2nd April, 2019
It's still a bit hit and miss with updating my blog, however now my nautical exams are well and truly over, I'm hoping that I have renewed energy for recording events. Time will tell!
It certainly helps to live in such a beautiful part of the world and be privileged enough to own a yacht! The weather was just right to be able to get out onto the high sea and have a sail.
There were lovely cloud formations to view both from land and sea and it's a joy to be able to view them from differing perspectives.
We had a lovely day out on the sea in our yacht Duermevela. We were able to get the sails up and even managed to shut down the engine for a short while instead of motor sailing. The peace and quiet, sun, warmth and beauty surrounding us as we moved slowly along is an uplifting experience.
It's still a bit hit and miss with updating my blog, however now my nautical exams are well and truly over, I'm hoping that I have renewed energy for recording events. Time will tell!
It certainly helps to live in such a beautiful part of the world and be privileged enough to own a yacht! The weather was just right to be able to get out onto the high sea and have a sail.
There were lovely cloud formations to view both from land and sea and it's a joy to be able to view them from differing perspectives.
We had a lovely day out on the sea in our yacht Duermevela. We were able to get the sails up and even managed to shut down the engine for a short while instead of motor sailing. The peace and quiet, sun, warmth and beauty surrounding us as we moved slowly along is an uplifting experience.
12th April, 2019
Lovely proper sail out today. Conditions were just right and we found some wind. Chris watched the speedometer creep up with glee and was very happy when at one time we weren't too far off speeds under motor. No need to check the fuel when we returned to port this time!
Lovely proper sail out today. Conditions were just right and we found some wind. Chris watched the speedometer creep up with glee and was very happy when at one time we weren't too far off speeds under motor. No need to check the fuel when we returned to port this time!
13th & 14th April, 2019
Day 1 of my nautical practical and what a gorgeous day to be able to hone our skills. It started with a lovely gesture as each of the students was introduced and applause given as exam results were announced. Happily I was one of those who had passed.
We left the port and headed along the coast taking in the sights, each in turn taking the helm and steering a course. After 3 hours we neared the destination; Puerto Marina del Este.
Everyone was in high spirits as we approach the end of this qualification and after a lunch at the port, spirits were even higher with some partaking of a liquid lunch!
On the return trip we were rewarded with the sight of dolphins performing in front of us.
There was a pan-pan call over the radio and we saw the rescue boat attending to someone in trouble, thankfully, our trip was uneventful in that respect.
Arriving back in Caleta slightly later than anticipated, I was tired, however looking forward to tomorrow when the concentration will be on security and seamanship.
Day 2 and all requirements to achieve the status of Patrón de Embarcaciones de Recreo and all the benefits which come along(!) have now been completed. A long weekend for all, however the weather was kind again.
Ezequiel, who has guided us through all the necessary requirements, stood on the quayside as we left the boat at the end of the practical and shook hands with each one of us. A very satisfying end to 3 months of hard work.
Day 1 of my nautical practical and what a gorgeous day to be able to hone our skills. It started with a lovely gesture as each of the students was introduced and applause given as exam results were announced. Happily I was one of those who had passed.
We left the port and headed along the coast taking in the sights, each in turn taking the helm and steering a course. After 3 hours we neared the destination; Puerto Marina del Este.
Everyone was in high spirits as we approach the end of this qualification and after a lunch at the port, spirits were even higher with some partaking of a liquid lunch!
On the return trip we were rewarded with the sight of dolphins performing in front of us.
There was a pan-pan call over the radio and we saw the rescue boat attending to someone in trouble, thankfully, our trip was uneventful in that respect.
Arriving back in Caleta slightly later than anticipated, I was tired, however looking forward to tomorrow when the concentration will be on security and seamanship.
Day 2 and all requirements to achieve the status of Patrón de Embarcaciones de Recreo and all the benefits which come along(!) have now been completed. A long weekend for all, however the weather was kind again.
Ezequiel, who has guided us through all the necessary requirements, stood on the quayside as we left the boat at the end of the practical and shook hands with each one of us. A very satisfying end to 3 months of hard work.
15th April, 2019
The need to travel to a nearby town afforded a photo opportunity which gave me great satisfaction. I felt I was getting back to making a composition rather than simply snapping. I definitely want to take the time to create and make more images like this one I entitled 'Horizontal'.
The need to travel to a nearby town afforded a photo opportunity which gave me great satisfaction. I felt I was getting back to making a composition rather than simply snapping. I definitely want to take the time to create and make more images like this one I entitled 'Horizontal'.
19th April, 2019
A spontaneous trip to El Torcal. It isn't that far from where we live, however we somehow found ourselves negotiating the narrow streets in Antequera itself including several diversions, which added to the journey unnecessarily!
Eventually finding the correct route and road up towards the look out point, we came to a halt in a traffic queue. Reaching the front, we learned that the road had been closed due to the number of potential visitors and limited car park spaces further on and instead directed to a lower car park and the need to use a shuttle service. It was the first time I'd travelled to the top this way and enjoyed being up high and able to see more.
Once at the top, it was obvious that the majority of visitors intended to hang around the visitors centre and cafe. It was colder than I'd anticipated and although I wasn't really dressed appropriately, I used the opportunity to walk a bit. I hadn't gone far before I was on my own and able to be alone to take in the beauty of this unique and unusual national park. I shall return sometime to photograph as the sun is setting.
21st April, 2019
Although it was still and seemingly windless, I knew that the forecast was for strong winds and rough seas so a sail was not going to happen. We still went to the port however; there are always jobs to do and besides which it's peaceful sitting on our boat in the water in the sunshine anyway! I spotted a couple of photo opportunities and created images showing a few ripples and reflections from the port.
Although it was still and seemingly windless, I knew that the forecast was for strong winds and rough seas so a sail was not going to happen. We still went to the port however; there are always jobs to do and besides which it's peaceful sitting on our boat in the water in the sunshine anyway! I spotted a couple of photo opportunities and created images showing a few ripples and reflections from the port.
22nd April, 2019
I thought when the cats arrived to live with us that there would be plenty of photo opportunities and although I've made the odd effort to capture images of them, I have really begun to look in earnest now. They have such differing personalities and I would like to be able to show their characters through photographs. The image below is of Eye walking towards the camera in his usual inquisitive way. He's not the boldest of the three, however doesn't hold back much!
I thought when the cats arrived to live with us that there would be plenty of photo opportunities and although I've made the odd effort to capture images of them, I have really begun to look in earnest now. They have such differing personalities and I would like to be able to show their characters through photographs. The image below is of Eye walking towards the camera in his usual inquisitive way. He's not the boldest of the three, however doesn't hold back much!
23rd April, 2019
On somewhat of a roll today, I wanted to continue with my growing desire to get back into more meaningful photos. It had been raining as we made our way up the mountain to visit friends and I had the idea that my photos would likely be water related. I had some ideas and went out to see what I could find on our return home.
One of the things I love about photography is the element of surprise when capturing 'the moment'. I was searching for water droplets when the sun came out and I remembered my crystal ball! The fence post is at a height which lends itself to landscape photos and I quickly set up the shot I could see. I also remembered that the sun reflected in the ball, created intense heat and sure enough, after a couple of captures, I saw smoke starting to rise from the wooden fence post!
I stood and watched Hooky being taunted by the swifts diving all around him as they searched for insects just above. The killer cat was outmanoeuvred!
On somewhat of a roll today, I wanted to continue with my growing desire to get back into more meaningful photos. It had been raining as we made our way up the mountain to visit friends and I had the idea that my photos would likely be water related. I had some ideas and went out to see what I could find on our return home.
One of the things I love about photography is the element of surprise when capturing 'the moment'. I was searching for water droplets when the sun came out and I remembered my crystal ball! The fence post is at a height which lends itself to landscape photos and I quickly set up the shot I could see. I also remembered that the sun reflected in the ball, created intense heat and sure enough, after a couple of captures, I saw smoke starting to rise from the wooden fence post!
I stood and watched Hooky being taunted by the swifts diving all around him as they searched for insects just above. The killer cat was outmanoeuvred!
24th & 25th April, 2019
Badajoz
We knew that on the journey from home, we were likely to meet heavy rain and that in all probability it wouldn't clear until the next day. In the event, although it was cloudy, when we arrived in Badajoz after a 5 hour journey, it was dry, albeit overcast. It meant we could get out and explore as well as stretch our legs a bit. We intended to spend the next day exploring the town and it gave us a good opportunity to plan.
Our hotel was centrally located near to the river and we had some fun as a strong wind was blowing. As we crossed one of the bridges, we could see a fountain at the other end, being completely blown back on itself. Sod's Law, as soon as I placed myself to take a photo, the wind dropped and I had to be content with just a normal shot.
Finding somewhere to eat is often a problem for us when travelling. In most places, the main meal is taken mid-afternoon and then the kitchens close until between 8 & 9pm. There is a restaurant at the hotel where we're able to eat earlier. We ordered and expected something decent; we were disappointed! The potatoes were solid in the centre. We sent them back and eventually a plate of hot, slightly better cooked anaemic looking potatoes arrived. We would not be eating there again!
Our hotel was centrally located near to the river and we had some fun as a strong wind was blowing. As we crossed one of the bridges, we could see a fountain at the other end, being completely blown back on itself. Sod's Law, as soon as I placed myself to take a photo, the wind dropped and I had to be content with just a normal shot.
Finding somewhere to eat is often a problem for us when travelling. In most places, the main meal is taken mid-afternoon and then the kitchens close until between 8 & 9pm. There is a restaurant at the hotel where we're able to eat earlier. We ordered and expected something decent; we were disappointed! The potatoes were solid in the centre. We sent them back and eventually a plate of hot, slightly better cooked anaemic looking potatoes arrived. We would not be eating there again!
Next day we were ready for an assault on the impressive castle in Badajoz. After a breakfast in one of the cafes in the numerous squares we headed upwards to find the entrance to the castle walls. We thought we'd found it only to eventually come to a locked gate! A very helpful gardener directed us to the entrance and we also learned that everything was free, no entrance fees at all which was surprising as everywhere was very well maintained. We eventually completed the whole circuit when it was time to find somewhere to eat. We intended going out at sunset and seeing the town by night so found a lovely restaurant which offered a delicious Menu del Día and I tasted the best red wine ever!
As the sun began to set, we were heading towards the river when we heard a brass band playing. Following the sounds, we came across a small square, packed with people watching soldiers on parade. It turned out to be the lowering of the Spanish flag, presumably a daily ritual.
Making our way to the river, we watched the sun go down. It wasn't particularly spectacular although there was some colour. The wind kept temperatures low and in the end, I decided I wasn't really all that bothered about waiting for darkness to really arrive in order to take some night photos! I'm obviously a fair-weather photographer!
Making our way to the river, we watched the sun go down. It wasn't particularly spectacular although there was some colour. The wind kept temperatures low and in the end, I decided I wasn't really all that bothered about waiting for darkness to really arrive in order to take some night photos! I'm obviously a fair-weather photographer!
26th April, 2019
Just under an hour's drive from Badajoz and on the way home, lies the town of Mérida. I'd been told about the ruins of a Roman Theatre located in the town and indeed, that Mérida contains one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, of which the Roman theatre and ampitheatre forms part.
We found it easily enough and weren't disappointed.
Just under an hour's drive from Badajoz and on the way home, lies the town of Mérida. I'd been told about the ruins of a Roman Theatre located in the town and indeed, that Mérida contains one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, of which the Roman theatre and ampitheatre forms part.
We found it easily enough and weren't disappointed.