Shadowed

This image was taken on Boxing Day at Winchelsea Beach during a horizontal rainstorm. As well as being highly unpleasant to sunbathe in, Damian Carrington suggests that heavy rainfall may be affecting water quality at British beaches. One third of beaches fail water tests due to contamination from overflowing sewers and runoff from farmland and city streets. For his article in the Guardian, click here. 

Blaze of Light

This bright image was taken in Berkshire, England this week. Berkshire, pronounced Bark-shur, is a county in the Southeast of England to the west of London. It has been known as the Royal County of Berkshire since the 19th century because of the presence of Windsor Castle and was recognized as such by the Queen in 1957. Berkshire is also the home county of the Royal Ascot Horse Races. 

Beyond the Rocks

The dark rock in the background of this photo, taken in 2012 from Symphony Chair, Whistler Mountain BC, is known as the Black Tusk. It is a stratovolcano and a pinnacle of volcanic rock in Garibaldi Provincial Park. The upper spire is visible at a great distance from all directions and is one of the most distinctive mountains in the Garibaldi Ranges of the Coast Mountains. As a volcano, it is also part of the Garibaldi Volcanic Belt.