I packed my camera gear the night before. The same systematic process. Everything checked, cleaned and positioned in the same place in my rucsac. I had used this same procedure 1000`s of times before. The system ingrained in me after a quarter of a century in the Armed Forces; nothing left to chance. Early morning shoots are typically long walk-ins, seemingly an age standing around getting cold and then some frantic minutes shooting! Nothing should be left to chance; that is if if you want the shot! More importantly, I never forgot the boys dog biscuits! Jack & Keld had accompanied me on every single shoot for the last 15 years. Tomorrow would be no different.

Our location for the shoot would be the Old Lime Kiln on Helton Fell. We had shot there many times. A Rowan Tree now grows from the wall of the Kiln that in turn overlooks a large boulder that dates back at least 450 million years. The exquisite light that can exist up here draws us like a magnet. Looking East from here gives an uninterrupted view to the rising sun 12 months a year. Truly inspiring light, but you have to be very early! My ancestors enjoyed these views over 13,000 years ago; I can see why they lived here!

It was late, well past midnight. A final check; thermos ready to fill, kettle full, doggie biscuits next to my bananas. Always two, bananas that is, lots of dog biscuits! The boys watched me closely, they knew exactly what we were going to do later & they loved it. I stroked them, kissed them both and wished them a goodnight. Within minutes I had crashed, dreaming of the morning ahead.

I was awake, as always well before the alarm. I went down stairs and was met with very enthusiastic waggy tales; so much infectious enthusiasm from the boys, always up for everything even this early! As I boiled the kettle I wished humans were more like Border Collies! Toast & tea consumed, Keld's winter jacket in position (help`s keep his injured spine warm) and off. One last check, how does it go? - “Testicles, spectacles, wallet & watch"! Come on lads, lets go! They ran out of the door to the van. No-one else in the local area was conscious, exhausted from years of brain-washing by the State! I smiled smugly to myself; we had escaped the system!

It was still & mild outside; won`t bother with gloves I thought, but later cursed my stupidity! We drove slowly through Helton and on up the narrow road toward The Fell. A journey we had undertaken 100`s of times. It was very dark, 8/8 cloud and I thought to myself that we would be lucky to see the sun rise …….

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Tags: Jack, Winter Solstice, The Fell