Easter is upon us.

The unseasonably nice weather has got everybody moving and thinking about the summer ahead. And that include us too ! :)

We went for a quick shore-dive last night, just off Beadnell Point, and were greeted with STUNNING conditions. Still a bit chilly, but totally worth it.

Check the video below… :)

This shot is via James Cummings – good work young man.

Sadly I missed this wondrous sight as I was out of the country, sliding down an Alp. Hopefully I will get another chance to this this sight at home. :)

]]> http://www.beadnellbay.info/2012/02/a-quick-snap-of-the-aurora-borealis/feed/ 0 http://www.beadnellbay.info/2011/11/another-season-over/ http://www.beadnellbay.info/2011/11/another-season-over/#comments Sun, 20 Nov 2011 14:44:17 +0000 admin http://www.beadnellbay.info/?p=623 This time last year we were knee-deep in snow. Well, you were, I managed to make it out of the country on the last flight from Newcastle before they shut the airport due to the weather.

And look at it now – its like Spring – blue skies, sunshine, double figure temperatures… and since im still here, I have been making the most of it with some long walks along the coast.

All these shots are taken with my iPhone, and far from being high-grade, yet still capture the coast in its glorious autumn light… :)

Im off to Indonesia for a month… more at Christmas…

But the following video is an ideal gap-filler, and its a great piece of work, showing-off the various assets and natural beauty the area has.

Promise to write soon.. :)

Summer has yet to officially start in my book, its just been so mild – where is the heat ?
But that-said, there has been plenty to keep busy with, so sun or not, the people came.

Earlier in the summer we had a visit from Time Team on the point, digging the chapel there, with the show being aired in the autumn.

We had half of Cornwall’s finest up here as the swell dropped in the South West and the boys drove North in search of waves, good to see Stokesy, Fryer and Egor out in the water with us.

The usual raft of tourists have been queuing up to be rescued from the causeway at Holy Island – its an expensive mistake, and its not hard to avoid – check the crossing times !! :)

As well as the lighter side of things, the area had a couple deaths, both quite recently, one diving-related accident and one cliff-fall. Both very sad.

Looking forward once more to the August Bank Holiday weekend, the finale of the holidays, only one thing is being talked about – Crastonbury.

Big highlight for me this year – The Cuban Brothers headlining !!!!! You HAVE to see these guys. Truly epic entertainment. See the video below. :)

Must dash now, but promise to be back soon..

We actually need some rain, as the farmers will tell you… :(

A highlight for me has been the influx of in-season locally caught Scallops. Yum.

I caught Michael at the Craster Arms a few night ago and got the low-down on how to shell yourself a scallop, or two boxes even.

The villages are ready for it – and it will be a bumper Easter with the wedding and Mayday all wrapped-in.

The warm weather and light nights are very welcome, but it still needs to warm up before you can put the winter coat away.

Still its not as cold as it is in Thurso, This time last year we were up there watching the same contest that is happening now, today.

It has been absolutely pumping surf however. Which is typical, since it was rubbish last year.

Some highlights..  remember, this is Scotland…

But before winter sings it’s last song, and the wetsuit is put back in the car, a nice week playing on Mont Blanc with a the fellas.. :)

But I found the odd little gem here and there… :)

Its February now. Autumn feels like a long time ago. The water is SO cold now. I spent 5 weeks in Indonesia, and then went straight to Texas for Christmas for two weeks. In effect, I managed to miss all the snow chaos here in the UK and plonked myself on a nice warm beach instead. January has been pretty mild, and there has been so little swell of any significance that Ive all but given-up surfing. Almost.

Instead we have been making a couple of trips to Glenshee to slide around on the ice, and doing long cycle rides and hikes. The weather has been truly balmy by standards. Only a few days under zero, and Ive seen a few days in double figures..  in January… better get ready for Easter… ;)

And a quick video from the top of Hedgehope;

Untitled from swinhoe on Vimeo.

Im going to try and make more effort here and post more fragments and quick snapshots from the villages and area, and in that vein find below some snaps from the 4 hours hike at the weekend – Langleeford car park – up Hedgehope – around to Cheviot – top of Cheviot and back to the car park. 10 miles and a 850m vertical climb. Lots of snow and ice. Such a good day. :)

Note; All the photos and the video were taken with my iPhone – and im so impressed with its quality ! More frequent posting via the iPhone to follow.. :)