Sunday 2 December 2012

A morning with Dryad

One of the greatest things about being a photographer is the array of people you meet and the exploration of new pastures that come your way. Today was no exception.

The weather wasnt going to cause any major concerns today as the loaction of the day were Caves! I am blessed to live in one of the most beautiful rural and coastal parts of the country, the Gower Penninsular. A place of outstanding natural beauty, Gower is best known for its wind swift beaches, varying in their type but one it's lesser known gems are the network of caves that run throughout the cliffs of the coast. I had the pleasure of exploring two caves on Gower this morning to produce a series of images for local Bushman Andrew Price in promotion of Dryad.

Andrew Price is a Gower local and established Bushcraft and a true outdoors man in every sense of the word. Andrew runs his own Bushcraft Business in the name of Dryad Bushcraft and has been offering a wide range of outdoor experiences over the last 5 years. 

We set out on a sunny morning, thankfully, and made the precarious walk down to the first stop Bacon Hole Cave. To a man who spends most of his days wandering the country this was a mere stroll but sadly I am not gifted with the tread of a mountain goat and the walk certainly got my heart pounding. The first cave was a welcoming sight, the walls decoarted with etchings and markings dating back many thousands of years. There are rumours that there is even an ancient sacrifical altar towards the back end of the cave, very spooky. However this cave was astonishing and provided a wonderful backdrop for photographs, being aided by the seeping natural light, we made some great images.


By torch light the walls come alive and the scrawlings of the past surround you as your eyes adjust to the light. Andrew studies these findings which give an insight to the previous occupants of the cave.


We then made our way to Mitchin Hole another daunting scramble for a soft stepper like myself. This cave was breath taking. The cathedral like space inside almost lost us inside. Some 40 feet in height, maybe even higher, I stood in wonder as Andrew gave me a potted history or archaelogical digs from yesteryear. Not a bad mornings work I would say. 

The biggest thank you goes out to Andrew for reminding me the beauty of my work and teaching me about my local history.

If anyone would like to try out Bushcraft or share in Andrew's passion for all things wild and wonderful, contact him on the Dryad website. I will make you this promise you will not be disappointed.


No comments:

Post a Comment