reading the wind...
This is my so patient pal buster checking out what’s in the wind while it cools his ears! He stood there for ages just looking and taking in all the sights, sounds and scents.
Taken when we had reached the hilltop ridge of the old drove road outside Peebles in scottish borders.
I’m still trying for that so elusive pet pic with a great backdrop which means an invitable compromise….( I know i’m not there yet but any comments or tips so welcome…)
Behind Buster is the old Drove Road along which thousands of cattle annually were walked from the Highlands (and even islands!) via Crieff or Falkirk and thence south to Norfolk for fattening prior to their final journey to market in London, for sale. This was an arduous journey of 4-500 miles!
The two clearly visible dykes (dry stone walls) on either side stopped the cattle from wandering off the track. Drovers used to herd several hundred head of cattle along such routes, chosen, not for shortness, but to avoid the cattle losing unneccessary condition, and to avoid turnpikes where tolls could be charged on each animal…..
The head drover (the only one with horse) often rode ahead to check the route, and search for a suitable grazing place for the night. The other drovers covered the distance entirely on foot, and had to make many detours along the way to retrieve straying cattle.
They were paid little, were expected to provide their own food, plus make the return journey at their own expense! I read too that if they ran short of food they would sometimes ‘bleed’ their cattle and mix with oatmeal to make their version of ‘black pudding’ (not a favourite of mine even now! yeuck!)
Progress was slow, covering only ten or twelve miles a day. During these long treks the cattle progressively lost condition, and their value diminished. Poor drovers could accentuate this by driving the cattle too hard, or stopping places where the grass was poor.
Droving like this was common from the 16th century but declined rapidly in the mid-nineteenth century when first steamships and then the advent of railways took over the work of the drovers.
Thanks for taking the time to look and hope this third one does not feel too boring….(last one!)
cheers
ding
;))
reading the wind... belongs to the following groups:
Happy Haven, Respectful Retrievers, The Scots are Coming and UK to Australia and BackAvailable for sale as Cards
Maxhamish, 5 months ago
No tips from me, I can’t get that image either lol…..but, this is a super image of such a great looking dog….................cheers
Kelly Bermingham, 5 months ago
Aww… he’s adorable isn’t he!! Most dogs get excited to see a lead – I bet buster gets excited when he see’s the camera!! LOL… Great shot – cant help with tips – my cat just points the bird at me and yawns!! Great story too Ding! :)
Robin Brown, 5 months ago
One tip Dinghy, don’t try so hard. The harder you try the harder it gets. Whats wrong with your previous effort; nothing at all.
Juilee Pryor, 5 months ago
great looking dog and great landscape…..love it…makes me wish I was there….... :)
Juilee Pryor, 5 months ago
actually I like this one much more than the last one…... never say never and never stop trying…. this is a top photo….....:)
Julie Langford
,
5 months ago
Love this – so much expression – Great work.
hilarydougill, 5 months ago
Bless! What a wonderful comp and perspective, glorious dog and wonderful vista, great capture and colours
ltruskett, 5 months ago
THOSE EYES…...................ahhhh.
Jodie Elchah, 5 months ago
Great story and even better capture of Buster and Hill top ridge..Looks fantastic..Well done
brirose55, 5 months ago
brilliant work
dinghysailor1 in reply to ltruskett’s comment, 5 months ago
looking for that special someone…. ;)
Lucindawind, 5 months ago
hes beautiful !
PhotogeniquE IPA, 5 months ago
what a great dog and wonderful companion I’ll bet. very interest description about the droving. never knew that went on.
dinghysailor1 in reply to PhotogeniquE IPA’s comment, 5 months ago
Thanks dave! I only looked into this fascinating history when I got home that day and realised what I had been looking at! cheers mate!
:))
ltruskett, 5 months ago
I’m here….............................(wags, slobber, more wags)
Tainia Finlay, 5 months ago
Buster exudes happiness ding! What a wonderful life he has exploring with you :D I can’t decide my favourite as what I have seen is so fabulous, superb portraits and amazing backdrops … keep searching for the ultimate as I enjoy all your mates captures x
Mar Silva, 5 months ago
Great perspective, composition, and Buster is looking GOOD.
tomg, 5 months ago
So attentive, great shot …
reflector, 5 months ago
He looks a bit angry and determined to capture that Aussie ! Me ! A great portrait / landscape shot !
debsphotos, 5 months ago
What a excellent photo Dinghy!!! Gorgeous dog and the b/g looks damn good to me!!! LOL…Love the country side over there and the history about droving cattle is very similar to the ones here!!! Beautiful image!!! *-)
Sean Farragher, 5 months ago
massive catch
Cynthia Fusco, 5 months ago
MAGNIFICENT
mlgkats, 5 months ago
beautiful dog , good scenic view
EdgeOfReality, 5 months ago
Buster looks great in whatever place you choose to photograph him. The background landscape in this is gorgeous.
Estelle O'Brien, 5 months ago
Buster looks like he is a fine fellow to have for a friend. great shot and love the description too. No tips from me on photography – I just point and shoot and thank God for digitial cameras which mean out of every 200 pics, I get 1 or 2 good ones…
Nicki Gray, 5 months ago
Ahoy there sailor. Great shot. he looks like he’s having a really great time.Love the distance. I’ve been off line for a while and still no camera!
Andy Harris, 5 months ago
Super shot – looks like he is surveying his kingdom….! Great shot
Namueh, 5 months ago
Georgeus dog, the photo is simply perfect.
Stevie Millgate, 5 months ago
Stunner of a dog Dinger. I had one when i was a young pup that looked very like your best pal here. We named her Zukie, bless her :)
Great shot to mate. Love the leading lines taking me over the hills. Great composition to mate!
Take care man.
Christopher E..., 5 months ago
wowl…excellent comp..love the depth of this…and i love how he posed for you!! great job to you both!
PPPhotoArt, 5 months ago
another beautiful shot of your buster, he really is gorgeous!!!
JMDunworth, 5 months ago
now this fella looks in heaven – what a wonderful locartion he has for ‘walkies’. :)
tess1731, 3 months ago
I think this is a wonderful shot of your dog … But I think if you added a little more contrast to the shot it would make a great shot even greater … I am no expert at all and not trying to be here it is just a thought.
Maximus, 27 days ago
glorious vista, magnificent dog. :)
DonDavisUK, 5 days ago
Marvelous shot. This is a great backdrop! Don