I arrived early before opening to get some quiet shots.  Probably a bit too quiet as the photos make it look like no one was there, lesson learned for next time.  Continued to lunch time by which time I was just too hot to continue, this must have been the hottest day I have known in Porlock, usually a sea breeze keeps us comfortable while the rest of the country struggles on, but on this Saturday, it was continuous sun from morning to evening.

Melody and I returned later to take more pictures, the numerous stalls:

The races, with young children being very competitive, is that allowed nowadays?  Even some adults being a little reckless, especially in the backward race where one young man hit the ground very hard.

The dog show, no Monet this year, we decided it was just too hot for him and I think others had made the same decision, but we had all the favourites; waggiest tail, one of Monet’s specialities; dog most like it’s owner; children with their dogs; and other things I can’t remember.

I enjoyed taking photos of the musicians, I always do and it’s something that surprises me, I don’t have a great love for the music it is something else, but I enjoy it and that’s that.

The other thing I enjoy is taking action photos and the motorbike display was great, contained within the main arena I was able to use a medium zoom lens to capture the action.  I think that having used a video camera in the early days of video, pre the ability to edit on the PC, taught me to watch the action while taking pictures.  Anyway, I enjoy all manner of action photography and I am pleased with the results of the day, my favourite being before the start when the two riders are on top of two upturned skips just having a chat, I like the interaction, the moment, perhaps it’s that we connect with the riders as people and not just their skill.

In conclusion, this was a great day, organised well, great weather if not a bit hot, and lots to do and see.  Porlock really does put on many and varied events throughout the year and one must remember the organisers who work very hard towards this.  Since this we have had flower shows an antiques fair, but the next major event on Saturday 1st September is the annual Porlock Carnival, the last carnival in Exmoor National Park, definitely worth a visit!

I have posted more photographs of the day on our Facebook Page