Marine Lake, West Kirby

I took this with my camera phone and thanks to T, have finally worked out how to transfer pics I take on the phone to my PC. I was kicking myself Saturday lunchtime as a big sailing race was taking place and I didn't have my camera with me! The colours of the sails were so beautiful against the grey water and skies. It has taught me a less to take a camera everywhere as the phone really couldn't do this scene justice!

The picture below is of me and two friends from the Corner
on our Big Cat Day. As usual I'm hiding behind the camera!! We had such a fun time. I'll certainly never forget it. Thanks to everyone who has commented on my cat pics. I'm sure there will be more to come so brace yourselves.....

Me at the Big Cat Day, photos by Julie Smith

Me eye to eye with a lion, staring into those golden eyes as he stared right back at me! - this was something I'll never forget!

We had the most wonderful time at the Wildlife Heritage Foundation in Kent, on our Photographers Corner Big Cat Day out.

I travelled down on the Friday night with my very own wildcat, JS and her family. We stayed for the weekend at J's in-laws in Essex, who were really welcoming and hospitable. It was great setting off on the Saturday morning in brilliant sunshine knowing we had a full day ahead for taking photos. We met up with several TPC site members for the first time and it was lovely to meet the real people behind the screen names. The centre is very well organised and the animals really cherished. The two keepers who accompanied us, Fraser and Kathy, told us all about the animals and their personalities. We got to touch lions and we also got "sprayed" by a tiger!

You'll be seeing lots of photos of cats over the next few weeks/months/years LOL but for now here are two snaps JS took of me with my compact camera. It's going to take me ages to look at all my shots, let alone edit them!

On the Sunday we went into London to see the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. It was really interesting to see the prizewinners. I was pleased to see Nikon users very well represented amongst the winners :)