In little over twenty four hours we will enter another decade, bloody crazy. I'm still adjusting to the millennium impact and the fact that the year isn't prefixed by 19! I'd started to prepare a post but, because it went off at a very strange tangent, got myself all wound up and had to walk away. I might revisit the "saved draft" in the New Year? Sunset over Thanet had been rather spectacular on Sunday evening and I'd grabbed a few shots from the back garden as the light started to fade.
Out on the marsh, early this morning, and I enjoyed a wonderful session which, although short on fishy action, was in superb winter sunshine with some very nice distractions. Two bites, the first landed, the second spitting the hooks at the net (might have been a double - so all the fun but no weight!) ensured I hadn't blanked which, as an angler, is a very important consideration. However, being out on the flatlands has so much more to offer than a bent fishing rod. The dawn was clear and rather chilly but, once the sun rose conditions changed from thick coat to fleece temperatures and I had to take off my sweater in order to push the barrow back to the van when I'd packed up! It was a really pleasant way to waste away a few hours, that's for sure.
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| Better than blanking? A scamp "jack" pike which still retains the ability to leave its' mark if handled incorrectly! |
My binoculars were in constant use but, despite having them close to hand, the cameras remained almost dormant save this obligatory mat shot. The birding was pretty good and those Kent birders, who visit this blog, will have some idea whereabouts I was when I say that my day list included two Cattle Egrets! Six Common Buzzards, a Merlin, four Little Egrets and 800+ Cormorants (Neil counted 3,000+ during this same period) ensured I always had something to occupy me whilst awaiting the Siren R3's to sound. 2020 is almost here and I'm looking forward to challenges I have set myself, yet remain realistic enough to know that other issues will have to take priority over my silly quests. One day and counting.
I promise that there'll be another post before midnight tomorrow - can't finish the year with a thirteen post month, superstitious twat that I am?
I shall await that draft with interest Dyl.
ReplyDeleteI have to say, I never cease to be impressed your output along with the other couple of blogs I follow.
Long may that last. For me, this is impossible.
Happy new year to you and all your family.
Thanks for these kind words Ric. Much appreciated. I hope that 2020 is good to you and the family and, who knows, it might actually be the year when our paths coincide once again? With the well being of Bev's mum remaining the most important factor in our day to day life, there is no point making plans. We'll just have to see how things turn out. However, my brother Simon is sixty in July and that celebration might just hold the key?
DeleteHappy New Year Dylan, nothing like the marshes to keep one happy.
ReplyDeleteI note you've changed your header photo - could be tales from two loons!
The marshes of East Kent continue to provide me with fantastic experiences, via the rods or through my binoculars - long may it continue. As for the header photo? Purely a seasonal thing - normal service will be resumed shortly!
DeleteTake care mate - Dyl