Photos are copyright of Maggie May
One Saturday in August Harry and I were feeling a bit lost as Sam had taken the children to Japan for a month and our lives had suddenly changed from being ridiculously busy, to being rather empty and aimless. (This is how we felt at the time, but we soon got over it.)
We decided to go for a very long walk across The Downs which is quite a spectacular place in one of the highest points of Bristol, so I don't know why it is called The Downs.
When we got to the Sea Walls and looked down at the Avon Gorge many feet below us, we began to hear other children asking their parents, "When are the Red Arrows coming?"
I am not sure if there is anyone reading this who has never heard of the Red Arrows but if so they are a group of tiny planes, painted red, who do daring stunts at air shows! You can get more information here.
Anyway Harry and I decided to wait as quite a few people had started to mill around who were mentioning 5 o'clock. On asking different people, it was confirmed that yes, the Red Arrows were visiting The Harbour Festival, not far away, so they would probably be seen by us from where we were standing.
Sure enough at the stroke of five, there was a huge roar as they swooped over the horizon. I had my camera with me and I noticed quite a few people had long angled lens that they had fitted to their cameras.
I did not have such equipment and I knew my little digital camera would struggle with these planes. Even though there is a good zoom, it was surely not meant for this kind of display so far away.
The Arrows whizzed across the sky so fast that it was difficult to catch them at all and sometimes all I got was a trail of red, white and blue smoke which the planes had released, the planes being long gone by the time the photo was taken.
Well this is the best I could do with my camera and if you click on the photos, the tiny planes might show up better.
It did lift our spirits as we walked the long trek home. The Red Arrows are always exciting no matter what your age and we were as excited as any child there.
35 comments:
Awesome photos!
They always give a spectacular show, and are amazing. Over the years I have seen them several times here on the south coast of UK.
Wonderful photo's you got there Maggie!
Love Granny
You did very well with your little digital. We have the Snowbirds in Canada - and I almost went to see them this year because last weekend had such clear skies (unlike the usual Labour Day rain).
The red arrows are amazing and you got some great shots!
Why don't they show them on the telly anymore. I loved them as a child. And the Red Devils!
I've seen the red arrows a few times...some years ago...they are great entertainment aren't they? Your photos are very good.
The second shot is magnificent, Maggie! You needed to be far away to catch that plume. Good job!
Oh, that is exciting! I am glad you lifted out of your slump quickly! Grandchildren are so exciting aren't they? My parents are definitely 2 of Kaishon's favorite people! They are so fun and so kind : ) I think everyone in the world should be like a nice Grandma and Grandpa : )
They are fab aren't they, sort of make you feel all patriotic, not sure why! Great pics of them.
What a great sight to stumble upon during your walk. I love these.
I think your photos are great! Yes, the planes are tiny, but at least we can see them - and their trails of smoke are impressive! That must have been a fun afternoon for you both - thanks for sharing with us.
WOW!
OOOPs. I meant to say I had never heard of them, but thepicts look amazing!
I think you did a great job on these photos, Maggie May! The second one is especially good. We have some similar air groups here in the U.S., and I agree their shows are spectacular. How lucky you and Harry were to be in the right place just at the right time!
Hey Maggie those are great shots, very artistic,they capture the essence of the Arrows. They would make great posters
I agree with the comment about these pics making great posters. Also, the middle picture reminds me a bit of a jellyfish -all those tentacles and all -just not deadly poisonous like the real jellyfish are.
I could almost hear the engines roar as I looked at your photos!
I always wondered why they called them The Downs too!
Love the red arrows, they send a shiver down my spine.
oh wow. they put on quite a show dont they. your camera did the trick though...great pics!
Fantastic captures.
I have seen them but once was enough for me! I'm such a wimp, I kept thinking one was going to take a downwards dive. I'm scared of flying, too, you see!
But beautiful pictures - they certainly look better when stationary.
Coincidentally I saw the Red Arrows on Saturday, they did a fly past at the event we were attending. I didn't get a good picture but someone else did:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10722265@N02/3918616963/
Good job, Maggie. And after such a long walk too. It must have invigorated you.
I see you're now even putting links in your posts.
That does sound wonderful Maggie!
And yes - I've heard of them.
I think your little camera did great.
They are great, those Red Arrows - you captured them nicely.
Saw them over Weston Super Mare a year ago and I was very disapointed this year I could not go because a camera shot from Brean Down (which actually is UP as you say) would have been fantastic.
btw Down at sea level almost is a small town called Uphill. So Uphill is down and Brean Down is up.
I am totally confused now ~ Eddie
Maggie, you did a great job with these photos. This looks exciting. My husband is crazy about air shows and we have been to quite a few. We used to take Avery when she was a toddler and she got a kick out of it.I had never heard of the Red Arrows. Thanks for sharing.
Totally amazing photos, Maggie!
You did just fine with these photos. I had in fact heard of and watched the Red Arrows perform along with our own Snowbirds at the Canadian National Exhibition about 7 ish years ago. Air shows are so exciting. I'm glad you had this unexpected pleasure. :)
Thanks for your visit, Maggie!
Something worth seeing alright!
BEautiful and lovely shots !! Great..Unseen Rajasthan
Maggie, those are beautiful pictures!!! You did such a wonderful job, crap camera and all! LOL
And I just LOVE this line!
" (This is how we felt at the time, but we soon got over it.)" That made me giggle.
I love the Arrows, though it does look dangerous.
Maggie, I enlarged your pictures so I could see the Red Arrows. They are teeny-tiny in that enormous sky. But such big skill!
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