Thanks for that Andy, very timely, I've been grappling with balancing my luggage with what I'll actually need.
Can I just ask you or anyone else who's going about boots and clothing. From what I can tell from the info page we won't be hiking any great distance, two miles at most, I'm therefore inclined to bring my lighter fabric waterproof boots, or do I need anything heavier?
Waterproof clothing... good jacket and over trousers? Also, as we won't often be a huge distance from the vehicles, will it be possible to leave some stuff in the vehicles, such as food and additional clothing, water etc, rather than carrying it all, all the time?
Oh, and do you take a rain cover for your camera?
Any help would be appreciated, it's my first real trip of this nature, I'm a bit green, but at least you'll be able to make fun of me.
I don't know if this will help because this is the first time I'm going to be experiencing Scottish weather, but last week I did purchase a decent quality raincoat and waterproof overpants. Last workshop I found myself on the ground quite a lot to get some shots and low angles, and I don't want to sacrifice perspective for getting my bumme wet. IMO if you aren't getting totally filthy, you aren't shooting (landscapes) right.
Someone in authority will have better info, but last time yes the cars were generally within hiking distance, loaded with water and supplies. It's still best to carry around your essential shooting gear and tripod, though. We'll see how rain affects this procedure, I guess.
I don't know if this will help because this is the first time I'm going to be experiencing Scottish weather, but last week I did purchase a decent quality raincoat and waterproof overpants. Last workshop I found myself on the ground quite a lot to get some shots and low angles, and I don't want to sacrifice perspective for getting my bumme wet. IMO if you aren't getting totally filthy, you aren't shooting (landscapes) right.
Someone in authority will have better info, but last time yes the cars were generally within hiking distance, loaded with water and supplies. It's still best to carry around your essential shooting gear and tripod, though. We'll see how rain affects this procedure, I guess.
(My ticker says 30 sleeps to go!!! )
Thanks Schmoo,
I was concerned the backpack I have, a Crumpler Shrinkle wasn't going to be large enough to accomodate food and water along with my camera gear. I do tend to go a bit gormless when I'm hungry :confused but didn't want to have to tow a fridge around.
I guess I'll have to accept my current coat won't cut it if it really rains (which it will,) and I'd better get some waterproof trousers for that mud wrestling you mentioned.
In fact I'd better get on with it, as you say only 30 sleeps to go, now you've got me nervous.
Marc MuenchRegistered UsersPosts: 1,420Major grins
edited April 15, 2008
I will be bringing a parka and rain pants as well. I do think our feet might be getting wet if it rains and we walk anywhere in the grass, which from the looks of it might be everywhere I will be packing some mid heighth mid weight boots but traveling in sneekers. If you have a place for it in your bag throw in a small compact unbrella, I have used them many times to shoot in the rain. I will also be caring some plastic bags to use while the heavy stuff is coming down. You can cut holes in the top for the shoulder straps and it does hold up for a few days while keeping the rain out. Just make sure the size bag you bring is appropriate for your pack
Hi Andy,
Despite not being on the trip I follow this thread with interest, and of course some regrets:cry
Seeing your equipment list prompts a couple of questions please ?
What brand/setup do you use for your ND filters and polarizing filter?
I seem to remember a while back, although I cant find the post, that you had a G9 P&S, if that is the case, what makes the SD-870 a better choice to take with you on the trip, does it just come down to size ?
David, you are naughty - I am most easily persuaded early in the morning (6.20am here) full of optimism and believe anything is possible.
Seriously, looking at what you guys are taking in equipment I would need to work 24/7 for a month to finance it -
David, you are naughty - I am most easily persuaded early in the morning (6.20am here) full of optimism and believe anything is possible.
Seriously, looking at what you guys are taking in equipment I would need to work 24/7 for a month to finance it -
Caroline
I have a spare 20D you could use, and plenty of lenses...
I will be bringing a parka and rain pants as well. I do think our feet might be getting wet if it rains and we walk anywhere in the grass, which from the looks of it might be everywhere I will be packing some mid heighth mid weight boots but traveling in sneekers. If you have a place for it in your bag throw in a small compact unbrella, I have used them many times to shoot in the rain. I will also be caring some plastic bags to use while the heavy stuff is coming down. You can cut holes in the top for the shoulder straps and it does hold up for a few days while keeping the rain out. Just make sure the size bag you bring is appropriate for your pack
With anxious pixels
Marc, thanks for this, do you or will you use a rain cover for your camera and lens or are you more likely to put your camera away if it's lashing it down?
I've asked the location scout to buy enough of the Avon stuff for everyone, so we don't have to worry about lugging it across the pond. So all of your insect repellent needs should be taken care of!
Marc, thanks for this, do you or will you use a rain cover for your camera and lens or are you more likely to put your camera away if it's lashing it down?
Charlie
I have never used a rain cover because I will usually put the camera away first. I usually wait for a lull in the downpoor if I want to shoot something when everything is wet.
Folks - I can echo wavenyman's comments. A pair of above ankle waterproof (gore-tex preferably) walking boots is a must. Some of the best locations will involve you trudging through squishy bog and hopping from one grassy tussock to the next.
I wouldn't be overly concerned about a GPS. Far more simple (and cheap) is to have a couple of good maps. Having a group crowded round a tiny GPS screen just doesn't work. It's so much better with some proper maps.
The best maps are from Ordnance Survey. There are several types & scales, but for what you're doing you'll need:
It's a bit late to have them shipped to the USA. You might find a USA shop that sells them though. Alternatively get your UK contact/scout to buy them for you.
I've asked the location scout to buy enough of the Avon stuff for everyone, so we don't have to worry about lugging it across the pond. So all of your insect repellent needs should be taken care of!
Thank you!!! I was going nuts trying to figure out which was the right stuff. :giggle
I luckily bought a whole bunch of rugged gear I needed for an archaeological dig in Belize last year. I figure if it lived through that, the boggy, rainy delights of Scotland should be a breeze (a much cooler, wetter breeze...). But overpants is a new one on me. I usually just get my bum wet.
Woo! Only 20 more sleeps to go here. Oh beloved Bulmers cider and Bailey's truffles, how I anticipate our reunion!
Since it's nearing showtime (!!!!!!!) do we have any "homework" to prep, such as bringing images or is it come-as-you-are?
I will have my projector ready to display all your images in question This is always the best way to share experiences and stories, so if you are interested and want to show the group some work we will have time in the weeee hours of the day. If you have some tricky HDR files or merges you want me to work bring those as well I plan on illustrating several techniques I use on a daily basis in photoshop that you may want to incorporate in your workflow while we are on the Isle of Mull. If you have files to show and tell, jpegs are fine. If you have images for me to work RAW files are best
Regarding clothing, I plan on dressing up into dungarees the dining will be casual and the temp good for pants with the possibility of shorts.
I don't know if you're aware but there is currently some industrial action taking place at the Grangemouth Oil Refinery in Scotland which is leading to some localised fuel shortages:-
I'd like to think that this will have been resolved by the time we depart for Mull but it's something to keep an eye on. Apparently the plant will take 2-3 weeks to get up and running:-
Nothing feels quite like finding your power converter and adapter kit in the first box you dig out since moving to a new home. I thought I'd never dig those up.
Only 10 more sleeps to go on my end. I'm getting antsy.
Nothing feels quite like finding your power converter and adapter kit in the first box you dig out since moving to a new home. I thought I'd never dig those up.
Only 10 more sleeps to go on my end. I'm getting antsy.
ME TOO! 13 sleeps for me, woo hoo.
I still haven't gotten around to getting any adapters or batteries or CF cards or.... :uhoh
I still haven't gotten around to getting any adapters or batteries or CF cards or.... :uhoh
Hee! I just did my last round of buying today--one last lens and another battery. Plus a step-up ring so I can try out this ND filter craze folks seem to be on, see if I get sold on it.
I've just realised I only have a 72mm adapter ring for my filter holder but my recently purchased 16-35 lens is 82 mm, doh!
Looks like I'll be hand holding my filters, could I be any more professional?
If anyone's really stuck for adapters let me know, I'm sure I can fish out some spare cables (I'm guessing the end that plugs into the charger unit is the same) with UK plugs on.
Charlie
P.S. Is anyone else leaving young children behind? I'm getting a bit worked up about that, first time away from them you see.
Glasgow airport is at the Paisley Gilmour stop, and hotel is near Queen Street and Glasgow Central station.
Hi Steph,
I was thinking about taking a cab from the airport but the train route looks like a pretty good alternative. I'm all set to go and will arrive on the morning of the 15th. Hopefully the hotel allows early check-in.
Rain,umbrella,shoes and chocolate Almost every day I spent out shooting in Scotland there was rain. First trip I had a small umbrella that didn’t last more then few hours due to high winds.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> I like shooting in bad weather so I both times I visited Scotland I bought a strong Scottish umbrella (they should be easy to buy there).<o:p></o:p> I also spoke with Andy who asked me about shoes, I recommend anything that is waterproof, gore-tex will not suffice in my experience. Get something that is made for snow or similar they can be too warm but I have little sensation in my feet and such warm boots don’t bother me. If you have a shoe that “breathes” it will take water. Scotland is wet everywhere, now I haven’t been there in May but I expect to be no much different then in other seasons in terms of wetness. <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Here is a similar boot I have used for Scotland and it worked great: http://www.merrellboot.com/Shop/Product.aspx?AltNavID=MAF-G-WNT&PID=10414&GST=M<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> One more thing I always carry with me is chocolate for trekking, I burn a lot so I crave chocolate like a madman. I also don’t care much for English chocolate (similarly bad as US chocolate) so I will bring some good French Swiss bars. Anyone interested in quality chocolate let me know to bring extra.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> On a more serious note is the midges issue taken care of? <o:p></o:p> I only have mosquito repellant and from what I hear that is not cutting it with those little creatures…<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p>
"Whatever befalls the Earth befalls the sons and daughters of the Earth. We did not weave the web of life; We are merely a strand in it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselvs.." Chief Seattle
Almost every day I spent out shooting in Scotland there was rain. First trip I had a small umbrella that didn’t last more then few hours due to high winds.
I like shooting in bad weather so I both times I visited Scotland I bought a strong Scottish umbrella (they should be easy to buy there).
I also spoke with Andy who asked me about shoes, I recommend anything that is waterproof, gore-tex will not suffice in my experience. Get something that is made for snow or similar they can be too warm but I have little sensation in my feet and such warm boots don’t bother me. If you have a shoe that “breathes” it will take water. Scotland is wet everywhere, now I haven’t been there in May but I expect to be no much different then in other seasons in terms of wetness.
One more thing I always carry with me is chocolate for trekking, I burn a lot so I crave chocolate like a madman. I also don’t care much for English chocolate (similarly bad as US chocolate) so I will bring some good French Swiss bars. Anyone interested in quality chocolate let me know to bring extra.
On a more serious note is the midges issue taken care of?
I only have mosquito repellant and from what I hear that is not cutting it with those little creatures…<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p>
I hope my boots hold up. I didn't know there was anything Gore-Tex couldn't do... :uhoh
Ditto! I killed my hiking boots last year on a dig in Belize and indulged myself in some new Gore-Tex ones. I was looking forward to dry feet this time around.
I was just reminded by my mother to send her an itinerary with phone numbers of hotels just in case. And I double-checked that she still had a copy of my passport and driver's license on file. Good to have the security with someone back home if you can.
Two sleeps before the flight! Three before I wake up in Ireland! Woo! :smo
Comments
Dgrin FAQ | Me | Workshops
Can I just ask you or anyone else who's going about boots and clothing. From what I can tell from the info page we won't be hiking any great distance, two miles at most, I'm therefore inclined to bring my lighter fabric waterproof boots, or do I need anything heavier?
Waterproof clothing... good jacket and over trousers? Also, as we won't often be a huge distance from the vehicles, will it be possible to leave some stuff in the vehicles, such as food and additional clothing, water etc, rather than carrying it all, all the time?
Oh, and do you take a rain cover for your camera?
Any help would be appreciated, it's my first real trip of this nature, I'm a bit green, but at least you'll be able to make fun of me.
Charlie
Someone in authority will have better info, but last time yes the cars were generally within hiking distance, loaded with water and supplies. It's still best to carry around your essential shooting gear and tripod, though. We'll see how rain affects this procedure, I guess.
(My ticker says 30 sleeps to go!!!
Photos that don't suck / 365 / Film & Lomography
Thanks Schmoo,
I was concerned the backpack I have, a Crumpler Shrinkle wasn't going to be large enough to accomodate food and water along with my camera gear. I do tend to go a bit gormless when I'm hungry :confused but didn't want to have to tow a fridge around.
I guess I'll have to accept my current coat won't cut it if it really rains (which it will,) and I'd better get some waterproof trousers for that mud wrestling you mentioned.
In fact I'd better get on with it, as you say only 30 sleeps to go, now you've got me nervous.
Charlie
Photos that don't suck / 365 / Film & Lomography
With anxious pixels
Muench Workshops
MW on Facebook
Despite not being on the trip I follow this thread with interest, and of course some regrets:cry
Seeing your equipment list prompts a couple of questions please ?
What brand/setup do you use for your ND filters and polarizing filter?
I seem to remember a while back, although I cant find the post, that you had a G9 P&S, if that is the case, what makes the SD-870 a better choice to take with you on the trip, does it just come down to size ?
Cheers
Caroline
www.carolineshipsey.co.uk - Follow me on G+
[/URL]
There's still one spot left!
Dgrin FAQ | Me | Workshops
David, you are naughty
Seriously, looking at what you guys are taking in equipment I would need to work 24/7 for a month to finance it -
Caroline
www.carolineshipsey.co.uk - Follow me on G+
[/URL]
I have a spare 20D you could use, and plenty of lenses...
....OK, I'll stop.
Dgrin FAQ | Me | Workshops
Marc, thanks for this, do you or will you use a rain cover for your camera and lens or are you more likely to put your camera away if it's lashing it down?
Charlie
I've asked the location scout to buy enough of the Avon stuff for everyone, so we don't have to worry about lugging it across the pond. So all of your insect repellent needs should be taken care of!
Dgrin FAQ | Me | Workshops
I have never used a rain cover because I will usually put the camera away first. I usually wait for a lull in the downpoor if I want to shoot something when everything is wet.
Muench Workshops
MW on Facebook
I wouldn't be overly concerned about a GPS. Far more simple (and cheap) is to have a couple of good maps. Having a group crowded round a tiny GPS screen just doesn't work. It's so much better with some proper maps.
The best maps are from Ordnance Survey. There are several types & scales, but for what you're doing you'll need:
Sheet 373 Iona, Staffa, & Ross of Mull: link to online shop
Sheet 374 Mull North: link to online shop
Sheet 375 Mull East: link to online shop
It's a bit late to have them shipped to the USA. You might find a USA shop that sells them though. Alternatively get your UK contact/scout to buy them for you.
Thank you!!!
I luckily bought a whole bunch of rugged gear I needed for an archaeological dig in Belize last year. I figure if it lived through that, the boggy, rainy delights of Scotland should be a breeze (a much cooler, wetter breeze...). But overpants is a new one on me. I usually just get my bum wet.
Woo! Only 20 more sleeps to go here. Oh beloved Bulmers cider and Bailey's truffles, how I anticipate our reunion!
Photos that don't suck / 365 / Film & Lomography
Regarding clothing, I plan on dressing up into dungarees
Cant waite
Muench Workshops
MW on Facebook
Heh. More weather reports should be like that.
Dgrin FAQ | Me | Workshops
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7369754.stm
I'd like to think that this will have been resolved by the time we depart for Mull but it's something to keep an eye on. Apparently the plant will take 2-3 weeks to get up and running:-
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/tayside_and_central/7369043.stm
There have been reassurances that providing panic buying doesn't take hold, demand will be met:-
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/tayside_and_central/7370158.stm and
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/tayside_and_central/7358392.stm
Anyway I would imagine things will be fine but it's something to keep abreast of.
Charlie
Only 10 more sleeps to go on my end. I'm getting antsy.
ME TOO! 13 sleeps for me, woo hoo.
I still haven't gotten around to getting any adapters or batteries or CF cards or.... :uhoh
Photos that don't suck / 365 / Film & Lomography
Hee! I just did my last round of buying today--one last lens and another battery. Plus a step-up ring so I can try out this ND filter craze folks seem to be on, see if I get sold on it.
Looks like I'll be hand holding my filters, could I be any more professional?
If anyone's really stuck for adapters let me know, I'm sure I can fish out some spare cables (I'm guessing the end that plugs into the charger unit is the same) with UK plugs on.
Charlie
P.S. Is anyone else leaving young children behind? I'm getting a bit worked up about that, first time away from them you see.
Though I get equally antsy, I'm thinking leaving my two cats behind isn't on the same level.
http://nationalrail.co.uk/system/galleries/download/print_maps/glasgow.pdf
Glasgow airport is at the Paisley Gilmour stop, and hotel is near Queen Street and Glasgow Central station.
Photos that don't suck / 365 / Film & Lomography
Hi Steph,
I was thinking about taking a cab from the airport but the train route looks like a pretty good alternative. I'm all set to go and will arrive on the morning of the 15th. Hopefully the hotel allows early check-in.
http://photosbyfred.smugmug.com/
Almost every day I spent out shooting in Scotland there was rain. First trip I had a small umbrella that didn’t last more then few hours due to high winds.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
I like shooting in bad weather so I both times I visited Scotland I bought a strong Scottish umbrella (they should be easy to buy there).<o:p></o:p>
I also spoke with Andy who asked me about shoes, I recommend anything that is waterproof, gore-tex will not suffice in my experience. Get something that is made for snow or similar they can be too warm but I have little sensation in my feet and such warm boots don’t bother me. If you have a shoe that “breathes” it will take water. Scotland is wet everywhere, now I haven’t been there in May but I expect to be no much different then in other seasons in terms of wetness. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Here is a similar boot I have used for Scotland and it worked great: http://www.merrellboot.com/Shop/Product.aspx?AltNavID=MAF-G-WNT&PID=10414&GST=M<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
One more thing I always carry with me is chocolate for trekking, I burn a lot so I crave chocolate like a madman. I also don’t care much for English chocolate (similarly bad as US chocolate) so I will bring some good French Swiss bars. Anyone interested in quality chocolate let me know to bring extra.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
On a more serious note is the midges issue taken care of? <o:p></o:p>
I only have mosquito repellant and from what I hear that is not cutting it with those little creatures…<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
"Whatever befalls the Earth befalls the sons and daughters of the Earth. We did not weave the web of life; We are merely a strand in it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselvs.." Chief Seattle
David has said that Kevin will have enough bug repellent for everyone.
I hope my boots hold up. I didn't know there was anything Gore-Tex couldn't do... :uhoh
Photos that don't suck / 365 / Film & Lomography
Ditto! I killed my hiking boots last year on a dig in Belize and indulged myself in some new Gore-Tex ones. I was looking forward to dry feet this time around.
I was just reminded by my mother to send her an itinerary with phone numbers of hotels just in case. And I double-checked that she still had a copy of my passport and driver's license on file. Good to have the security with someone back home if you can.
Two sleeps before the flight! Three before I wake up in Ireland! Woo! :smo
Yes. You need not worry.
Dgrin FAQ | Me | Workshops