Week 29: Swim in the sea

Well, this isn't something I even considered I'd be doing at this time of year but while on holiday in Italy it started with a paddle, then after a little thought and consideration (mainly around swimming/clothing options) I took a swim in the Mediterranean on Boxing Day - along with three others!

We rapidly attracted a crowd of bemused and amused locals and tourists, who despite the cold had suddenly found the foreshore 'the place to be' in Positano.

A prosecco to celebrate - although a hot chocolate would have been more warming.

Week 28: Travel Abroad - Amalfi Coast

My first foreign trip this year - Walking the Amalfi coast with Exodus Travels and a lovely group.

Amalfi Coast

Amalfi

Pompei

Pompei

Positano

Walk of the Gods

A great trip - highly recommended but be warned there are thousands of steps and you're either going down or coming up them.  However, I've come back a lot fitter (and a few pounds heavier) than when I left

Week 27: Geminid Meteor Shower

You can't beat the sight of a shooting star and it's worth staying up late for and getting a good viewing point

In December the Geminid meteor shower takes place.  It's the last one of the year and this weekend I stood out in an almost clear night with a crisp frost on the ground and saw a dozen streak overhead in just a few minutes - too cold to stay out for long.

Some very bright with long trails, others nothing more than a brief flash.

If you missed them in December there are several opportunities for star gazers and meteor watchers to see them in 2015.  The major showers are:

Quadrantids in January - only a few days
Perseids in July/August
Leonids in November
Geminids in December

They often have a peak in the middle when up to 100 meteors an hour can be seen.  It depends on a having a clear sky, minimal light pollution and how full the moon is as to how many you'll see.

Meteor showers will generally radiate from the constellation for which they're named.  Find out when and where to see them by taking a look at MeteorWatch or following @VirtualAstro on Twitter.

A meteor during the peak of the Leonid Meteor Shower. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Week 27: The Brighton Wheel - almost

So close.  Almost made it on to the Brighton Wheel but the weather had other ideas.  The Brighton Chamber had organised a group visit to the wheel but due to the gale force winds it was cancelled.

Week 26: Comedy - The Treason Show

I first saw the Treason Show years ago in Brighton.  Just happened to be in Shoreham and saw they were on at the Ropetackle Centre.  Still the same mix of topical comedy, wit and political satire - skits, songs and just a little bit naughty.

Performed by a multiple group and written by a team of writers.  The laughs developed in Part 1 and were coming thick and fast in Part 2 (definitely the better half).  Catch them in Shoreham and Brighton.

Week 26: Kingfisher!

Yeah - got to see a kingfisher!

One of our more colourful birds and not one that many people get to see as they usually flash past like a turquoise streak before you realise it.

I was lucky enough to see one on Widewater Lagoon in Lancing - not just once but several times and not just a fleeting glimpse but sitting on a fence with a fish!

They use favourite perches along a stretch of water from where to fish or to eat their prey, so if you know of one you stand a good chance of seeing one - even at this time of year.

Sheer delight!

(no this isn't my photo!)
Common Kingfisher (Photo credit: Wikipedia)