Enjoyment not endurance

In keeping with tradition, on Dec 1st, the Christmas decs will be brought down from the loft so as to allow Bev the opportunity to select her items, of choice, for this year's festive season celebration. Me? I'd rather go Pike fishing but, as this is Bev's favourite time of the year, I willingly go along with it so to get it done and dusted as quickly as possible! However, this Sunday will also see me bring down a large plastic container in which is a huge number of very old Kodak slides, the images taken during those crazy angling adventures of the 1980's - early 90's. I need to do this in order to start the prep work on the presentation I will be doing for the PAC gang in January(?). I do have quite an extensive collection of old images already stored on an external hard drive, yet they are not particularly good copies of the originals, thus I'm hoping that current technology will allow me to obtain superior results.

A Wilstone Res. dawn from around the mid-80's

Thanks to input from Nick, our R/O, and Andy (a senior member of the crew) I have come up with an idea for how I'd like this presentation to evolve. Without going into too much detail, I want to explore the angling journey from those mad times as a full-on "speccy hunter" to where I now find myself. There will certainly be a few tales of mischief and skulduggery included, as that was a fundamental part of the adventure during those earlier times. 

18th January 1988 - Wilstone Res.
22 lbs 2 oz of pure joy

My post title now sums up my feelings about what I require from the angling experience, as I fast approach seventy years on this planet. My time on the bank is precious, yet actually catching fish isn't the only reason I derive pleasure from the effort involved. An ability to allow so many other aspects to enhance the experience, be they obtained from the natural history, a simple joy of being outdoors or the completely random interaction with other folk encountered whilst sat behind the rods all adds up to produce a unique combination of factors which keep me enthused to continue my angling  adventure. It will only finish if enjoyment is removed from the experience, and I ain't expecting that to happen any time soon

If ever I cease being amazed by simply watching the dawn skies then I'll
know it's time to pack it in.

Filling in the gaps

 I have to admit that, even as Storm Bert was wreaking havoc across large swathes of the UK, here on Thanet we got away relatively unscathed. Odd fence panels and dead trees did succumb to the powerful gusts, yet overall, it was carry on as normal. It was very interesting, from a personal perspective, to see the impact that strong winds had upon the feeding activity of the local hedgehogs. They seemed far more cautious, around the feeding bowl, whilst the winds created movement in the vegetation and garden furniture covers, yet continue to remain active as the temperatures return to seasonal norms? It seemed, somewhat, ironic that The Hedgehog Trust sent me an email stating that Hedgehogs (within the UK) were now listed as "near threatened". Maybe someone linked to this organisation needs to spend some time down here to see what lessons might be learned?

Two images of the same, immature, Turnstone taken in Ramsgate Harbour
using the 1.4x converter with the 100 - 400 mm EF lens.

Pike fishing has been a complete waste of effort. Two trips resulting in one, very small, Jack throwing the bait as I attempted to set the hooks. Thankfully, it was on the surface, thus in full view, when it shook it's head and the barbless hooks did the rest. Fortunately, birding has provided me with some, much needed, entertainment during this period of crazy weather. I haven't been far, just out on the flatlands, a stroll around Ramsgate Harbour and time spent watching the garden feeding station. This morning I was able to spend a bit of time with my mate Neil D. out on the flatlands and we both (being of similar vintage) seem to be getting more enjoyment from our birding experiences without feeling a need to fit in. We see what we see and really couldn't give a toss about what others think. Old age - you've gotta love it?

Back out with the rods tomorrow, for a morning session on the side drain. Although it is no longer the primary drive, behind why I go angling, it would certainly be nice to bend a rod again before December arrives.

Immature male Marsh Harrier - image obtained whilst chatting with another couple of 
birders out on Worth RSPB Res.

They just keep on coming

Whilst I readily acknowledge that the weather, here on Thanet, isn't anything like as extreme as that being experienced by folk living further north. The past few nights have been pretty chilly, resulting in ground frosts on both Wednesday and Thursday mornings; that's not something we're used to as Thanet "softies" Now it is the impending arrival of "Storm Bert" (who makes these names up?) which is gripping the headlines of the various weather forecasting bodies around the t/v companies and mainstream press. If they are to be believed, then tomorrow looks like it might be rather lively, to say the least, and travel prove to be  hazardous in many areas. Why am I writing all this stuff? Well my garden Hedgehogs don't seem to have access to, or take any notice of, the weather forecasts and remain as active as they've been all throughout the year.

An adult which has rather strange feeding habits.
It will pick out a single "meaty meal" and carry it away to eat before returning for another morsel.

I have spent the past three evenings/nights watching the feeding bowl activity from within the relative comfort of my study. All the images taken have been through the double glazing of my back door, thus not as good as they could be if I had the door open, but it was too bloody windy and cold. I illuminate the area, around the bowl, with my Core "Work Lite" and have the camera set in auto mode. There are at least six different Hedgehogs using the feeding bowl and this includes two (possibly three) "hoglets". Knowing that Pike fishing is a non-starter for the foreseeable future, I am going to concentrate on the activity around the feeding bowl during this period of crazy weather, just to provide further evidence to support my "don't need to hibernate" theory concerning the population which is local to me. 

In an attempt at providing some scale to my images. This is the bowl I use.

There is no scientific methodology behind my observations, opposed to a feeling of being very privileged to spend time watching this activity at such close quarters. So until my next offering - "Batten down the Hatches" - here comes Storm Bert. 

Evening up-date

Well the lull before the storm, or so it would appear? The wind has dropped away with temperatures around 3C and rising. The Hedgehogs have been active since 18.00 hrs and it is now 21.30 hrs. Watford are 2 - 1 up at Plymouth and I've taken 84 images of the Hedgehogs tonight, with the back door wide open - result! I can confirm that there are, at least, three hoglets visiting the feeding bowl plus four adults. It's not that often I see three animals together at the bowl during the warmer months so I was more than happy when I got this opportunity tonight!

The images are so much better when the double glazing is removed from the equation.

Unexpected visitor

 Just as with the bird feeders, my Hedgehog feeding bowl requires a level of commitment to ensure that any visitors are fully catered for. The general consensus is that Hedgehogs hibernate during the winter months and I am certainly not qualified to argue against this particular aspect of their life cycle away from my own encounters here on Thanet. Obviously, my running a garden feeding station only arose as a consequence of the Covd pandemic, so not very long within the bigger picture. However, my observations suggest that, locally, these animals remain active all year round. They only become dormant if temperatures fall below freezing for a prolonged period; and that doesn't happen very often in downtown Dumpton! I have seen, and photographed, Hedgehogs in every calendar month. My earliest record was 00.38 hrs on 1st January 2021 and my latest being 30th December 2023. I suppose the biggest question must revolve around the conundrum of "are they active because, or in spite, of my continued provision of food?" To be brutally honest, I don't really care. These animals are always a welcome sight within our garden and I feel very privileged to spend so much time in their company. Last night, as England were securing the points required for promotion to the "A" league, I was delighted, yet equally surprised, to watch a tiny "Hoglet" appear at the feeding bowl.

Not sure where it's come from as I certainly haven't seen any other youngsters in 2024. All I can do is keep on placing the food in the bowl and hope that those animals attracted are able to build enough body fat reserves should they be needed to survive a period of colder weather. If not, they can continue to visit the feeding station as it will offer sustenance all year around.

One of our regular clients

A, very pleasant, Sunday session

 I had two baits presented in the drain, just prior 06.30 hrs, and within ten minutes the right hand alarm sounded a bite. With sunrise still over half an hour away, I found myself attached to a very lively Pike, needing the assistance of my newly acquired ESP head-torch to ensure that the fish was netted successfully. A cracking Pike of 15 lbs 2 oz was the culprit and ensured I could enjoy the rest of my time on the bank safe in the knowledge I hadn't blanked. I had already arranged, with Bev, that I'd be headed for home around 10.30 hrs, so sat back to enjoy the dawn and associated birdlife. Lots of wildfowl around the area, although no wild geese were noted. Two Great White and a single Little Egret got the day started with circa 800 Lapwings milling around in the skies above the marsh. I had some lovely, although brief, views of a Water Rail in the reeds on the opposite margin of the dyke and a female Marsh Harrier drifted past as the light levels rose. It was just before 09.00 hrs, that the same rod was away again and my second Pike of the morning found itself on the unhooking mat. A very nicely marked fish, of 9 lbs 8 oz, was quickly dealt with and returned to the drain. By 10.15 hrs I was ready to head for home and started a slow pack down prior to getting some shots of that first Pike, which had been well rested in a floating retaining sling. Job done, I began the long trek back towards the van, some twenty minutes away along the farm track. I'd spotted a Common Darter (dragonfly) as I made my way back along the drain before bumping into a fellow angler, Nick, whom used to be a member of the Heronsview Syndicate at the same time as me. We spend quite a while chatting about the current angling situation in the East Kent area and made some plans to stay in contact because we share so many similar values.

Back at home, much later than originally planned, I had the wet net and slings layed out in the garden prior to sorting out the rest of the kit. A Red Admiral butterfly was flitting about in the afternoon sunshine and I wondered if it would be final sighting of 2024? Given the current weather forecasts, there is every chance that insect activity will come to an abrupt halt as the temperatures plummet. It will be quite interesting to see how this weather change impacts upon the garden Hedgehog activity?

All quiet

 Not too much to report since the PAC meeting last Monday. I did manage another visit to the RMC, on Thursday, but nothing apart from a dropped run to report from an angling perspective. It was, however, a very pleasant session due, in no small part, to a guy, called Rob, who made the effort to come and chat with me. He told me that he follows my blog and have an awful lot in common. Wow, he is a Watford lad who has lived in Kent for forty years. He fished on the Tring complex during the 1970's - early 80's and is, now, also a fellow member of C&DAA . We probably spent the best part of an hour chatting on the bankside before he needed to get on his way; a very nice encounter completely out of the blue. It was whilst we were chatting that a Great White Egret appeared and I attempted to grab a few images despite the very low light levels. Thankfully the camera kit is far more talented than the bloke holding it and I did get something worthy of sharing?

The images are really grainy, but the auto ISO setting has to be credited
for obtaining anything under these light conditions.

There has been a desire to get my freezer stocked with Herrings, yet the local fishmongers have not been able to provide me with a supply. The PAC meeting had given me a heads-up about an alternative supplier and, on Friday, I found myself purchasing some superb, freshly landed, Herrings directly from the skipper of a local fishing boat. Almost a stone of bait, for a "tenner", what's not to like? I dyed them red, yellow and green, plus leaving a few in their natural colouration before being placed into bags and into the freezer. Whilst by the boat a crazy conversation ensued. I was placing my bait within a shopping bag when a lady asked how I prepared the Herrings for eating? It was a very weird exchange as I attempted to explain that I hadn't purchased the Herrings for the table but, instead, they were Pike baits! I'm not overly convinced that she truly grasped my response -" bait?"

I stumbled across this sad Pike in a tiny side drain.
It appears to be blind in the left eye, plus has a few marks on the head which are
consistent with bad un-hooking techniques?

The desire to continue to chase "big" Pike ensures that, even when I'm unable to get to the bankside, my thought processes still revolve around this single goal. Therefore, early this afternoon, I took a stroll around the flatlands to check out the state of Black Dyke and a few of the side drains. It was a very useful outing and, as a result, I will be back at silly o'clock tomorrow morning. The weather forecast isn't too brilliant for next week and Bev & I have a hospital appointment for Wednesday, so it might well be next Thursday before I can get back to the RMC again? 

Grey Heron 

Flatlands Kingfisher

There's a couple of projects which will require me to put some considerable effort into, if I am to do them full justice. One is a slide show/presentation for the PAC gang, the other is the John Roberts Memorial Pike match which will take place at the Wingham Syndicate main lake.(4th Jan 2025). Plenty of ideas, just need some fine tuning before they're fully up to speed.

A right touch

I arrived at the King Ethelbert PH, Reculver, almost bang on 19.30 hrs yesterday night, to attend the November gathering of the Canterbury/Thanet Region PAC gang. As always, it was a great laugh as the banter became, ever more, intense. One of the guys put on a presentation about fishing for Alligator Garfish in the southern USA, whilst another had brought along a few reels which he was selling. ABU Ambassador multipliers and Shimano "Big Pits" have no place in my angling requirements but, a John Wilson Heritage centrepin, manufactured by J.W. Young & Sons Ltd. was right up my street and we quickly struck a deal. The standard of engineering involved in the manufacture of this item is proper Rolls Royce end of the spectrum. Do I really need another centrepin? Of course not, but I couldn't help myself and am planning to use it when I return to the RMC. 

I've removed the line guide in order to allow me to cast in the style I'm most proficient and the monofilament has been replaced with braid. All being well, I will be out on Thursday to give it a try. Whilst at the meeting I was able to get a little feedback on my thought processes involved with the RMC project. Although it didn't result in a "Eureka" moment, there were certainly a few ideas for me to think about as the winter progresses. 

Wild Geese, Beer and Pike

On Friday, I took a drive across the marsh to see what state a couple of drains were in. I'm happy to report that things certainly look a lot better than they did on my last visit. Black Dyke may well need a few more weeks before I feel confident about my bait presentation, yet one of the side drains looked spot on and I immediately hatched a plan to return this morning. As I was so close to Worth Marshes RSPB Res. it seemed silly not to take a wander around the area to see what was on offer. Fortunately, I bumped into my mate Neil and he quickly got me up to speed with what was on offer. I'd already spotted a Great White Egret and he pointed me in the direction of a Black-necked Grebe (the Pegwell bird?) which I duly raised the bins towards. Things then started to get quite exciting as we then got distant views of five adult White-fronted Geese in amongst a small group of Greylags. A Little Egret dropped down onto one of the pools and I spent a while grabbing some shots of a female Stonechat which posed nicely in the gloom.

Neil had other places to be but, before we parted company, gave me the directions for the flock of Pink-footed Geese which had recently arrived on the reserve. I headed off towards the spot, passing another couple of birders who were headed in the opposite direction. A brief exchange suggested that the Pink-feet had flown off, yet I was headed that way, so it made sense to carry on. Just as well, as it turned out, because a few minutes later the unmistakable sound of approaching Pink-footed Geese could be heard and a flock of forty-seven birds came in, from the north, and dropped down onto the field that Neil had spoken about. I actually made an effort to get some, half decent, record shots and whilst doing so was extremely lucky to have five White-fronts fly in to join the flock. 

The light was terrible, from a photographers perspective, yet I was happy enough with what I obtained and headed back towards the van, some two miles away. It was as I reached a corner on the main farm track when I spotted a Cattle Egret amidst a herd of cows. Brilliant, all three egret species within a couple of hours wandering around the East Kent marshes and not something I've managed many times before, even when I was a serious birder!

Friday evening was all about attending The Churchill Tavern for a beer and a catch up with my mate Gareth (Gazza) Craddock. We had so much to talk about and time simply flew by. To top it all off, he presented me with a signed copy of his book, Forgotten Fen, and I was truly humbled by this very generous gift. Once I've had time to read this tome, I will certainly devote a post to the book. Gareth is a master craftsman of the written word and yet, the book is further enhanced by the illustrations produced by John Richardson and his lino-cut printing technique. An absolutely awesome combination

Gazza and I in The Churchill Tavern last night 
If I'm not mistaken, this is an image taken from a video message Gazza
sent to John Richardson?

.As we said our good-byes, I told Gazza that I was headed back out to the flatlands for a Pike session this morning. He wished me well. So it was just before 05.45 hrs that I parked the van by the stables and headed for the side drain I'd explored the previous day. Two rods fishing before 06.30 hrs, I had made a couple of recasts and bait tweaks before, at 08.50 hrs, the left hand alarm sounded and I found myself attached to a very fiesty adversary. The luxuriant bankside vegetation did nothing to assist my cause and it was quite a challenge to actually draw my prize over the net chord. What a Pike, what an absolutely stunning looking fish. At 15 lbs 8 oz, it's certainly no monster, yet more than capable of seeing me grinning like a Cheshire Cat. I was packed up and headed for home shortly after 10.00 hrs, mission accomplished.

Even if I don't get back out on the bank I know that I've got something to report when the Canterbury/Thanet PAC gang assemble in The King Ethelbert PH, Reculver, on Monday evening.. 

Dull, drab, dreary and grey

The post title about sums up the weather, here on Thanet, over these past few days. There's certainly been no discernable sun-rise, or set, beyond that of the sky getting less, or more, dark dependent upon the time of day. Looking at Birdguides, it would seem that Kent is hosting a few interesting birds at various spots around the county but they are sure keeping well clear of Newlands Farm. Vis mig has been restricted to a few Chaffinches, Blackbirds and the occasional Skylark, whilst the garden has seen the odd Chiffchaff and a handful of Goldcrests passing along the rear hedgerow, 

A 1st winter male Blackbird.
Although technically not correct, I always associate the appearance of numbers
of these dark-billed birds as a sign that there's been an arrival from continental Europe.

The feeding bowl is still attracting the local Hedgehogs into the garden, with at least three individuals involved. Last night I was able to watch two of them feeding and noted that there was no vocal protests or aggression between them. I am sure this is a sign that they are related in some way or other?

I  did go down to the RMC on Wednesday morning, landing a small "jack" for my troubles. I fished a completely new area and feel that it was a major error on my part. When I get back, the regular haunts will certainly figure in my thought processes as I continue the quest for my target fish. To end on a much brighter note. On the opposite side of Newlands Farm, to where our bungalow is situated, is the Foreland Fields School. It is a special needs venue, specifically targeting those individuals with severe issues and/or autism. The staff can often be seen accompanying small groups of pupils to walk up to the paddocks to see the ponies or just taking a stroll around the area. Last night they had their annual firework display, and what a show they put on. For all of us in Vine Close, who's gardens look out across the farm, we had front row seats for the event. Spectacular!

All good things ................. let's go Piking!

Running the garden moth trap, this year, has been a superb experience. At this stage of my journey, moths are never going to be anything more than a distraction and yet provided me with an amazing array of challenges (and results) which have, undoubtedly, helped me through the very stressful times involved as Bev and I negotiated her cancer treatment ordeal. It was, however, as I examined the egg trays this morning that I realised it was now time to get the trap into storage, for another winter, as the Pike bug is really started to take hold. I'd been down on the banks of the RMC, yesterday, and my only action took the form of an aborted take. A small fish and a (very) big bait? I'm not 100% convinced, as there was something about the line lay which caused me much head scratching after the event. I need to get back, asap, to put plan B into the mix. 

My first RMC "twenty" taken just a few days after the passing of
my Mum - 20 lbs 9 oz - 17th Feb 2013

The RMC, Pike, adventure has been an ongoing saga since Benno introduced me to the venue way back in 2012. As much fun as it had been, during that early period, it was the advent of Covid and the associated "lockdowns" which proved to be the turning point from my perspective. Added to that, it cannot be denied that retirement has also impacted upon my angling results, in a very positive manner, since April 2021. Quite where this adventure will now take me, is in the lap of the fishing gods, yet I am happy to keep pushing boundaries in the hope that I can continue to make memories as a consequence of my interaction with the outdoors and the people I encounter along the way. 

My thirteenth, and biggest, twenty from the RMC
23 lbs 6 oz - 1st February 2024

My goal, if that is what it is? (some would say fantasy). remains the desire to catch a Pike in excess of 25 lbs from the RMC. If I achieve such a feat, then my next target has to be a "twenty" from the "Kentish" Stour. Let's also place that quirky side project, a double from a new venue, there can be no worries that I'll run out of challenges before 14th March 2025!

Pike prep and nocturnal garden action

November's arrival always feels like the Pike season is really getting started,  and looking back through my recent diary entries (since retirement!) this month has certainly provided some fantastic Pike action for my rods. Because I am no longer reliant upon time off work, in order to cast a baited rig, I have no desire to spend time on the bank whilst those guys in employment, who are limited for time, need to use the weekends to enjoy their angling experiences. I have enough on my plate attempting to discover the whereabouts of the fish I seek without needing to worry about what other anglers are doing? Obviously I keep an eye on the weather forecasts, yet the RMC is calling and the kit is fully prepped, thus, I'm able to jump into the van should opportunities arise within a Monday to Friday window. 

Dark Sword-grass - I've already recorded three this November 

The nights are lengthening, noticeably, as the calendar indicates the imminent approach of Armistice Day, after which, the lunacy associated with blatant commercial greed  as the "Christian" festival of Christmas takes centre stage. Thanet is still experiencing overnight temperatures remaining above 10C, thus the garden moth trap is providing interest every morning as I examine the egg trays. Migrant species still provide the bulk of the entertainment yet there are also odd residents which help keep me enthused.

Spruce Carpet - only the second of 2024

My fifth 2024 record of Golden Twin-spot - a migrant species which
I am recording more regularly as the years pass.

Another aspect of keeping an eye on the garden, once darkness falls, is the activity around the feeding bowls. Although I've not seen a Fox for quite some time, the bowl is always empty in the morning, whilst Hedgehogs remain very active. There are still, at least, three individuals visiting the feeding bowl regularly and I spent a while playing around with my camera kit, as I was watching the Tamworth v's Huddersfield Town on the laptop in my study.  

I've stopped using Tesco Kitten biscuits so now only offer Bakers "Small Dog"
Meaty Meals and the hedgehogs aren't complaining!