SALVAGE AT THE BUS STATION

Sometimes, just sometimes, a last ditch throw away effort can rescue the day – there are no guarantees, but don't let that stop you.

Picture this.

It's cold, overcast and the sound of pattering rain on the garage door is making it difficult to ignite the want to go surfing. But the surf is good.

An internal tug of war begins between the sofa and the ocean. Warmth and Netflix is appealing and presents a stronger case. You sit down. BUT, the surf is good.

Go to the garage, grit your teeth, turn your wet wetsuit right side out, throw in a star jump to fool yourself that it will count toward warming up and stretching. Then go, go, GO! Sometimes, just sometimes, they are the best surfs.

A couple of hours later your stoked and deserve a beer. 

A brief tangent to show that a late push can save the hour.

And that is what happened on this day when out taking photos. It had been slim pickings with what seemed little reason to raise the camera up to the eyes; it's like that occasionally, everything can seem a tad dull.

The camera stayed on but the agenda had changed. Home was calling and surrender accepted. BUT, there must be picture somewhere. The last ditch throw away effort was a simple route change around the back of town, passing the Newquay Bus Station.

Now, I doubt these shots will make the final draw towards the end of 2026. Yet, the wall of red from several buses queuing to start their routes, sent my eyes into a buzz. It is this simple moment that salvaged the outing that I am happy with.

Could it be I'm leaning toward trainspotting with finding reward in parked buses at the station...a couple with their engine's running, on standby for departure!

THAT CAN BE DONE

Another story could be told...one starting with FFS!

But it would be bad mannered and futile, while also exhibiting the lack of an alternative activity that should be wisely in place as a surfer in the U.K.

Surfing in this country means being patient and rehearsed in the acceptance of mediocre conditions. This is not a complaint; just an acknowledgement of where we are and embracing the necessary approach to remain keen despite the hurdles.

Keen in cruddy winds; side, cross and onshore. NE, N, NW, W, SW...getting better...SSW, S, etc. Howling, screaming and freezing. Crowds, parking and the growing number of charlatans who have infiltrated the line-up.

But NO! This is not a complaint; just an acknowledgement of where we are and embracing the necessary approach to remain keen. 

And being keen, allied with a love of the sea, is the required push needed to keep on getting in. This is the only way to stay ready for the sought after good days.

So every morning a quick assessment is made. On this morning the data was crunched and the camera was picked up, not the board. That can be done easily. Photography providing a great safety net for no surf days.

I love the morning light at this time of year.

The cloudless sky lets the early morning sunshine get everywhere until halted by shadow. Fleeting compositions created as the sun moves along the day's path.

M5 DINING

We've all been to one at some stage.

Stopping at one usually starts as a necessity. Primarily petrol and a piss.

(Not forgetting coffee)

Once in there you have entered the retail web.

The monotony of the motorway primes customers to wanting. On offer – crisps, fizzy drinks, chocolate, Mickey D's...maybe a session on a vending massage chair. A brightly coloured range of products to help the kids rattle, feel sick and want more sugar by the next pitstop. 

With no chance of shopping for alternatives, and very few healthy options, you are funnelled through the foyer of limited choices to quell your cravings.

That said, some are good and gain a cult following, proving worthy of a gold pin on a national map showing the service stations of the land.

Others are terrible and prey on empty fuel tanks and the unwary, making journeys longer and pockets emptier. 

A late night stop amplifies how dire these long drive stepping stones can be.

These photos are from a late night coffee stop on the M5.

The dining table and chairs moved along the vinyl floor and placed by the roller doors of a closed shop. Within reaching distance was a tower display of screen-wash and a line-up of cuddly toys in cramped shelf conditions. Bon appétit!

No complaints – mission accomplished. Got coffee, didn't eat.

FACE TIME!

It's all very good posting clips of flicking through sketchbook pages filled with face drawings, but not so good if you actually want to see one for longer than a second.

It could be deemed smoke & mirrors not allowing eyes to settle on any one picture for too long. Taking advantage of the current wave of short concentration spans sweeping the world, courtesy of social media reels.

So, with this in mind, here are a few stills for more face time!