“Thanking Christ for the BBC"

The Pogues sing a song about growing up in a parochial, oppressive Ireland in which the BBC was a window into a more promising, open-minded world. The title is from that song (rhymes with: “...a stupid, fucking place to be/down on Rain Street”).

I am constantly grateful for the BBC because of the quality of the programming it produces. One theme is programs that celebrate local farmers/gardeners/church wardens/winemakers/ironworkers/hobbyists of every stripe. The people of England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales have a great love of their land and of the people who tend it and conserve dying traditions.

Last night I watched a program called “Wild Ireland: The Edge of the World.” It’s about a famous wildlife photographer, Colin Stafford-Johnson, who rows a curragh up the west coast of Ireland. The footage of gannets, puffins, humpback whales, dolphins, seals, red deer, and toads is extraordinary. Just jaw-droppingly spectacular. Here is an article about the filming. The sight of humpback whales feeding is unforgettable.

And here’s the summary from the BBC i-player (where I can watch it again!):
"Colin begins his Atlantic journey exploring the ancient ruins and wildlife of the Skellig Rocks--stormbound ocean pinnacles off the south western corner of Ireland, where early Christian monks built a monastery on the summit almost 1,500 years ago.

"His next stop is the deserted Blasket Islands, home to vast numbers of seals coming ashore in winter to fight, mate and moult, before he heads inland through Ireland's highest mountain range in search of the island's last surviving herd of red deer from prehistoric times.

"Back on the coast, he goes on the trail of humpback whales, which are making their mark in Irish waters and returning year after year in increasing numbers, before heading north along the coast to meet Ireland's only toads and lizards, and a dolphin who has set up residence off Ireland's limestone desert region - the Burren.

"His journey ends in Clew Bay, an iconic inlet halfway up Ireland's west coast and the place Colin chose to make his home.”

That’s episode one. I can’t wait for the next episode. The shows marry his obvious skill as a wildlife film maker with his love for Ireland’s wild corners.
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