photo challenge

Thursday : Lingering look at Windows- week 39
A blurred view of the Tyne bridge!

A blurred view of the Tyne Bridge, through the bus window!

Not a promising start, as we drove across the Tyne Bridge into Newcastle-on-Tyne.  Only minutes before, the sky was bright blue.  I was meeting my lovely friend, Pam, for coffee so I didn’t really mind.   As usual, we had a good catch up, then strolled through the shopping centre.  Looking up, I observed that blue had been restored.

"Windows" in the ceiling reveal the blue beyond

Ceiling windows reveal the blue sky beyond

Pam was wonderfully tolerant of me happy-snapping random things. (I won’t tell you what she said about the glass in the ceiling!)  This phone store window display caught my eye.

iPhones? Yes, please!

iPhones? Yes, please!

Glad to know the Berlin temperature is no better than here!

Seems that the Berlin temperature is no better than here!

When it was time to go our separate ways, I planned to do a little shopping.  It was cold outside, but so clear and bright I couldn’t resist having a little more fun with the camera.  Newcastle is a beautiful city.

See what I mean?

See what I mean? Check out the gallery below.

Some of Grainger Street’s many windows
This is the Northern Goldsmith’s building
The sombre grey is lit by tiny fairy lights
Nothing sombre about Moss outfitters
Amazing what you see when you look up!
In sometimes rather incongruous surrounds!
Thought you'd like to see the splendid Angel of the North on the side of the bus

I really like the splendid Angel of the North on the side of the bus!

But my favourite view is still the reflected one.

But my favourite view is still the reflected one.

Thank you for accompanying me on my lingering look at windows this week.  Hope all’s well with you?  Please visit Dawn at Lingering Visions to see the other entries and maybe show us a few windows of your own.  It can be fun!

Which Way? The Cleveland Way!
You know I love it!

You know I love it!

I think I may have warned you that I still have a Whitby clifftop shot or two up my sleeve?  Well, Cee is giving me the perfect opportunity to show them off.

Whitby or Robin Hood’s Bay?
Today, Whitby wins!
This whole coast is protected by the National Trust.
Nice acorns!
Tempting to drop down into the bay?
Sidling past Whitby Abbey
And down the infamous steps.

Now we’re here you may as well come and see a little more of Whitby, if you’re not bored, of course? As usual, click on a photo to see it in gallery form.

Along the pier is a good way to go.

Along the pier is a good way to go.

I’ve been that way a time or two!
Over the iconic swing bridge.
100 years of history
So, let’s cross over it.
Fishing trip anybody?
This little guy’s game.
A poetic ending!

A poetic ending!

Well, I think I’ve probably got Whitby out of my system, for the time being.  The Goth Festival’s taking place there at the end of this month.  Now there’s a spectacle you oughtn’t to miss!

Thank you so much, Cee, for hosting Which Way?  I’ve enjoyed every step of it.  Click on the links or the logo to read more about the challenge.

Which-Way-Banner1

Thursday : Lingering look at Windows- week 38
Icecream, anyone?

Icecream, anyone?

I think, by now, most people who follow me will have a pretty good idea of how the place where I live looks.  I’ve trekked you north and south of here, showing you some spectacuilar scenery, and a little industrial grunge too.  What you won’t have seen much of, until now, is our neighbouring seaside “resort”, Seaton Carew.

Like such resorts throughout Britain it’s a little tacky, but in the summer months it’s a mecca for young and old alike. (and I’m not just talking bingo!)  It has a decent stretch of beach, a paddling pool and, of course, amusement arcades to part you from your pennies.  There’s really only one street to it, so you can’t exactly be overwhelmed.

Two fish and chip shops scowl at each other across the main street, and you can buy burgers and icecreams from the kiosks.  No candy floss, though.  I used to love that sugary smell and watching it whizz around the drum.  These days I’m rather fond of lemon tops.  I love the sharpness before you get down to the slurpy icecream.  How about you?  What’s your favourite seaside treat?

The Almighty Cod
With it’s almost elegant seating outdoors
Or good old fashioned Youngs.
Don’t you always forget the bucket and spade? Dad can queue at the chippie while mum nips in here.
Or there’s the “sit down” option at the Waverley Cafe.
Then there’s the arcades. You know you want to!

I don’t know that I’d book a holiday here, but there are a couple of nice hotels and some B & B’s.  The Staincliffe is popular as a wedding venue, and has made a bid for notoriety by naming the Darwin Room after a local character who pretended to have died to get his hands on his insurance.  He paddled off into the sea and was never seen again. (until he was spotted in South America)  Don’t say we don’t have a sense of humour in the north east.

The Marine Hotel on the seafront
The notorious “Darwin Room”- fine dining, indeed!
The Nordic walkers often have a Christmas carvery there.
How about this for windows?

I thought I’d better show you these windows before the last of our hoped-for Indian Summer disappears.  It’ll be too cold to linger soon and we’ll all be clutching our hot chocolates.

There's always Red's when you need to warm up!

There’s always Red’s when you need to warm up!

Hope you enjoyed a saunter through Seaton with me.  I never mind lingering at a few windows.  Visit Dawn at Lingering Visions to spy out a few more.

Thursday : Lingering look at Windows- week 37
Window panel on a cottage door in Whitby

Window panel on a cottage door in Whitby, North Yorkshire

Don’t you think this is lovely?  I’ve been visiting Whitby for many years and I always walk down the main pier for the lovely views back at the town and out across the bay.  Picture postcard pretty though it undoubtedly is, the weather can sometimes be bleak on that North Yorkshire coast.  This little window panel seemed to me to speak volumes of the nature of the place.

Out on the pier itself, in glorious weather, there are more windows to see.

The bluest of skies accentuate the lighthouse.

The bluest of skies accentuate the lighthouse.

From top- to bottom!

From top- to bottom!

The beach is overlooked by a row of holiday cottages.  I’d already walked the clifftop and the pier, so time for a sit down and a bite to eat.  But the cobbled Whitby streets are always full of pirate treasures.

Justin's Chocolatier has a sumptuous window

Justin’s Chocolatier has a sumptuous window

The window in close-up

The window in close-up

And “ye olde tea shoppes”!

Yes, please!

Yes, please!

In the end we found an old favourite.

With it's cosy inside, looking out to the courtyard

With it’s cosy inside, looking out to the courtyard

It was just the ending needed to our day.

It was just the ending needed to our day.

Don't you think?

Don’t you think?  But I’m a coffee person, really!

I have to admit to having a naughty glass of wine, but then, the setting was so nice.  If you’re in Whitby, look out for Sanders Yard.

Meantime it’s thanks to Dawn at Lingering Visions for encouraging me to look through windows.  If you have some you’d like to share, follow the link and meet me there.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

jupiter-widget_text

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

Approaching the coastal footpath north of Seaham

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

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

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

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

Which-Way-Banner1

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday : Lingering look at Windows- week 32
Leeds indoor market

Leeds Kirkgate Market

Returning from my daughter’s in Nottingham on Monday, the National Express bus decanted me into Leeds for an hour and a half, before my onward journey home.  It wasn’t the warmest of days and I was happy to escape into Kirkgate Market for a delicious chicken, mushroom and cheese pancake.  As an additional bonus I snapped a few windows in this beautiful building.

If you follow the link it will give you the convoluted history of the building.  For my purposes it’s enough to say that it’s the largest covered market in Europe, with around 800 stalls.  The market dates back to 1822, the first covered sections being added from 1850.  The domed, glazed roof was modelled on Paxton’s Crystal Palace in London’s Hyde Park.  It has enormous appeal.

One last snippet of information- Kirkgate Market was the founding location of Marks and Spencer, which opened initially as a penny bazaar.  A commemorative clock was unveiled to mark the centenary of M & S in 1984.  Today there is still a Marks and Spencer’s stall alongside the clock.

Famous Marks and Spencer and the centenary clock.
Anyone remember a penny bazaar?
The flower stalls are lovely.
And the dragons are splendid!
The balcony was used for “fancy goods”.
This way for fish!
That’s my little crepe bar along at the end.
I sat at the little “outside” table
Oops! How did this get in here?
Just a few sweets to finish!

Click on the gallery to wander the market with me.

Thanks Dawn, for reminding me every week how much I like windows.  To join the challenge, visit Lingering Visions.

Weekly Photo Challenge : One shot, two (or three) ways

There are lots of ways to tackle this week’s Daily Post photo challenge- showing a subject in two different ways.  I was never much good at the “less is more” philosophy, so one shot isn’t really on the cards for me.

The Swing Bridge, Reeth, in the Yorkshire Dales
In close up but not in motion.

Reeth has the most beautiful setting on the River Swale in the Yorkshire Dales.  The Swing Bridge made me smile.  It didn’t so much swing as wobble if you jiggled about on it a lot.

The ferry point on Tavira Island
Looking down the channel to the open sea.

I wouldn’t jiggle too hard on this bit of rusty railing at the ferry terminal on Tavira Island in Portugal’s Algarve.  It’s just the salt air- I’m sure it’s safe!

The salt marshes at Barril
Briney water stretches forever

Or you could take the little steam train out to Barril Beach.  When the tide’s in the salt marshes look their beautiful best.

Lunch before we hit the boardwalk?
It looks inviting!

Before, or after, you hit the beach there are nice restaurants to linger in.

Ponte Romana in the twilight
Step forward a pace and you get a “free” umbrella

Evening’s always a good time to return to Tavira.  The sun settles over the river, and the swifts dart and play.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

When the lights go down you can often find a local celebration or Saint’s Day like this one at the Carmo, Tavira’s main church.  The service inside is broadcast on speakers, the priest’s beautiful voice soaring over the neighbourhood.

Did you enter the Daily Post Weekly Photo Challenge yet?  Come with me and we’ll check out some entries.

Six word Saturday

6ws-participating-in-banner

Challenges and Awards- part of blogging?

When you started blogging, did you have any idea what you were getting into?  I know I didn’t.  I simply wanted a vehicle to communicate my delight in the world, and if I’m honest, an audience.  I hadn’t at all realised that there were hoops to jump through, or how addictive these would be.

But it wasn’t too long before I happened upon my first challenge- Six word Saturday.  Though I have soundly abused it, I liked the notion, and when I started out, I really intended exactly that- just six words, with a few photographs, so you wouldn’t get bored.  Since then we’ve wandered the globe together, and taken a lot of words with us.

Remember the fountains in the Rynek in Wroclaw?

Remember the fountains in Wroclaw’s Rynek?  Click on the photo to see the post

Six word Saturday brought me a lot of new friends, and introduced me to a fascinating world beyond that of my travel addiction.  Writers, poets, photographers, cooks, craftmakers of kinds I didn’t even know existed- they’re all out there.  I discovered any number of A-Z Challenges, and used one of them to pin both my Portuguese and Polish sagas to.

When I found Jakesprinter’s Sunday Post, I was astounded at what he could do with graphics.  More than that, Jake gave me a peg to hang my photos and stories on.   And my addiction to photography and challenges began.

A Turkish gulet gliding across the bay

A Turkish gulet at sunset- again, the photo will take you to the post

I became aware of more and more Challenges out there, many of them photographic, and the quality of some of the photographs is staggering.  Off I went in hot pursuit, until my week was overflowing. Here are just a few I’ve taken part in.  Click on the photo to see the post.

Porta da Vila, Obidos

Porta da Vila, Obidos- from Thursday: Lingering look at windows

The boardwalk in Cabanas- from CBBH Photo Challenge

The boardwalk in Cabanas- from CBBH Photo Challenge

Flowerhead in the rain

Flowerhead in the rain- from Sonel’s Black and White photo challenge : Abstract

I've rarely seen a more extravagant door knocker

A door knocker in Silves- from Cee’s Fun Foto challenge

Old gold plays on Medieval architecture

Medieval architecture in Wroclaw- Daily Post Weekly Photo Challenge : Colours

I have loved every second of compiling my posts, but occasionally I tire of being led around by the nose.  Rebellion strikes and I think “no, I don’t want to write about ‘rhubarb’ this week”.  I want to follow my own muse. (if you can call the unlucky lady that)  And so I do.

But I owe a debt of gratitude to the people who launch and host these challenges.  They provide huge inspiration as well as introductions to other blogs, and require a major commitment of time and effort.  So a big thank you to all those whose challenges I have participated in.

You’re wondering where Awards come into this, aren’t you?  Many times I have used Six word Saturday to introduce and appreciate new awards, and this week is no exception.  I have an Awards page and kind people out there keep bestowing them, but it just isn’t possible to keep up and still do all the things you want to do.  So I’ll simply say many thanks to Opalla for giving me Inner Peace, and to Colline, for a Super Sweet Blogger Award.  There’s a link to each of their great blogs in the logos below.

inner-peace-award1the-super-sweet-blogger-award

I guess I’ve exhausted my six words for this week, don’t you think?  You’d better follow the link to Cate at Show My Face to see exactly how the game should be played.  Many thanks for your patience.  Feel free to tell me about your favourite challenges and awards.