silent... photos on Flickr

And for a change, the weekend brought with it, at least for one day, the promise of unbroken sunshine and light winds. Perfect conditions for, well, for what? Well, photography, walking in the countryside, walking and snapping.

Where to go?

Well, I have always wanted to a see a certain species of bird, there are a few places in Kent where you can see Bearded Reedlings (Tits), and Stodmarsh was the nearest. And we knew how to get there.

Instead of going to the village, I thought we would start from the Grove Ferry end.

Grove Ferry used to be an actual ferry, which carried cars, lorries, horse and carts over the river, to a level crossing then on up the hill towards the Canterbury to Thanet high road. The Ferry is long gone, but the Grove Ferry Inn is still there, as is the level crossing, though the trains have changed somewhat.

Anyway, that's where to go. We have coffee, then I make bacon butties with smoked back so thick each rasher is like a gammon steak. That's what you get when you buy from an actual butcher. We tidy up, gather our stuff and load the car.

And go.

We drive along to Sandwich, then take the Canterbury road, turning off for Nash, then to Preston, past the butchers and across the marshes to Grove Ferry.

The glorious morning had given way to mist, the sun heavily diffused, but breaking through at times to make trees and buildings erupt in colour like they were on fire.

We park, put on our walking shoes, but instead of heading out onto the reserve, I feel that the river might offer good photographic opportunities. I was right, the river stretched in either direction, boats moored on either bank were reflected in the mirror-like water of the Stour.

There were fishermen in place, so not wanting to disturb them too much, I take a few shots, stepping over the net-poles they had in the river in anticipation of a catch.

We leave them to it, walk back through the car park, over the main road and into the reserve.

At first there was no need for boots, as the ground was firm enough, if well travelled, so we wandered along, marvelling at the sight of the sun to the south, breaking through the mist creating stunning shapes and patterns through the reedbanks. Whilst on the other side, more reeds rose up, but lit by the sun, and glowing like they had caught fire.

I took shots of everything.

Just in case.

There was a mound to the side of the path, the seats offering fine views over the reserve, so we go up and hope that maybe the birds will come to us. Into the sun, there was a pond, and a large group of birds was making a heck of a noise, I take shots with the nifty and the big boys lens, and thanks to the latter was able to identify them as Lapwings due to their head crests.

A bird landed in the reeds at the foot of the bank, and I saw what I am pretty sure was our quarry; a shame then that this was the only sighting we had of the buggers all morning.

We walk back down and on, looking back to where we had just been standing, I see a small reddy-brown bird. I take shots, hoping it was a Reedling, but review of shots who it to be a Stonechat.

In the bench below I see another bird, an as yet identified warbler, but I suspect it to be a Cetti's Warbler.

I get a shot.

We walk on, I talk to a fellow photographer who informs us that a Dartford Warbler had been seen, and that the sunshine should bring out the Reedlings.

It may have done, but we don't see them.

A large slow moving birds swept low over the reedbeds, a March Harrier, on the lookout for prey. I take shots but the camera was on the wrong setting.

Sigh.

We take a path to the river bank, where we find all the mud in Kent had been waiting for us.

We walk upstream for a while, then finding the vegetation didn't thin out, we walk back to the car, slowly picking our way round and through the mud, our boots becoming heavier and heavier with the mud clagging to us.

The bonus of being near the river was able to spot trains on the line just the other side. And near to Grove Ferry, a down service appeared and was reflected perfectly in the still waters of the river.

I take lots of shots.

The only downside was reaching the Ferry, a large family group made of at least three generations, walking down the path, not socially distancing from each other or me, walking bay almost touching my elbow, still engaged in loud conversation. This is why Kent is in the high tier now.

I calm down as we get back to the car, change footwear and climb into the Audi; it was half eleven, and we were hungry. Should we call in at a shop or go straight home?

Straight home it was, with the day now clear as all mist and fog had lifted.

We get home, put on the kettle and make a brew.

We eat the Portuguese custard tarts, but still hungry break out the cheese, crackers and wine.

That's better.

And so begun the grand review of 400 shots, listening to the radio, and surrounded by hungry cats and kittens.

At three, the football begun, Norwich are in the middle of their worse injury crisis since the last one, with 11 players out for one reason or another, and having no fit strikers. We take the lead, and it seems the patched-up team would hang on, but in the last minute Coventry level.

Oh well.

Outside it was dark, and there was another pass of the International Space Station, so on our way to the car, we stop in the garden and look for the slow moving bright light. Jools sees it, a dull red dot passing silently overhead, and on that dot were several people. We wave at them, then go to the car

Jen wanted to cook for us, and we did not complain, so we drove to Whitfield, only to find the road off the roundabout blocked by a long queue of cars waiting to get into McDonalds.

Really?

Yes, really.

But there is another way, so we go down towards Pineham, then take the road back through the estate, and arrive at Jen's with the meat just finished cooking, and cooling ready to be carved. I carve, Jen dishes up, and we eat well. Very well. Nothing like a roast at the end of a busy day.

And then down to cards, two hands of Meld which Jen wins both of, and so is very happy.

Too late for another game, so we go home where we have cheese and wine for supper.

I slept well.

Silent Junction - Bunge by Kathy Toth

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Kathy Toth || Toronto Graffiti Archive || Instagram

I have been documenting the changing face of this neighborhood since 2005 to the present day. I never imagined that going to a photo meetup here would provide me with enough content and inspiration to continue to photograph the dynamic changes taking place as the neighborhood transformed from a dead retail strip on Dundas with derelict and shuttered industry to the hot hipster neighborhood it’s become. The Junction was not always known as such, it was rather West Toronto neighborhood, which for a large part was more often referred to the Stockyards. Meat processing is the only original industry that is still present today, to the dismay of residents. Industry was centralized here as the area had lower land prices and taxes and the creation of an official port of entry. Also Canadian Pacific developed a large rail yard which extends from Keele to Scarlet road. This led to massive industrial and commercial development which stayed for the most part until closures started with these companies in 2005.

Canada packers, CCM, Campbell Milling and Heinzman piano company were the most notable companies, which all have been converted respectfully to a large mall, another mall complex and a high rise condo. Other buildings such as the Symes waste transfer station and Sherwin Williams and Houghton plant were recently converted into a brewery, a failed condo development now waiting to be sold, and a studio complex with a gym and printing facilities. The first spot I photographed was the old Sherwin Williams plant in late 2005 on a cold Christmas weekend and it peaked my curiosity about industry in the city. Another notable location I visited multiple times was the old GE plant, which as of today (2018) is completely redeveloped. The old Bunge complex, which was located on St.Clair west of Keele was my personal favorite spot to visit while it was intact. I must have been 8 times and got to know the entire complex quite well. It was knocked over very quickly and the large stockyards mall took it’s place.

The story of my junction documentary project is quite extensive and the best way to discover more is to look at the captions on the images. I enjoyed exploring an area with so much industrial diversity so close to home and find myself wishing I still had something like this in my backyard.

Photos featured are from late 2005 to present, both film (in various formats, 35mm, 120,) and digital. Images are noted by their previous name, what they have been converted to, as well as approximate location.

Silent Warrior by Nate

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The Silent Warrior is a high speed racer. A klunker, it's known to break down quite a lot after a long race. It's known for being the exact opposite of its name because it's not silent at all.

As for the girl in the one-piece, she's one of the few minifigs I have availible now because most of mine are either packed away or in the large post-apoc project i'm working on.

Silent Night by Sean Halliday

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Nikon D90

18-105mm lens

SB-600 with Roundflash

Untitled by Jojo Songlark

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Visit this location at Timber Wilds in Second Life

Silent Hill f by VidGPhotos

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PC. Unreal Engine Unlocker

Silent Disco by David Wilson Clarke

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Silent Disco at ArcTanGent Festival, Fernhill Farm, Compton Martin, Somerset, UK.

Silent Junction - Toronto by Kathy Toth

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Portfolio || Toronto Graffiti Archive || Instagram

GE was actually one of the first places I visited when I got into exploring in late 2005. A friend at the time suggested checking it out and we found one building being renovated and the townhouses were still not done on the Davenport side. The whole site was amazing and many buildings were later torn down and replaced by multiple condo towers and townhomes, sandwiched between two lines. I visited the site for about 7 years until most of what was here was demolished for housing. I would not live here myself but the location now has more stores, etc and seems like a hip neighbourhood especially if you walk further south with little cafes.

I'm probably going to revisit this folder soon and upload more images, it's been a while!

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I have been documenting the changing face of this neighborhood since 2005 to the present day. I never imagined that going to a photo meetup here would provide me with enough content and inspiration to continue to photograph the dynamic changes taking place as the neighborhood transformed from a dead retail strip on Dundas with derelict and shuttered industry to the hot hipster neighborhood it’s become. The Junction was not always known as such, it was rather West Toronto neighborhood, which for a large part was more often referred to the Stockyards. Meat processing is the only original industry that is still present today, to the dismay of residents. Industry was centralized here as the area had lower land prices and taxes and the creation of an official port of entry. Also Canadian Pacific developed a large rail yard which extends from Keele to Scarlet road. This led to massive industrial and commercial development which stayed for the most part until closures started with these companies in 2005.

Canada packers, CCM, Campbell Milling and Heinzman piano company were the most notable companies, which all have been converted respectfully to a large mall, another mall complex and a high rise condo. Other buildings such as the Symes waste transfer station and Sherwin Williams and Houghton plant were recently converted into a brewery, a failed condo development now waiting to be sold, and a studio complex with a gym and printing facilities. The first spot I photographed was the old Sherwin Williams plant in late 2005 on a cold Christmas weekend and it peaked my curiosity about industry in the city. Another notable location I visited multiple times was the old GE plant, which as of today (2018) is completely redeveloped. The old Bunge complex, which was located on St.Clair west of Keele was my personal favorite spot to visit while it was intact. I must have been 8 times and got to know the entire complex quite well. It was knocked over very quickly and the large stockyards mall took it’s place.

The story of my junction documentary project is quite extensive and the best way to discover more is to look at the captions on the images. I enjoyed exploring an area with so much industrial diversity so close to home and find myself wishing I still had something like this in my backyard.

Photos featured are from late 2005 to present, both film (in various formats, 35mm, 120,) and digital. Images are noted by their previous name, what they have been converted to, as well as approximate location.

Silent Cargoes 2 by Paul Turner

The Silent Cargoes sculpture and the Millennium Bridge over the Manchester Ship Canal beyond.

Silent Cargoes is a large sculpture at the side of Salford Quays, close to the Imperial War Museum North.

The sculpture, created by artist James Wine with the assistance of John King, of Liverpool, is made up of a number of barrels, crates and packing materials, painted grey. They represent the old life of the Quays as the Manchester Docks and are mere metres away from the Manchester Ship Canal.

The Millennium Bridge at Salford Quays spans the Manchester Ship Canal between the Imperial War Museum North and the Lowry.

Designed by Carlos Fernandez Casado, the footbridge operates as a lift bridge as well and can be raised and lowered to allow boats to pass beneath. Two towers at either end of the bridge bring the structure up and down as required.

Salford Quays is a huge urban regeneration project on the site of the old Manchester Docks at the end of the Manchester Ship Canal.

Previously rundown with the falling away of industry and the decline of the canal, the entire area has now been reborn, with the construction of numerous residential and leisure buildings.

As well as apartment blocks and houses, the Quays are home to the Lowry arts and leisure centre, the Lowry Outlet Mall and the Imperial War Museum North. MediaCityUK – a new home for the BBC in the North of England is in the final stages of its construction.

The Quays are a popular tourist attraction – both for those visiting the buildings named above and also for those who just come to wander along the waterside. They are also host to numerous events throughout the year, including triathlons and swims, with people dipping into the canal water which previously would have been dangerous to their health.

Silent Street by Lee Nichols

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Silent Street is just south of the main shopping area in Ipswich, and still retains some very old buildings.

Silent Hill's Church by Evo Luo

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The only active church in Silent Hill. Every Sunday, still runs.

Silent Cargoes 1 by Paul Turner