June 1st
Another glorious sunrise before we left our seaside location and started heading back down south. Although it was a long journey we still wanted to explore. We made our way to an abandonded village which was being slowly restored. It was abandoned originally as part of a scheme to form a reservoir. The water levels never reached the heights anticipated and so the village never flooded. A University now uses students to work at the site in a project of restoration.
Another glorious sunrise before we left our seaside location and started heading back down south. Although it was a long journey we still wanted to explore. We made our way to an abandonded village which was being slowly restored. It was abandoned originally as part of a scheme to form a reservoir. The water levels never reached the heights anticipated and so the village never flooded. A University now uses students to work at the site in a project of restoration.
June 2nd
We were right into cherry territory now and as well as sampling local ham from pigs raised on acorns, we were also treated to the sights and tastes of top quality cherries from the area of the Valle del Jerte.
Although it was a convenient stop en route back home, there was also a monument I wanted to see. I'd read about the unusual sculptures dedicated to lives lost during the Civil War and afterwards and wanted to see it. It wasn't easy to find and we had to be sensitive about asking for its location once we were in the area. We eventually found it and I have to say that it was the most powerful monument to lost lives that I've seen. Four figures depicting impotence, anger, defiance and loss by their stance were impressive. In this area numerous mass graves were discovered. It is a beautiful, mountainous location with deep valleys and reservoirs. Such beauty hiding such ugliness. I was glad I had visited this spot and seen for myself, the powerful message of the monument.
We were right into cherry territory now and as well as sampling local ham from pigs raised on acorns, we were also treated to the sights and tastes of top quality cherries from the area of the Valle del Jerte.
Although it was a convenient stop en route back home, there was also a monument I wanted to see. I'd read about the unusual sculptures dedicated to lives lost during the Civil War and afterwards and wanted to see it. It wasn't easy to find and we had to be sensitive about asking for its location once we were in the area. We eventually found it and I have to say that it was the most powerful monument to lost lives that I've seen. Four figures depicting impotence, anger, defiance and loss by their stance were impressive. In this area numerous mass graves were discovered. It is a beautiful, mountainous location with deep valleys and reservoirs. Such beauty hiding such ugliness. I was glad I had visited this spot and seen for myself, the powerful message of the monument.
June 4th
Heading on further south we were treated to some magnificent views of huge fields of sunflowers. Trying to find a way into the fields though, was difficult; my zoom lens came in handy.
Heading on further south we were treated to some magnificent views of huge fields of sunflowers. Trying to find a way into the fields though, was difficult; my zoom lens came in handy.
June 5th - 7th
Still exploring, however in more familiar areas now I'm back home. I wanted some specific shots for some ideas I have and wanted to suss out some fishing villages along a tidal river. I'd never been to this area before and we were delighted with what we found. Genuine fisherfolk with a variety of boats, mostly small although a small fishing fleet was tied up in the port a short way upriver. An unexpected bonus was a rider bringing his horse along the beach and then into the sea. We also stopped and had a chat with a shepherd with a huge flock of sheep. This time of year it's not easy to find areas where there's enough to eat and he did mention that he had some kids which would soon be meat!
Still exploring, however in more familiar areas now I'm back home. I wanted some specific shots for some ideas I have and wanted to suss out some fishing villages along a tidal river. I'd never been to this area before and we were delighted with what we found. Genuine fisherfolk with a variety of boats, mostly small although a small fishing fleet was tied up in the port a short way upriver. An unexpected bonus was a rider bringing his horse along the beach and then into the sea. We also stopped and had a chat with a shepherd with a huge flock of sheep. This time of year it's not easy to find areas where there's enough to eat and he did mention that he had some kids which would soon be meat!
8th June
Just managed to catch the sun setting through a thin layer of mist. Peekaboo!
Just managed to catch the sun setting through a thin layer of mist. Peekaboo!
13th June
At this time of year local micro climates make it difficult to always predict weather patterns. I was lucky with this early morning capture having decided to get up and go to the top of the mountain regardless. The clouds crept in from where they'd formed over the sea as the sun rose. The sun's rays touched and highlighted a town on the far side of the bay.
At this time of year local micro climates make it difficult to always predict weather patterns. I was lucky with this early morning capture having decided to get up and go to the top of the mountain regardless. The clouds crept in from where they'd formed over the sea as the sun rose. The sun's rays touched and highlighted a town on the far side of the bay.
14th June
Having arranged to meet a friend at the coast today, I left early to give Nell a run on the beach before folk were about. There were weather warnings for high temperatures. There was also a strong warm wind blowing, however Nell was a very happy dog being able to run in and out of the sea and keep cool.
Having arranged to meet a friend at the coast today, I left early to give Nell a run on the beach before folk were about. There were weather warnings for high temperatures. There was also a strong warm wind blowing, however Nell was a very happy dog being able to run in and out of the sea and keep cool.
June 16th
Had time to edit some more of my photos from the recent trip. Also excited about a new direction in which I feel I want to move with my photography. A combination of landscape and people which gives an indication of how the landscape was formed or is used is the aim. I have some ideas to explore, however have a feel for where I want to get. I'm experimenting at the moment to find out what works and what doesn't. In the meantime I'm also looking out for letters of the alphabet; either images representing a letter or of items which depict a letter.
Had time to edit some more of my photos from the recent trip. Also excited about a new direction in which I feel I want to move with my photography. A combination of landscape and people which gives an indication of how the landscape was formed or is used is the aim. I have some ideas to explore, however have a feel for where I want to get. I'm experimenting at the moment to find out what works and what doesn't. In the meantime I'm also looking out for letters of the alphabet; either images representing a letter or of items which depict a letter.
June 17th
The first time for quite a while I walked with Nell early in the morning to the top of the mountain. I took some photos although wasn't expecting anything special; it was simply good to be back walking with my dog. The light was bright which created streams across the land as the sun rose. The mountain range was different shades of grey as the sun's rays started to spread out. Well worth the effort in many respects.
The first time for quite a while I walked with Nell early in the morning to the top of the mountain. I took some photos although wasn't expecting anything special; it was simply good to be back walking with my dog. The light was bright which created streams across the land as the sun rose. The mountain range was different shades of grey as the sun's rays started to spread out. Well worth the effort in many respects.
18th June
A lovely long walk and I went with the fish eye lens on my camera. I wanted to get to know how it works better. I'm not actually sure what I was after with the images I captured apart from trying to combine close foreground with landscape. I also looked out for the letter 'A' and of course almonds are plentiful so I didn't have to try too hard.
A lovely long walk and I went with the fish eye lens on my camera. I wanted to get to know how it works better. I'm not actually sure what I was after with the images I captured apart from trying to combine close foreground with landscape. I also looked out for the letter 'A' and of course almonds are plentiful so I didn't have to try too hard.
June 20th
I'd seen the moon over the bay a few mornings previously and intended to get up early yesterday to capture images as the almost full moon set. It didn't happen, however this morning I was awake and ready with my camera all set. I captured a few images and then had to return indoors to cover up some more; the mosquitoes were numerous and extremely active. It was worth all the hassle though as I watched the moon slowly go down over the bay. The icing on the cake was the reflected sunrise colours kighting up the sky above the setting moon. Magical!
I'd seen the moon over the bay a few mornings previously and intended to get up early yesterday to capture images as the almost full moon set. It didn't happen, however this morning I was awake and ready with my camera all set. I captured a few images and then had to return indoors to cover up some more; the mosquitoes were numerous and extremely active. It was worth all the hassle though as I watched the moon slowly go down over the bay. The icing on the cake was the reflected sunrise colours kighting up the sky above the setting moon. Magical!
June 21st
I remembered an image I had seen sometime and decided to have ago creating my own version. I entitled it "Musical Spoons" and although it doesn't really say that much, it was an interesting exercise. I have an idea I want to explore and although initially I thought of using words, it may be that I decide to use musical notes instead.
I thought about going to the top of the mountain to witness the sun rising, however assumed that as it rises behind a mountain range, I wouldn't really be able to see it in all its glory. Turns out that I was wrong and a neighbour captured a stunning image of the sun rising behind a house on a ridge.
I remembered an image I had seen sometime and decided to have ago creating my own version. I entitled it "Musical Spoons" and although it doesn't really say that much, it was an interesting exercise. I have an idea I want to explore and although initially I thought of using words, it may be that I decide to use musical notes instead.
I thought about going to the top of the mountain to witness the sun rising, however assumed that as it rises behind a mountain range, I wouldn't really be able to see it in all its glory. Turns out that I was wrong and a neighbour captured a stunning image of the sun rising behind a house on a ridge.
22nd June
Gale force winds made for an interesting trip, firstly inland and then to the coast. Nell's coat was whipped up into some weird shapes, one of which I managed to capture in a photo! It was an interesting area which I visited. It was empty because of the wind, I guess, however looks as if it would be heaving in the summer.
Gale force winds made for an interesting trip, firstly inland and then to the coast. Nell's coat was whipped up into some weird shapes, one of which I managed to capture in a photo! It was an interesting area which I visited. It was empty because of the wind, I guess, however looks as if it would be heaving in the summer.
23rd June
A visit to one of my favourite locations; down by the tidal river. The small crabs make the area seem as if it's on the move. There's always work going on and of course people enjoying messing about in the water. The whole scene is dominated by the impressive bridge. I spend hours watching, walking and enjoying the atmosphere.
A visit to one of my favourite locations; down by the tidal river. The small crabs make the area seem as if it's on the move. There's always work going on and of course people enjoying messing about in the water. The whole scene is dominated by the impressive bridge. I spend hours watching, walking and enjoying the atmosphere.
24th June
Another one of my favourite locations on this Atlantic coast. The moods of the sea are felt and seen in all their glory. There are times when the pace is furious, others when sitting still and contemplating is what is required.
Another one of my favourite locations on this Atlantic coast. The moods of the sea are felt and seen in all their glory. There are times when the pace is furious, others when sitting still and contemplating is what is required.
26th June
Somewhat back down to earth, I sat and watched a dung beetle at work with a fly hitching a lift on its back! Amazing nature at work!
Somewhat back down to earth, I sat and watched a dung beetle at work with a fly hitching a lift on its back! Amazing nature at work!