Travel

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Crossing a bridge in Girona, Spain

Ramblas de Mar in Barcelona

London’s Waterloo Bridge from the ferry terminal

Most Tumski in Wroclaw, Poland

Iconic Tyne Bridge, viewed from the Millennium “Eye”

I joined Pinterest soon after it started, but I’m pleased to report I never really caught the bug. Life is simply too short. But I do receive weekly updates and from time to time find myself ensnared. Especially when it concerns one of my favourite subjects- bridges.

I’ve never visited the city of Berlin, but this random fact caught my attention. Can it possibly be true? Loving bridges as I do, the city has now moved significantly up my wish list. Just how long it would take me to count them, I don’t know. But I’d be game to find out. Wouldn’t you?

GoEuro promise rail, coach and air in just one search.

In search of threes

Looking out to the platform

Waiting for the train

Poster detail- the good old days!

For those of you who think I spend my life languishing in the Algarve sunshine, here’s a look at Restlessjo’s everyday world. Let’s start at the railway station, shall we?

A blue sky day!

But what’s on the horizon?

Another platform being towed into place

If the weather’s good, I don’t need to travel far. Many of my shots are taken on Hartlepool Headland. There are always boats, or some form of activity. Now we have a fleet of windmills out at sea. Look closely at the middle photo.

Can you see the pier in the far distance?

Here it is, much closer

And now, very close!

The promenade wraps around Old Hartlepool, as the Headland used to be known. A brisk walk along it will surely blow the cobwebs away. In the distance, signs of former industry.

The Fish Sands- well known in Hartlepool

On the town wall

And looking through it!

The town wall is probably the nicest part of the Headland, and certainly the warmest. These were taken on a warm but strangely foggy day last Summer. The fog disappeared as rapidly as it came.

Not such a bad old place, is it? This is my entry for the Weekly Photo Challenge. Did I tell my story in threes?

Six word Saturday

Feeling “all at sea” this morning!

And needing something soothing to look at.

This little guy too, I think

He’s ok now. He’s found a playmate.

Or two?

And so have I!

Safely back to shore.

It was a “girl’s night” last night and I overindulged. Feeling decidedly rocky today. Hope you have a nice weekend planned. Join Cate on Show My Face if you have time. I usually do.

A bridge too far?

Well, it’s long, isn’t it?

I had no idea that it would be so long! But then, I’d only ever seen it from the sky as I flew over the Algarve. I knew it to be a part of the swish resort of Quinta do Lago. Not my usual stamping ground, but curiosity impelled me to take a closer look.

Parking alongside a selection of resplendent villas at Vale do Garrao, I descended some steps and followed the path around the salt marsh in the direction of the sea.

The villas at Vale do Garrao

Sure enough, there was the beach

Not too many people to share it with on a January day

I plonked myself down for 10 minutes, to enjoy the gentle warmth and the glinting sea. Then it was time to head off along the beach, in search of the bridge.

And there it was, bridging the gap across the lagoon.

In the far distance, Praia de Faro

A burst of colour awaits at Quinta do Lago

And on the shoreline, a riot of colour

While the bridge stretched all the way back to the beach

The bridge stretches all the way back to the beach

But now we’re in elegant Quinta do Lago

From the map it looked as though there was a footpath to where the car was parked. Otherwise it would be a long walk back along the beach. Following the path, I was surprised to discover a large saltwater lake, with pedal boats tied up for the Winter.

The lake and the country club

Back in the land of unaffordable housing

But the flora and fauna are free

And the bird life in the marshes

The colours of nature, sublime!

It just goes to show that you don’t need a pot of money to enjoy the Algarve. The beauty is all around you and it’s free. The walk took just a couple of hours and the sun was beginning to dip as I returned.

Flying home, I didn’t see the foot bridge, but I did get a hazy shot of the road bridge out to Praia de Faro. It was a little cloudy, so not too sad to leave!

The road across the Ria Formosa to Praia de Faro

And from another angle

A Lingering look at Windows : week 8

Leo the lion looks out hopefully

Remember I was in York last week for Lisa and Leo’s wedding anniversary? This window would have fit quite nicely in the Valentine’s collection, wouldn’t it? Missed the boat, again! It wasn’t really the weather for window shopping, but everything looked so tempting.

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And when the rain finally drove me inside, I looked through the pretty stained glass windows of The York Tap at the vaulted station roof.

It’s been a bit drier here this week. Did you linger outside any windows? I know Dawn did. Pop over and take a look.

A rainy day in York

A white rose of York on Lendal Bridge

It was a rainy day in York and the River Ouse was swamp brown and near to bursting its banks. Was I downhearted? Not at all! I was on my way to a cosy rendezvous with my daughter and her partner, in Betty’s famous tea shop.

I don’t drink tea and the smell of it has been known to make me wrinkle my nose in disgust, but I soon had a small pot of coffee wafting soothing vapours at me.

Coffee a la Betty’s!

Lisa and Leo had been spending a few days in York to celebrate their 1st wedding anniversary and were homeward bound. Just time for me to catch up with them for a breakfast brunch to send them on their way. I know that some of you are interested in such things so here’s the evidence.

Complete with Swiss rosti!

While Lisa was studying the menu I couldn’t help but point the camera in her direction. “Oh, Mother!” I can’t help exasperating my offspring. Or of being very proud of them.

Contemplating food!

Remember that “selfie” challenge last week? The above was almost an entry. Only fair that Leo (who hates having his photo taken) should appear alongside his lovely wife. I got the photo shoot out of the way before they settled down to eat.

The happy couple

A close up of the wedding and engagement rings, made by her friend Kay

A close up of the wedding and engagement rings, made by their friend Kay

Refined, resplendent and reserved- that’s us!

We sat and talked about what they’d seen and done for a couple of hours. Fairfax House got full marks. The Quilt Museum was pronounced a little expensive unless you were a real enthusiast, but Lisa enjoyed it. Places they’d eaten and highly recommended included the Hairy Fig and La Vecchia Scuola, whilst the House of the Trembling Madness sounded right up their street! By this time they agreed that they had just enough space to share one of Betty’s delectable cakes.

This was Lisa’s choice and it looked delicious!

All too soon it was time to walk them back to their hotel, Elmbank Mount. Undergoing renovation, it still retains much of its original splendour, and Lisa was very happy that they’d been allocated a four poster bed. One last smile and a hug and they were on their way. I wandered disconsolately through the damp York streets, taking a photo or two.

Not a day for sitting by the riverside!

The riverboats huddled together for comfort

The riverboats were going nowhere

Huddled together for comfort and warmth

A dank day but the lions remained cheerful

A dank day for the lions, too

I made my way back to the railway station with time to spare. Feeling distinctly damp, I ventured into “The York Tap”, adjoining the station, and was delighted to find a warm fire. I stripped off my soggy gloves and settled in for half hour to enjoy my surrounds.

Nothing like a coal fire to dispel the blues!

And the ceilings provided another colourful touch

And the ceilings provided a wonderful burst of colour.

My gloomy spirits lifting, I stepped out onto the platform to discover that the sun had finally made an appearance. It was time to head for home.

Six word Saturday

One hundred Six word Saturday posts!

Shall we celebrate with cake?

I first joined this challenge on 7th January, 2012. I had only been blogging for a couple of months and didn’t really have a clue what I was doing. I simply knew that I wanted to write about travel, and that I needed to extend my readership. I loved playing with words, too, and the challenge gave me that opportunity.

Two years later, and where am I? Well, I’ve travelled all right. Remember Barcelona, or even Porto?

Was there ever a stranger landscape? I loved Gaudi’s Barcelona

A very special city for me, Porto

I’ve taken you with me many times to my lovely Tavira, and to Poland to meet the family. We’ve wandered around the streets, stately homes and cliff tops of England (and over the border to Edinburgh, too) We’ve made some strange discoveries together. Remember Saltburn-by-the-Sea?

Knitted mermaid on the pier at Saltburn-by-the-Sea

And, of course, you’ve met my lovely daughter and been introduced to the concept of Steampunk. Those cakes in the header were consumed in her presence (no, not ALL of them!)

Lisa in the teacup fascinator she made.

In the course of my journey I’ve met some wonderful people. I’ve learned a little about all kinds of subjects. So many of you are good at crafts! My lovely friend Viv has taught me to appreciate poetry, and provided me with cheerful company at Northumberlandia on a bitterly cold day. And along the way I seem to have picked up an obsession with photography.

A Monkey Puzzle tree in close-up, from my “Green” series

I must have done a few things right because this morning my number of “followers” topped 2000! What can I say except thank you very much to each and every one of you who has liked or commented on one of my posts.

Since joining Six word Saturday I have contributed every week, unless I have been abroad. I’m well aware that my direction has changed since the beginning, and that 6WS may not be the best vehicle for what I like to do. I have to thank Cate at Show My Face for her tolerance in allowing me to push the boundaries of six words. You could say “gentle manipulation”? I hope you’ve all enjoyed my company as much as I’ve enjoyed yours. If you’d like to see where two years has taken me, click on my Six word Saturday page.

A Lingering look at Windows: week 7

A hint of mystery and the exotic behind these doors

I’m sure you can’t begin to guess where I was lingering this week? Does Preston Park Museum ring any bells? I thought I might do the Winter Garden and the Victorian Street separately- you know, big finale!- but I didn’t want you tiring of the subject. So we’ll just take a quick peep in the conservatory before moving swiftly on.

Orchids are beautiful, aren’t they?

There weren’t any comfy seat pads on the chairs and the doors were firmly closed, so I took the hint and kept walking. And this was my reward!

A toy shop window to press my nose up against

So I did! Sorry- I know some of you don’t like Pierrots, but he was loveable.

Maybe chocolate is more your thing?

Or objects d’art?

No shortage of those!

I do know one or two of you who don't mind sweets!

I do know one or two of you who don’t mind a sweet treat!

Remember any of these?

A few of the shops don’t qualify for this post. The blacksmith didn’t have a window, as such- just lots of tools. I wandered into the printers and a very nice young lady was setting up the press to print some cards. She was well bundled up against the cold, as she needed to be with the door wide open. I couldn’t photograph her cheerful smile as it was a little dark in there.

But I did find an ironmonger, for the practical ones among you

And a photographer, for the family portaits

And a photographer, for the family portraits

This was my very favourite! Apologies for the poor quality of the photo

This was my very favourite shop! Apologies for the terrible quality of the photo.

I know what some of you are waiting for. I saw this sign but couldn’t find anywhere to buy an alcoholic drink, though I looked very hard.

Promises! Promises!

So it had to be the tea rooms and the “temperance drinks”

But you know what I forgot to take a photo of? The Victorian sponge sandwich on the counter. You’ll just have to take my word for it that it was very nice. Just in case you’ve missed any of my Preston Park Museum posts, you can find them here, and here, and here. Understatement- that’s what I’m going for!

Meanwhile I wonder what kind of windows everyone else is showcasing this week. Find them at Dawn’s The Day After. I believe she’s gone all romantic this week.

A little something extra

A theatre in miniature

I don’t suppose you were expecting this, and neither was I really! My visit to Preston Park Museum was a series of lovely surprises. I turned a corner to be greeted by a sign demanding CREATE! Well, it’s not one of my strong suites, but I was quite happy to look.

Apparently Cleveland College of Art and Design had done some work for the reopening of the museum, and examples of this are on display. A theatre made of cardboard cut outs was the chief exhibit. My photos don’t do it justice but I thought it was enchanting.

The leading lady?

Supporting act!

The full ensemble

Aside from the theatre, there was costume, millinery and pure quirkiness on show. Creative, for sure. It made me want to see more of the students work.

Feathers and curls!

The devil is in the detail?

The peerless sharpshooter with the longest legs! (and his strange sidekick)

Immaculately attired

with devilishly cunning detail!

And lastly, six costumes designed for the Victorian Street.

Appropriately dressed for a trip to the Ironmongers

If you saw Gracious living, Victorian style earlier this week you’ll know how much I loved the museum. My next destination will be the Victorian Street. Hopefully it won’t disappoint. I’ve already been asked if there will be cake. What self-respecting Victorian Street doesn’t have cake?

Gracious living, Victorian style

Your genial host, Robert Ropner

It’s always nice to be made welcome and Preston Park Museum does this with real warmth and imagination. There’s even a welcoming speech, delivered by our host, glass in hand.

Built in 1825, Preston Hall was purchased by wealthy shipping magnate Robert Ropner in 1882. Major alterations added a grand entrance porch and Winter Garden, ballroom and billiards room, the whole enclosed in beautifully landscaped gardens, befitting his social status. Ropner served as Conservative MP for Stockton from 1900-1910. Life was exceedingly grand and a fleet of servants kept the household running smoothly.

Ropner died, aged 85, in 1924 and the hall and park were subsequently purchased by Stockton Council. Preston Hall Museum opened its doors to the public in 1953. As a small girl I can remember being taken there. The house itself was a warren of rooms, stuffed full of Victorian furniture, and with the addition of a Victorian street.

The entrance porch, Preston Hall

The Winter Garden or conservatory

The Victorian street

The museum was beginning to look a little tired when Stockton Council acquired funding for a massive renovation. In 2012 there was a grand reopening. I wasn’t at all sure what I would find.

But I found myself immensely impressed. The house was light and bright, with beautifully showcased and hugely varied exhibits. Here are just a few of my favourites.

Fabulous pottery

Beautiful glassware

Exquisite fabrics and jewellery

Exotic sword guards

Delicate cameos

Remember the snuff box from Six word Saturday? Here’s another!

Touches of humour illuminate the commentary as you walk through the house, nor are they the only source of illumination.

This stained glass is from a former Methodist church in Stockton

There is so much that I could share, but I don’t want to spoil it for you, in case you ever go there. It’s like a Pandora’s Box of Victoriana, with each room a new delight as you wind up through the house. There’s a nod to shipping, on which Ropner built his fortune. A local cabinet maker’s craft is showcased. Even some worn but lovely Victorian scrapbooks are there. I’d quite forgotten the art!

A lovely fireplace

A delicate cup and inkwell

A Victorian bath and shower

A scary fireplace!

The symbol of Stockton-on Tees

A Victorian scrapbook

And the longest wooden paddle steamer!

Naturally our railway heritage is celebrated. This is the home of steam, and a famous journey took place locally on 27th September, 1825.

Overall I felt really proud of our accomplishments here in the north east of England. Afterwards I took myself for a stroll in the grounds and down to the River Tees.

I loved the reflections in the water and that hint of blue sky

The aviary used to be full of birds, all mysteriously flown!

Then I watched a remote control aeroplane for a while- can you spot it?

This post is a follow up to my Six word Saturday and I’m afraid the subject isn’t quite closed yet. The Victorian Street will have to be a subject for another day. Then there’s the Butterfly House, which doesn’t open until March. You will come back, won’t you?

I almost forgot to say that admission to the museum costs just £2 (£1 if you’re a concession!) and includes return visits for a full year. How about that for value?

restlessjo

Roaming, at home and abroad

Travel

Do you pin?

In search of threes

Six word Saturday

Feeling “all at sea” this morning!

A bridge too far?

A Lingering look at Windows : week 8

A rainy day in York

Six word Saturday

One hundred Six word Saturday posts!

A Lingering look at Windows: week 7

A little something extra

Gracious living, Victorian style

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Feeling “all at sea” this morning!

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One hundred Six word Saturday posts!

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