A few days in Yorkshire

It's great to be able to write that I've continued to feel well this last week. I do still have a few issues: bloating - my stomach is very distended because of the tumours, occasional mild stomach ache, fatigue and an inability to sleep much past 4:30am (caused by the steroids I'm taking) but these are pretty minor and are not stopping me from being able to enjoy myself. Later this week I'm due to see my oncologist for a routine appointment, hopefully there will be no surprises.

 

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As I've been feeling good Katie and I were able to enjoy a few days in Yorkshire last week. I wanted to return there following a visit last summer during which I photographed gannets at the RSPB reserve at Bempton Cliffs, that was great fun and I wanted to have another go. We stayed in a beautiful cottage near to Bridlington and had a super week with some very nice weather.

The cottage was converted from some old farm buildings and the loft space still provides a home to a family of barn owls. I got this photo from the bathroom window - it was the best vantage point from which to photograph the owl's favourite perch. Now if only I could find a wildlife photo competition that had a prize for 'best photo taken whilst sitting on a toilet' I think this one would have a chance! Click or double click the images to see larger versions.

 

 

The cottage was just ten minutes drive from Bempton Cliffs, here are a couple of the shots of gannets that I got there. Here's an adult taking a good look at me as it soars past:

 

 

The breeding season is in full swing so many of the adults have chicks:

 

 

 

And finally here's one Katie took of me 'in action' at Bempton Cliffs: