Kiting

Flying a kite is an ambition of mine for years, I have tried to fly stunt kites for ages to no avail, the odd cheap single line kite down at the beach while on holiday is probably the most memorable. However this years St Ann's Kite Festival came up on FB and took me back down memory lane and made me think, this is actually a easy outdoor activity, something that gets me out and about, exercising and provding some relaxation time-perfect.
looking for kite shops only brought up places that sold what I would class as toy kites, I wanted to have something that would help me to get it flying and learn how to do tricks. I finally came across kiteworld.co.uk, I researched some kites on You Tube and decided to purchase the following, a stunt/sports kite and power kite;

Colours in Motion (CIM) Spider
The Spider stunt kite is both well made and durable. It has a built in plastic nose cone to help protect the kite on impact. It is a vey easy kite to fly and has a good wide wind range. Comes in a handy carry sleeve with instructions.
Specs
Width: 145 cm
Height: 78 cm
Sail: Ripstop Polyester
Frame: Hybrid Carbon 4 mm
Line:Braided Polyester 25kg x 25 m on winder with wrist straps
Carry case
Windrange: 4 - 28 mph
Skill Level: Beginner - Intermediate

Cross Kites Boarder 1.5
It's ideal for both beginners looking to learn the basic flying skills for kitesurfing without getting wet! and also for anyone else who enjoys the ease of controlling a kite with a bar. Learning to fly a kite with a bar makes kiting easier and offers new possibilities, like steering a kite using only one hand. You will not get enough of the Cross Boarder because the kite has a high turning speed and allows you to train your kiting skills. The Cross Boarder package is Ready-2-Fly.
Not that I want to KiteSurf :o) but its a good starter kite and great on the beach.
Key Features:
Easy to steer with control bar
Good training for kiting skills
High turning speed
Specs:
Width:150cm
Sail: Ripstop Polyester
Wind range: 5 to 31 mph
Flying lines: Dyneema 2 x 18m 70kg:
Package Includes:
Flying lines, control bar, kitekiller, manual and bag

Reducing my Transportation Footprint

Transportation is one of the the largest sources of carbon emissions and one of the best areas we as individuals can make a difference. We can use cleaner cars but the best way is to return to walking or biking. Walking and Biking are not just recreational activities for the weekend they help us to get fitter being more active, reduce our demand for oil, reduce congestion, noise pollution and the destruction of open spaces.

Here in Trafford we have good cycle links many using quiet and non traffic roadways. Lots of routes can be found on the Greater Manchester Transport site - https://tfgm.com/cycling

I have decided to improve my fitness, get out more and if possible not use the car.To help meet these goals I have purchased a folding bike, a Tern A7.

Its light and compact so I will ba able to use it at home and on holiday. I'm hoping its the start of some great adventures in photography, birding, camping and kiting. I'll be making a proper review after a couple months usage.

A couple of weeks of no birding or photography (28th July to 12th Aug2018)

A couple of weeks away from work to recharge the batteries, week one in Wales with Thomas and week two in Knott End Podding and Camping with Beth, Tom, Rebecca, Ella and Thomas.

Wales: Kinmel Bay, Rhos-on-Sea, Llandudno and Prestatyn.

Woke up early every morning so Thomas could go swimming. Rebecca and Ella came for the day. That fresh sea air makes you sleepy :o)

Blue Belle Cottage - Knott End

Podding and Camping, Fleetwood Splash was closed as it was faulty and awaiting parts. Blackpool sea front. Donuts, hot dogs and fish & chips.