Monday 13 March 2017

Looking ahead, waaaaaay ahead!


So way back in the day, a couple of years ago now at least, I signed up for several photography workshops which I thoroughly enjoyed. One was a 'taster session' of several hours, where we pottered around the Forest and more or less played around with our cameras, figuring stuff out and enjoying a beautiful spring day and New Forest ponies who joined us as willing subjects.

I then had another three-hour session with the same photographer and a smaller group in a different part of the Forest, a morning of tromping across heath and hills to capture the autumn heather colours. I was distracted then by both ponies and the macro setting on my camera, trying to get close ups of heather and spider webs and all sorts.

I've missed it, actually. I do love it when I'm out there, but it's just getting out there. I have no idea what stops me from doing it, I just don't. I'm on the emailing list of the photographer and over the past couple of years he's sent out monthly updates of where  he's been, his favourite photographs, etc. Lovely stuff! Last year he starting arranging two-day workshops in Cornwall. They were a bit pricey, so I didn't pursue them, and then when he added an extra day, they got a bit pricier, so I still didn't.

Until now.

I got an email yesterday about a workshop offering in March 2018 - an entire year away! The cost is £399 (includes B&B and instruction over three days, so actually good price considering there will only be three people joining him). I hesitated a little bit, but then sent an email to him know that I would be very keen to attend. We're going to West Cornwall - link is here - where my dad grew up and near to where my grandparents spent many decades. I think I could make a longer trip out of it and poke around some of the places I remember as a kid. I know my grandparents' house is no longer there (thanks, Google), but the area is still wild and pretty and the landscape much unchanged. They were very close to a portion of (what is now) the Southwest Coast Path, which we used to travel to the beach - Praa (pray) Sands - near their house.



My grandpa was the reverend at Breague Parish for over 30 years and both he and my grandma are buried in the churchyard there, although not together, sadly.

Anyway, the more I think about it, the more I'm looking forward to it and the more I think I will make an actual holiday out of it - if I'm going to get in the wee beast and drive for four or five hours, then I want to spend a goodly amount of time in the area. Cornwall is just so very, very pretty.

6 comments:

Gill - That British Woman said...

nothing like being well prepared ahead of the game. If you put a pound a day away it will be paid in full without much effort.......

Northern Living Allowance said...

Hi Gill! That's actually a very good idea. Will have to keep collecting my coins and see where it gets me. I'm currently saving my £5 notes, which is actually much harder than it should be, although I already have £55 in 2.5 months, so I guess I'm doing okay (I admit to spending about £15, however). But every little bit helps! x

Jane said...

That sounds fantastic!! And it gives you something to look forward to and plan for. Definitely make a plan to stay in the area for a bit - the landscape looks incredible!

Northern Living Allowance said...

Hi Jane - doesn't it? I'm glad I've registered for it. And I likely will take some extra time (depending when Easter falls next year). It would definitely be worth it, particularly if I can book in at the B&B we're already staying at and use it as my base for exploring (the rate is excellent!).

The Asian Pear said...

It's a year into the future but it definitely gives you something to look forward to. :)

Northern Living Allowance said...

Hi Pear! It absolutely does, although I'm a bit nervous I'll actually forget all about it now. Haha! :P