Photography

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.

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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

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 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- from Thursday: Lingering look at windows

The boardwalk in Cabanas- from CBBH Photo Challenge

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

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.

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.

No time like the present

Seaham’s burgeoning marina

I was pleasantly surprised, on Saturday, to come upon the view above. Seaham Harbour, as I’ve always known it, is a former mining village, whose pithead once dominated the landscape. Regeneration has taken place, and the marina and visitor centre for the RNLI now lie in the old harbour, with its iconic lighthouse banished to the distance.

Come and take a closer look at these galleries with me.

It’s still a working port (just about), so not all of it’s pretty.

But I did try to pretty it up.

The road drops down into the harbour

And looking back you can see across the bay.

Then you’re in the marina

And my favourite hobby, boat spotting.

Add a cafe and a visitor centre and you’re all set.

It’s a nice enough outlook.

There’s a great cafe called “The Lookout” pointing right out to sea, and below that some exhibition space. I really enjoyed the visitor centre for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. It’s full of photos, nautical maps and stories of heroism. There’s no entry fee but it’s a pleasure to slip a few coins in the boat. The bravery required on these sometimes stormy seas is worth every penny, and the staff were informative and very pleasant.

Lifeboats are the most complex and amazing vessels.

That grappling hook looks pretty fierce.

I love the patriotic colours.

The boat’s story gives me a lump in my throat

The display cabinets were a trip back in time.

Tinder boxes, old badges, all kinds of paraphernalia

A replica of RNLB George Elmy

I thought this was beautiful.

I gave a little history of the town, and it’s rather surprising connection to the poet, Lord Byron, in Windswept in Seaham.

There was a nice breeze blowing on Saturday, but not one to bend you double. It’s raining again today so I’m using my normal walking time to look back at sunnier skies. I almost forgot to mention the delicious pana cotta and Swiss chocolate icecream I indulged in. I know there are a few of you with a sweet tooth. “Leaf, bark and berries” was my cafe of choice.

One last look at the lighthouse

Every which way?

A quick getaway by jet ski?

With that blue, blue water and matching sky, you could be excused for thinking I’m somewhere exotic. Well, it’s a matter of definition. Seaham, on England’s north east coast, was enjoying a rare balmy day.

You can walk along the cliff top, or the beachside walk

You can walk along the cliff top, or the promenade, down by the beach

It’s a nice little town

With an industrial heritage

And it’s the start point for my venture into Cee’s Which Way photo challenge. There’s so much more I could tell you about Seaham, but I’ll save it for another day. I know Cee rather likes a sign. I almost captured this one.

Don’t you love a coastal footpath?

I wonder where else Cee might take me. Click on the logo below or the links and we’ll go and see.

Thursday: Lingering look at windows, week 29

Canvas portraits of windows in Casa das Portas.

I’m focusing on a very particular group of windows this week. Don’t be fooled by the dilapidated appearance of the wall above. It’s part of a real and well deserved success story in Tavira, in the Eastern Algarve. The shop, Casa das Portas (House of Doors), features the work of local artist Jane Gibbin. Like myself, Jane fell in love with Tavira, spending hours photographing the local doors and windows.

The photos always seem to create a talking point. As you’ve probably seen from some of my posts, Tavira has a delightfully down at heel look and is a great subject to work with. Ten years ago, looking for something distinctive, but not too expensive, for the bare walls in our Tavira home, I was much taken with Jane’s doors and windows. Poster form was the cheapest, so we selected three, had them framed, and today they have pride of place in our living room.

You can barely just see two of the framed posters here

Jane started out with a market stall selling her photographs then, as interest grew, progressed to a shop in the warren of back streets. As well as the photographs and posters there’s an eclectic mix of objects for the home, and pretty jewellery pieces. I often stick my nose in and the assistant is unfailingly polite, even though I seldom buy.

In July 2011 success was confirmed when Jane opened a second shop, right beside Ponte Romana; a prime target for tourists. The ideas continue to flow and at my last visit there were some lovely small canvases with paintings of the doors. I was very tempted, as was Cathy who was staying with me at the time. Her luggage was already overflowing, so she dived into a colourful heap of scarves instead.

Looking in

An eclectic mix

Windows and door paintings

Objets d’arts?

Nautical things (and reflections)

And finally.

My photos aren’t the best as I had one or two distractions that night (yes, Cathy!), but I’ve wanted to tell the story of the shops for a while. For a clearer idea of them you might visit the Casa das Portas Facebook page.

I hope Dawn doesn’t mind a slightly different style of lingering at my windows (and doors) this week. Please visit her at Lingering Visions to see the other entries, and maybe add one of your own.

Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: Locks, knockers and handles

I’ve rarely seen a more elaborate door knocker, if a bit chipped!

I’m very often admiring of the door knockers and handles in the Algarve, and when I saw the subject of Cee’s photo challenge this week- well, you just knew I’d want to share them, didn’t you? They’re so elegant.

Fish in Faro

Fatima’s very delicate hand

And then there were two!

Beautifully framed white doors.

Tightly clenched in Tavira

Thanks, Cee, for giving me another excuse to revisit a wonderful holiday. That’s it! No more. (well, not till the next time, anyway)

Off now to check out some more entries to Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge. Click the link and come with me.

Black and White photo challenge : Abstract

Normally when I’m out and about the camera has a mind of its own, and I follow along behind it taking the shots. Not so with this challenge. I took a couple of photos in the Algarve that I thought might “do”, but I was still looking for the right subject when I got back to England.

It had me crawling about on the conservatory floor, and rummaging in the bin, but don’t worry- I’ll spare you most of it. This was the final selection.

I rather liked this Algarve shot, but it was better in colour.

The tinfoil was interesting, but not vastly different in colour or B & W.

This flowerhead in the rain was my standout favourite.

But even then I prefer it in colour, when it’s quite radiant. I’ll show you it someday (I dare not incur the wrath of Sonel. I’d hate to be banned!) But what I did enjoy was the process, and trying to look at things “abstractly”.

For a much more professional introduction to the theme, visit Sonel’s Corner. It’s always a delightful place to be, and she’s not really strict. I’m only teasing! You might even want to try your hand, but you need to hurry. There’s a new theme due out soon. I believe it’s Upward.

Six word Saturday

Holiday over and back to “normal”.

"Sunshine on trhe water makes me happy" - John Denver

“Sunshine on the water makes me happy” – John Denver

Except it isn’t really normal at all! I can’t remember the last time we had a whole July’s worth of sunshine. No complaints, then.

I love that little stretch of water from Cabanas to the Ilha.

But I can’t seem to shake the Algarve completely out of my head. Maybe if I post another photo or two?

The good life? I think so.

The Carmo Church was having its yearly celebration

By evening time it was spectacularly lit

And then there was the procession of Nossa Senhora

And a moonlight wander homewards.

That’s me done dreaming for this week. Feet firmly back on the ground tomorrow? Meantime I need to thank Cate at Show My Face for her unending patience in hosting this challenge. The link or the header will take you there.

How was your week? Put it in six words and join in? The button below takes you to all my previous Six word saturdays. (yes, all of them!)

Thursday : Lingering look at windows, week 28

The Camara or Council Offices in Tavira. I love the fountains.

The Camara or Council Offices in Tavira. I love these fountains at night.

Well, where else would it be this week? The Algarve, of course. In Tavira alone I gazed at lots of windows. Linger with me?

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I collected a few more on my wanderings last trip. Here are just a couple. I’ll save some for a rainy day (hush, don’t mention that word!)

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I’m lowering the lights with Tavira, and off to check out Dawn’s and the other entries for this week’s Lingering look at Windows. See you there?

Romantic by evening

Meeting a Catbird

Cathy in Alte

Never having met one before, I wasn’t at all sure if meeting a Catbird would be scarey. You can tell from the smile on Cathy’s face that it was anything but. In fact, from the second we met, we were nattering away like old pals, and by the time we’d dragged her humungous purple suitcase to the car, we were well into our life stories.

Cathy’s is convoluted, and mine not as straightforward as you might think, so it all took some time to unravel. We each had remembered snippets about the other, but needed to explore the detail. And what fun that was.

For any of you not familiar, a little background. Cathy Dutchak, an American lady, has been working in the Gulf State of Oman for the past eighteen months, and before that in Korea. Intriguing, yes? When I came across A native in the Land of Niswa I just had to know more. I followed Cathy through the ups and downs of life in the rich Arab world and marvelled at the beauties her photography revealed.

Then Cathy announced that her time over there was up and, before returning to the USA, she was spending a month touring Spain and Portugal. It coincided with a visit I was making to Tavira, so how could I not offer a little hospitality? (but a touch nervously, still not too sure what kind of creature a Catbird might be) How glad I am that I did.

Time went all too quickly. We discovered a love of boats in common and, as the temperatures were into the 30s, an expedition onto the water seemed a good idea. The birdwatching and historical tour of the Ria Formosa was perfect (but not before a visit to the Post Office to try to dispose of some of Cathy’s rapidly accumulating luggage- more of that later!)

Off we chugged from the quayside at Tavira

Wasn't there a "Tilted" challenge out there somewhere?

Isn’t there a “Tilted” challenge out there somewhere? Good candidate!

I hope you'rte not expecting great bird photography? He's out there- look closely!

I hope you’re not expecting great bird photography? Look very closely!

But I do get better as we approach the lovely village of Santa Luzia

Our skipper was concentrating- don’t want to ram a fishing boat

And there were lots

And lots

And a catamaran

The Santa Luzia ferry

And more fishing boats

More? Enough, I think!

Then we headed down the channel to the sea, to look back at Tavira Island

Then back to shore, past the twin lighthouses

And returned to shore, passing the twin lighthouses.

Back on dry land there was much to see, and we leaped into the car and off to the hills and the village of Alte. It’s a favourite of mine and I’ve written about it and been there many times. Today was about finding a cool spot beside the fontes, or springs, and a cafe extraordinaire for refreshments.

I think the cat succeeded

Who says the Algarve isn’t green?

Our cafe is also a shop crammed full of ceramics like these.

Cathy very much likes ceramic tiles and the Moorish connection, so it was on through cork and eucalyptus country to Silves, with its mighty fortress. I was there in May this year, resulting in S is for Silves, but a few more photos had to be taken. I was pleased to find the Igreja da Misericordia open for an art exhibition, a reward in itself.

The riverside at Silves

Colourful streets

The town from the castle walls

The Igreja da Misericordia

We were warm and tired when we made it home, but after a brief “feet up” we were out again, in search of food. At some point I’m sure you’ll read Cathy’s version of this, so all I’m going to say is that she provided enormous entertainment for Luis and Philippe, the owner and the waiter in “A Taska”. The food was delicious, as usual, but while I simply nodded and smiled my approval, Cathy went into full blogger mode.

Charm turned up full (with maybe a little extra confidence from the port), she proceeded to photograph the decor, the menu, the food, and of course, Luis and Phillipe. “She’s funny” said the latter, rolling his dark eyes and minding not a bit. Then it was onto the streets, and straight into the nearest shop. Did I mention that Cathy likes to shop? “Casa das Portas” is a very beautiful place to do it, but for once restraint was exercised.

“Casa das Portas” with some of its iconic door paintings

The case was rather full, and I ended up bringing a good amount of her clothing back to the UK in my hand luggage. She had already shipped some home from Barcelona and I did not want to waste more of the holiday queuing at our post office. It is speeding its way to the USA right now. Goodness knows what purchases she might have made in Lisbon, but the Spanish skirts I saw were extremely nice.

We wandered the warm Tavira night, in search of a promised fig and almond icecream, which sadly we never found. I was sorry to disappoint. But one thing for sure, Cathy did not disappoint me. I learnt a lot, and I laughed a lot, and I think we will be lifelong friends.

Me and Cathy, having fun.

restlessjo

Roaming, at home and abroad

Photography

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

Six word Saturday

Challenges and Awards- part of blogging?

No time like the present

Every which way?

Thursday: Lingering look at windows, week 29

Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: Locks, knockers and handles

Black and White photo challenge : Abstract

Six word Saturday

Holiday over and back to “normal”.

Thursday : Lingering look at windows, week 28

Meeting a Catbird

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Challenges and Awards- part of blogging?

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Holiday over and back to “normal”.

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