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Steam Event

In connection with the building of an underpass to replace the current level crossing, there was an open day at Wilchingen-Hallau railway station on Saturday

Although the station is very much on Swiss soil, it is usually served only by the DB (German Railways). Yesterday, as part of the open day, a special Swiss steam service chuffed its way between Schaffhausen and Wilchingen-Hallau.

Because afternoon temperatures have been hovering around 30°C recently, and to avoid the crowds, we took the very first train of the day and were treated to a beautiful, quiet and leisurely journey in an almost empty carriage.

Black and White pictures in summer? Well, here’s a taste. More on that in a later posting.

Bridge over the Rhein, Schaffhausen: Panasonic DMC-LX2; f/5.6; 1/320; ISO 100; Developed with GIMP
Steam in Wilchingen-Hallau: Panasonic DMC-LX2; f/4.9; 1/200; ISO 100; Developed with GIMP

 

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Rosé

This evening’s rush hour train had some sort of engine defect. This meant that all the hot, sweaty commuters who would normally spread themselves over a very long double decker train, had to squeeze themselves into a very old relief train.

Despite the discomfort I arrived home on time, and after a stroll through the balmy evening with the dog I was soon tucking in to plate of cold lamb, various cheeses and a glass or two of Tuscan Rosé.

Panasonic DMC-LX2; f/6.3; 1/500; ISO 100; Developed with GIMP

 

 

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Just parked

Yesterday evening saw me strolling along the field paths around the village with the dog. A leisurely stretch of the old legs on a balmy summer evening.

Of course I hadn’t got my ‘proper’ camera with me, but stumbling across this old Bucher D4000 tractor I reached quickly for my trusty mobile phone. Probably built in the 50s or early 60’s it just stood there, freshly polished and all alone, on the edge of a field.

Sony-Ericsson W995 mobile phone. Developed with Gimp
Sony-Ericsson W995 mobile phone. Developed and fiddled with by Gimp

 

 

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The Visitors

Thinking about the title of this post, one could be forgiven for associating it with some sort of cheap science fiction film. However, the title actually alludes to those who were staying with us for a week, and have now returned from whence they came.

Having visitors is always enjoyable, and the seven days ‘they’ were with us was indeed no exception. Interesting, amusing discussions with folks not seen in years, and indeed one never seen before, enriched our evenings and ensured that there was absolutely no chance of getting an early night.

Both adults being enthusiastic http://365project.org/ contributors meant that laptops eagerly appeared when the children had gone to bed, and various chats about photo things began. The days were spent exploring the region and looking for the daily picture. I was able to accompany them on a few of these excursions, and the picture of Zürich was all that I could come up with having strolled round the city for quite a while.

Not having the discipline to take one photograph every day means that I will probably stick to this little blog. Having said that, the 365 project does have its own particular fascination… who knows, one day perhaps?

Zürich - Panasonic DMC-LX2; f/5.6; 1/320; ISO 100; Developed with GIMP
With visitors on their way home and the summer weather returned, we packed a picnic and headed off to the river. - Panasonic DMC-LX2; f/4.5; 1/250; ISO 100; Developed with GIMP
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A walk in the dry

While our visitors braved the weather for a trip out, I stayed in the village to expose the dog and myself to the elements and a brisk walk along the village paths.

The weather forecast told tales of rain, rain and even more rain so I expected the very worst and didn’t take my camera with me.

As it turned out the dog got soaked whilst bathing in a very large puddle and again during a hose down upon arriving home, but despite the somewhat threatening clouds, I stayed dry.

Sony-Ericsson W995 mobile phone. Developed with Gimp
Sony-Ericsson W995 mobile phone. Developed with Gimp

 

 

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Quick Peak

I suppose no trip to Switzerland would be complete without a quick peek at one or two mountains. Indeed a quick peek it was.

We chose last Thursday to visit the Jungfrau region, and the day started warm and sunny. Having packed a few previously prepared sandwiches and plenty to drink into various rucksacks, of we went.

Upon arriving at Grindelwald the sun was burning fiercely down upon us, and with much excitement about the spectacular view of the Eiger, we eagerly rubbed sun cream into our parched, leathery skins (actually they were neither parched nor leathery, but I thought it sounded more adventurous somehow).

Gliding silently up the mountain side in the gondola towards Männlichen, clouds formed and carefully blocked the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau from our searching gaze.

Nevertheless, everything went well, the picnic was most welcome and thanks to a few breaks in the cloud we did manage to get a picture or two of a distant summit.

I decided to document today’s posting with B&W pictures because somehow they just seemed right.

The Eiger: Panasonic DMC-LX2; f/7.1; 1/640; ISO 100; Developed with GIMP

Alpine Scene: Panasonic DMC-LX2; f/5.6; 1/200; ISO 100; Developed with GIMP

Mountain Train: Panasonic DMC-LX2; f/4; 1/125; ISO 100; Developed with GIMP
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Motivation

There’s nothing quite like a holiday to stimulate the creative senses when photo-motivation begins to wane. Although not actually going anywhere on holiday, we do currently have visitors who are out and about in search of that perfect picture. Having only about a week at their disposal it’s not easy to decide what to visit and what to leave out. I was lucky enough to accompany them on a visit to the Rheinfall earlier in the week.

Across the Falls: Panasonic DMC-LX2; f/5.6; 1/400; ISO 100; Developed with GIMP
View from Castle Laufen: Panasonic DMC-LX2; f/4; 1/160; ISO 100; Developed with GIMP

 

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The first of August

Once again the Swiss flags are flying, fireworks will light the evening skies, politicians will sprout forth and a good time will be had by all.

I can’t help thinking back to the early sixties when William Tell was running up and down alps fighting for independence once a week on the BBC’s children’s hour – perhaps that’s just because I’m foreign… anyone else remember that?

Panasonic DMC-LX2; f/8; 1/1300; ISO 800; Developed with GIMP
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Open Air Cinema

One of the highlights of staying at home for the summer holidays must surely be the open air cinema. This year was no exception, the programme plopped through our letter box and many minutes were spent browsing. The first week was out of the question because I was on ‘call out’, and as it turned out I didn’t miss anything because the weather was somewhat inclement.

So that was settled, it had to be this week because next week is fairly booked up..

Not speaking either of the languages, it’s interesting that we are often tempted to watch either French or Italian films. Somehow they seem to fit in to the general holiday feeling. We therefore decided to watch a French film last night, sort of a comedy.

Despite the summer months, we’re usually pleased to have a blanket around the old knees, but our biggest enemy is, of course, rain. We stood pondering quite a while last night, because some very large clouds were menacing overhead. Thinking they would amount to nothing we ventured forth, paid the man and in we went. I’ve never seen so many vacant seats, the place was not just half empty, it was almost completely void of human life whatsoever! At half past nine! Usually the place is full at eight o’clock!

Being completely spoilt for choice we considered at great length where to sit, but our minds were made up for us. Large drops of refreshing rain fell suddenly earthward and wife and I scuttled quickly for cover. Luckily there were even seats to spare in the covered bits at the very back, so we made ourselves comfortable and enjoyed the film in the dry. After about fifteen minutes the rain stopped and the small group of film goers were treated to a very entertaining night out.

Sony-Ericsson W995 mobile phone. Developed with Gimp
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Local fields

Being on call means staying around the village and not venturing too far from home – just in case. But seeing a break in the clouds, dry pavements and pleasantly warm temperatures, I decided to throw caution to the wind and at least venture out with the dog.

Photographically speaking nothing very spectacular, just a field or two here, a tree or so there, but having posted the last few photos in B&W I decided a splash of colour would liven up the blog a little.

Panasonic DMC-LX2; f/8; 1/800; ISO 800