Painshill

Last weekend I went out to Painshill for a walk. The weather felt like spring (unlike now). Even managed to sit outside with a cuppa for a while.

Daffodils. 

200 yr old tree.

View from the top of the hill near the turkish tent.

I went around the opposite way to every one else (why not?) and go to the tower before they opened. So sat in the peace for a while before climbing to the top. (I had to paused a few times on the way up as I got dizzy going in a circle or so long.)

Gothic tower.

At the top

View from the tower.

Apparently Hamilton, who created the garden, advertised for a hermit to live in the house he build. The hermit lasts 3 weeks before he was found in the local pub.

Hermits house

Lake

Lots of snow drops.

There is also a crystal grotto. I think it was manmade in the 1700's and rebuild in the 1800. 

grotto ceiling

Gothic temple.

Abbey ruins.

I also had a lovely birthday last week. Thanks to everyone for the messages and gifts. And then some very full weeks at work. :(

Ax Throwing

Last week we had a data science chapter meet up. During the day we did some charity work and on the evening we went ax throwing. Why not?

We were some of the first there and the noise of the axes hitting the board was slightly intimidating.

They showed us how to do a one handed throw and a 2 handed throw. (I think most preferred the one handed). Along with another 6 people, we had 4 lanes and got to do some practice before going into a tournament between the 24 of us.

Taking my turn

And the most amazing thing: I won! I wasn't the best but somehow I mangled to beat everyone else in  the matches. And ended on a bull's eye. (I don't think a few of the young guys were very impressed by this.) 

After this they even let us try throwing 2 axes. (My left arm is useless!)

Trying a 2-axe throw.

Team photo.

After we went for dinner. I had had to find somewhere (Friday night, in London, day after pay day) on the Wednesday as our other reservation cancelled. Thankfully the last was really nice, and I had some of the best octopus I have ever had.
Since then I have just been working. But hopefully I get to do something else fun some time soon.

Canary Wharf

January has been pretty quiet, mostly getting back into work, and like everyone else, recovering from a cold. So most weekends have been at home, sorting out my apartment, sleeping and watching TV. Last weekend I forced myself out of the house and meet a friend in Canary Wharf to see the light display. The exhibit is based on the interaction between light and technology with some cool interactive displays. Here are a few photos. (I haven't given explanations for all of them because frankly the reasonings behind some of them escaped me.)

Lights change as you approach and touch them,

Words are taken from the live Times internet feed.

Lit droplets of water

Fake aurora.

Playing blocks.

The tear drops spin and change shape as the speed changes. 

Physics in action!

Most of the displays were pretty (though some a bit too abstract for me). But the most interesting was an exhibit which used brain waves to control the lights. The more focused you are, the brighter and more white the lights and the higher pitched the music. Very cool.

Focused.

 Though I will admit the main reason for going was to see the giant lit bunnies.