Mesmerised by the colour in this little dude. He also stayed put for me to play with the macro.

(I’m sorry this didn’t appear on the day. I could have sworn I’d hit publish… but apparently I didn’t!)

Today is the opening day of the 2009 Goodwood Festival of Speed, and it’s not uncommon for cool visitors. This year, it was the Royal Air Force aerobatics team The Red Arrows. I was caught by surprise when they flew over, but was genuinely pleased that the photo came out at all!

The Red Arrows were formed in late 1964 as an all-RAF team,  replacing a number of unofficial teams that had been sponsored by RAF commands. The Red Arrows badge shows the aircraft in their trademark diamond nine formation, with the motto Éclat, meaning “brilliance” or “excellence”.

The first display by the Red Arrows was at RAF Little Rissington on 6 May 1965. The display was to introduce the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team to the media. However, the first public display was on 9 May 1965 in France, at the French National Air Day in Clermont-Ferrand. The first public display in the UK was on 15 May 1965 at the International Air Fair at Biggin Hill.

(history from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia).

Found this little guy on the grassy area in the centre of the road. His movement just caught my eye for some reason. He let me get nice and close for a macro shot which was cool!

Arundel offers some unique photo opportunities, particularly in the early morning. Due to the lie of the land, it frequently picks up fog and mist, and being quite open, it also receives a very early dawn.

This photograph was taken just off the main A27 Arundel Bypass on the (apparently unnamed road) that leads down into the oddly-named hamlet of Warningcamp, at just before 0430 this morning. From my vantage point (see map below), the gently rolling hills are really exaggerated by the low-lying mist and fog. In the foreground is one of my favourite trees in Sussex, and it has been dead for many, many years!

The birds were in tune, there was no traffic on the roads, and it was, all in all, a very relaxing spot to be standing in. Even the rabbit sniffing at my boots thought so, until I coughed.

Waiting for the lights to change on my way home from work, I loved how this stall looked. I was too close to get it all in, which was a shame, but imagine the sun beating down and you get the idea.

Lost for inspiration today, so this is an ‘on the run’ shot just before I entered the tunnel. Didn’t come out too bad considering it was shot from inside a car moving at 70mph!

Taking advantage of the nice weather we’ve been having recently, we started digging out the old concrete between the patio tiles and renewing it. We popped in for a cup of tea, came out to resume and found Tiger having a well-earned rest as well!

I slowed down on the way home past Littlehampton Marina again tonight, as there was the most amazing lingering sunset that I’d tried to capture at various places enroute home without must success and wondered if the view was anything like I hoped it would be. As I ambled past, I was not disappointed! I jumped out of the car with my little tripod and managed to snap this shot before the sun faded completely.

A27, Shoreham

A large arch bridge that spans some 100 feet over the main trunk road through Sussex. Stuck in a traffic jam today immediately underneath it, I was in the position to attempt to take some nice photos of it, albeit the sun was against me for potential angles.

I had hoped to catch the sun lifting over the river inlet and the distant hills and trees this morning enroute to work, but alas I was about 30 minutes too early. On the plus side it means you’ll have that pleasure another day instead! There was however a lovely warm early glow on the boats and boardwalk moorings on the opposite side to my intended target, and although it wasn’t what I came to shoot, it begged to be shot all the same.

Hewarts Lane, Rose Green.

In a small enclosure that backs onto a farmhouse at the junction of Hewarts Lane and Lower Bognor Road, hides a secret. It’s not a big secret, as it’s visited by a good few people on a daily basis, but it’s a tranquil little spot that you’ll routinely find yourself alone at if you pick your moment. Hidden behind the boundary bushes are five friendly donkeys, who love nothing more than a little bit of attention and some fruit and veg.

There is ample layby parking on Chalcroft Lane just east of this wonderful spot if you fancy observing these wonderful animals in their own habitat.

Quietly tucked away on the outskirts of Bognor Regis is the beautiful Aldwick Duck Pond, secluded by mature trees of all varieties, carefully tended to by the Aldwick Preservation Society. If you want to get away from it all, this is the perfect place to do it with running water; dozens of ducks; and a gentle breeze.

Stale bread essential.

Whilst driving to do the weekly shopping this cloud and sun alignment really caught my eye. It was a very windy day so it didn’t stay for long. I just had time to pull over, grab my cell phone (I was cameraless that day otherwise), and snap this picture. Moments later the cloud had shifted and the sun disappeared once more.

Cats are special. It’s not until you own one, or two, or three, that you begin to understand their facial expressions. He’s definitely thinking bad thoughts about my camera at the moment I took this shot.