Raves & Rants . . from Penzance

SO everyone was out storm chasing, instead of sitting in at home like a good little bunny and not going out unless ' Your journey is really necessary', as a lot of TV and radio reports urged. This being the biggest storm in living memory for this area, a drive about with a camera was warranted. The south coast was pretty sheltered really, but the north coast was going ballistic, with the wave bouy reading up to 56 feet, and a force 10 onshore wind, the beach, cafe and harbour at Sennen were really taking a battering. Huge amounts of spray flooding the village and blocking out the sun. Creamy wind driven spume rolled in on top of ragged whitewater waves. The setting sun giving it all an apocalyptic sheen. Certainly the biggest waves I've ever seen. This image appeared in the Daily Mail online, Daily Star, Daily Mirror and the Times, and in the US National Examiner. Many thanks to Apex News Pics for getting it out there. Please get in touch if you'd like a print. Whilst ...

When you can't get to the surf, it helps if you can stay fit by doing something else, in this case, a few lengths at the local pool. Still fiinding something to learn about breathing, timing and technique, despite having swum for years. Not the prettiest of architectural inventions, the local pool does have the added bonus of warm water in mid winter. The open air Jubilee Pool on Penzance promenade, however, operates on the reverse basis - cold enough to attract only hardened fanatics in winter, it is one of the most spectacular pieces of architecture, with many many lines to please the eye, whether on a swim or having a coffee in the cafe above. Always good to photograph, this pic was the cover of Cornwall Today last summer. Remember summer?