The legend of St Collen (I): Hypnopompic
River Dee, Llangollen, Denbighshire, North Wales
05:57 AM
The coin was tossed up in the air and it was tails. There would be no driving on...
Read more
River Dee, Llangollen, Denbighshire, North Wales
05:57 AM
The coin was tossed up in the air and it was tails. There would be no driving on the horrible M5 then. Instead, I was to let the train get the strain. So I followed my lucky stars and experienced another one of those British-Rail journeys I would never wish upon my worst enemy. Not that this would deter me, in any way, from calling at the Corn Mill for a beer shortly after arriving. The food there was great, the beer even better, the service of the highest standards, so I ended up chipping in a few more quid towards the landlord's retirement fund. But at 04:20 AM, in the antelucan hush, when one ought to be sunk into the Lethean water and dreaming of pretty things, I was lying there with eyes wide open and glaring at the ceiling. For this so common affliction there is only one effective remedy: get up, shit, shower, shave and go. And just as well that I have done so because I arrived here just as Aurora was rising above the eastern horizon, emblazoning the sky with a crisp blue-purple tone. Treading ever so carefully on rocks that poke out of the fast-streaming Dee, I have set camera and tripod. The sound of white-water seething with exhilaration is so intense I can't hear anything else.
This was close. A few minutes late and the rising sun would be spluttering my photos' highlights into oblivion. The job is done, although not quite complete. There are three more directions across the horizon begging for attention and west is next...
(to be continued)
Read less
05:57 AM
The coin was tossed up in the air and it was tails. There would be no driving on the horrible M5 then. Instead, I was to let the train get the strain. So I followed my lucky stars and experienced another one of those British-Rail journeys I would never wish upon my worst enemy. Not that this would deter me, in any way, from calling at the Corn Mill for a beer shortly after arriving. The food there was great, the beer even better, the service of the highest standards, so I ended up chipping in a few more quid towards the landlord's retirement fund. But at 04:20 AM, in the antelucan hush, when one ought to be sunk into the Lethean water and dreaming of pretty things, I was lying there with eyes wide open and glaring at the ceiling. For this so common affliction there is only one effective remedy: get up, shit, shower, shave and go. And just as well that I have done so because I arrived here just as Aurora was rising above the eastern horizon, emblazoning the sky with a crisp blue-purple tone. Treading ever so carefully on rocks that poke out of the fast-streaming Dee, I have set camera and tripod. The sound of white-water seething with exhilaration is so intense I can't hear anything else.
This was close. A few minutes late and the rising sun would be spluttering my photos' highlights into oblivion. The job is done, although not quite complete. There are three more directions across the horizon begging for attention and west is next...
(to be continued)
Read less
Aug, 2019Views
931
Likes
Awards
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Magnificent Capture
Outstanding Creativity
Virtuoso
All Star
Genius
Superior Skill
Top Ranks
Top 20 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Top 20 rankTop 20 rank week 1
Top 10 rank
PRO
PRO+
MicktheGreek
August 29, 2019
Cheers Dave! I tell you what... this was the second time I have visited the Dee valley and there might be a few more to come. I am looking to set on another venture there in September.
PRO+
MicktheGreek
August 30, 2019
Thanks Michael! There is more to follow on the LLangollen expedition... great place, just as the whole of North Wales is
Platinum
PRO+
PRO+
MicktheGreek
August 30, 2019
Thanks Heather! I have to go back there, maybe in September for unfinished business...
PRO+
Platinum
PRO
PRO+
MicktheGreek
September 05, 2019
Thanks Greg! If I could pick the top 10 UK spots this would certainly make the charts...
PRO
PRO+
PRO+
MicktheGreek
September 09, 2019
Thanks David! Llangollen is a great place, not just on account of being intersected by the river Dee and having great spots to capture, but nestling in the very valley with spectacular countryside.
PRO+
MicktheGreek
September 09, 2019
I tell you what Steve... as much tranquil the scenes looks in a photo it is noisy when you get there and listen to the river. Thanks a lot mate!
Platinum
PRO+
sallyG11
September 20, 2019
Are you sure you didn't paint this Mick? It's like an illustration from a children's fairy tale book. Absolutely perfect!! xx
PRO+
MicktheGreek
September 20, 2019
I couldn't paint with Picasso guiding my hand, Sal, but I wouldn't need to... Aurora painted this for me xxx
Platinum
mcampi
October 05, 2019
Mother Nature smiled on you my friend and yours skills made it a masterpiece.
PRO+
MicktheGreek
October 05, 2019
Thanks, Mark! I am not used to capturing sunset, but this one felt unique...
PRO+
PRO+
Same photographer See all
