It's almost that time of year when Saturn climbs to an observable height above the south-eastern skyline. In preparation for the ensuing observing and imaging sessions, I've been getting in some image-processing practice, using more-involved techniques on some of the .avi data acquired last year. I've taken the same data used to make the image posted on 4th April 2008 and pushed/pulled it through a different set of processing routines, ending up with this, which I reckon is a significant improvement:
In theory I should be able to capture higher-quality data this year, due to improvements to almost all of the various bits of kit used in the data-acquisition stage, so I expect to be able to produce even better pics... weather permitting.
After the mania of the Christmas and New Year period, and the family crises that have been brought under a semblance of control, things have calmed down to the point where we can begin to function normally again.
I've even managed to book a weekend away in Patterdale, so that I can introduce Ella to a few more Wainwrights. For what they're worth, advance forecasts are for a return to wintry conditions, so let's hope that the forecasters have got their predictions correct.
Furthermore, I've arranged to go for a crafty beer (or two) with a fellow blogger a few days afterwards.
When I take SWMBO on our annual spring wildie, we'll probably head for the Northern Fells and work our way from High Pike to Souther Fell, so that'll be another six or so to mark off on the map. Before that, I hope take Ella to Patterdale or Glenridding to nab a few short-walk fells while/if they're snowbound - Hart Side, maybe, or the Middle Dodd/Red Screes pairing. Summer in the LD is generally a no-no for me, as it's too busy to really appreciate the place, so I probably won't go again until the autumn, which is my favoured time of year for solo-wildcamping. I've got a hankering to spend a full weekend doing all of the Coniston Fells. Of course, any other opportunities that happen along will be considered and taken accordingly - hostelling with the family, outdoorbloggers meets, OM meets and stuff like that.
What Gear?
There are a few bits of kit that I'm hoping to acquire for testing, the main one is the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir mat. Others include a stove (identity to be disclosed later if the goods are forthcoming) and some footwear. I'll also be experimenting with using the kit that I have in different ways, to see which combinations work well and which fall short of expectations.
... and exactly how do you plan to "Push the Envelope"?
That'd be telling. If I let you know now, I'd have to shoot you.
So here it is. The first post of the new year. An opportunity to consider a few objectives for the next 12 months. Compared to 2008, which turned out to be an average sort of year, this lot should be doable:
1a. More actually getting out and doing "stuff"
1b. Less talking about getting out and doing "stuff"
2a. More "pushing the envelope"
2b. Less "comfort zone" dossing
3a. More meaningful blogging
3b. Less blogging of drivel
4a. More gear-testing
4b. Less gear-envy
5a. More improvement in use of the camera
5b. Less "missing the moment" while faffing with settings
6a. More time out with the scope
6b. Less time-wasting while faffing with settings
7a. More progress with astrophotography
7b. Less set-up time
8a. More Wainwrights
8b. Less use of traditional routes
9a. More local walking
9b. Less hiding behind the laptop
10a. And, thanks to George, more data-storage, and hence
10b. less dross on the internal HDD
Jerome's been kind enough to send me copies of his pics taken during our walk around Cwm Idwal back in April this year, when we attended the OM Beddgelert Meet. Mountain-lovers will be impressed by the way he's captured the interplay between crag and cloud above the Idwal Slabs and Glyder Fawr, but my attention has been distracted by the degree of insulation-loss on the head of the beardy bloke in the foreground. No wonder it was a tad chilly on the top!
Here's a little something to get you into the swing of things:
Greetings and Disclaimer
From us (hereinafter called the Wishor) to you (hereinafter called the Wishee) Please accept without obligation, implied or implicit, our best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, politically correct, low stress, non-addictive, gender neutral, celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasions and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all...
... and a financially successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2009, but with due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures or sects and having regard to the race, creed, colour, age, physical ability, religious faith, choice of computer platform or dietary preference of the Wishee.
By accepting this greeting you are bound by these terms:
This greeting is subject to further clarification or withdrawal;
This greeting is freely transferable provided that no alteration shall be made to the original greeting and that the proprietary rights of the Wishor are acknowledged;
This greeting implies no promise by the Wishor to actually implement any of the wishes;
This greeting may not be enforceable in certain jurisdictions and/or the restrictions herein may not be binding upon certain Wishees in certain jurisdictions and is revocable at the sole discretion of the Wishor;
This greeting is warranted to perform as reasonably may be expected within the usual application of good tidings, for a period of one year or until the issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting, whichever comes first;
The Wishor warrants this greeting only for the limited replacement of this wish or issuance of a new wish at the sole discretion of the Wishor;
Any references in this greeting to The Lord, Father Christmas, Our Saviour, or any other festive figures, whether actual or fictitious, dead or alive, shall not imply any endorsement by or from them in respect of this greeting, and all proprietary rights in any referenced third party names and images are hereby acknowledged.
