1-4th May
After wielding a hammer and chisel for several days to start revamping the bathroom, it was time to get out and about for some fresh air. Windy was an understatment; it was crazy in some places and I even dared to tackle a road quickly getting submerged with blown sand. There were some spectacular displays of Spring flowers about too.
After wielding a hammer and chisel for several days to start revamping the bathroom, it was time to get out and about for some fresh air. Windy was an understatment; it was crazy in some places and I even dared to tackle a road quickly getting submerged with blown sand. There were some spectacular displays of Spring flowers about too.
May 5th
A choice between mountains and sea. The sea won only because the forecast looks better for tomorrow to go inland. I wanted to get to a wooden bridge which spans a large river. The tide was going out which meant the path was somewhat muddy. It was a strange feeling squelching along with mud oozing between my toes. I'd decided it was the lesser of two evils to take off my shoes and walk and keep them clean!
A choice between mountains and sea. The sea won only because the forecast looks better for tomorrow to go inland. I wanted to get to a wooden bridge which spans a large river. The tide was going out which meant the path was somewhat muddy. It was a strange feeling squelching along with mud oozing between my toes. I'd decided it was the lesser of two evils to take off my shoes and walk and keep them clean!
6th May
Dodging heavy showers, I visited an area which is new to me. It was so worth the effort. Spectacular views and birdlife and not over run with people. I was able to walk for miles with Nell and had to stop to clean off my shoes at times. I'd collected a load of clay on the bottom of my boots because of the wet conditions; the weight was significant.
Dodging heavy showers, I visited an area which is new to me. It was so worth the effort. Spectacular views and birdlife and not over run with people. I was able to walk for miles with Nell and had to stop to clean off my shoes at times. I'd collected a load of clay on the bottom of my boots because of the wet conditions; the weight was significant.
7th May
Headed into the mountains as the forecast inland was better than the coast. On the journey out an amazing sight caught our eye. It was like a hotel for storks with so much activity due to the number of nests. The mountain roads were long and straight and the whole area provided some awesome views. On the way back, the day was complete as several Ibex goats were feeding at the side of the road as we came around a bend. They were so close it was unbelievable. Unfortunately I was slow to react with my camera and the only photo of any use also had a blurred head!
Headed into the mountains as the forecast inland was better than the coast. On the journey out an amazing sight caught our eye. It was like a hotel for storks with so much activity due to the number of nests. The mountain roads were long and straight and the whole area provided some awesome views. On the way back, the day was complete as several Ibex goats were feeding at the side of the road as we came around a bend. They were so close it was unbelievable. Unfortunately I was slow to react with my camera and the only photo of any use also had a blurred head!
8th May
Setting off out whilst it was still raining it didn't look too hopeful. However as we reached the area we wanted to explore, the rain stopped and it was really pleasant. Beachcombing formed part of the activities and a few items found were worth keeping, namely some rope and an almost new buoy! Nell had a ball on the beach where very few other people were about and there were no signs saying that dogs weren't allowed. A great day.
Setting off out whilst it was still raining it didn't look too hopeful. However as we reached the area we wanted to explore, the rain stopped and it was really pleasant. Beachcombing formed part of the activities and a few items found were worth keeping, namely some rope and an almost new buoy! Nell had a ball on the beach where very few other people were about and there were no signs saying that dogs weren't allowed. A great day.
9th - 16th May
I've been neglecting my blog of late as other ventures require my time. I have been taking photos however, not least in a formal assignment to record the happenings at a Baptism.
I hadn't been able to get into the church beforehand to see what the lighting was like. I arrived before the guests and had a quick scout around. No-one was sure how helpful the vicar might be in allowing photos to be taken in the church, so I positioned myself behind a pillar where I could see the child and guests. The vicar heard the clicks of my camera however and called me out front! That move was embarrassing in itself, however more was to come as I was given a big red stool on which to sit, right at the front of the church and below the pulpit. As a photographer I was in a prime position to record the event. As a non-church person however, I had no idea of the sequence of religious events taking place. It meant I had to keep taking glances backwards to see if I should be standing etc!
Another aspect with which I had to deal was the number of kids who were determined to get in the way to take photos on their phones! There was also so much clutter in the church (no, not the artifacts, things like speakers, microphones and miles of cables!) which meant it was impossible to get good, clean shots.
All in all though, I was happy with the images I managed to capture as were the family. When the photos have been circulated and decisions made as to which ones to print off, I will hopefully be able to upload them on to my blog.
After the formal ceremony, celebrations continued well into the night. I captured some candid moments some of which really pleased me. They seemed also to be appreciated by many of the people there, not least a singing duo who provided the musical entertainment. My images have been widely circulated to promote the act.
I've been neglecting my blog of late as other ventures require my time. I have been taking photos however, not least in a formal assignment to record the happenings at a Baptism.
I hadn't been able to get into the church beforehand to see what the lighting was like. I arrived before the guests and had a quick scout around. No-one was sure how helpful the vicar might be in allowing photos to be taken in the church, so I positioned myself behind a pillar where I could see the child and guests. The vicar heard the clicks of my camera however and called me out front! That move was embarrassing in itself, however more was to come as I was given a big red stool on which to sit, right at the front of the church and below the pulpit. As a photographer I was in a prime position to record the event. As a non-church person however, I had no idea of the sequence of religious events taking place. It meant I had to keep taking glances backwards to see if I should be standing etc!
Another aspect with which I had to deal was the number of kids who were determined to get in the way to take photos on their phones! There was also so much clutter in the church (no, not the artifacts, things like speakers, microphones and miles of cables!) which meant it was impossible to get good, clean shots.
All in all though, I was happy with the images I managed to capture as were the family. When the photos have been circulated and decisions made as to which ones to print off, I will hopefully be able to upload them on to my blog.
After the formal ceremony, celebrations continued well into the night. I captured some candid moments some of which really pleased me. They seemed also to be appreciated by many of the people there, not least a singing duo who provided the musical entertainment. My images have been widely circulated to promote the act.
May 23rd
Road trip to the north of Spain.
An early start and we were on the road heading northwards. An uneventful morning saw us near Madrid where a stop saw us staring in wonderment at white poppies adjacent to an area of red ones. Something not common at all.
After finding ourselves stuck on a certain stretch of the motorway outside Madrid and passing the same stretch of tolled road four times, we decided to ignore the sat nav and navigate our own way north.
Eventually arriving at our first destination, Tudela and settling into the hotel we set off out to explore the town.
The light was beautiful and we found our way to the River Ebro to watch as the sun went down. A magical evening and was finished off as we found an outside terrace to sit and have our first beer of the holiday.
Road trip to the north of Spain.
An early start and we were on the road heading northwards. An uneventful morning saw us near Madrid where a stop saw us staring in wonderment at white poppies adjacent to an area of red ones. Something not common at all.
After finding ourselves stuck on a certain stretch of the motorway outside Madrid and passing the same stretch of tolled road four times, we decided to ignore the sat nav and navigate our own way north.
Eventually arriving at our first destination, Tudela and settling into the hotel we set off out to explore the town.
The light was beautiful and we found our way to the River Ebro to watch as the sun went down. A magical evening and was finished off as we found an outside terrace to sit and have our first beer of the holiday.
May 24th
Our first full day in the area and a trip to a desert area I'd read about last year, Bardenas Reales. We wanted to set off early as it was likely to get hot later. En route we came across an area which included rice paddies. It was such a still morning, surrounding mountains were reflected in the watered areas.
Finding our way to the desert, I parked to get out and take a photo. As I was composing the image, a soldier came up to me, saluted and asked me in a really polite manner, to move my car and myself. I hadn't noticed that I'd parked right under a no waiting sign! Oooops! Apologising profusely we moved on and didn't stop for a little while. When we did though, a helicopter started to circle low around us. It happened several times as we made our way through the area and I wasn't sure if we were being used as target pratice as had happened at times when at sea in our yacht. All became clear however, when we moved further on and found ourselves in the middle of a military exercise.
Our first full day in the area and a trip to a desert area I'd read about last year, Bardenas Reales. We wanted to set off early as it was likely to get hot later. En route we came across an area which included rice paddies. It was such a still morning, surrounding mountains were reflected in the watered areas.
Finding our way to the desert, I parked to get out and take a photo. As I was composing the image, a soldier came up to me, saluted and asked me in a really polite manner, to move my car and myself. I hadn't noticed that I'd parked right under a no waiting sign! Oooops! Apologising profusely we moved on and didn't stop for a little while. When we did though, a helicopter started to circle low around us. It happened several times as we made our way through the area and I wasn't sure if we were being used as target pratice as had happened at times when at sea in our yacht. All became clear however, when we moved further on and found ourselves in the middle of a military exercise.
May 25th
En route to our next stop we had decided to take a look at a church on an island. To reach the church we had to climb some 230+ steps. The views of this rocky and dangerous coast were awesome. As we climbed we could appreciate the way the sea endlessly erodes the rocks creating tunnels, arches and caves. Reaching the top, the reward was pulling the bell and making a wish. I was told that three strikes meant that a return visit would happen; we shall see!
A stop off at a coastal town for some fresh fish saw us encounter the first rip off of the trip. Because I had Nell with me, we sat outside and ate on a terrace. The fish was a reasonable price according to the menu, however when we went to pay we discovered a surcharge which doubled our bill, simply for the pleasure of being on the terrace (not that we were able to go inside as no dogs were allowed!) Deciding not to make a fuss, we paid up and made a mental note to ask in the future before we ate!
En route to our next stop we had decided to take a look at a church on an island. To reach the church we had to climb some 230+ steps. The views of this rocky and dangerous coast were awesome. As we climbed we could appreciate the way the sea endlessly erodes the rocks creating tunnels, arches and caves. Reaching the top, the reward was pulling the bell and making a wish. I was told that three strikes meant that a return visit would happen; we shall see!
A stop off at a coastal town for some fresh fish saw us encounter the first rip off of the trip. Because I had Nell with me, we sat outside and ate on a terrace. The fish was a reasonable price according to the menu, however when we went to pay we discovered a surcharge which doubled our bill, simply for the pleasure of being on the terrace (not that we were able to go inside as no dogs were allowed!) Deciding not to make a fuss, we paid up and made a mental note to ask in the future before we ate!
May 26th
Although we were now based in the mountains, we decided to make a long trip to visit Spain's highest waterfall. It was over two hours to drive to the location and then a several kilometre walk through a wooded area. En route through the trees we came across some huge sculptures and had some fun with them. Arriving at the waterfall we were disappointed to see it was completely dry. I guess it's worth seeing when it's raining, however it was one phenomena that we weren't going to witness.
Making our way back towards our hotel, we passed a reservoir and stopped to have some fun in water anway.
Although we were now based in the mountains, we decided to make a long trip to visit Spain's highest waterfall. It was over two hours to drive to the location and then a several kilometre walk through a wooded area. En route through the trees we came across some huge sculptures and had some fun with them. Arriving at the waterfall we were disappointed to see it was completely dry. I guess it's worth seeing when it's raining, however it was one phenomena that we weren't going to witness.
Making our way back towards our hotel, we passed a reservoir and stopped to have some fun in water anway.
May 27th
Our last morning in this first mountain location was an absolute stunner. The sun rose through the mist. I grabbed my camera and ran upwards to get a better angle and soon found my feet squelching in water. Undeterred however, I kept going and managed to get some lovely shots as the mist parted and showed the colours of the rising sun.
Moving on further into the mountains we had a beautiful drive through a narrow pass. It was really cold though as we were up on the snow line with a strong wind. Not hanging around for too long, we then carried on to the lovely small town of Potes, not far from our next stop for three nights. The views both in and out of the town were stunning.
Eventually carrying on to our mountain retreat, we found ourselves in a picture postcard scene, looking straight at the high peaks of the Picos de Europa.
Our last morning in this first mountain location was an absolute stunner. The sun rose through the mist. I grabbed my camera and ran upwards to get a better angle and soon found my feet squelching in water. Undeterred however, I kept going and managed to get some lovely shots as the mist parted and showed the colours of the rising sun.
Moving on further into the mountains we had a beautiful drive through a narrow pass. It was really cold though as we were up on the snow line with a strong wind. Not hanging around for too long, we then carried on to the lovely small town of Potes, not far from our next stop for three nights. The views both in and out of the town were stunning.
Eventually carrying on to our mountain retreat, we found ourselves in a picture postcard scene, looking straight at the high peaks of the Picos de Europa.
May 28th
It was an early start; we were off to Covadonga to see glacial lakes. Once a certain number of cars are in the car park however, entry is restricted until someone leaves. We were among the first visitors and almost had the place to ourselves. There was a cold breeze blowing and we needed the extra layers we'd come in.
After spending several hours enjoying this magical area, we headed down the mountain towards the Sanctuaria of Covadonga. Not really my scene, however there were plenty of people for whom the place had significance.
As we neared our mountain retreat, we stopped beside a rivee and old Roman bridge. The colours were unbelievable, turquoise green and blues and although it was raining lightly when we stopped, it soon stopped and the sun came out. A long and very enjoyable day.
It was an early start; we were off to Covadonga to see glacial lakes. Once a certain number of cars are in the car park however, entry is restricted until someone leaves. We were among the first visitors and almost had the place to ourselves. There was a cold breeze blowing and we needed the extra layers we'd come in.
After spending several hours enjoying this magical area, we headed down the mountain towards the Sanctuaria of Covadonga. Not really my scene, however there were plenty of people for whom the place had significance.
As we neared our mountain retreat, we stopped beside a rivee and old Roman bridge. The colours were unbelievable, turquoise green and blues and although it was raining lightly when we stopped, it soon stopped and the sun came out. A long and very enjoyable day.
May 29th
We'd decided to move up further into the mountains by following narrow, steep roads. Trouble was, we kept coming to dead ends so decided to park and walk. We found a small village high up and which only seemed to be habited byone family. We chatted and explored the village and surrounds including a small church.
When we were ready to move on we headed back down to the car only to find that we had a puncture. Setting to and changing it without incident, there was nothing left to do other than head back to our apartment. It was Sunday and the spare was only a "get you to the next garage" type so I didn't feel like travelling too far.
We nonetheless seemed to have done a fair bit anyway, judging by the photos I took! We were also treated to spectacles of thundering hooves of horses and cows marching through the village in the afternoon. The earth literally shook at times as the animals were encouraged towards their summer pastures.
We'd decided to move up further into the mountains by following narrow, steep roads. Trouble was, we kept coming to dead ends so decided to park and walk. We found a small village high up and which only seemed to be habited byone family. We chatted and explored the village and surrounds including a small church.
When we were ready to move on we headed back down to the car only to find that we had a puncture. Setting to and changing it without incident, there was nothing left to do other than head back to our apartment. It was Sunday and the spare was only a "get you to the next garage" type so I didn't feel like travelling too far.
We nonetheless seemed to have done a fair bit anyway, judging by the photos I took! We were also treated to spectacles of thundering hooves of horses and cows marching through the village in the afternoon. The earth literally shook at times as the animals were encouraged towards their summer pastures.
May 30th
Leaving our mountain retreat in the early morning to get the puncture mended, this was the day we let the sat nav dictate our route. Unfortunately I'd input and "o" when it should've been an 'a'. We finished up some 70kms away from where we anticipated and at a dead end. Actually it looked like nothing much had moved for decades in the area!
We took the opportunity to sample some of the local fayre as we passed one town. Chorizos cooked in cider were interesting. I let Nell sample some as well which was a mistake; she wasn't very well at all during the night until she managed to sick up the whole lot!
We made our way back towards the coast and to where we wanted to be. En route though, we came across a beautiful beach area which we had all to ourselves. It so often happens like that; the unexpected turns out to be a little gem.
Leaving our mountain retreat in the early morning to get the puncture mended, this was the day we let the sat nav dictate our route. Unfortunately I'd input and "o" when it should've been an 'a'. We finished up some 70kms away from where we anticipated and at a dead end. Actually it looked like nothing much had moved for decades in the area!
We took the opportunity to sample some of the local fayre as we passed one town. Chorizos cooked in cider were interesting. I let Nell sample some as well which was a mistake; she wasn't very well at all during the night until she managed to sick up the whole lot!
We made our way back towards the coast and to where we wanted to be. En route though, we came across a beautiful beach area which we had all to ourselves. It so often happens like that; the unexpected turns out to be a little gem.
May 31st
Our hotel was right next to the beach where dogs were still allowed to run. We started off our first full day with a beautiful sunrise. We then headed in the direction towards the place we wanted to visit yesterday. There was an unusual look out point we wanted to find. When we did however, it was misty and the views weren't that great.
We then headed along the coast and as far west as we were going to travel on this trip. It was a fishing port where we stopped and found a restaurant in a back street where the locals were all eating. We had a great meal of fresh fish which didn't cost the earth. Our route back to the hotel took us past an interesting former commercial port at San Estaban. We were treated to a display of how to properly pour a glass of cider too, totally impromptu and for real!
Our hotel was right next to the beach where dogs were still allowed to run. We started off our first full day with a beautiful sunrise. We then headed in the direction towards the place we wanted to visit yesterday. There was an unusual look out point we wanted to find. When we did however, it was misty and the views weren't that great.
We then headed along the coast and as far west as we were going to travel on this trip. It was a fishing port where we stopped and found a restaurant in a back street where the locals were all eating. We had a great meal of fresh fish which didn't cost the earth. Our route back to the hotel took us past an interesting former commercial port at San Estaban. We were treated to a display of how to properly pour a glass of cider too, totally impromptu and for real!