England 2016
Because I did not find a companion this year, I went alone for a few days in the south and west of England at the end of August. From London I drove to Selsey, where I wanted to photograph the Lifeboat Station. Although there was done some work in the sea, I could still make good pictures. Then I went on to Swanage, where I actually wanted to photograph a decayed pier, but it was not there anymore. After a short walk I went to the Durdle Door. It was a very hot day and the beach was very crowded. I took a few pictures and drove further west to Ringmore. The next destination was the Ayrmer Cove, a quiet stretch of beach with an interesting rock landscape.
The next morning I went to the Dartmoor National Park, here I was at the Venford Falls and I went to Wistman's Wood. The way to the Venford Falls was an experience in itself. Then I went to Tintagel to see the St. Nectans Glen. In the evening I was at Hartland Quay and then I was still looking for the way to Blackchurch Rock. The area was already impressive, very small and dirt roads with high hedges and everything looked the same. A pure maze! Early in the morning I went to Blackchurch Rock and took some pictures there at sunrise. I then changed my plan a bit and went through the Exmoor National Park and made some breaks in between and enjoyed the scenery. In Burnham-On-Sea, I wanted to photograph an old shipwreck at Berrow Beach. After a long search I had found it then, but somehow the moment did not fit. The beach was already an experience. In many steps I am simply bagged 20-30cm and then stuck in the sand, a strenuous walk! I then drove on to Faulkland, having read about the lavender fields of Somerset Lavander, but again, this was not the time.
The last destination was Stonehenge, I was the first on site and was able to take some pictures in peace. I had time all day and just let the place work on me. In the early afternoon there was a small storm, which I had not experienced to such an extent. Within seconds, so much rain came down that I was completely wet, as if I had jumped into the water. Luckily my camera survived, even though it got very wet! The next morning I went back to London.
It was a very adventurous holiday and since I was traveling alone, it was also very relaxing. I have read a lot and let the places affect me. At night I slept in the car again, but it has been the worst nights I can remember. In a lonely parking lot in the middle of nowhere, I woke up at night and right next to me (although the whole parking lot was free!) was a car with young people listened to loud music. After a good hour they walked away and in the morning only the car was left. Somehow scary, when you wake up in the middle of the night! The other nights were not much better, but what you do not have to do to get good pictures. But I have seen and experienced a lot again and it was a great photo holiday, which I would always do the same again.
