England

Jo’s Monday walk : Thorp Perrow

The magical colours of Autumn

It lasts for such a short time! Already the Virginia Creeper, whose rosy hue adorns my wall in Autumn, is strewn across our drive and whistling off down the road. So I’m glad that I made it to Thorp Perrow Arboretum when I did. 100 acres of woodland are surely enough in which to worship Autumn colour. And you can take your eyes off that tearoom! That’s for much later,

Let’s get delicious with the daisies first!

Over a little stream and the colour is already beckoning

But close at hand there are jewels to distract

But close at hand, there are jewels aplenty

As always, I hand the map to the other half, and set off to follow my nose. Or, in this case, a lovely little stream which wends its way through the woods. Signs promise ‘Henry’s Island’ and ‘Kate’s Island’. Will I be allowed?

A plopping sound stops me suddenly. From overhead something lands in the water, sending concentric rings dancing to shore. High in the canopy, a mischievous squirrel is dispensing acorns for our entertainment.

Sunlight dances in the woods

Beaming from bronzed leaves

And then the lake, in all it’s glory

It’s a ‘hold your breath’ moment

Just the lake, and the leaves

The history of Thorp Perrow can be traced back to the Domesday Book, where it was listed as ‘Torp’ manor house. The trees came much later. Planting began in the 16th and 17th centuries, and in the 1840’s the Milbank Pinetum was planted with seed brought over from America. There are now 5 National Collections of trees (Juglans-Walnuts, Tilia-Limes, Fraxinus-Ash, Cotinus and Laburnum) and 66 Champion Trees (the largest of their kind in Britain).

But it’s not at all a stuffy place! A sense of humour manifests itself in many forms.

See the shark’s fin in the water?

The crocodile, of course

And an unfortunate gardener!

Throughout this month the children have been treated (or tricked!) with a collection of spectres and ghouls lurking in the woods. Eek!!!

Just hanging about

Or sitting patiently on a bench, for Jude

Or sitting patiently on a bench, waiting for Jude

There is also a growing Wildlife Park, where you can ‘meet the meerkat’, watch bizarrely plumed fowl strutting their stuff, and gasp at the exploits of the birds of prey. The flying displays are one of the park’s most popular features, and are well worth seeing. I’ll let you discover them for yourself. For me the park is mostly about the landscape.

Trees and topiary

And gasps of Acer colour

Beautifully weathered statues loiter wistfully amongst the trees. They mingle with newer wood sculptures, showing no apparent resentment.

Walks spiral off in all directions from the mighty Jubilee Oak, and another named for Catherine Parr. You don’t have to follow a specific route but simply wander to wherever your eye finds most pleasing. It doesn’t really matter. It’s all lovely!

A hen stops to drink at the fountain

The handsome new Acorn Sculpture

Banks of hydrangea

A wisp of pine

A busy ‘heron’

Stately bulrushes

And Rowan berries

Despite it being a glorious day, the park is quite peaceful. Strangers nod to each other, wearing beatific smiles in the unaccustomed October warmth. Only when we reach the Autumn bays is there a sense of urgency. Bathed in rosy colour, we gaze upwards.

Autumn in all its splendour

The other half seems to have found something interesting

These beauties! No. 129 in the brochure

I’m more taken with the Sycamore wings

Delicate Cotinus

And the Gingko

I can sense you beginning to tire. There’s only so much beauty the eyes can take in, and we’re not far from the promised tea rooms. If Meg were here she’d be fingering the bark on so many of the trees. But you’ve earned your bowl of soup, and some of that yummy cake. Which one to choose, I wonder? There’s a full menu on the website, all very reasonably priced. (Dare I admit to having the pensioner’s special?)

The Arboretum is just beyond the lovely market town of Bedale, in North Yorkshire, and details of how to get there are also shown on the website.

I’m feeling quite tired myself after all that exercise. I’ll just say my thank you’s and get that kettle on, I think. You’ve certainly brought variety this week. Thank you so much to all of you who keep following me down this path. I really value your company. Anyone wanting to join in will be made very welcome. Details are on my Jo’s Monday walk page. Just click on the logo.

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Scotland has some of the most beautiful gardens, and in wonderful locations too. Thanks, Anabel!

Inverewe and around

And I can’t argue with this description from Violet, either :

The prettiest town

A little fog gives a nice air of mystery, don’t you think?

Monday Walk : Texas Countryside

A comprehensive guide- see the sights with Jackie!

Day 2- Berlin

Richard doesn’t mind being a beach bum. With beaches like this, who would?

Cornwall’s Seven Bays in pictures

A ‘kick of happiness’ is what you’ll get if you join Drake this week!

A lake, peaks and a queen

Ever tried Australian salmon? Ruth explains why you might not have :

Salmon Ponds

Not so taxing as last week’s walk, but still you might prefer just to gaze in admiration :

Rain, Rivers and Waterfalls : The Steall Falls

Next up, a nice relaxing stroll around Central Park (or a ride in a horse drawn carriage if you’re feeling flush)

Travel Album: New York City (2)

Tobias is showing us a very different kind of beauty. Come and see!

A Short Walk in Saint-Saturnin-de-Lucian

I hope you enjoyed the walks this week. I certainly did! Where to take you next week? I haven’t made my mind up yet. I shall just wish you all a Happy Halloween week and hope the weather stays fine. Bye for now!

Six word Saturday

Oh no! Not a duck decoy!

Hello ducky!

His friends are looking worried!

But this guy just refuses to move

It’s ok- there’s plenty of food

Yes- but there could be a storm approaching

Yes- but there could be a storm brewing

It’s fine! Look, I’ve found a shelter

And it’s big enough for all of us

No!!!!! Can’t you read? It’s a decoy!

Well, thank goodness we spotted that in time!

Not very bright, those ducks!

Look how peaceful it is over here

Strolling in the country park at Sedgefield last week, I spotted the duck decoy sign. I’d never noticed it before but it gave rise to my little Saturday story. (if you magnify the sign, you will see that it was a method of trapping ducks for the table at the ‘big house’) Hope it gave you a smile.

And while I’m in the park, here are two photos I took on the boardwalk, just perfect for Verena’s Festival of Leaves. It’s a lovely autumnal challenge you might like to visit. But don’t forget to pop in on Cate, will you? Happy Saturday everybody!

Thoughts on benches

A little meaningful conversation?

Some posts seem to just glide effortlessly onto the page. Others don’t! They kick and bite and scratch. You can’t find just that photo that you wanted, lost in the annals of untidy folders. Too many thoughts collide in your head, often at silly times like 5 in the morning. And then there are those that miss the deadline by a smidgeon. Just enough to be annoying. I’ll leave you to work out which this is.

Rustle and tussle

A backlit ballerina

Twirling in the wind

In breeches

With a good book

In courtly days

And whilst I have been known to cheat occasionally, in the interests of a beautiful azulejo or two- can you spot these people sitting on benches?

This one’s easy!

And simply lovely

Two on here!

I’m off out to kick a few leaves now. You never know- I might spot somebody loitering on a bench. If I do I may even share it with Jude.

Clifton windows, Bristol

Who’d live in a house like this? Me, please!

I probably shouldn’t, but I never did have any willpower, and I know you’ll want one last Bristol stroll with me. You do, don’t you? I promise to keep it short.

I came across this extraordinary beauty

Whilst strolling

And round the corner, this lesser one

The plaque, Sir Abraham Roberts, a distinguished Indian general, in case you wonered

The plaque, Sir Abraham Roberts, a distinguished Indian general, in case you wondered

We seem to be in a very genteel and affluent area of Bristol but, as I stroll, people are going about their every day, and we nod and exchange smiles. It’s good to be here.

How about lazing in a hammock?

You know you want to!

There are lots to choose from in this magnificent row

I am purely following my nose, and hoping that I will arrive somewhere I recognise. I hadn’t realised that Clifton had such mighty architecture as Royal York Crescent. Adjoining Clifton Village, it is a Grade II listed terrace of 46 houses. Allegedly the longest terrace in Europe, building began in 1791 but was not completed until 1820. What is indisputable is that the views from up here are far reaching.

Next, a treat for shoppers

Shops in all sizes

And colours

With interesting food, too

Clifton Arcade is the very height of temptation. Small, but perfectly formed, it has ’17 unique shops set in Victorian splendour’. Originally opened in 1878, it then fell into disrepair. Beautifully restored, you can even take a virtual tour on the link I have enclosed, and pop in for coffee at the Primrose Cafe.

I have a daughter who would adore this window

A veritable Aladdin’s cave of nostalgia

I promised to be short, so maybe this is a good time to leave you browsing. There are modern items alongside the nostalgia. Have fun, won’t you? I really do need to go.

For those of you I have confused (sorry, Meg) I have a 2 week laze about in the Algarve, then am home for 6 days before gallivanting off to a wedding in Poland. Sigh! The things you have to do to be Restlessjo. But first I must link to Dawn, who loves lingering at windows.

No more Bristol! Toodle pip!

Jo’s Monday walk : On the Waterfront, Bristol

Harbourside in Bristol

Everywhere looks better with blue skies and Bristol’s waterfront is no exception. I thought my luck had changed on the last day of my visit, as the skies turned to steely grey and the damp stuff arrived. But Bristol didn’t let me down. One cappuchino and a visit to the cathedral later, a walk along the waterfront became a distinct possibility. So, what are we waiting for?

I have to confess that the photo above was taken from on board the Bristol Packet. Everything doesn’t always go to plan, and when I turned up for a guided walking tour of the city I was told that it had been cancelled. ‘Too many people in the city’, due to the Balloon Festival, was the reason given. Nothing for it but to take to the water. No hardship there- but I digress!

One cappuchino

Wonderful stained glass in the cloisters

Stained glass panel in Bristol Cathedral

Bristol’s Floating Harbour is a huge tribute to the resourcefulness of man. In 1809, 80 acres of tidal river were impounded to begin the taming of the estuary. Bristol had developed at the most downstream point at which it was possible to cross the River Avon, 6 miles inland.

The tidal range of the Bristol Channel is the second greatest of any in the world. The tide can rise and fall as much as 14 metres twice a day. This was an advantage and a disadvantage for sailing ships in the old days. They could be carried all the way to Bristol on the current, but equally well they could be stranded in the mud when the tide turned. Bristol merchants had to think of a way of damming the river, allowing the ships that were in the river to stay afloat. Thus, a ‘floating harbour’. I found a fascinating video which explains in more detail.

Harbourside in Bristol

A busy spot on a Saturday

And a good place to catch a ferry

The cathedral is just beyond the Floating Harbour and I headed for Watershed, a good-looking building which now houses the Tourist Information Office. A series of cafes and restaurants line the harbourside, and behind these are Bristol Aquarium and the Science Centre. Plenty to do on a rainy day, and interesting exhibits outside too.

The water feature was first to attract my attention

But something interesting was going on in the background!

There was a solar energy project, and sculptures I rather liked too. Black and white, for Paula.

Very late, Paula!

But I remembered

Rather damp to be a scribe!

The sky still a little heavy, I returned to the waterfront and continued to follow it inland. Modern and stylish apartments sit back from the promenade, interspersed with cafes and bars.

Heading around the waterfront

Life on a narrowboat?

Beside the ruins of a former mill

And in the background, the ‘SS Great Britain’

Isambard Kingdom Brunel, designer of the Clifton Suspension Bridge, was one of the engineering giants of the 19th century. At age just 27 he was chief engineer of the Great Western Railway, linking Bristol to London. He then turned his attention to trans-Atlantic travel, and his steam ship ‘The Great Western’ crossed the ocean from Bristol to New York in 1838, a journey of 15 days.

Her successor, ‘SS Great Britain’, was the world’s first iron passenger liner. At the time of her launch in 1843 she was the largest ship in the world, and had an innovative screw propeller in place of conventional paddle wheels. She had a long and illustrious career, sailing the world as a passenger ship for 30 years, before converting to cargo. Old and tired, she was finally recovered from the Falklands and returned to Bristol as a hulk in 1970. Restoration has seen her take pride of place today as a first class visitor attraction, in the dock in which she was originally built.

‘SS Great Britain’ visitor centre

Do you remember my friend, ‘On the Waterfront’?

Junction Lock Bridge leading to Cumberland Basin

Is anybody hungry?

There’s a nice ambience

And awfully nice food!

I had promised myself a visit to ‘The Pump House’ when I passed it on my long walk home from the Balloon Festival. The building housed the original hydraulic pumping system for operating the lock gates, and is a beautiful conversion. As luck would have it the rain was starting again- the perfect excuse.

When the rain eased, I continued on towards the lock into the Avon Gorge. The current lock was opened in 1873 and can accommodate the largest ships that can navigate the Avon. From here it is 6 miles by water to the mouth of the river, where it joins the Severn estuary. Ahead you can see Clifton Suspension Bridge, but beyond this point a busy road runs close to the river, and it becomes less appealing to follow.

A tour boat passes through the lock

The logical thing to do, if you have the stamina, is to cross over the harbour and return along the opposite shore of the waterfront. You could call in at the SS Great Britain or visit the Museum of Bristol in M-Shed. The wharves here were wiped out during heavy bombing in the Blitz and this free museum tells the story of the city.

Another alternative is to catch a ferry. There are numerous ferry stops along the river, and you can travel all the way round to Temple Meads station (another Brunel wonder) if you wish. It was my last day in Bristol and I wanted to see a little more of Clifton Village, so I rather foolishly clambered back up the steep side of the gorge. Maybe we’ll have time for a look at the village another day, but for now I’m going to amble back along the quay, in my watery element.

Making the most of the sunshine

Buddleia blooming in the warmth

Impatient swans calling for lunch

Peaceful at their moorings

With still, calm waters

And clear blue skies

Now I’m back at my start point on St. Augustine’s Reach, named for the abbey church of St. Augustine (now Bristol Cathedral). The Reach was the course of the River Frome, diverted into this man-made trench in 1247. You will see from the Floating Harbour video that the water once continued into what is now Millenium Square and the heart of the city. I have still to mention Pero’s Bridge (a reference to an enslaved African boy) and then our walking tour is done.

Pero’s Bridge

Looking across to the Watershed

And all ends peacefully

I expect you’re a little tired, but the good news is that I’m missing from the walks for two weeks so you can have a lovely rest. I hope you’ve enjoyed looking at Bristol as much as I did. And now it’s surely time to put that kettle on!

Before I go I have some more wonderful walks to share with you. Thank you so much for all the support and encouragement I receive. If you have any walks that you would like to link up, now or in the future, the details are on my Jo’s Monday walk page. Just click on the logo. Do, please!

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I think I spotted a friend on the beach at Le Havre, with thanks to Drake!

Walk on water or almost

Not quite so cheery trawling a graveyard but the company is good. Cheers, Jude!

Discovering St. Leonards

Nobody does reflection like Suzanne! Or Impressionism, come to that :

A walk in the gardens

You will not believe how gorgeous these shoes are in stained glass! Thanks, Jackie!

Bata Shoe Museum

But you can believe that when Amy posts photos of Banff they are fantastic!

Monday walk : Exploring Banff Lakes

Equally beautiful, even with a hint of snow, Ruth tiptoes along a mountain path :

A Walk on Mount Wellington

Jaspa is back this week with a South American saga :

Exploring Lima’s Historic Centre on foot

And, responding magnificently to the WP weekly challenge…. thank you, Gilly!

Things you see on a good day

Becky has shared a wonderful reminder of why I’m looking forward to the Algarve this week :

Strolling in Silves

Thanks everybody, and that just leaves me to say that bright and early on Thursday I will be heading south. I hope to catch up with all of you before I go, and there might even be another post. Look after yourselves, happy walking and I’ll see you soon. While I’m gone you might like to try a Monday Escape?

Six word Saturday

Let’s count ‘Shauns’ in the City!

‘Jarsberry Ram’, at The Pump House

In my Monday walk this week we had a smile at ‘Wish ewe were here’. Throughout the city of Bristol, for the rest of this month, 70 endearing sheep sculptures are to be found. The Shaun in the City trail, in aid of the Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity, has brought joy to young and old alike. The detail and humour in the sculptures raises many a smile, if not a giggle!

Let me introduce you to a few more Shauns. Just click on a photo to open the galleries.

‘Baa-lloon’

With Clifton Suspension Bridge in the background

‘Isambaaard’ on the other side of the bridge

‘A sheep’s eye view’

At Clifton Observatory

I had gone to Bristol to watch the hot air balloon festival, in the grounds of the Ashton Court estate. Naturally there was a Shaun overseeing the restaurant, but I had more of an eye for the lovely gardens.

Meet ‘Buttercup’

Looking back to the house

I wish now that I’d carried my ‘Shauns’ map around with me, like many of the eager-eyed children (and grandparents!) I saw. Looking back I find that I’ve blithely walked within metres of a few of them in all ignorance. Never mind- the show must go on!

‘Baack to the Drawing Board’, at Bristol Museum

‘From dusk till Shaun’ on Brandon Hill

‘Green poems for a Blue Planet’

‘Knitwit’

‘Shaun on the Cob’

‘Beach Boy’

After I left my lovely friend Viveka, I went strolling canalside. Boats, bridges… the lure is always the same for me. And sheep, of course.

Valentine’s Bridge- isn’t this a nice one?

‘Rosie’

Seems quite appropriate!

‘Great West Shaun’

‘The Bristol Express’

Temple Meads Station was a great venue.

I borrowed a child!

‘Alright me Babber’

Ever watchful!

‘Lamb Chop’ at the Bus Station

Theatre tickets, anyone? ‘Baa-wulf’ is showing!

‘King Arthur of Lambelot and Excalibaaar’

It was raining by now

But this little feller didn’t seem to mind

Are you starting to feel a little sleepy? Not long now! The cathedral was beautiful but I haven’t time to take you inside or we’ll never get there. I did feel sheepish when I put my donation in the collecting box for children’s drawings of Shaun by mistake! I expect it’ll find a good home.

‘Air Fleece’- still raining a bit, but brighter

‘On the Waterfront’ I was in my element

The artistry of this is simply beautiful

Seen from both sides

I have shown you only a taster of what is available to see and do in Bristol. So what are you waiting for? Grab a map and go! If by any chance you can’t make it by the end of this month, Shaun will be gathering a few more friends and meeting at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway in Bristol from 12-20th September.

Don’t feel hard done by if you live in our capital! There’s a ewe-nique opportunity to see the whole flock together at Covent Garden in London, from 24-27th September. And if all else fails, perhaps you’d like to bid for a Shaun at auction? Go on- you know you want to! Register here.

It’s a bit grey in Hartlepool today but looking at these has made me smile. I hope it’s done the same for you. Don’t forget your Saturday visit to Cate with your ‘six words’. I hope to see you on Monday, when I will be taking one more walk in Bristol before I disappear off to the Algarve for a week or two. (it will be SO peaceful while I’m gone)

Cabot Tower in Bristol

Cabot Tower, Bristol

Just in case you thought I’d been idle in my time in Bristol, I’m here to reassure you. I was heading into the city from Clifton, with half an eye open for Shauns, when I saw a sign for Cabot Tower. Curiosity impelled me. Though I knew little of John Cabot, I invariably make a beeline for towers as potentially good viewing points.

Situated on Brandon Hill, this 105 ft red sandstone tower was built in the 1890s, to commemorate the 400th year anniversary of Cabot sailing from Bristol to discover the country that was to become Canada. In a pretty park overlooking the city, I thought it the perfect venue for a Summer’s day.

It doesn’t look too high, does it?

Just add this little bit on at the bottom

Rather a nice sentiment

I could hear voices inside, and from time to time a head popped out on the balcony. Nothing for it, I was going to have to mount those narrow circular stairs. No, of course there’s no lift!

One more look, and up I go!

That wasn’t so bad, was it?

But I can climb higher!

First I’ll check out that view

The sun’s quite hot so it’s nice to have a bit of shadow

A bit of a drop to the gardens

John Cabot definitely appears to have been a bit of an adventurer. Christened Giovanni Caboto (1450-1500), this Italian navigator and explorer was commissioned by Henry VII, and was the first European since the Vikings to reach North America. (believed to be at Cape Bonavista, Newfoundland) He spent 15 years or more in Venice, acquiring the citizenship which would enable him to engage in the maritime trade, and then sailed in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Cabot seems to have got into financial difficulties in the 1480s, and left Venice, an insolvent debtor, to seek work in Spain as a civil engineer. He was involved in a couple of building projects which did not come to fruition, and then unsuccessfully sought funds for an Atlantic expedition. Persistence paid off when he moved to London, and then Bristol, as the second largest seaport in England. His first voyage in 1496 appears to have been aborted due to bad weather, but in 1497 the landing was successfully accomplished.

Time to mount a few more stairs. Narrower this time but fortunately I can soon see light above.

And here I am!

The cathedral- another lovely building

The views and the stonework are equally compelling

The intricacy of the ironwork

Fine carving

And the shadows on the walls

It seems to me a fine memorial. Savouring the day on top of the world, I reluctantly climb back down to earth. The paths wind back down through the park and I observe benches and quiet places to sit. Following a trail through the wildflower meadow, my eyes alight on a speck of distant colour. Hooray- it’s another Shaun!

One last look up

And down on the peaceful pond

Meet ‘From dusk till Shaun’

Isn’t he handsome? You can meet my collection of Shauns on Saturday, but for now it’s time to join Debbie on her Look Up, Look Down challenge. Come and see. You won’t be disappointed!

Jo’s Monday walk : Clifton Suspension Bridge and Observatory

Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol

You may remember in The Time of my life I wished I could be in two places at once? I was watching the hot air balloons launch at Ashton Court in Bristol, but wishing I could be up at Clifton Suspension Bridge to see them float overhead too. The bridge has a spectacular location at the head of the Avon Gorge and I thought I might take you there this week.

I left home on an early morning flight, bound for The Washington Hotel in Clifton. The receptionist there very kindly pointed me in the direction of the bridge and I did what I do best- follow my nose! I was extremely pleased to turn a corner and see before me the Avon Gorge Hotel. It has a highly recommended sun terrace with views out over the bridge.

And towards Bristol, in the other direction

A good place to start our walk, I think. I had rather a surprise when I turned to look at the suspension bridge. A sheep was keeping his watchful eye on me!

Fancy a chuckle?

Shaun in the City!

With all his colourful details

That’s put a smile on your face, hasn’t it? And a good thing too because I should warn you, there’ll be a bit of ‘uphill’ involved in our walk today.

‘Wish Ewe were here’ is one of 70 Shauns liberally scattered around Bristol’s many attractions this Summer. You can follow the Shaun in the City trail around Bristol until 31st August, after which the flock will be herded in the direction of Covent Garden in London. Aside from delighting adults and children alike, the sheep are raising money for charity. I did spot quite a few, which I’ll share with you in another post, but today you might like to take a look at Viveka‘s.

A look out at the bridge and we're on our way

A look at the bridge, and we’re on our way

Turning left out of the hotel, you can see the bridge ahead. I was a little disappointed that one pillar was swathed in white, but repairs were necessary. Clifton Suspension Bridge was opened in 1864 and is a Grade 1 listed toll bridge, though foot passengers can cross for free.

Initially we are going to climb the hill to Clifton Observatory. I promise you, the views are worth it! Site of a former mill, 337 feet above the Avon Gorge, the cliff top was used as a look out post as far back as the Iron Age. Today the building functions as a camera obscura. William West, an artist, rented the mill as a studio and installed telescopes and the camera obscura to facilitate drawing the gorge and Leigh Woods on the opposite bank of the river.

Looking down from the Observatory to the bridge

Inside the Observatory

Through the camera obscura

Bird bonanza!

A plant lover’s paradise

I think you will agree that the view is magnificent

Samuel Jackson’s watercolour from 1825

Looking down into the gorge

Having gazed our fill, it’s time to head back down and cross the bridge itself for still more magnificent views. I hope you have a head for heights? Suspended 75 metres above the Avon Gorge, it is an awesome feat of engineering.

Looking back at the Observatory

Crossing the bridge

Suspended

Looking up!

The Observatory seen from the bridge

The River Avon below twists and turns into the distance

One of the things I’d hoped to do was to take a boat trip through the Avon Gorge, to see it properly from the river. The gorge is home to many rare plants, in particular the whitebeam trees, some of which grow nowhere else in the world. Amongst these are Bristol whitebeams, Wilmott’s, Houston’s and Leigh Woods varieties. Rock cress and Bristol onion can be found clinging to the cliffs and in late Summer the delicate lilac flowers of Autumn Squill.

An evening visit would find the bridge beautifully illuminated, and in the dusk, Jackdaw and horseshoe bats swooping from their homes in the caves. The Visitor Centre on the Leigh Woods side of the bridge will provide you with a full and fascinating history, and on Summer Saturdays and Sundays you can take a free tour of the bridge itself.

The supporting tower on the Leigh Woods side of the gorge

Looking back through the tower

Although similar in size, the supporting towers of the bridge are not identical. I was unable to verify this as the tower on the Clifton side was under wraps. The visible tower stands 85 feet tall. Roller-mounted ‘saddles’ at the top of each tower allow slight movement to the chains when loads pass over the bridge. I was amazed at how ‘solid’ the bridge felt beneath my feet, despite the fragility of its appearance.

The bridge is credited to a design by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, but has a colourful history. I was interested to find that its predecessor was a stone bridge, built in the 13th century, on which were built houses 5 stories high. Wikipedia is very informative on the subject if you would like to know more. Our little walk can be completed with a return over the bridge, and maybe lunch at the Avon Gorge Hotel with those wonderful views. Or you might like a wander through charming Clifton Village for a wider choice. I’m going to head down beneath the bridge for a different view, but you don’t have to follow.

The bridge in silhouette

Looking back up

I forgot to mention St Vincent’s Cave, visible here on the cliff face and accessed from the Observatory

While below all appears peaceful in the valley

I hope you enjoyed my Monday wander as much as I did. Perhaps you can see now why I would have liked to see those hot air balloons above the bridge. Maybe another time? For now let’s get that kettle on, relax, and put our feet up.

Grateful thanks, as always, to my many contributors this week. I love walking with you all and sharing your company. For anyone wishing to join in, my Jo’s Monday walks page will give you the details if you just click on the logo.

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The first two lovely ladies had to wait patiently while I was away last weekend, so please do visit :

In our topsy-turvy world- fabulous snow shots from Ruth in Tasmania- brrrrh!

A walk in the snow

And a gentle piece of reminiscence with Jill. Stories beautifully told- don’t miss this!

The Old Custom House : a photographer’s delight

If you’d like to be transported to an Impressionist world, Drake will take you there :

Heaven on earth, a paradise

Debbie always stops to admire interesting architecture. Take a look!

On Emerald Hill

Just what I could do with right now- a stroll in beautiful botanic gardens. Many thanks, Anabel!

Dawyck Botanic Garden

Can I count this as my entry this week, Jude? Only joking! Thanks a lot, Amy!

Monday Walk : Banff Springs and Bench Series

Geoff is prone to a bit of a ramble :

In search of an identity- one walk, one dream

Planting acorns seems like a nice idea. Find out how with Denzil :

Erezee: A breath of fresh Ardennes air

Drake tugs at my heart strings with a second walk this week :

Wondering walk in Paris

While Meg showers me with the most delicious orchids! And that’s not all!

Gilgandra Flora Reserve

Still in Australia, Rosemay shows us just why Perth is the perfect home for her :

Our Adopted Home- Perth and South Western Australia

I’ve had some beautiful shares in the 18 months of Jo’s Monday walks but none lovelier than this. Thanks, Jude!

I promised you a rose garden

I hate for it to end in tears, but I’m afraid it rather does for Pauline and Jack! Get well soon, sir!

Ups and downs in Brisbane

That’s it for another week! Next week I think I’ll take you harbourside. Don’t forget, those folks at Monday Escapes have lots to entertain you too. But the main thing is to have a happy week ahead. See you next time.

Six word Saturday

Saving the best till the last?

Most of you will know that I had the most amazing time at Bristol Hot Air Balloon Festival last weekend. I shared my best photos in The time of my life but I did want to give you a little flavour of the spectacular Nightglow and fireworks that ended the show.

My little digital really wasn’t up to the task but to my surprise my smartphone was capable, despite the wobbly, excited hands of the photographer. Trouble is, I haven’t found a way to upload it to share with you. Well, there’s always a way, isn’t there, so I spent some time this morning searching through YouTube. I don’t think that this video fully captures the electric atmosphere, but maybe that was just me getting over excited. It starts slowly and is quite long, so I would suggest you fast forward and watch snippets. You do get to see the fireworks at the end, though, which is more than I managed. I was taking a long walk home! Hopefully next time I’ll be a little wiser. Still I was lucky- the event was so popular that some people were stuck in traffic and didn’t even make it.

It just remains for me to say ‘thank you Bristol’ and hope to see you again.

Have a great Saturday and don’t forget to visit Cate with your six words.

The time of my life!

You are about to see penguins fly!

There must be something about August! Apart from it being the height of an English Summer and my wedding anniversary month, I seem to have some of my very best memories from then. You have no idea how ridiculously excited I was to be going to the Bristol Balloon Festival! And I wasn’t even flying (maybe someday?)

I won’t share with you the whole saga right now. Sufficient to say that it was a very long walk home (even by Restlessjo standards), and that the people of Bristol are some of the nicest folk I’ve ever met. Are you ready for this?

It all starts with the moment that life is breathed into these beauties

Look Mum! I’m surrounded by balloons!

Even a square one!

And it’s large sidekick- the Wilkinson Cup

Almost up!

And standing proud!

I had arrived at the showground early, and been royally entertained with flying model aircraft and the beautiful gardens at Ashton Court- all in radiant sunshine. But there was no doubt of the spectacle that everyone wanted to see, and excitement began to build as the teams drove out onto the field. The baskets were tipped inelegantly on their sides and the balloons draped around them.

As the first one juddered and stammered to life, a thrill went through the crowd. And then it was proudly erect! Pink, white and perfect, it waited patiently while all the other balloons performed their own ballet.

Faster and faster they rose!

As the baskets were righted and the excited passengers climbed in, it was the job of one man to hang on to a rope for dear life to stop the balloon plunging away. In moments they were airborne, one after another, amid the gasps of spectators. Necks craned and we waved as the passengers waved back.

Against a mackerel sky

Who could help but smile?

And wave!

Although the skies were clear and bright there was still some doubt as to how many balloons would be able to take off. The occasional gust of wind across the airfield gave no real sense of how breezy it might be in the skies overhead. But one by one they pulled away, and the excitement never faded.

A certain twosome were eagerly waiting

And then there was Swatch

Anyone know these guys?

Airborne at last!

I made it too!

Didn’t we do well?

Look Mum- no hands!

Don’t forget the polar bears!

In minutes they were clear of the trees and gone, in the direction of the city and Clifton Suspension Bridge. Part of me wished I was waiting by the bridge, but there is no guarantee in which direction they will head, air currents being vital to this. On the field, the numbers of balloons dwindled, but I remained rapt.

Two red letter days?

But look whose turn it is next!

Totally adorable!

‘Balloons’ was one of the last to take to the sky

And then it was over, for a little while. Wilkinson Cup began to be deflated and the balloonists were off being collected from their respective landings. That would be fun to see too! Then began the wait for evening and Nightglow.

The cup takes a curtain call

Without ever seeing Paula’s Guest Challenge this week, I knew that the subject was Time, and that with Debbie in the driving seat there wouldn’t be much of it to spare. Mine is rather a large ‘snippet of time’ but a very special one, and I hope you’ve enjoyed it with me. Please click on the links to see Debbie’s wonderful post, and Paula’s interpretation of it. I hope I can play my part in making Thursday special.

And I musn’t forget a mention of a very special friend, whom I was lucky enough to meet in Bristol. Viveka, this one’s for you!

restlessjo

Roaming, at home and abroad

England

Jo’s Monday walk : Thorp Perrow

Six word Saturday

Oh no! Not a duck decoy!

Thoughts on benches

Clifton windows, Bristol

Jo’s Monday walk : On the Waterfront, Bristol

Six word Saturday

Let’s count ‘Shauns’ in the City!

Cabot Tower in Bristol

Jo’s Monday walk : Clifton Suspension Bridge and Observatory

Six word Saturday

Saving the best till the last?

The time of my life!

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Oh no! Not a duck decoy!

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Let’s count ‘Shauns’ in the City!

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Saving the best till the last?

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