Travel

The joy of a wedding!

King-sized confetti explodes over Magda and Przemek!

Just how to convey a little of the joy I’ve shared in so many Polish weddings? (this was no. 5!) Each a little different, as times change and individuals make their choices, but essentially the same. All full of laughter, smiles and a just little mischief.

On Saturday I was in Chorzów, a city in Poland’s industrial heartland. This link to Wikipedia will satisfy those of you who might be curious. For the others, it’s enough to mention a ‘Royal’ coal mine and iron works, and the adjoining city of Katowice.

Of course, we start at the church. I failed dismally to get any good photos of the ceremony. I was even thwarted at the end when, instead of walking back up the aisle towards us, the happy couple departed via a side aisle. But I have my memories, of the tinkling of bells, and the sun filtering through stained glass windows, bathing the altar and choristers in an amber glow.

My cousin Adam’s car had been spruced up for the occasion, and his son, Łukasz, became chauffeur for the day. I love the Polish way of decorating wedding cars.

Isn’t this pretty?

After the ceremony and the confetti, a cascade of coins pelted the ‘lucky’ couple, a symbol of future wealth. That’s Łukasz, the chauffeur, standing by the wall with a box to collect up the cards of those not going to the reception.

Every last zloty has to be gathered up

We pile onto a bus and are driven to the reception. The venue is a total surprise- Park Sląski, a 13 hectare reclamation project which has transformed the former slag heaps into an outdoor playground on a huge scale. My jaw probably dropped at the sight of the cable cars gliding across the lake. A friend of the groom later explained to me that the cars had just recently started operating, and that it was the intention to extend them to link the far corners of the park. I would have loved the opportunity to explore a little further, but the day was all about a wedding, and we were deposited at the Marysin Dwor Park hotel to await Przemek and Magda.

This is probably a good time to explain that the groom, Przemek, is the only child of my cousin Basia, sister to Adam, with whom many of you will be familiar. Adam and Basia are the children of my beloved Aunt Anna, there with us in spirit only. Above, left to right- Adam and his wonderful wife, Marta; the bride and groom; Basia and husband Zygmunt; Łukasz again and his younger sister, Ula. Weronika, his older sister, you may remember got married last May. She and Wojtek were at home looking after their newborn.

Meet Barteusz, sleeping peacefully at home

On to the toasts, and then the newly weds threw the swiftly drained glasses over their shoulders and reached for brush and pan to sweep up the mess. A nice domestic beginning to married life.

Before the guests

Yes, I’m there!

Basia and Zygmunt settling in

The wedding ‘favours’

Containing a fridge magnet and a chocolate

Another!

Balloons!

A little eating, a romantic first dance, a chorus of ‘Sto lat'(100 years)and noisy demands for the couple to kiss, then it’s time for the d-jay to get folks to mingle. And they don’t need much encouragement! Before long we are all hop-skip-stomping gleefully to a combination of Polish and English pop songs. Till the cake makes it’s flaming entry.

A hush and dimmed lights

And then cutting the cake

And eating it!

Here’s your piece!

The bride and groom set about their task of dancing with every single guest, after we’ve consumed vast quantities of food, toasted the whole world ‘Na zdrowia!’ (good health), and watched a humorous video of the couple’s respective childhoods and meeting.

The balloons are burst

The whole roast pig is flambeed

And the games begin!

The night passes in a whirl of dancing, and even Dad manages a little soft shoe shuffle with his stick. When we finally leave to return to our hotel, it’s to discover another wedding reception still in full swing there. A wall of joyful sound hits us.

Dad, with Uncle Wlodek and his lovely lady Weronika

Dad, with my Uncle Wlodek and his lovely lady Weronika

If you’re not familiar with Dad’s story you can read about it here.

Jo’s Monday walk : Vila Nova de Milfontes

Looking down from the castelo at Vila Nova de Milfontes

Looking down from the castelo of Vila Nova de Milfontes

I don’t know what it is about castles and beaches but they seem to me a very pleasing combination. And the one above, in the Alentejo, isn’t the only one I found. But we have to start somewhere so today I thought I’d take you over the Algarve border, and on up the western coastline of Portugal. I have been to this area before but never so far as Vila Nova de Milfontes.

Situated at the mouth of the River Mira, the presence of the castle tells you that it was not always so peaceful here. Forte de São Clemente still has a drawbridge. Dating back to 1485, the town had a key defensive role to play, and the wide estuary provided a safe harbour. Today it’s not pirates we have to fear so much as tourists. The town is part of the Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina national park, which stretches all the way down the coast and into the Algarve. As such it enjoys a good measure of protection, and development is largely low rise.

Not for nothing is this known as the windy coast, and in my short visit it was highly apparent that this could be a cool spot. (the wind sometimes whistled in the corners of my hotel) But I also experienced some lovely sunshine, so let’s take a wander through the town.

We’ll start here in the shade of the castle

There’s a tiny square, Praça da Barbacã, very atmospheric at night, which looks down on the ferry point. A rather strange sculpture has pride of place. It pays tribute to the role played locally in aviation between Portugal and Macau in the Far East.

The drawbridge

The monument to aviation

This is the nicest part of town, as you wander gently uphill through a mix of older houses and new. There’s a small, simple church and a few gift shops. What appears to be a tiny cafe turns out to be a 3 storey Tardis, serving food to half the town, myself included! I meander along, past ochre and immaculate blue and white, letting my eye drift, as it does.

The church, in blue and white

Plain inside, with just a few decorative touches

And a Madonna

With matching nearby houses

Stylish street signs

Inviting street corners

Simple facades

And gay additions

But wait! There are surprises in store.

Who’s this?

These guys kept hanging around

Just a little sinister?

I thought that there must be some kind of scarecrow festival going on, but this was the only evidence I found. Just one ‘spooky’ street, with an interesting shop or two for delving.

I step inside to look at the cork products

And these cheerful fellows

Maybe a seahorse with attitude?

And on the street corner, a good-looking place to stay

Pausing, I look down to the right and catch a glimpse of water. Like a magnet, I’m drawn.

Don’t you love this tree?

A kayak or two

And a litter of boats

Looking back you can see the road bridge spanning the River Mira which brings you into town, but ahead the estuary opens out. Locals race against the tide to winkle out errant shellfish. Beneath my feet, a shelf of lavishly coloured rock.

Gazing out to sea

A tired dolphin

A fugitive from the tide?

The rock beneath my feet

And here's the ferry point. It's lunch hour!

And here’s the ferry point, at lunch hour

Not a lot of action going on

Just my husband, waiting!

A group of backpackers sit in the shade. I wonder where they’re off to next. It feels like a transient place, and I know that there are beaches aplenty, just waiting.

Time to mount the steps back to the castelo- not too arduous!

There are pretty distractions

Like this kingfisher

And here you have your reward!

I hope you enjoyed our morning amble. That fresh sea air always does me a power of good. The resort has probably stayed so peaceful because it’s quite a distance from the nearest airport, Lisbon, and you would probably need to drive there.

Time to share some walks. Got the kettle on?

Some of these folks have had a long wait to be included this week, so apologies if you’ve already been there. Please do visit them if you haven’t. If you’d like to join in, details can be found on my Jo’s Monday walk page. Just click on the logo. You’ll be very welcome.

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Let’s start the ball rolling with Bratislava. Wouldn’t I love to accompany Debbie there? This is SO pretty!

No Feeling Blue Here

Blue skies in the Shetlands for Anabel. Lucky, or what?

Jarlshof to Sumburgh Head

Car boot sale anyone? Actually Violet’s calling it a Farmer’s Market :

To market, to market

Random but very enjoyable rambles with Jackie and Frida Kahlo :

Monday’s Walk

Fairmont Banff Springs! Sadly this luxury is not for me, but just look at Amy’s photos!

Monday Walk : Castle in the Wilderness (2)

Drake pays a wonderful tribute to ‘strong women’ :

The shades of Joan of Arc

And, in my absence, he took a little walk with the Beatles!

Nowhere walk

While Jaspa takes us strolling ‘down South America way’ :

The Streets of Santiago, Chile

Jill takes us for a fun wander (and I think there’s street art too)

Auckland City on a good day

What do Errol Flynn and Hobart have in common? Find out with Ruth!

A walk around Battery Point

Fascination and excitement from the Southern hemisphere! You’ll find it with Laia :

Rotorua: Maori culture and geothermal activity

And please welcome another ‘fit person’ to my walks. You may have difficulty keeping up!

Memories of Ireland: Mount Brandon

Jude has excelled herself in my absence, with 3 new walks! The most recent one unfortunately ended with a limp.

Garden Portrait : RHS Wisley part 1

Garden Portrait : RHS Wisley part 2

A painful memory or two here from Jude- suffering for her art!

Garden Portrait : Painshill Park

Unfortunately I won’t be walk leading next Monday as I’ll still be recovering from a Polish wedding. I’m only gone a few days and hope to be back on track after that. Seriously! Meantime you might like to keep an eye on those lovely lasses at Monday Escapes. Take care, and enjoy your walking!

Six word Saturday

Hello, and how are you all?

The ‘tents’ return to Tavira

What a fortnight, but what to select to show you what I’ve been up to? In brief, of course. More by luck than planning, the Mediterranean Diet Fair took place whilst I was in Tavira, which accounts for those little white tents and the variety of goodies within. It marked the end of an extremely hot Summer, in which the evenings were soothed by riverside entertainment.

The floodlit castle walls took on a magic of their own

And the churches opened their doors to show everyone the beauty inside

Including the incomparable beauty of the Misericordia Church

With its wonderful azulejo panels

The days were spent mostly wandering beaches. I discovered a new obsession with buoys. And I continued my exploration along the west coast of Portugal, up into the beautiful Alentejo.

Zambueira do Mar in the Alentejo

There was just something about them

That kept catching my eye

Along with a shell or two

Then there was the excitement that was the Medieval Fair at Castro Marim, with both castelo and mighty fortress an arena for combat, and an array of stalls and distractions. Plus an evening of sand sculptures at FIESA.

Adding colour to Beethoven at FIESA

I even managed to combine Morning Glory for Gilly with a hint of metal bench for Jude! Yes, it was a fine holiday, and there are many tales to tell. Gilly is going to the Algarve soon herself, and Jude always extends a warm welcome, so pop in and say ‘hi’ to them both.

A bench at Cacela Velha

I have to decide where to take you walking on Monday, and then I have a wedding in Poland, so I’ll miss Six word Saturday again next week. I hope you’ve all had a great Summer, and if you’d like to share it with Cate I’m sure she’d be pleased. See you soon!

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

Travel

The joy of a wedding!

Jo’s Monday walk : Vila Nova de Milfontes

Six word Saturday

Hello, and how are you all?

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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Hello, and how are you all?

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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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