River Isar, Bavaria Germany

River Isar, Bavaria, Germany
copyright: charles kenwright/ http://www.openmind-images.com

I took this on the River Isar here in Bavaria.

The Commando Memorial, Lochaber, Scottish Highlands, UK

The Commando Memorial, Scotland, UK
copyright: charles kenwright/ http://www.openmind-images.com

There was no finer, or tougher, place to train special forces during World War 2. The idea was a relatively new one – although the name came from the Boer light cavalry who fought during the Boer War – and they needed the right type of landscape to develop the concept. At this time the Royal Marines, who today are known for their toughness and mobility in special warfare techniques, were still used to defend ships, their original purpose. Cornwall was also used as a training area, especially the sea cliffs, and here they learnt the art of rock climbing. The Cornish sea cliff climb at Bosigran, Commando Ridge, is a reminder of these days. But neither the commandos nor their trainers put this route up though; it was first climbed in 1902 by the father of Cornish sea cliff climbing, A.W. Andrews.

After the war the equipment used by the commandos drifted into the main stream, through ex-soldiers and army surplus, climbers started to wear Vibram soled boots, instead of nails, carabiners, although heavy, helped to improve safety and army surplus clothing started to replace sports jackets and flannels. Rope technology, maybe the most important safety aspect of mountaineering, also improved dramatically after the war.

The statue is located near Spean Bridge about 13 km north-west of Fort William. It was designed by Scott Sutherland (an appropriate name if ever there was one) and finished in 1952. It offers wonderful views of Ben Nevis and Aonach Mòr. I´m not in the least nationalistic or even particularly patriotic (how can I be when I consider myself to be at home in both the UK and Germany?), but I did feel moved by this statute. It commemorates  brave young men who gave their lives pushing the boat out into the uncharted waters of warfare.

Chiemsee, Bavaria, Germany

Chiemsee, Bavaria, Germany
copyright: charles kenwright/ http://www.openmind-images.com

Chiemsee is south of Munich and forms part of the Chiemgauer Alps. It has a rich landscape with lakes and pleasant rolling mountains. It really is an area that I should get to know better! I´ve already posted one shot of Chiemsee, a boathouse, but this one is somewhat different. I took it down amongst the reeds and wetlands on the shores of the lake.

 

Altheim Reservoir, Landshut, Germany

Altheim reservoir (Stausee) is a few kilometers north of where I live. This is  the base photograph for my last video Haiku posted a couple of days ago

Altheim Reservoir (Stauseee), Landshut, Germany
copyright: charles kenwright/ http://www.openmind-images.com

 

 

Winter Haiku #3

I only ever seem to make these in winter! I´ve also been a bit lax with the 5-7-5 routine – no excuses really, but it just seemed to scan better this way. Enjoy the video.

 

Winter out in the Fields near Landshut, Bavaria, Germany

I´ve put a lot of work into the processing of this shot, aiming for a sort of landscape portrayal that has a painterly quality to it. I´m not to sure whether I´ve got there yet – there´s still some scope with the photoshop adjustment layers.

Winter in the fields near Landshut, Germany
copyright: charles kenwright/ http://www.openmind-images.com

Shadows, Prague, Czech Republic

The sun shining into the narrow streets made for some great shadow play.

Prague, Czech Republic
copyright: charles kenwright/ http://www.openmind-images.com

Cobbled Street, Prague Czech Republic

I enjoyed my stay in Prague, an interesting city to visit.

Cobbled Street, Prague, Czech Republic
copyright: charles kenwright/ http://www.openmind-images.com

A Tuscany Evening

I took this one evening in Tuscany, Italy. I like it because it´s so peaceful and soft. There was no spectacular sun down, just this slow, mild sinking into darkness.  The scene is also timeless – it could be a background for a Renaissance painting.

A Tuscany Evening
copyright: charles kenwright/ http://www.openmind-images.com

Ribs, Loch Broom, Ullapool, north west Scotland

The remains of a fishing boat protrude from the water like whale ribs. I took this on the banks of Loch Broom, north west Scotland. Scotland is a magical country, with magical light and atmosphere of the far north. I´ve not been there for a couple of years now – and how I miss it!

reamins of a fishing boat, Loch Broom, north west Scotland, UK
copyright: charles kenwright/ http://www.openmind-images.com