First photos of 2014

Yet more storms meant New Year's Day was a write-off as far as doing anything constructive was concerned - it didn't stop raining and blowing a gale all day, meaning I stayed in watching disaster movies on DVD and listening to a disaster on the radio (Saints' second-half collapse against Russian oligarch's play-thing Chelski), but today was a rare break in the endless series of storms which have been crossing the country, so today was the first time I could get out in 2014.

I headed to Cowes, along partly-flooded roads, to photograph CMA CGM Strauss on her way past from Southampton.

Some heavy-looking showers over on the mainland meant rainbows appeared from time-to-time

Also in the Solent was Ice Runner, which approached out of the west.

She took her time but CMA CGM Strauss - looking very much in need of a new coat of paint - eventually appeared in Southampton Water. Yes, that chimney is a nuisance at times - now the power station has been closed, I guess it will be demolished at some point. I'll be a bit sad if it is, but won't miss it interfering with photos!

One of the locals

And another local

Ugh, back to work on Monday... :-(