It is tempting to say yes, especially if we Elements users can enjoy the time too, but I fear the logistics and expense for me will make it impossible.
I do have a trip to the UK in October (probably staying in Rye), but I don't think the bill payer would appreciate me swanning off for one of our three days together

So what do you all think of it? It will take some getting used to I think.

Not having HSM is not a problem with the Bigma. What maybe a problem for you for sports events is it's lack of speed at the long end.
I'm still waiting on my K20D but I am very happy with the Bigma on my Ds. Waiting for it to come out with HSM may be a very long wait to be honest.
The 300* gets a very good write up from those lucky enough to own one, as does the 50-135. Only you know whether that is too short for your needs.

George, I envy you having lived in East Africa! The air there is indeed wonderful there. I haven't been to Kenya, though it is on the wish list. Don't think I'll be climbing Kili or Mount Kenya to find out if you can see one from the other though! I'll stick to the wildlife I think.

Number one is at it came out of the camera - the sky was really dark as there was a storm brewing in that direction whilst it was clear and sunny the other way. It really was taken at dawn also, I sat and watched the sun come up and how it affected the butte. The joys of jet lag

I wish I was there too, or in Sydney or anywhere warmer than it is here right now

Here are a few photos from my recent US holiday. Lots of geology I'm afraid. I will get round to some non geological ones eventually!




This butte was visible from our motel, and the dawn light on it was spectacular.





At the other end of the day, Mexican hat rock was golden as the sunset.





One of the most spectacular views you could wish for - Monument valley from Muley Point, Utah.





A panorama taken at Muley point, with Goosenecks state park in the foreground, and Monument valley beyond.





This one is just to illustrate how clean the air is there - this is a photo of Ship Rock, a 7000+ft monolith in New Mexico, taken from over 80 miles away. The photo itself is nothing special but I was amazed it worked to be honest.

Martin it helps if you know who Max Mosley is and what he has been up to lately.
An excellent posting George - gave me a much needed laugh on a Monday morning!

A nice selection. A pity you lost half an otter in the first otter photo.
Could you please reduce the size of the penguin and tiger so I can see them without scrolling?

I see nothing wrong with manipulations for artistic effect, and even at times to rescue a photo. Ansel Adams used the dark room to great effect after all.
It is tempting to try all the tricks in the box when dealing with a photo, experience teaches that unless you really want a special effect for artistic reasons, the tricks are not needed (much).

My photography teacher still uses film for her work. She does double exposures, plays with them all in the dark room and makes a reasonable living from from these works of art. She freely admits to using some really duff photos as part of her creations. But they form only a small part of her creations. She does the same with digital to a lesser extent as she doesn't like using APS-C cameras for her work.

Whilst I agree that the original photo in Belinda's case is better, I admire her for trying effects and accepting some rather cutting comments on her photos. If her style is to use effects then that is fine - that is her style, just as Nimitz uses HDR for his style. Everyone is different, thank goodness.