Don’t look now, but he’s blue!
They do look like they’re rolling around laughing, don’t you think? Always time for a smile on Six Word Saturday. Or beauty, with Debbie.
Six word Saturday
Photography
Jo’s Monday walk : Lotherton Hall
I’m still in garden mode today. That’s what inevitably comes from a visit to England. At the suggestion of two good friends a jaunt out to a rather wonderful Edwardian country estate took place. Celebrating 50 years of being open to the public, Lotherton Hall is a pleasant ride out of Leeds City Centre on the number 64 bus. Amazing how quickly you can leave the city behind and be surrounded by rolling English countryside and pretty villages. And wonder of wonders, the sun was beaming down! Gardens first, in case the weather changed its mind.
The hall was once owned by the Gascoigne family and the formal gardens were designed between 1893 and 1914. The rose terrace is overlooked by a remarkable bronze sculpture, ‘Peony Priest’. I didn’t take as many photos as I normally would because I was in excellent company, and there was much catching up to do. As well as that, a Vintage Fair had taken pride of place in the gardens. Stalls with all manner of garments, glassware, china and books filled the lawns. A little browsing and, to save the contents of our purses, you understand, it was into the Coach House for coffee (and a scone with jam and cream 🙂 ).
A tiny chapel in the grounds is dedicated to St. James and dates back to 1170. It was restored during the First World War for the use of soldiers recuperating at Lotherton. The serenity must have seemed a boon to them.
Elsewhere in the grounds a Beatles Tribute Band was tuning up. Serenity destroyed, but there were lots of toe tappers. Our visit to the hall was accompanied by the familiar strains of ‘It’s been a Hard Day’s Night’. It was all I could do not to join in the chorus as I looked through the window.
The hall itself truly captured my imagination. It brings to life another era, and tells the stories of the Gascoignes and the families that worked for them, in an ‘Upstairs Downstairs’ fashion. Sir Alvary Gascoigne had a highly successful diplomatic career and this is reflected in the exquisite furniture and fabulous chinoiserie throughout the house.
I’m sure that many people would enjoy this step back in time, but the Lotherton Hall experience doesn’t end there. An enormous range of birds, many of which I have never seen before, inhabit the aviary. Moving from one compound to the next presented continuous surprises. I’m not a fan of zoos in general, but there were lots of happy children and their parents in the park.
We’d done a lot of wandering and it was time for a substantial meal. My friend’s suggestion of the ‘Crooked Billet’ pub, just 1.6 miles away, was a huge success. The proof of the pudding is in the eating, isn’t it? And surely Eton Mess can’t be fattening!
Their only son is getting married this Friday. I wish him and his bride a wonderful life together, and hope they’ll be as happy as his Mum and Dad.
More walks to share this week. Thank you all for contributing and for reading. Join me any time you like, here on Jo’s Monday walk.
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I’m stealing from a master this week. I’m sure most of you will know the work of Lignum Draco :
And, just over the water, Jude focuses on what she does best- a Cornish garden :
While Margaret does her best to cheer us, with a dash of ‘je ne sais quoi’ :
Le Jardin Extraordinaire : a late summer treat
This lady never ceases to amaze me with the places she goes, and the resulting photographs :
While Lady Lee has the best holidays ever :
Kinkaku-ji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion)
A challenging walk from Cheryl, but well worth it, I know you’ll agree :
Hyangiram Hermitage Hike in Summer
While Irene takes us to some stunning heights in Hawaii :
And Teabee reminds me of the beauty of English heather :
Randonée/Hike to High Rigg, St. John’s in the Vale, Cumbria
Alice’s turn to take us through some locks this week :
Drake shares another snippet of his fascinating life :
And Janet demonstrates her fondness for animals :
Jo’s Monday Walk…the dog days of summer
If you’re just feeling lazy, Sandra has the answer :
Afternoon Tea at the Empress, Victoria, BC
But Cathy strides on with determination in every step :
(Camino day 33) Hospital de Orbigo to Astorga
Nothing left to do but wish you all a great week. See you soon!
Six word Saturday
‘Those we miss you’ll surely pardon…?’
‘How many kinds of sweet flowers grow in an English Country Garden?’ Who’d have thought I’d manage to squeeze in a visit to an Open Garden on my recent UK trip! Sleightholmedale Lodge, near Kirby Moorside, had a lovely hillside location. And cake! But I stoutly resisted. ‘
As usual, Debbie has the market cornered on six words. Why not join in? Wishing you a happy Saturday!
Jo’s Monday walk : Kirkstall Abbey to Leeds City Centre
What could be finer, on an almost sunny day, than a little piece of English Heritage, topped off with a canalside walk? Numerous times I have passed by the ruins of Kirkstall Abbey, with a backward look and a sigh. Founded in 1152, over 800 years ago, this Cistercian monastery is surrounded by greenery and sits on the banks of the River Aire.
All summer long Leeds City Council have provided activities to keep youngsters active and entertained. Kirkstall Abbey was one of the venues, in case you were wondering about the terrier. He was watching me with curiosity as I read the signboards and imagined how life must have been, back in those draughty days.
A short, sharp shower forced us across the road and into the Abbey House tearooms. Excellent timing for a huge slice of carrot cake.
I was astonished to learn that the main road into Leeds had once passed through the Abbey. Today it buzzes and hums alongside, but a far quieter route into town can be found just a few hundred metres beyond, along the Leeds-Liverpool canal.
Leaving the Abbey to its own devices, I meandered across the grass to join the riverside path. Youngsters were trying to span the river, with whoops of laughter, at a narrow point among the trees. Beyond the weir it wasn’t immediately obvious how to reach the towpath, and I ended up on a rugby pitch, with some rusty containers. Big hint- it is necessary to cross over the river to access the canal.
You never know what you’ll find on, or in, a canal. Discarded gaiety from the day before, an old lad and his equally old boat, nuts and bolts and bridges, and a dad, wheeling the pushchair in search of peace and quiet.
Waterside weeds aplenty, dappled shade, a pigeon under a bridge, looking wary, and a timely reminder of distance. Today’s walk, just a fraction of that. Suddenly welcome sunshine flooded the canal with brilliant light, and simultaneously I passed by a small marina.
Close by, the traffic thundered over bridges, but in this watery world all was stillness and calm, with patches of ugliness. Angled shots seemed to suit the confined space, reflecting the heavy girders with ease.
Approaching Leeds centre many of the old warehouses have been converted, but there are still sad facades with bleak-looking, shattered windows. A museum peers down from behind railings. Spare patches of wall host graffiti. The canal trundles silently, nurturing its wildlife.
The railway joins the canal and the road network, and gradually everything converges on the city. A sequence of locks steers you through it’s very heart. The conviviality of the canals always draws people together, and I love this about them.
I have to apologise for being a bit ‘all over the place’ right now. Many of you will know that I am back in my Algarve home, after spending most of August in the UK. Events have overtaken me, but I have a few ambles still to share from my time in England.
As always, many thanks to you all for following my wandering footsteps. I hope you can spare some time to visit my walkers. I can promise variety! Join me next time, on Jo’s Monday walk? You’re always very welcome.
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Jude’s back with us this week, sharing beautiful Cornwall :
Denzil’s shifted his focus a little lately, but the details are, as always, excellent :
Debbie always finds such interesting subjects for her walks :
A beautifully written walk from Mel, with some great historic background :
Escape Sydney’s Concrete Jungle on the Wulugul Walk
And by contrast, Joanne shares some very English heritage and sights :
There isn’t any shortage of beautiful cities in Europe, is there? Thanks, Drake!
Janet shares a lovely picture storyboard this week :
While Natalie keeps our fitness in mind, in a beautiful setting :
Fit n Fun Walk: Toronto Music Garden
And Jackie has a very different focus :
Ann-Christine reflects on our topsy-turvy world :
Thursday Thoughts – Iceland, Life on Earth and at Sea
Lady Lee’s back from a fabulous holiday :
All Seasons – Our Japanese Holiday
While poor Cathy just keeps right on walking!
(Camino day 32) Valverde de la Virgen to Hospital de Orbigo
There’s walking, and then there’s Lexie! This is an unbelievable effort. You will be amazed!
That’s it for another week. I plan a slow day today as the weekend was hot and hectic. Whatever you find to do, take good care of yourself.
Six word Saturday
I’m a bit of a dinosaur!
Many thanks to Leeds City Council for bringing so much pleasure to small boys and girls this summer. And to some of us oldies! Debbie’s having fun today too. Join her with six words? Happy Saturday!
Jo’s Monday walk : Carvoeiro Boxes
In complete contrast to Saturday’s post, I’m sun-dazzled in Carvoeiro today. Not my favourite place in the Algarve but, after the enormous success of my Street Art in Silves, I made it a mission to visit Carvoeiro for more of the same. Most of its charm fled with the influx of tourism, but in winter months you might still catch a glimmer. Just don’t attempt it in high summer!
You can forgive a lot with street art like this, can’t you? I wandered through the centre, beaming at each new find.
Do you have a favourite yet? I confess a weakness for the frog. A handsome prince if ever I saw one.
The background can enhance or distract, the musculature of Ronaldo seeming a little out of place beside that delicate chimney. But he’s everywhere in Portugal. Sometimes it’s good to see things in context, like this box outside the mosaic shop. And the lovely azulejo panel of the bay.
Just a morsel of cake. Not my preferred choice but very nice. However disparaging I may be about Carvoeiro, there’s a place just along the coast that never fails to delight me, even though commercialism has done its worst. The awe I felt when I first saw Algar Seco remains.
Fashioned by the raw power of the sea, the convoluted shapes and whorls cast a spell. A gentle whoosh, or a blast and a roar! The ocean always keeps you on your toes. You can follow the boardwalk along the cliff top to take in the views, or descend to peer through the lattice of holes.
The painted electricity boxes were there too. I hope you enjoyed them.
I’ve tried to catch up with as many of you as I can. Please give me a nudge if I’ve missed you. It’s meltingly hot in the Algarve right now, so I’m glad of those cooler weeks in the UK. Many thanks for your company and contributions. Feel free to join me next time here on Jo’s Monday walk.
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Debbie captures the action on the streets of Edinburgh. What a venue!
A North Korean history lesson and a stroll by the shore with Albert :
A glass of wine or two, and a trilogy, with Drake :
Beautiful gardens to wander in, with Sandra :
Butchart Gardens, Victoria, BC, Canada
While Irene enjoys a quiet life :
And Beatrice shares the natural beauty of Austria, courtesy of Ulli :
Alpine Flora and Fauna in Montafon Valley, Austria
This one from Eunice seems very appropriate this week (and note it’s a sequel)
More of Blackburn’s street art
And Cathy is still walking the Camino, one step at a time :
(Camino day 30) Arcahueja to León
(Camino day 31) Léon to Valverde de la Virgen
I couldn’t resist this walk in Paris. Please say hello to Yoshimi :
Paris Promenade plantée Coulée verte
Rosemay visits one of my favourite places in Yorkshire :
A Spring Walk round Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
And how could you not enjoy a port or two, in Becky’s convivial company?
But if none of that pleases you, take a trip with Sheetal. You won’t regret it!
Hope you’re having a wonderful Bank Holiday in the UK, and wishing you all a great week ahead. I’m still battling gently with the new phone, but I had some great news yesterday. My son proposed to his lovely lady, on holiday in Barcelona, and she said ‘si’. 🙂
Six word Saturday
The day we went to Otley!
Didn’t we have a lovely time…
It never stopped raining
But the architecture was interesting
And we found a smile or two
Into the nearest pub, who should we meet but Elvis!
And friends!
They’d found a Fancy Dress shop sale, round the corner
I wanted to walk by the riverside
But we were rapidly approaching flood levels
And the trees didn’t give much shelter
But we did find some bedraggled hydrangea
What a trip! I’m back from the UK now, adjusting to Algarve temperatures. My riverside walk in Otley was a total washout, but I couldn’t stop laughing. It coincided with a day when ‘rain stopped play’ at Headingley, and folk were queuing at bus stops dressed as sharks or Batman, or whatever else took their fancy. Totally bonkers! We spent a jolly couple of hours in the pub, and dripped home.
I had a new camera and, as you may have observed, forgot to remove the date from the shots so it is indelibly printed on my mind. Another, even wetter day, was spent in a pub in Knaresborough, again in excellent company. The British fighting spirit! On my last day my phone died. Was it the weather? I am attempting to familiarise myself with a new one…. slowly!
It wasn’t all rain and we had some wonderful times, but I have far exceeded my Six Words. Lots of stories to tell. I’ll be back on Monday. Have a great weekend and make the most of your heatwave! (in Britain)
And to conclude….
A lovely place to end! We had the odd misgiving when we arrived in Vila Franca do Campo, but we were completely wrong.
Such a wonderful renovation, retaining character and atmosphere, and with smiling, helpful staff. Convento de Sáo Francisco was a real find.
I even found a niche to watch the final of the French Open tennis at Roland Garros, while a certain other enjoyed one last lounge beside a hotel pool. All’s well that ends well? Rafa certainly thought so! And as we sashayed out to our final evening meal, would you credit it but a band struck up in the distance? Just one more procession, albeit a very low key affair, which rather suited our mood.
And the sun finally set on an epic Azores adventure. I have so enjoyed sharing it with you.
So sorry to have confused everybody! I intended to schedule Vila Franca do Campo, my Monday walk, for today, but I got over-excited and posted it late on Saturday. My links to everyone’s walks are over there so please do check back for any you’ve missed. I doubt I’ll post again before the weekend. Have a great week!
Jo’s Monday walk : Vila Franca do Campo
So! The dilemma! Our last night, close to the airport for an early start, or a beguiling monastery, not too far away? When we rang the bell pull at dusk, and the narrow grill rolled slowly back, we could have been forgiven for wondering if we’d made the right choice. A small door in the hefty green one was swung creakily back to admit us. Were we spending the night in a cell?
Vila Franca do Campo was full of surprises. On our bed, at Convento de Sáo Francisco, a glossy magazine, open at a feature… are you familiar with Bom Jesus at Braga, on mainland Portugal? The image was something similar, but on a smaller scale. Definitely an expedition for the morning.
On a bright blue day, yet another amiable taxi driver arrived to wind us up, and up, and up the hillside to Senhora da Paz. (and he would collect us at six for the airport, the following morning, still smiling 🙂 ) Breakfast of island cheeses, boiled eggs, fresh pineapple and wonderful local bread and honey had set us up for the day. Nothing to do but start at the top, and amble slowly, back down the hillside.
The views down upon Vila Franca do Campo, with its offshore islet, were simply beautiful, the subtle stripes of the ocean stretching to infinity. The azulejo panels tell the story of Our Lady of Peace, whose image was discovered nearby, in a simple grotto.
Reluctantly I tore myself away to begin the descent. Mingled with the ever present hydrangeas, starry bursts of delicate agapanthus.
Did you notice the islet, on the horizon? I didn’t manage to get there in the short time we had, but the ferries leaving the marina seemed popular. But I’m jumping ahead of myself. We wound our way down a tree-lined avenue until we were back in the town. The houses had interesting adornments to delay our progress, and one garden was full of ripening bananas. Most noticeable, though, were the coloured hoops across the streets. A festival of some kind was set to happen, connected to the Senhora, I could only surmise.
Eventually the twists and turns brought us to a central square, and thirst led us from there to the marina. A hot and lively place from which to observe the business of boats. Something I’m able to do for hours!
A seawall led out around the marina, protecting it from an ocean mild as milk on this particular day. We stopped to watch some youngsters bringing home their tiny craft, the instructor bellowing at them intimidatingly. I was glad that I was ashore.
So many fascinating jobs to be done. But not everybody loves boats, and it was time to follow the shoreline and head back up to our monastery/hotel. Evidence here that someone loves cars too!
Through a very attractive square, whose church door was temptingly open. And past the prettiest bandstand ever!
I think this may be a good place to leave this walk, though I hear anguished cries of ‘what about the cake?’ You can have too much of a good thing?
I’m still in the UK till late Wednesday. So much has happened since we were in the Azores! I’m in transit to Nottingham tomorrow, and as some of you may realise, I’ve just hit Publish rather than Preview! So you have a Jo’s Monday walk on a Saturday. Whatever next? I hope you’ll excuse me. There will be a brief follow up on Monday.
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Meanwhile, Cathy has been trekking, and trekking, on her spiritual journey :
(Camino day 27) San Nicolás del Real Camino to Bercianos del Real Camino
(Camino day 28) Bercianos del Real Camino to Reliegos & ruminations (week 4)
And Sandra has been enjoying the great outdoors :
Naches Peak Loop/Tipsoo Lake, Mount Rainier National Park
I always enjoy a step back in time. Thanks, Irene :
Meet Elina from Finland! She has some wonderful sights to show you :
And guess what? Drake’s….
And he has full permission to walk on a day that’s not Monday 🙂
While Rupali, after a break, is…
And Ulli takes us on a majestic tour of the Austrian Alps :
The route is the final destination in Austria
Funnily enough, Suzanne, the Travelbunny, just featured a spectacular walk in Austria that I’d love to do :
Tiefenbachklamm – Discovering Austria’s Wild Side
And Debbie takes us to ever more exotic and interesting places. I can’t keep up!
I’m sure she’d enjoy some of the street art in Cheryl’s walk, too :
The Highest Café of Jaman Mural Village
Another newcomer to the walks- please give a warm welcome to Nandini :
And in case you’ve forgotten Nadine, something that made me feel very restless :
15 Photos that will make you fall in love with the Camino del Norte
And I almost missed Margaret, but here she is!
Country Mouse visits the Big City
It’s great that you’ve all continued to walk with me. Comments were closed for a while, but I guess I’m back in business now. I’ve loved my family time in the UK but I think it will be good to be home again.
Six word Saturday
Got the blues, in the night!
My last July Squares before I disappear for a few weeks. I’m linking this to a walk in Capelas, which will explain more. Thank you Becky and Debbie for hours of fun. Have a great weekend!
restlessjo 
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