May 2006. We’d made the crossing to Lundy Island on the previous day and it had been a chore. The 18 mile paddle across the Bristol Channel from North Devon had been marred by a lousy headwind and poor group communication. Worse weather was forecast. It was obvious by the next morning that if we stayed much longer, there was no chance of safely paddling back to the mainland. Some chose to paddle back ahead of the weather right away. A few of us decided to stay and explore the island, knowing that we’d have to take the ferry back.
We paddled around the island, battling against powerful tidal flows. The imposing cliffs of the west coast were a worthwhile reward for choosing to stay. I ventured alone into the largest cave. Soaring granite expanses, whirling seabirds, rolling swell, gathering clouds and nervous paddlers. I raised the camera to my eyes. With these ingredients, I could not fail to take a stunning photograph.
I did fail.
Well, my photos can henceforth only get better! One of the challenges I’ve set myself in working on this book is to raise the standard of my photography somewhat. I’ve since bought myself a digital SLR and read lots of photography magazines. So this’ll mean I’m now a better photographer, right? If you know of anything else I should be doing, let me know…
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