973. Confidence in the Concorde was rumbled by the failure of the Tu-144, and thus many potential buyers pulled out. Originally, airlines such as American Airlines, Pan Am, Japan Airlines, Eastern Airlines, United Airlines, and Air Canada had all put in orders, but by 1975 only Air France and BOAC (later nationalised into British Airways) orders remained. At the same time, Boeing and Lockheed of the United States attempted to create their own SST's so as to combat Concorde, with Boeing creating the 2707, and Lockheed the L-2000, neither of which went beyond concept models.
Eventually, 14 production Concorde aircraft were handed over to their respective airlines between 1976 and 1980, with the first aircraft being delivered to British Airways on the 15th January, the first flight taking place to Bahrain on the 21st January. Simultaneously, Air France made its first flight to Rio de Janeiro via Dakar in Senegal. However, the Transatlantic routes to the United States were the main points of contention, as the fear of Sonic Booms caused protest, resulting in a ban being passed by Congress. Although permission was given to fly to Washington Dulles on the 24th May, the New York Port Authority continued to ban Concorde due to the noise. The result was a risky training program by Concorde pilots to land at JFK Airport without using any power at all, meaning that from the start of their descent over the New York area, no power could be applied so as to keep the noise levels to a minimum, doing the whole approach in one. Eventually the ban was lifted after it was found that Air Force One, a Boeing VC-137 (converted Boeing 707), was louder than Concorde, and thus commercial services to JFK began on November 22nd, 1977.
In addition to the British Airways and Air France flights to New York and Washington from Paris and London, a slew of other short lived ventures occurred at the same time. In 1977, British Airways jointly shared a Concorde for flights to Singapore via Bahrain with Singapore Airlines, painting G-BOAD in a BA/SA hybrid livery. These flights however were capped after only 3 runs due to noise complaints.
Another short lived venture was with the American airline Braniff, which leased 10 aircraft from both airlines to operate subsonic domestic services from Washington to Dallas-Fort Worth from 1978, with Braniff crews taking over from international crews after landing at Washington. These services ended in 1980 due to a lack of profitability, with only 50% bookings or less on most flights.
Over the years, Concorde also flew to a myriad of destinations off its usual Transatlantic services, including Mexico, Florida, the Caribbean, South America, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand, mostly on charter flights but sometimes for short demonstration flights for fun seekers. Usually, Air France would provide the charter aircraft as their Concorde fleet was used less than the BA fleet, only operating two flights a day as opposed to BA's four.
The 1980's though were the boom years of Concorde, as this was when the money makers really spread their wings. In the immortal words of Jeremy Clarkson "For the have not's, it wasn't much fun, but the have's were having a ball!" Wealth moved from the stars of stage and screen to the stock marketing men and women of Europe and America. Investments on oil shares, and other large multinational companies meant you and your house was worth more than most countries. Greed was endemic, and the super-rich had no shortage of that. They'd have Champagne for breakfast, eat nightly at the Ritz, have a fleet of chauffeur driven Rolls Royce's at their beck and call, and would make weekend trips across the Atlantic with Concorde like it was a commuter train!
It was thanks to Concorde that Phil Collins could perform two shows for the 1985 Live Aid in one night, the first at Wembley in London, the second at Philadelphia JFK stadium, picking up Cher along the way who would join him in the finale 'We are the World.' You could arrive before you departed, and probably bump into a selection of celebrities en-route. Ex-Beatles, Actors, Businessmen, Fashion Designers, you name it, they were probably there!
These years were wild, profitable, and turned Concorde from an airliner, into a rite of passage for the money makers of this world. If you could fly on Concorde, then you'd truly made it in life!
However, as the 90's began to blossom and boom, the end of the decade brought its headaches for Concorde, and when things went wrong, they really went wrong quickly!
The recession of 1992 damaged Concorde's sales as money became much harder to come by, and the explosive era of greed began to fade away in the face of austerity. Environmental considerations began to crop up, and Concorde was singled out by environmentalists as one of the biggest culprits for noise and air pollution.
But on July 25th, 2000, disaster struck when Air France Concorde F-BTSC, crashed upon take-off from Paris Charles de Gaulle, smashing into a nearby hotel and killing all 109 passengers, plus 4 people on the ground. The cause was later determined to have been debris left by a preceding Continental Airlines DC-10, which punctured the tyres of Concorde and ruptured the fuel tanks on the port-side wing. However, the crash resulted in the grounding of all Concorde aircraft for over a year. Although test flights were carried out, and some private charters, revenue earning service was intended to return in the summer of 2001.
G-BOAF made the first service flight of a Concorde aircraft across the Atlantic from London to New York on September 11th, 2001, landing at JFK airport 30 minutes before American Airlines Flight 11, hijacked by terrorists, was flown deliberately into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan, in what would turn out to be one of the darkest days in modern history. In the ensuing chaos, flights across America were grounded immediately, and Transatlantic services diverted, but this was just the beginning. Global markets collapsed and the aviation industry went into meltdown. Airlines such as TWA, Swissair, Sabena and Ansett Australia were just a few of the victims of this aviation downturn, and Concorde's return to service was delayed until November 7th, 2001.
Concorde may have stuttered back into life, but time had really caught up with this supersonic machine of the past. The maintenance costs of the aircraft were now much higher, with fuel prices rising and passenger levels dropping due to stagnation in the post-9/11 market. British Airways was making a loss on every single flight they made, and both this, with a mixture of discontinued support from Aérospatiale's successors, Airbus, meant that Concorde's fate was very much sealed.
On the 10th April, 2003, Air France and British Airways simultaneously announced the retirement of Concorde. Although the day after Virgin Atlantic and its founder Sir Richard Branson intended to purchase British Airways' Concorde fleet for a nominal fee of £1 each, citing a clause in the original agreement to operate the aircraft, the Government and British Airways denied allowing him to buy the aircraft for such a small price, demanding at least £1 million for every aircraft. This was further hampered by Airbus' refusal to continue maintenance support.
The end slowly came throughout 2003, with Air France's last Concorde flight taking place on 27th June, whilst British Airways conducted a series of farewell tours to a selection of destinations, including Toronto, Boston, Washington, Belfast, Manchester, Cardiff and Edinburgh. Concorde was officially retired from British Airways service on the 24th October, 2003, but continued to operate a small number of farewell charters until November 26th, when G-BOAF, the last Concorde to be built in 1979, flew to its home base of Filton, ending the supersonic age of passenger air travel.
In all, every one of these £125 million aircraft still exist apart from two. Aircraft 203, F-BTSC, was lost in the type's only ever fatal crash in 2000, whilst Aircraft 211, F-BVFD, was withdrawn in 1982 after only 5 years of service and used as a spares donor, being cut up for scrap in 1994. The 6 prototype and 12 remaining production aircraft are now scattered across the world in museums, including Barbados, Seattle, New York, Brooklands near London, Manchester, Le Bourget, Toulouse and Chantilly in Virginia.
So, what killed Concorde and can we ever go there again? Many things killed Concorde, and when they came, they came fast. The economic downturn of the 90's and the rising environmental considerations started to damage its image, but the Paris Crash, the September 11th attacks and the ensuing stagnation of the aviation market, an outdated design becoming more and more expensive to maintain, the discontinuation of maintenance by Airbus and the fact that they were making a loss on every single flight is truly what ended Concorde's reign.
As for returning to the world of supersonic travel for the fare paying customer, in this world of austerity and environmentally bound agendas, I highly doubt it. Although Boeing considered the idea with the Sonic Cruiser, the amount of fuel required to operate these aircraft and the overall lack of interest or money to fund a project solely aimed at the 1%, means that chances are we won't see the likes of Concorde ever again.
But either way, we can be glad to say that we did it, we built Concorde, we flew it, operated it for 27 glorious years, and in doing so brought nations and continents closer together. Concorde truly lived up to its name, an everlasting symbol of peace, prosperity, speed, design and human endeavour.
The intention was to capture the sunrise from the western side of the city looking east towards the bay, and get the first light of dawn before the city lights were switched off. We did manage to achieve that well here. The only other wishful thinking was to be bale to get the rolling fog in the valley blanketing the city with just the peaks visible above it - which of course did not happen. Will need to wait for a cooler night temperature with moisture in the atmosphere to achieve that.
Thank you for viewing, your feedback and comments, truly appreciated.