Travel

Jo’s Monday walk : Vaqueiros

A dilemma this week! Whether to take you back to those blue Algarve skies, or stay with reality, here in the UK? Ever the escapist, I’ve opted to leave reality on hold, just a little while longer. Vaqueiros is another of those pretty hill villages in the Eastern Algarve. A quirky little walk, this time I had the company of my walking friends, so no need to worry about angry dogs.

Again, the drive up into the hills from Tavira was a test for the driver, but pure delight for the passenger. Before coming to the Algarve I would never have expected to find hairpin bends and smoke coloured hills. Every twist and turn looks down across another tiny village, or out across a lovely panorama. With each bend I want to shout ‘stop the car’, and leap out with my camera. But, of course, that isn’t a practical option, and the dedicated walkers in our group would have been less than impressed. Coffee stops, however, are mandatory, and we congregate outside a miniscule cafe in Vaqueiros. I’m eye to eye with a languid grey cat, sitting comfortably atop a heap of beer crates. Raising my camera appears to be the signal for a sprint start. Another wasted photo opportunity! Nothing for it but to start walking.

Vaqueiros is one of the villages along the Via Algarviana, a 300km walking and biking trail which crosses the Algarve. The walk today is a circular route of just 13km. In late November the sun is shining brightly but walkers are scarce. The olive trees are laden with fruits, soon to be harvested. Our route takes us out of the village, joining a gently rising track. Gnarled olive trees and umbrella pines are our chief companions.

Can you see Michael, in the deep shade, at the rear of the group of walkers? They are quite fit and walk at a decent pace. I’m always hanging back, looking for an interesting shot. Unless I get engrossed in conversation, which can sometimes happen. I try to maintain a balance between enjoying my companions and the landscape.

Red and yellow markers indicate that we are still following a trail, but we mostly rely on our group leader. An Algarve resident, he has been walking these hills for many years. His well-muscled legs handle the ups and downs with ease. Some of us are not so lucky! Along the route we come upon a couple of fords, but water levels are notoriously low this year. The rain came all in one week and everywhere is tinder dry.

A cluster of hens are happy in the shade.

I mentioned at the beginning that this is a quirky walk. Up in these hills you unexpectedly come upon the remains of a theme park. ‘Parque Mineiro’ was a misguided idea which never actually came to fruition. Copper was once mined in this area and was presumably the inspiration behind the theme park. I wasn’t at all prepared for the sight of a little yellow train, and yet there it was, intact and still sitting on the rails.

I’m sorry to disappoint, but there isn’t a cake stop on this walk. Groans all round! The village doesn’t have one and in fact we took a picnic with us. We ended up back at Vaqueiros, outside the same little cafe. The lads helped to empty those beer crates while my tumbler of red cost but 40 cents!

It’s a lovely part of the world. This promotional video of the Via Algarviana is a nice introduction. There is a board near the cafe which shows way-marked trails, should you ever get that far.

And that’s my walking done till after Christmas, so may I take this opportunity to wish all of you a happy and healthy Christmas (yes, you are allowed cake! You can walk it off afterwards). Time to put that kettle on!

A last round-up before Christmas. Huge thanks to all of you who’ve followed along, up hill and down dale. I’ve enjoyed your company so much, and thank you for helping to keep me trim. Join me any time you like. Details are on my Jo’s Monday walk page.

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Quick off the mark last week, Drake was in thoughtful mood :

Space for reflection

Lovely to have Debbie back in our midst again!

A Winter Stroll on Beach Street

Lots of you seem to know my weaknesses now! Many thanks, Elaine :

A canalside walk

It’s round up time with Amy. Pick a favourite?

A Walk through my Monday Walks

I shall make it to Water of Leith one day- trust me, Anabel!

Edinburgh- everything is going to be alright

Still walking in circles with Geoff!

The Capital Ring : Richmond to Greenford, via Osterley

Violet shows us how beautiful Christmas in small town Ontario can be :

River of lights

Then we can hop across the water to cosmopolitan Toronto :

Toronto…. waterscape walks

You might have missed this one last week? I did! Apologies!

Metal and Wood Trail

Jaspa takes us to South America again. Such a beautiful cathedral!

Trujillo’s Colonial Heart, Peru

Walk homewards with Ruth? You won’t regret it :

Stroll home

And isn’t it always a pleasure to spend time with Pauline and Jack?

Farm walk

Gilly lives in a lovely part of the world. She’s lovely too!

The Otter in August

Hope to see some of you next week, if you’re not too busy entertaining and having fun. I’ll be looking forward to a bit of fresh air in that gap between Christmas and New Year. Off I go, to wrap presents. I still have some to buy! Take good care till I see you again, and have a wonderful time with your loved ones.

Backlit

Capturing fading light seems to have been one of my preoccupations on my recent trip to the Algarve. I always have difficulty keeping these things to myself, so I was happy when Paula requested Backlit images on Thursday’s Special.

Fronds of palm, backlit

Shadows creeping silently

Whispering of night

A strong subject in the foreground is what’s required, so I’ve included the one above, which I don’t like so much, and a couple of fishermen, taken much earlier in the day. I rather like the fishermen. They were much too busy to notice me.

As always, Paula does it with style and a very special Thursday photo. My lovely friend Gilly is always here on a Thursday, too- her Lazy Poet’s haiku is simply too good to miss.

I really shouldn’t be loitering here because I’ve still much to do. See you!

Jo’s Monday walk : a sunset stroll

I make no apologies for taking you back to Barril beach today- one of my favourites in the Algarve. As long ago as June 2014 I was promising you a sunset visit to the charismatic Anchor Cemetery. This November I finally made it!

That last run up to Christmas can be quite stressful, so I hope you can take just a little time out to enjoy this with me.

We’ll start at the beach bar, sipping a little wine, while we wait for the sun to slide down the sky. The waitress is starting to tidy away. It’s the end of her shift, but she motions for us to take our time. The last steam train arrives and departs. Anyone lingering will have to walk back across the causeway. It’s not far, but you don’t want to leave it too late. The shadows stretch and begin to gild the anchors. It’s time to take our stroll.

They lie so tranquil and calm. I’m sad to leave them, but I don’t want to walk back in the dark. Just one more look!

The path leads beside the railway tracks, through pines and rustling grasses. The engine shed lies dormant, a rose blush on the abandoned boiler.

It fascinates me that, looking west, the sky darkens with contrast, but looking east, pinky lilac hues remain. I wonder that the camera takes all in, leaving me to make sense of the images, and revel in the drama.

Beyond the salt marshes, a pontoon spans the lagoon. Late in the day, water and sky flow together. I am in my element.

Moments later I’m back on dry land. The car awaits, beside the new asphalt path, leading back to Tavira, just 10 minutes drive away.

These images bring the evening back to me so clearly. I hope that you can find a little stillness and calm in all the Christmas madness.

Once again, I owe huge thanks to all of you who walk with me and share my walks. If you would like to join in at any time please just click on the logo to visit my Jo’s Monday walk page. Pop the kettle on time?

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Let’s start off with Geoff getting philosophical whilst out walking :

The Invisible Tree

Any guesses what this means? You’ll be in Anabel’s good company, so don’t worry!

Meikle Bin

Amy loves the countryside, and those who help look after it :

Trails at Banff, Canada

‘A concrete quilt of memories’. Isn’t that a lovely description? Thanks, Jackie :

Cloud Gardens

Christmas in the heart of Strasbourg- what could be finer in Drake’s company?

Traditions and Serenity

A woodland trial ending in waterfalls- perfection! Thanks, Ruth :

Liffey Falls

Jaspa knows the way to my heart too! More wonderful waterfalls :

Going Loco at Brandywine Falls, British Columbia

Much more fun than tea and toast! It always is with Yvette :

Walk with Jo (Farmville Bubble Tea)

A familiar looking door handle, but I’ve never been to Montpellier :

A Montpellier Walk

I don’t know why but this title makes me think of ‘Life with the Archers’. Thanks Pauline! I’m singing the theme :

Discovering Armidale

Denzil revisits his past and offers up a caption competition too :

Langdorp : A trip down memory lane

Certainly one of my most exotic shares, I think you’ll love this one from Lee Ann :

Sigiriya- Palace in the Sky

Wonderful, aren’t they? Many thanks to you all! Here’s wishing you a happy week.

Six word Saturday

This pretty well sums it up

Time spent with my daughter almost always involves cake and pretty things, and this week was no exception. The shops were all a-twinkle and we gazed our fill. A brisk walk through the park was rewarded with hot chocolate. A shopping session required something a little more substantial.

The Christmas market was fun but I never did find one of those angels. I tried on a hat and thought about playing ‘hook a reindeer’, but I hung on to my Winter Pimms instead. The Helter Skelter did look tempting though.

No doubt about it, Christmas has come to Nottingham. I hope your preparations are going better than mine. I have a naked Christmas tree in the corner. Time to get my fairy out and find her some friends. It won’t be quite so grand as this.

Just one more weekend to go. Enjoy this one, and don’t forget to pop in on Cate with your six words. See you on Monday, when we’ll get out for a walk together to blow all those cares away. See you then!

Jo’s Monday walk : Barranco das Lajes

My walk through Portugal’s Barranco das Lajes definitely comes in the category of ‘tales with a happy ending’, but for a while I wasn’t so sure.

Let me set the scene. The skies were the clearest of blues. I’d been in the Algarve for long enough to take this completely for granted (a week!). I’d ambled on beaches, and been out with my walker friends. I’d even met up with a lovely blogger and her husband for coffee. (Hi Becky!) I was in as relaxed a state as I ever achieve. But those smoke blue hills on the horizon were calling me. Much earlier in the year I’d been there and resolved to come back for a walk.

Out came the guide to Walking Trails in the Algarve , which you might remember from my walk on the cliff tops at Carrapateira. This walk has a very different location. From my eastern Algarve home in Tavira it is a lovely drive along the N270 to São Brás de Alportel. As Becky points out in her most recent walk, directions in this guide are a little vague. Fortunately my husband has a good memory for roads. North we went, through the villages of Alportel, Cova da Muda, Javali, Parises, and Cabeca do Velho, climbing higher and higher into the hills. When it seemed we couldn’t go any higher, and my ears were popping, we reached the minute village of Cabanas- the start of the trail.

Sorry the map is a little fuzzy

Acorns from the Holm Oaks were our chief companions

A more peaceful spot you could not hope to find…. until! Over a farm wall hopped two dogs, the leader barking ferociously and heading straight for me. Barking dogs are a pretty common factor on any walk in the Algarve countryside. Most farmers have an animal or two to protect their property. Usually they are on a leash, or behind a sturdy gate. In such an isolated spot, the farmer obviously did not expect company. He shouted at the dogs, but not before the leader had reached me and leapt at the back of my knee. Ouch! I have to admit I was shaken and not a little worried that it had broken the skin, but I was ‘lucky’.

The walk follows the asphalt road a very short distance through the village of Lajes, before turning down a trail. I limped along feeling a little sorry for myself, and wishing I’d had a walking pole handy for defence. But it was such a beautiful day, and my surroundings so serene, it really was hard to stay grumpy.

Looking back at the village of Lajes

With the clearest of skies

And interesting trees

The trail descended quite gently, but it soon became clear that I had made the wrong choice of footwear. My grazed toes did help to take my mind off my sore leg. Grateful for small mercies! A pause for a little discreet padding. Can you believe that I really was enjoying myself? But I sincerely hope that you will learn from my bad example. Meanwhile the trail passed through olive and fig groves, beneath numerous cork and holm oaks and down to a watercourse, with rustling bamboo.

Cork oak

Oaks and bamboo

Casting beautiful shadows

Climbing back out of the valley, I marveled at the early flowering fruit trees. I couldn’t decide whether these were the famous Strawberry trees (known for their powerful liqueur, Medronho) or Loquats. In Spring these valleys will sing with with wild flowers- the rose and white faces of Cistus, lavenders in lilac and green- but for now the predominant colour is green.

Another intriguing plant draped itself rather seductively through a Eucalyptus tree- a white variety of the bottle brush?

Almost at the end of the 5.5km walk, there is an optional loop up to Cerro da Ursa- a bit of a climb to a panoramic view. The good news is that having reached the summit you are then back at the level of the road. Even better, the car was merely yards away.

After all that trauma I’m sure you can guess what I did next? A whizz back down the hills takes us to the lovely little cafe, Tesouros da Serra, on the outskirts of São Brás. Fig and carob cake was exactly what I needed! Sore bits quite forgotten.

Just 2 portions left

And this was mine!

Should you be feeling energetic, details and a map can be found on the link to the Walking Trails guide. As estimated, the walk took around 2 hours, but we didn’t hurry. It was too beautiful.

I do hope you’ll read some of these great contributions, and I have to apologise for keeping some of them waiting rather a long time. I’m very grateful for your company and the lovely walks we share. Please join us if you have a walk, long or short- I really don’t mind which. Details can be found on my Jo’s Monday walk page, or just click on the logo above.

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Now, how did Esther know I loved John Denver?

Walk Down Country Roads

Aah, the memories! A small boy I knew loved trains! Thanks so much, Jackie…

Train of Thought

And this week, some beautiful gardens in Toronto :

Allan Gardens

It’s always a pleasure to accompany Drake, almost anywhere!

This way please..

An idyllic landscape next from Pauline (and a few cows) :

The Rural Heart of New Zealand

Elena took such delight in Rotterdam, it’s totally infectious!

Rotterdam in a Day (part 3)

I always love to welcome a newcomer to my walks, especially if we can meet for coffee:

New York- Coffee in Central Park

Or better yet, a beach!

Coolangatta- Classic Cars by the Beach

And if that won’t do, there’s treasure! Please say hello to Lee Anne at ‘Just me please’ :

Eagles Nest- A abundance of treasure

Don’t you love Yvette’s new look? And the way she looks at life too!

Walk with Jo (street photos)

Gilly took such a beautiful stroll in my absence. Hope you didn’t miss it?

A field of brassica

And then when I got home she had this waiting :

A City Stroll at Christmas

You never know what you’re going to get with Tobias, but there’s sure to be an eye pleaser :

Uzes

Meantime, Jaspa takes us back to the days of slavery :

Bulow Plantation Ruins State Park, Florida

I can confirm what Becky says, but it was still warm. I’m missing my Algarve already!

Not every day is a sunny day

It’s great to be able to close with another special lady. I met Cathy, once upon a time :

A November rock scramble on Billy Goat trail

That’s all for now. I’ll probably be on my way to Nottingham when you read this and I’m sure that you understand that time with my daughter is precious. However, I hope to be able to reply to some of you whilst in transit and I’m an early bird so I can sneak some computer time in the mornings. I’ll catch up with the remainder on my return on Thursday, and join you for another walk next week. Take care till then!

Six word Saturday

Eye spy with my little eye

Happy smiling faces in Leeds! It was hard to hold a camera that night, it was SO cold, but it didn’t stop this family from having fun in their bubble. I was on my way to the Algarve, and that put a smile on my face too.

It was an early start and my son, being only 20 minutes from the airport, had offered a bed for the night. It was only fair to stand him a decent meal in exchange, wasn’t it? There were some very tempting aromas in the Christmas market, but a cosy restaurant seemed a much better idea. But not before I played ‘I spy’ on some of the stalls. Here is one of my favourites.

I’m home for a couple of days and then I’m off to Nottingham, to pay my Christmas visit to my daughter. She promises me mulled wine on their market. To keep out the chill, you understand? But first I will be posting a Monday walk, somewhere warm. I hope you can join me.

Have a great weekend! Play a little Eye Spy with Michelle if you like, and certainly pop in on Cate with six words.

Saying goodbye to Autumn

My last post, about Lumiere 2015 at Durham, is a hard act to follow. I was tempted to just let it ride until I come back to the blog in December, but the Christmas ‘rush’ will be well and truly here by then. There’ll be no opportunity to bid farewell to Autumn. It’s been kind to us this year and I’m quite reluctant to let it go. Just a week or two ago I was wandering through Durham.

The cathedral gardens were looking pretty

And the cloisters empty of the activity soon to come

Artworks inhabited St. Cuthbert’s space

The weir was calm

And on the riverbank, benches for Jude

Such a cute otter!

On a bright Autumn day the shadows can be as beautiful as the blue sky. I loved playing with them on my walk at Auckland Castle this week.

It must have been about the same time last year that I was here, because there’s a poster advertising the Christmas Food and Craft Market on 20th November. I well remember my ginger wine and mince pie, whilst looking at the palatial dining room, shared with you on this walk. This year they’re going a step further, with an outdoor skating rink until 3rd January. I might just have to come back for that.

This is the bench from the other side

And there go the walkers!

Of course, it’s no good having a great view without a bench to admire it from. And one bench invariably leads to another. Let’s leave the Deer House and go looking for some more shadows, shall we? I’d better catch up to those walkers too.

Leaves against an old stone wall

Deep shadow!

Feathery pines

A wall and a stream

A last flourish of rust

A spider’s web of branches

I think I’ve just about got Autumn out of my system. And managed to share a few more benches for Jude. It’s the last week of Festival of Leaves too and Verena has done a wonderful job.

If you do get the chance to visit Auckland Castle in the near future, don’t hesitate. It’s a beautiful setting and there are plans afoot to make it even more interesting.

That’s all from me for a week or two. Take care of each other, please.

Jo’s Monday walk : Lumiere 2015

Are you ready for a little evening stroll? I can’t promise you moonlight, but I think you will still enjoy the sights we’re going to see. I’m taking you to the historic city of Durham, where Lumiere 2015 has been lighting the streets with enchantment. This is the 4th event of its kind to take place here, and it attracts an international crowd.

I have my map in hand, and I’m starting off with light installation no. 1, but I may well deviate from the route shown in the programme. There are so many distractions! I’m on Framwellgate Waterside, beside the River Wear, which winds through the centre of the city. Cloud, the work of a Canadian pair, is an interactive sculpture built from 6000 light bulbs. Tugging on one of the dangling switches turns them on and off. Rapt faces glow with pleasure as they look upwards and smile.

Behind me, flying the flag for the USA and swirling in the breeze like a merry kite, 1.26 Durham, installation no.2, is vying for my attention. Such was the strength of the 2010 Chilean earthquake’s vibrations that it momentarily sped up the earth’s rotation and shortened the day by 1.26 microseconds. Data sourced from NASA was used to turn this phenomenon into a 3D image, the basis for this sculpture. Strong but delicate, it asks us to consider the interconnectedness of our world. A specially designed app was created by a local company to enable you to change the light projected. How amazing is that? Far beyond me, I’m afraid.

It billowed about gleefully and I scarcely noticed the rain that was beginning to fall. Not a good time for sitting on benches, but no. 4 in the programme, a German installation called Lightbench offered one in lilac and one in electric green.

Not a soul in sight!

Where is no. 3 you might be asking? Over Milburngate Bridge and dangling on the side of a building, Big Knitting is a UK entry for which drain pipes had to be utilised as jumbo knitting needles. Ever heard of ‘magic’ knitting?

Through Market Place and around the Castle and Cathedral a directional flow was in operation to control the crowds, but there was nothing to stop you lingering to admire a French entry, Les Lumineoles. The gracefully gliding fish were one of my favourite installations.

I managed to capture a video of these sinuous and wonderful creatures, but alas, I can only display it sideways! Lesson learnt for next time I use my phone camera? Perhaps! A short walk from here, across Elvet Bridge, you will find The Red House, created by France. The Old Shire Hall has been illuminated in warm shades of orange and yellow, with rainbow windows. A pretty red brick building by day, at night it radiates colour.

Silver St. was all aglow with lanterns, but my next destination was Fowler’s Yard, where I hoped to see something rather special.

I first heard about Stu Langley’s Wave a few months ago when he contacted my husband for assistance in bringing his project to fruition. A giant wave, fully clad in sea glass, was designed by Stu as a tribute to East Durham’s industrial heritage. Seaham, on the north east coast, was once home to Europe’s largest glass bottle works. Waste from this was dumped into the sea, and continues to be washed ashore today in the form of sea glass. An artist who works in stained glass, Stu was enormously enthusiastic about his project, and the involvement of the local community. Soon we too were gathering sea glass to cover this 2.9 metre high wave.

The sea glass had to be affixed to the wave by hand. Definitely a labour of love. Stu was standing there proudly beside ‘his baby’ when we arrived. He was so pleased that Seaham are interested in buying his creation for display after Lumiere. One more step in the regeneration of this former mining area, which suffered large scale unemployment with the closure of the pits. Stu has another installation on display in North Rd.- Wheels of Industry, a Robin Reliant with themed stained glass windows. Sadly, in all the excitement, we didn’t get to see it.

The lanterns lure us on towards Palace Green and the Cathedral, not quite sure what to expect. The previous two Lumiere’s had featured the Lindisfarne Gospels, marching with great drama across the front face of the cathedral. This year the son et lumiere was to be The World Machine – the story of the birth of modern cosmology from 12th century until the present day, and a collaboration of UK and Mexico. I really can’t do it justice with photographs, but there is a short video at the end of my post to give you a better idea.

Let’s continue into the cathedral itself. Complex Meshes is another French installation, clinging colourfully to the ribbed vaulted arches, whilst music floods the vast space. This was an opportunity to take a seat, and simply wonder.

The cloisters , for me, are one of the cathedral’s most beautiful features. I was spellbound by them during Lumiere 2013, but this year it was my husband’s turn to get excited. Litre of Light is a replica of the cathedral’s own rose window, made from thousands of plastic bottles.

Leaving the cathedral, further delight awaits. Garden of Light, another French installation, brings a hint of fantasy. Giant illuminated plants bring a tropical vibe to a wintry English November. Smiling faces abound, and selfies too!

From this garden of delight, you are directed down to the river bank. At Prebend’s Bridge you find Rainbow River, a prism casting coloured patterns over the Wear. Crossing to the far shore the path rises quite steeply and you are treated to a view across to the cathedral.

Just for Lumiere, fog swirls mysteriously above the river, rising through the woods . Fogscape #03238 is a collaboration of the UK and Japan, conjuring up the spirit of St. Cuthbert in the mists.

South St. takes you past some lovely old Durham houses and back to the centre. There are other installations in the surrounding area if time and your tired legs permit. When I passed by Elvet Bridge early in my walk the crowds were quite dense, and so I came to miss one of the stars of the show, Mysticete by France. This company was responsible for Elephantastic in Lumiere 2013 and amazed all of Durham. Unfortunately the last showing was at 10.45, and unaware of this I barely managed to see the flip of the whale’s tail from the riverbank.

Durham can be subject to flooding and on the last night Mysticete had to be cancelled due to rising water levels. I do recommend that you watch this short video, which brings to life all the 3D effects and drama that I cannot hope to replicate.

What more to say other than ‘hope you enjoyed the show’? Terrible to think that, whilst I was there, horrific events were unfolding in Paris. The last couple of days have been harrowing. I would like to end on a positive note though. The future looks bright for young Stu Langley. He will be featured on the “One Show” in early December.

That’s it for another week. I’m exhausted, aren’t you? But exhilarated too. Please find time to visit all these wonderful walks I have to share, and huge thanks to all my contributors. If you’d like to join me with a walk, details can be found on my Jo’s Monday walk page. The logo takes you there. I will not be posting walks for the next two weeks however, as I take myself off to the Algarve. Kettle on and here we go!

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Gilly has out-bedazzled all of us with her Autumn scenes this week. Don’t miss!

A Stourhead Stroll

Elaine found a few leaves to kick too, and a companion!

Wendover Woods

Why not share a few beautiful moments with Drake, at St. Pancras :

Started with a kiss

Back to the South of France, where Phoebe finds some leaves in the loveliest setting :

A (short) walk for all seasons

An upbeat neighbourhood stroll next, with Amy for company :

Monday Walk : SoCo, Austin

What do trees and the Spanish Armada have in common? Visit Jude to find out!

Ancient trees and the Spanish Armada

And you can never have too much of a good thing, can you? Jude’s other blog :

Garden Portrait : Croft Castle Walled Garden

Jackie finds some more interesting spots to show us :

Monday’s Walk- Toronto

From Toronto to Montreal seems a natural progression, doesn’t it?

Four Cities and an Island… Montreal

In Tasmania, Ruth finds us ‘another’ Richmond :

The oldest bridge in Australia

Join the energy debate with Anabel! Do you like wind turbines?

A walk at Whitelee

I always like a touch of the exotic. You’ll never believe what Kaz found me for ‘lunch’ :

Summit Gardens, Vanuatu

Here we go, scaling the heights again, in Snowdonia!

Flashback Walks : Tryfan 15/11/2014

Pauline is briefly home, with some more deliciousness in tow :

New Zealand Highlights

And lovely Lisa is enjoying all that Sydney has to offer :

Bondi Beach and Sculpture by the Sea

Still Down Under, I meet a Queen’s Tree, in Perth :

A Walk in the Park

That’s it for now. Once again my thanks to everybody. I don’t leave until next weekend so I will still be scurrying about visiting you all till then. In the Algarve I switch off from the world. Take good care of yourselves, please.

Six word Saturday

What an end to the week!

Tilting tipsily!

Idling till another storm

Thrashes their branches

I think I’d better dedicate this to Festival of Leaves, while a few still linger! It’s been a wild one, but not quite so bad as expected in my part of the world. Good enough anyway to let me visit Lumiere at Durham last night without getting soaked. If you get chance, do go! It’s on until Sunday evening and our sea glass wave was beautiful. Then I came home to yet another horror story from Paris on the news. What is our world coming to?

I hope you can enjoy a peaceful weekend. These are the last of my photos from the Lakes. On Monday I will be sharing one last walk and then taking a couple of weeks off. (the Algarve and a visit to my daughter beckon) Please say ‘hi’ to Cate and the folks at Six word Saturday if you can manage it. See you soon!

Glenridding

I suppose this could be a Monday walk, but I really just wanted to share my experience of Glenridding with you, before it fades like the leaves. It’s many a long year since I spent a night in the Lake District, and I wanted to savour every moment.

If you walked with me this week you’ll know that after my visit to Aira Force the rain hit hard, and I was ‘forced’ to eat cream scones and bide my time. I should maybe apologise if you were sitting in the Orangery. Once the scones had disappeared I took to pacing up and down, waiting, not so patiently. Lake Ullswater needed filling and was supremely disinterested in my desire to be out exploring, so I had to contain myself until morning. Very early morning, so it was really no surprise that I had Glenridding all to myself.

I was staying in a guest house immediately across the road from the lake

And the very first thing I spotted

Not one, but two Autumn benches for Jude!

You may have observed that it was rather misty!

But I was optimistic!

And I could see the boats moored at the landing stage, beyond the trees. Enough incentive to venture further.

I crossed the stream

And looked back at the sleepy village

The stream led down to the lake

Scurrying along!

Beside the beautiful trees

And there was the lake! Not much mountain though...

And there was the lake! Not much mountain to see though…

But there’s the steamer

And two wonderfully curious swans

I imagined it to be brightening a little, and turned from the water’s edge to head back into the village. I tucked my camera into the comfort of my pocket. Mistake! At just that moment the swans decided I was a tad boring and, with a graceful flurry of wing, lifted off from the lake’s surface and glided away to the distant shore. I gazed after them, bereft!

Back to the village, which was just waking up

I don’t think I’ve ever been anywhere with so many options for walking. I saw at least 4 signs pointing out different routes, including one for Helvellyn. Curiosity prevailed and I had to follow the latter a little way, finding a couple of pretty little cafes and a fine letterbox as I did.

I continued a little way along the trail, upsetting a little black dog in the privacy of his morning walk. My shoes were totally inadequate for the task, and breakfast was calling. Enough adventure for an early morning. The rain began in earnest soon after I reached the guest house.

Back via the village ‘green’

I never did manage that steamer ride to Howtown and the walk back to Glenridding. I guess that means I’ll have to go back another day. Let’s look on the bright side- I did find a couple of Autumn benches for Jude.

restlessjo

Roaming, at home and abroad

Travel

Jo’s Monday walk : Vaqueiros

Backlit

Jo’s Monday walk : a sunset stroll

Six word Saturday

This pretty well sums it up

Jo’s Monday walk : Barranco das Lajes

Six word Saturday

Eye spy with my little eye

Saying goodbye to Autumn

Jo’s Monday walk : Lumiere 2015

Six word Saturday

What an end to the week!

Glenridding

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This pretty well sums it up

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Eye spy with my little eye

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What an end to the week!

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