Monday 30 November 2009

Changes at Devil's Hole

Here are some pics from mid August that I've been sitting on for a while, but I might as well publish them while I decide whether to carry on with blogging my pics. There are a number of reasons for a lack of motivation recently. The audience isn't exactly massive (although a small number of very appreciative supporters certainly helps) and a lack of feedback is discouraging, I've been more keen on playing with HD video lately, blogger.com still haven't sorted out an RSS feeds problem which is annoying me, and it looks like some proposed change to the Data Protection Law here may force me to give up if I can't be anonymous any more. In addition, my personal life has reached a level of stress that I'm only just managing to cope with, with no clearly visible light at the end of the tunnel that I could be reasonably sure isn't an oncoming train :)

Plus, I'm finding that I've photographed so much of the island that it's really hard to find inspiration for photo-missions any more.

It also hasn't helped that the weather has been appalling for my kind of photography for what seems like months, and I have become fussy about 'quality of light' as they say. A lot of this summer seemed to be very hazy, with poor visibilty to the distance - for a zoom lens enthusiast like myself that's a bit limiting.

Anyhow, I haven't given up yet, and I've quite a few collections of video clips from various days out that I've yet to edit together, so when time permits.... there should be more yet from this crapaud!





Ample parking at the Devil's Hole pub "The Priory Inn"...







Not far down the path, the pond (and view of the statue) needs a bit of maintenance.







That's a new bridge...








.. and over the other side of the hole...







.. a reduced size viewing area...








.. with new platform.







New fencing (small coastal viewing area removed, to my annoyance) and revamped rest area.






View looking to the west








Access Denied







Back in the days before 'elf-n-safety' when people were willing to be responsible for their own actions, there were a number of routes down into the hole over the years. I guess I'll have to learn rock climbing rope skills if I ever want to get down there now.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I personally hope you don't give up. As an Islander in exile I visit your site often to give me a glimpse of my birthplace. However I appreciate how much effort running a site like this entails. If you do decide to stop - thanks for the memories!

Antonia

crapaudmatic said...

Thank you very much Antonia, it's amazing what a difference just one comment can make, here and there :)

Stay tuned!

Anonymous said...

I'll second that. As a visitor to the island every year or so I really appreciate the pictures, mainly the ones showing how things are changing (often for the worse). "Then and Now" type pictures always fascinate me.

crapaudmatic said...

Thank you!
I wasn't actually fishing for compliments this time, just explaining to the few regulars why things had died away a bit lately - but it's always welcome to hear from people :)

jerseydottie said...

You make living off island bearable! This set of photos made me want to do that descent again!
Keep up the great work!! ;)

wobblybean said...

I have never attempted the Devils Hole Climb as I can't stand heights over cliffs!!! Your pics have shown me what I have missed but I still felt giddy!! Just keep up the great pics! A

Anonymous said...

I think all us bloggers get that feeling sometimes. I've certainly had some sparse patches - having one right now as it happens.

Bloggers in Jersey don't get a great deal of encouragement. Quite the reverse - we are not sufficintly controlled in ther eyes of some powerful people, which is almost reason in itself to keep going.

I have mused once or twice if it would be an idea to have a bloggers meet up, exchange notes on techniques/ideas/concerns. Would sort of blow the anonymity though for those who are not yet 'exposed'.

Anonymous said...

I love, love, love your photography - especially in these dark and dismal times when we all need a bit of cheering up. Your photography always lifts my spirits and make me think of home. As a previous blogger said 'Then and Now'. Cyberspace would be *that* much duller without you.

crapaudmatic said...

Thank you!
Comments like that make it all worthwhile :)
Have a great 2010