England

Thursday’s Special : the Transporter Bridge
Just a gentle warning not to cross when the bridge isn't there!

Just a gentle warning not to cross when the bridge isn’t there!

A while ago the distant silhouette of the Transporter Bridge appeared in the background of one of my photos.  Paula expressed interest in it, so I thought it might be nice if it were the subject of a Thursday’s Special.

It is, in fact, quite a special structure. The concept of the transporter bridge was invented in 1873 by Charles Smith (1844-82) the manager of the iron works in, would you believe it, my home town, Hartlepool.  It is a type of movable bridge that carries a segment of roadway across a river. The gondola is slung from a tall span by wires on a metal frame. The design is used to cross navigable rivers where shipping traffic needs to pass.  Fewer than two dozen of this type of bridge have ever been built, according to Wikipedia.

Unfortunately Mr. Smith’s proposal was rejected by the local council, but the Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge finally came into being in 1911.  At 259 metres wide and 69 metres high it is the second largest such bridge in the world.  The gondola can carry 200 people and 9 cars, and crosses the River Tees in 90 seconds.

The approach to the bridge
The gondola is on the far shore
There are steps up to the top if you’re feeling adventurous
But it’s not often open. I’d love to do it (I think!)
It’s a long way across!
A “close up” of the gondola
Just a few steps!
It looks quite flimsy from here
But it’s a solid structure.
Looking out across the Tees.
The sky was quite moody today.
Time to move on, I think. I haven’t got the brolly!

The bridge never operates on windy days so I wasn’t surprised to find as I approached it that the gondola wasn’t moving.  It wasn’t till I returned home that I discovered that it’s currently closed for repair!  The good news for me was that I had uninterrupted views across the river.  The bad news- the gondola was stranded on the far shore so I couldn’t get across.  But I did discover a cycle track from which I could take even more shots.

Isn’t it a beautiful structure?
You can get a better impression of size from here.
I love the shape of it.
The darkening sky adds drama to the industry on the far shore.
A boat comes chugging beneath it
And off into the distance.
I can’t resist looking back.
More drama!
Boats gather in the mouth of the river (you need to stand on tiptoe!)
It’s a busy industrial landscape, with Roseberry Topping just visible in the distance..

It’s many years since I travelled that way regularly, in my commute to work.  Often on chilly Winter mornings I stood on the riverbank, waiting for the gondola’s approach.  When it landed and I stepped aboard there was always a frisson of excitement.  Now the bus boringly follows the road and crosses the Tees via Newport Bridge.

The Transporter is not so regularly used these days, but a Visitor Centre, on the far shore, pays tribute to its exciting past (and its star performance on the TV sit com Auf Wiedersehn, Pet) but that’s a trip for another day.  The links tell the full story, and if you click on any photo you’ll get my usual running commentary.

I hope that Paula enjoys her virtual visit to the Transporter Bridge with me, and that you’ll all join her on Thursday’s Special.  The pretty logo below will take you there.

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Thursday : Lingering look at Windows- week 35
Saltburn cliff lift with its stained glass windows

Saltburn cliff lift with it’s stained glass windows

This is my third post about Saltburn-by-the-Sea in a week!  Something about “if a job’s worth doing” rings a bell. It is a charming town with a strong hint of Victoriana and quirkiness that has always appealed to me.  It’s situation on the North Yorkshire coast, overlooking Huntcliff Nab, is beautiful.  The cliff lift is the star attraction, and extremely useful if you don’t want to make the long haul up to the town from the beach.

Saltburn Cliff Lift is definitely red..
It’s a steep drop!
Not a great shot but I had to be quick- the lift was going down!
A look back at last year’s Jubilee yarn bombing, on the promenade above the pier.

If the cliff lift’s not in operation, a stroll through Valley Gardens will bring you back up to the town by a more leisurely (but still steep!) route.  After the recent floods you might need your wellies, but in Summer it’s a beautiful woodland stroll beside the tawny stream.  As a real treat the Prince Charles miniature steam train runs through the woods in the holiday season.  I had just missed it and it was safely stowed in the engine sheds, but I found these rather whimsical windows in the childrens’ wildlife-watching area.

What can you see?
Maybe this window’s better?

Back on the cliff top, the town is full of grand old Victorian houses and a spattering of shops.  Maybe a little window shopping before you hunt out a cafe with a view?

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If you didn’t see my post about the yarn bombing on the pier, have a look at Six word Saturday.  The sea creatures are delightful and the views of Huntcliff Nab are pretty wonderful too.

Meantime, many thanks to Dawn at Lingering Visions.  I love writing posts about windows.  How about you?  Click on the link to see this week’s entries.

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Cee’ s Which Way challenge- no. 8
Approaching the coastal footpath north of Seaham

Approaching the coastal footpath north of Seaham

Better get my skates on with this challenge- I’m running out of week!  I am determinedly clinging to blue skies and beautiful walks, even if the reality might be changing.  You may remember this walk from my Weekly Photo Challenge: Sea?  I love the coastal footpaths around our coast.

Isn’t this stone wall a beautiful feature?
A convenient place to leave your flask?
I liked that the pillars had poems relating to the stones
A lovely idea.
Step through onto the footpath and we’re off!
No lingering on that bench!
Sometimes there are tributes to a loved one along the way.
Teasles tickle the skies!
A cheery biker scoots by as we cross over the bridge
And a horse keeps a wary eye on us.
Hawthorn Village? Almost there!
The end’s in sight.

Click on a photo to step out with me.  You can choose which way.

Many thanks to Cee for the encouragment .  Click on the link or Cee’s logo to view the other entries.

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Six word Saturday

6ws-participating-in-bannerA most unusual point of view

Many’s the time I’ve strolled down Saltburn pier, but it’s never looked like this before.  Roll the gallery for a few smiles.

Beautiful beach huts
A cute crab!
An elegant jellyfish and anemone friends.
The detail is beautiful.
Such a nice view of The Smuggler’s Inn in the background
Crazy yellow at the seaside!
Donkey ride anyone?
Knit and Purl are adorable.
Another jellyfish.
Lobster for tea?
Or shrimp?
Is crab red when it’s cooked?
Gone fishing!
Too much seaweed around here!
A stripey seahorse and his mate.
HELP!
Dangling pretty!
Huntcliff Nab, dramatic in the background.
Just hanging around!
A jolly lighthouse.
A dog and his master take a closer look?

I felt so sorry for Saltburn when I saw the news this morning.  There was extensive flooding after yesterday’s torrential rain.  This morning they’ll be cleaning up.

Yesterday I posted this young lady in the Weekly Photo Challenge which required a a shot from an unusual point of view.  She is very winsome but not in very good focus.  In retrospect I would have been better using either my first or last gallery photo, don’t you think?  Do you have a favourite?

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That’s my six words (and a bit) for this Saturday.  If you’d like to join Cate at Show My Face for Six Word Saturday you’d be very welcome.  The explanation is in the header and the links.

Weekly Photo Challenge : an unusual viewpoint

IMG_9301This is a first for me- a single photograph!  There is a good reason, as I will be posting more in Six word Saturday tomorrow, but this little mermaid seemed to fit the bill perfectly.  The view is of Huntcliff Nab at Saltburn-by-the Sea, another of North Yorkshire’s charming seaside resorts.  A tradition has grown up in recent years of festooning available railings with knitting.  Last year was, of course, the Royal Jubilee, but I was very taken with this year’s seaside theme, artistically draped along Saltburn pier.

I’ve written about Saltburn before, in a post called Secrets, which gives a little of  the area’s history.  Meantime, I hope you like my entry for this week’s Daily Post challenge.  Huntcliff Nab is beautiful in its own right but I love an Unusual Point of View.  Click on the link to view the other entries.

Thursday : Lingering look at Windows- week 34
The view out across the lake

Looking out across the lake, with the Transporter Bridge in the background.

Maybe you remember that I was at Saltholme nature reserve last weekend with some of my Polish family?  The RSPB website describes Saltholme as “big skies, fantastic wildlife and a friendly welcome in the heart of Teesside”.  We certainly had a good time with our Mad Hatter’s tea party.

The landscape is highly industrial with chemical works and Power Station on its doorstep, but the wetlands are a prime site for migrating birds.  At low tide you can also enjoy seals basking on the riverbanks of the estuary.  The state of the art visitor centre and wildlife reserve has breathed new life into a less than desirable area.

The modern windows of the visitor centre, industry on the horizon.
There are plenty of spotlights!
Panoramic windows come into their own when the weather is inclement.
The hides have “windows” for spying on the birds.
There’s even a little good advice.
Captive birds are stencilled on the windows. to enhance that view
Isn’t that a nice thought?

I was having so much fun with the family, I missed week 33 of Dawn’s challenge, but I’m back to play this week.  Check out the other entries at Lingering Visions.  I bet you’ve seen some windows you’d like to share?

Weekly Photo Challenge : Sea

IMG_9070There’s nothing I like better than to crest the brow of a hill and see it sparkling in the distance.  It’s like a magnet from then on and my gaze keeps returning to it, imagining myself on that shore.  I’ve lived within sight of the sea for most of my life, and cannot imagine a time where I couldn’t stroll on a beach at will.  It’s lucky for me that there are endless stretches of cliff top walking in my rugged corner of north eastern England.

IMG_9087IMG_9092IMG_9095IMG_9099IMG_9108IMG_9110IMG_9112IMG_9115These photos were taken this morning on the stretch of coast just south of Seaham.  You may remember, I posted recently about the town and its regeneration in No time like the present.

This is my entry for the Weekly Photo Challenge.  The sea is a subject that never fails to engage me.   I’m off now to check out the other entries.  Come with me?

Six word Saturday

6ws-participating-in-bannerFamily fun in all its guises!

A Mad Hatter’s tea party!
With the cutest rabbit
And, of course, the Dormouse.
Not quite sure about the worm but Mariusz liked him.
Mole was good for hugs though.
Arek is the one with boundless energy.
Rafal was endlessly patient with his younger brothers.
And Mum, Grazyna, is always full of smiles.
We did some serious stuff birdwatching in the hides too. Sssh- be very quiet!

Fun is guaranteed when my Polish family from Norfolk come to visit.  The above shots were taken at Saltholme, a local birdwatching nature reserve.  Click on any photo to follow the story line.

The sun shone on us in Durham.
The views were wonderful up on the Cathedral roof.
And the floral displays made us smile.
Especially these little guys!
We found the Hartlepool sampler
Then we crossed a bridge or two. All worn out! (except Arek)

In Durham, we took the Castle tour (Rafal is considering Durham University, based in the Castle, as one of his options).  I was delighted to find that it was the first day of the flower festival in the Cathedral, but it was, of course, busy.

More fun is anticipated today.

What have you been doing with your week?  Share it in Six word Saturday.  The links or the header will take you there.  Hope you have a happy weekend!

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Capture the Colour 2013

My lovely friend Suzanne, The Travelbunny, has tagged me to take part in this year’s Travelsupermarket competition, Capture the Colour 2013.  When you’re at my level it’s just a bit of fun, but the prizes are brilliant, and some of the entries I’ve seen so far are pure inspiration.  Nothing to lose, right?

The door is just about to open.

A string of white rosary beads on the Carmo Church, Tavira.

The above shot is my entry for White.  I used it in a Six word Saturday post when I’d just returned home from the beautiful Eastern Algarve. I was trying to get the images out of my head and back to my “real world” in England.

Romantic Summer evenings weren’t so easy to forget.  Blue was the mood, and leads to my second entry from Tavira, pictured  below.

A moonlight wander.

A moonlit blue for an evening stroll.

But eventually you settle back in and start to plan for the next excitement.  A wedding anniversary certainly helped.  The trompe l’oeuil effect in my favourite Italian restaurant in Durham provided me with an interesting Green entry, and a good post for the Lingering look at Windows series.

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Atmospheric green and trompe l’oeuil in La Spaghettata.

I looked through a lot of Polish windows earlier this year too, none more lovely then my Yellow entry.  The Ratusz stands prominently in the market square, Rynek Główny, in Kraków.  I had often looked at it in admiration but it wasn’t till I climbed the tower that I found these gems.

Through the windows of the bell tower of the Ratusz or Town Hall in Krakow

Yellow stained glass windows in the bell tower of the Ratusz (Town Hall)

I thought long and hard about my last colour, Red.  I know that this isn’t a prize winning shot but to me it’s very special.  It captures all the warmth and vibrance of the amazing occasion which was my daughter’s Steampunk wedding this year.  My red-haired lady and her beloved cut a dashing pair.  Lisa made her gown and Leo’s red frock coat.  I think she deserves a place in this post.

Lisa and Leo leaving the church

Lisa and Leo leaving the church

I hope you enjoyed my selections as much as I enjoyed the chance to look back.  Time to look forward and nominate 5 people to take part in the challenge.

Cathy of Catbird in Europe (just to confuse you, she’s now Nomad, Interrupted)

Lynn at Blue Brightly

Seonaid at Breathe of Green Air

James and Terri at Gallivance  (an unfair advantage here, methinks!)

Guntha at Movin’ On

I know that in making these selections I’ve kissed goodbye to my chances, but it’s all about the taking part, isn’t it? (boo! hoo!)  You have until 9th October to get your entries in folks, and you don’t even have to wait to be nominated.  All the details regarding entry are at Travelsupermarket.com.  Just follow the link.  Good luck!

Six word Saturday

6ws-participating-in-bannerCheese flavoured icecream with Jamie Oliver!

Jamie looks on as the icecream cone is filled

Jamie looks on as the cone is filled with berries and the cheesy icecream

I was mildly chastised by a dear blogging friend for the verbosity of my Six word Saturdays, so I’m not going to hang about explaining.  I’ll simply say that my weekend with my daughter produced a few surprises.  Click on any photo for more details.

We started in elegant Thea Caffea (Earl Grey for Lisa)
There’s even a grand piano, darling!
Lisa was quite attached to this boot! It normally lives outside the cafe, but it was closing time.
Jamie’s Italian, next door, had film crew in, recording a new series?
“Are you allergic to animals?” we were asked.
And it isn’t possible to have icecream without my red haired lady!
In sunny Market Square the seaside had come to visit.
With rides and climbing frames.
Then home to put the kettle on (but that’s Lisa’s handbag!)
Can’t help but love her.

I’m practising brevity. (but only for the purposes of this challenge)  What do you think?  Join Cate at Show My Face if you want to play along.  The button below links to my previous Six word Saturdays.  Happy weekend!

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