MESSAGE TO THE PUBLIC

Waterloo Station – November 27, 2021

Despite losing our transport early on, the five plucky adventurers set out from the station to undertake that seldom explored region known as the Bank of the South. 

With sherpa Sanger scouting ahead for shelter and warmth, the team stepped out into the eye of storm Arwen, the near arctic sleet and wind lashing them as they pressed forward. 

The explorers first encountered fumes and smoke as they entered the tunnel of Leake, here the plucky five came upon the locals, who, armed with only cans of spray, battled brightly adorned monsters to practice their renowned cave art.

Stepping back out into the storm, the five fought their way to the landmark known by locals as the Eye, here they watched as it circled overhead, with the locals rushing to jump into the capsules that would transport them aloft.

With night drawing in the five ventured further along the bank dodging the flimsily constructed sheds where more local plied their wares

It was at this point that our sherpa reported shelter ahead where we might take warmth, the foyer of the National offered a warm draught to revive the chilled wanderers. Setting out again the travellers stopped at some igloos and took time to capture the sights.

Once again, our sherpa reported a place where we could warm again, where the travellers could imbibe some hot coffee and chocolate in an area often used by locals.

Out into the storm again we made our way to river crossing that leads to a major site of worship, the are decimated by fire many years before. Here the cold and weary travellers once again took stock of the situation, capturing views of the river and the obligatory group selfie.

Now travelling westerly, the group clung to the embankment along the riverside, surveying the vista and capturing its glories prior to crossing back across the river at a point known as the Charing cross.

The happy band then once again partook of refreshment and sustenance before finally returning to the station to be reunited with their transport back to their homes.

Expedition team:

Sanger, Colston Sherpa
Whitbourn, Colin Adventurer
Courtney, Suzy Adventurers
Hinckley, Angela Adventurer
Sargent, Geoff Expedition leader

Aspire Group
Day out to Middleton Common Butterfly Gardens    
February 2024

 

Rob, Suzy, Geoff and Paul headed off to the Butterfly Gardens for an afternoon of photography.  There was much chatter beforehand on the whatsapp group as to what equipment we should take and timings.

Geoff collected everyone and we made good time to our destination.  We enjoyed a coffee at the on-site cafe. 

We had some time to kill and decided to have lunch.  With no hot food available at the venue we were told that the local pub had great food.

 

Back to the butterflies we had sole use of the venue which was perfect as we didn’t have to worry about getting in the way of other people. You have to check where you are walking as they just land on the path and even on us.  They seemed to really like Geoff.

 

We used a variety of lenses from macro to short telephoto. Some of us tried stacking using in camera and manual techniques. We used flash as well  A good day over all and hopefully we all learnt something and maybe some good photos.