Dana Point – Whale Watching

Arrived at Dana Point after leaving Carlsbad on Monday afternoon. A quick trip of 75 odd miles up the Pacific coast on the i5 on a lovely spring and sunny morning. Dana Point harbour and area is a well known Whale watching centre with many trips out per day for interested visitors. It has a very large centre and harbour at the marina centre full of boats and in fact anything that floats. The Dana Wharf Whale watching company run a couple of boats out towards Catalina Island every day and the trip I went out on from the main harbour area on Tuesday with a local friend, Joe whom I’ve known from previous trips to here in the past.

I’ve posted an image of Dana Point marina from the hill, looking down on some of the marina. Our Whale watching trip was very good and we manged to see 3 grey Whales on there way back to North America from Mexico, we followed them for 30 minutes or more as they migrated north.

San Clemente is a seaside town just south of Dana Point, it has a few very nice walking streets with shops and cafes together with a lot of surfers and people visiting and wandering on the pier with the local fishermen. I did my wander this morning a stroll down to the pier then back along the main street and then had a nice French meal at a shop/cafe with outside seating.

Please see some images from the last couple of days – Click on an image to enlarge.

To Yuma then on to California

Down the (95) from Havasu through Parker and Quartzite then to Yuma, an interesting drive of around 3 hours through the Arizona deserts. Many campers and people not wanting to participate in todays life and standards, just wanting to be left in peace in the desert with just a few possessions. Almost everywhere you look around Quartzite there are trucks, campers and tents. Yuma is quite a large city with a very large Mexican presence not far from a border crossing with Mexico and the shops and cantina’s are full of Mexican goods and food. The Imperial desert runs right from Yuma towards California just off the Interstate Freeway i8.

Next day (Sunday) Onwards on the i8 to California and the Pacific Oceans, a quick stop at the Imperial Desert resting area where bikers and sand buggies perform there act of hurtling over and through sand dunes for fun. An interesting road the i8 from Yuma to San Diego firstly through desert with shifting and blowing sands to keep you awake then through El-Centro (Mexico) border town up and over the mountains at 4000ft with rain and mist and down to San Diego and the Pacific. San Diego is a pretty large city with many freeways but the i5 was my destination and without to much trouble Carlsbad arrived without to much trouble. A long run from Yuma but well worth the trip.

Here are a few photo’s – click an image to enlarge.

Lake Meade and Desert Walks

From Henderson to Lake Meade and the Hoover Dam is fairly close and you can view nice scenery and views along the way. However, my trips around Las Vegas and the surrounding deserts has come to an end.

I have returned back to Arizona and the infamous humming bird at the south trail in Havasu. Todays walk started at 74*C a bit warm but the water and camera were at hand, I decided to take the blue trail over the side of the big hill, a bit of a climb, see picture below but walking is easy over the grit and rocks. Many people come out to get some exercise from old ones to small kids and there are at least 6 coloured trails plus bike routes to keep everyone happy. My friendly humming bird appeared sitting at various perches together with an awful lot of rock lizards, pretty happy with my 8,000 steps today.

Photo can be enlarged – Just click on an image….

Driving

Sunday morning, left Havasu and drove to Las Vegas. A very nice drive up the 95, through Needles on the i40 and then continued on the 95, the weather was nice and the traffic very light and it took just over 3 hours, so I stopped at Searchlight for a coffee and relief. Checked in at my hotel and went for a walk and drive round Boulder.

On Monday after an over 55’s breakfast at Denny’s I drove towards Death Valley through Enterprise and Parhump, weather very nice but a bit windy out in the desert so just drove and wandered round Parhump and Red Rock Canyon. I went into a USA Pawn shop for a quick look and managed to negotiate a bit of a bargain price for 4x Rokinon Manual Cinema lenses. They have there lens covers and pouches and have cleaned up beautifully.

Today was a trip up the i15 to Mesquite Nevada where I stayed around 10 years ago when I went to Zion National Park. It is amazing how building work for homes and shops have changed somewhere, and a warm and sunny day with a coffee at Starbucks on a veranda. I came back to Las Vegas on the old road from Mesquite on the i15 and turn off towards Logandale and Moapa Valley. The road is a bit old and pitted at first but at Overton there are road works to improve the driving experience, then for around 40 miles of nice peaceful scenery through the Valley of Fire, Lake Meade and Henderson.

Photo’s, click to enlarge.

Into the Desert

Departed from Lake Elsinore at 8.00am in bright sunshine but with pockets of mist and fog making the first part of the road journey a little weird as I didn’t know the route. A couple of wrong turns but I ended up at Beaumont in front of some pretty high peaks covered with snow. Entered the i10 freeway heading towards Phoenix and into the deserts. I came off the i10 freeway at Desert View and travelled north/east beside Joshua State Park heading towards Parker. I do love driving through the desert wastelands, the roads are straight and you get a feeling of roughness with bare sand, wasted trees and odd hills with isolated clouds. There is plenty of life with a fair few travellers camped out at odd points, strange old buildings and a train, all have seen better days in the past.

Spent the next day at Havasu City in Arizona, the weather is very nice, sunny with a temp of around 70* Centigrade. Found my way to a trail used by olden’s !! and had a very nice stroll into the mountains for around 3 hours and studied a nice humming bird that seemed to follow me about. Will go to a nature reserve near Parker tomorrow as it’s a good time for wading birds in the Colorado river.

Click on an image to enlarge….

Los Angeles and Lake Elsinore

The weather for Feb 22 after the recent storms in Los Angeles wasn’t to bad, a bit wet but fairly warm. I travelled, hastily from the airport area on the San Diego 405 freeway at mid morning heading south towards the Ortega Highway and a bit of driving freedom over to Lake Elsinore. The Ortega is a nice winding road through the mountains but today it was a bit bleak as the many summits were covered in mist and driving rain. It was difficult to stop because of the weather but I got a few photos and the weather cleared up as I arrived at Lake Elsinore. A strange town / City as it is divided by the i15 freeway with an old characterful Main street full of interesting shops and businesses. Off towards Arizona deserts tomorrow and much warmer climate.

Click on an image to enlarge….

Arizona

Following the four day stay around the Grand Canyon area of Arizona I decided to head south towards Phoenix. From Flagstaff the road towards Sedona and Cottonwood is a visual experience. The painted desert (many western scenes) are a must to see and the road ends at Prescott where the main street is as it was in the 1800’s.

After Prescott the next stop was at Lake Havasu City where the lake (Colorado River) borders Arizona and California. Lake Havasu City was founded in 1962 and now houses the London Bridge which spans from the City to an Island and complex for tourists. I find Lake Havasu a very nice place to stay as the centre has good shops and restaurants, there are also a lot of old trails for walkers and photo types like me. The roadrunner was just wandering about at a highway stop – Here are a few locals photo’s – click on a photo to enlarge.

Grand Canyon

Arrived at Williams from Lake Havasu City on Saturday 28th October. Williams is about 58 miles south of the Grand Canyon entrance area and is an ideal place to stay as the hotels are much cheaper than at Tusayan on the i64 just outside the Canyon.

Day 1. A pretty cold start to my visit as when I got up for my 1st trip the temp was 25deg F. and to think I’d left Lake Havasu at 82deg F. So pullover, coat and hat were instantly in use and I arrived at 08:00 in the south carpark. Mind you it was well worth the effort as the morning views of the canyon from around the welcome centre were amazing, although I’d seen them on previous visits they seem different and you see new geological structures, colours and shapes that appear to just stand there looking as though they have been there forever.

Day 2. I was going to visit at sunrise for my 2nd day trip but decided against this as sunrise is around 05:30 and driving in the morning darkness for an hour, leaving at 04:30 at 15deg. F didn’t appeal to me. I left at 06:45 which was better, mind you there still quite a few visitors arriving at this time. I decided to drive the internal road i64 to the Desert View and lookout tower which was recommended to me by the owner of the coffee bar near the visitor centre and at various stops on the 25mile route. The view of the Colorado River winding it’s way in the canyon and the rocks, structures and shapes were wonderful and here are a few photo’s taken yesterday and today.

New Hampshire and Nevada – 2023

I left New Hampshire a couple of days ago, the weather was good and a bit sunny but the day before the mist and rain were prominent, our trip out to the hills was fun and good photo’s were taken. I’ve posted a few misty shots taken north of Conway and the tree foliage colours are amazing at this time of the year. For a quick trip to see the leaf viewing and landscapes, see the wonderful wooden houses and estates and eat good moose type food it’s great.

Arrived here in Las Vegas yesterday, the weather is fabulous, with the temp around 76*F. and not clammy or too hot. I’ve been out on my first trip out to the desert towards Parhump and into the Red Rock Canyon and the air is so clean and clear, I do like the desert for wandering but you have to obey the rules and have water with you on a hike. I will be travelling south to Arizona today towards Lake Havasu and London Bridge, nice landscapes at Searchlight and into the Mohave!

Just a few recent photo’s taken of New Hampshire north of Conway and the mist and foliage for 2023, then a couple of Red Rock Canyon in Nevada on a clear windless and sunny afternoon.

Conway in New Hampshire

First complete day here yesterday and we fitted in an amazing amount of visits around North Conway and beyond. We are staying at the Swiss Chalet Village on the road north of Conway and we have managed to acquire a nice four person room for the two of us with wonderful views towards the white mountains and beyond. North Conway has a glorious old scenic rail station with nice old staff and conductors with various types of engines etc. The rest of the day was spent looking at autumn trees, lakes and a short mountain walk to see some small waterfalls and cascades with little squirrels (no animal photo’s) they are too quick…. photo’s in a gallery.

Bridge over river Saco near Conway

New Hampshire – Autumn Colours

Arrived in Boston yesterday at around 7:45pm. took a little while to get the hotel shuttle bus to collect us but eventually got to our room and was fast a sleep at 10:pm (that’s 3.00am in the UK). This morning collected our hire car and travelled north from Massachusetts into New Hampshire on the i93 on the scenic route. The trees are astounding and autumn colours abound on route. We then took the white mountains route through rocky and wooded terrain towards Conway and arrived here just north at our hotel. Here are a few first day’s photo’s from today.

Rocky river on White Mountain trail

Scenic route towards Conway from Lincoln

A few Leaves

A view of the mountain terrain

Going south towards Bergen

We have just spent the last 10 days on board the Nordnorge travelling from Bergen north towards Kirkenes. Passing the Arctic Circle pointers in pretty good weather, although a couple of days of misty scenery. Although we arrived here in Norway with pretty heavy weather gear and footwear the weather has been very good and we have been able to wander the streets at long stops viewing shops, churches and good viewpoints. The total trip distance is around 3220 miles and the ship cruises at 14-15 knots with total of 66 crew on board. We are now 2 hours from Bergen and the weather is fairly good although we have had a few choppy area’s in total but not enough to upset you. I would definitely say, this break to amazing Norwegian ports ( a total of 34 stopped at outward and 34 downward ) is one of the best scenically you can travel…..

The harbour on a Sunday afternoon

A lighthouse and Cottage along the fjord to Bergen

Looking out at Floro from the rear of the ship at dawn

Floro and a bit of the town

Sunrise in the fjords.

Troll and Finish scenery is wonderful.

Rocky southern fjord with small inlets and fishing ports

Just back from the Arctic

We have now returned from the cold arctic, actually it wasn’t that cold but it will look like winter in a months time or so. I have visited a few towns and will be disembarking shortly to visit Bronnoysund where we will stop for a two hours visit. Came down through many fjords from Kirkenes and looked at Troll fjord but the mist and currents were very bad so the it was two narrow for the ship to pass through safely. Just passed the limits of the arctic so now back with the rest of you. The Nordnorge has many passenger places to view the surrounding countryside and fjords we travel through including three cafes and a bar, I have taken quite a few photographs and here are a few more.

Misty afternoon through the fjord

Just past Svolvaer and the mist is thick

Cormorants and Autumn Colours

Near Svolvaer waterfall and autumn colours

In Stokmarknes and building reflection

Hurtigruton Nordnorge waiting for me to return

Trolls Fjord north of Arctic Circle

The Worlds Most Beautiful Sea Voyage

Hurtigruten is the company that provides a scenic voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes taking up to 500 passengers through many fjords, estuaries up to the Arctic and beyond to the Russian border. I have been on board for 6 days and we have just left Kirkenes on the return southern route back to Bergen. We stopped at 35 ports delivering items to the docks from post to vehicles and beyond. The list of places visited is astounding including Trondheim, Bodo and Tromso and quite a few were passed and stopped at night as this service never stops except at prescribed ports for long walking and boating visits to surrounding and important items for 3 hours or so. The staff and facilities on board the Hurtigruten ‘Nordnorge’ that we are on are second to none and the 12 day trip includes Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner to a very high standard, we also received a certificate to say we have crossed the Arctic Circle…. We haven’t, as yet, seen the Northern Lights but keeping fingers crossed for clear skies at night, it’s been a little cloudy but fairly warm at around 10deg. Very nice walks around Trondheim and Tromso and just finished a walk and coffee at Kirkenes. No snow yet as it’s a bit early but the rocks, scenery and people are fantastic, not to mention the food and hospitality of the locals as excellent. I have been taking a few pictures which I will add a few now but will add to in future blogs.

Fjord entrance near Tromso

St.Augustine and Kissimmee

Finished my week or so at St.Augustine and the Zoological Park at Alligator Farm. I joined the many other photographers trying to catch that once in a lifetime shot of the life and death of so many wading birds at the colony trying to avoid the young ones falling from the nest into the waiting jaws of an alligator. Luckily I didn’t catch an occurrence this trip which is pretty amazing out of the hundreds of nests in the swamp area. Colonies of almost every Egret, Heron, Roseate Spoonbills and Storks are littered everywhere, when people arrive they cannot believe the amount of bird noises and numbers flying about everywhere.

So have now travelled south and lodged in Kissimmee for my last couple of days. My first visit was to the old town to have a nice Cuban coffee at Buchitas Cafe and a walk along the park edge watching the lake waters and wildlife around.

Here are some images from the Zoological Farm and Kissimmee, please click to enlarge the view.

Portugal – November 2022

Away to the sun in November as it starts to get a bit dark and grey in the UK. Arrived November 3rd and it is sunny and warm at around 20* in Armacao de Pera on the Algarve, so that’s just great for my daily walks and meanderings. Quite a lot of us on this flight from Gatwick, around 24 on this four-week trip, most were Saga holiday makers intent on spending the winter in the sun.

The walks around here are good, you can walk for around 7 kilometres towards Salgados, you can choose whether to use the beach or a new raised timber walk or both if you are inclined. A decent cup of coffee at the restaurant in Salgados bird lagoon and social areas is around 1.20 Euros. that’s very good value so the cafes are pretty full. Armacao De Pera has a few old streets and a few quaint shoppes and I’m always amazed at the higgled way buildings have been erected with odd doors and shutters of all different sizes and shapes.

Have become attached to a few guests here and four of us have got together to rent a car for 6 days, so we have been out and about visiting various Cities, towns and coastal areas in this area of the western Algarve.

Day 1 – Silves was first, then Portimao.

Day 2 – Monchique and a great lunch at Andres at Alcatel coming back.

Day 3 – Lagos, Cape St Vincent, Sagres then a lunch at Andres at Alcatel

Day 4 – Boliqueime, Silves and Alte.

Day 5 – Aljezur (The Atlantic Rollers) then Monchique

Day 6 – Bordieri, Aljezur – the West Coast then lunch at Andres at Alcatel.

Now a few photographs of this and that during this trip. I refrained from taking the typical tourist views and have kept to my scenic views of life and stuff that isn’t normally viewed and shown. Let me know if any appeal for later prints or images.

Wandering and Portimao

The last two days are a bit of a mix and match, the weather has been very good for February temperature in the very low 20* with a bit of a shower yesterday in the afternoon. I went on my morning visit, that’s around 12,000 step from Armacao de Pera to the Salgados lagoon and surrounding mashland countryside. I managed (somehow) to catch a Hoopoe having a sleep as it didn’t see me looking, I just turned round and the there it was. A few quick photos and also a flying Flamingo or two.

Yesterday afternoon was spent on a visit to Portimao and Ferragudo. The buildings have an interesting look in fact Ferragudo is a place to visit if you want a nice meal the main square is littered with interesting restaurants and buildings for the rich.

Here are a few photos, please click to get a better view.

Birds and Silves

An invigorating walk from Armacao to the nature lagoon, along the beach towards Albufeira, through a landscape of old buildings and white flowered brooms to see a flock of flamingo’s and other wetland birds.

Followed by a trip to Silves to the north of the Algarve beach area and the old Moorish capital of the Algarve. I’ve been here before and it is intriguing how the old city blends in with the new, quite a few photo’s of interesting buildings within the small street style up the hill to the Town Hall and Castle

Back to Armacao in 02/2020

It’s almost at the end of February 2020 and Covid restrictions have been reduced as long as you are vaccinated. Easyjet flights to Portugal seem pretty full, what with the old ones and golfers seeking some brightness in the winter gloom.

I’ve had my first day, well about half of one and had my normal 10,000 step afternoon wander along the beach and into the nature reserve. Weather is very good and the sights and sounds of the village of Armacao de Pera are uplifting and warm.

Here are a few images from today, pictures have been reduced for the blog use, so click on any image to display to screen. Images are available to purchase at £100 per A3 print or utilise an image for advertising on licence….

Lake District Trip

A short trip to the Lake District on this early February Daish’s deal and staying at the Town and Country in Kendal. So, today was our first morning the weather was not bad, just a lot of cloud and high mist so we travelled through Kirkstone Pass in a taxis on the way to Aria Force just past Patterdale. A jolly long walk up hill to see a couple of large waterfalls, not bad but the scenery is better. Off to Penrith on the bus then to Keswick and Windermere. I’ll do a little more Keswick and Derwent Water tomorrow, that’s if the weather allows as it’s supposed to be a bit wet….

Kendal- This is before breakfast

Ullswater near Aria Falls

From the 555 bus from Penrith to Keswick

A few sheep near Patterdale

Armacao and Classics

Sunday is usually a day of relaxing, sitting by the pool and reading the paper (if you like them). Today was a November of classic cars on the promenade by the palm trees, a wander down the beach and have a paddle, then sitting by pool watching the sun play with the sea.

For a small fishing village off the beaten track it was interesting to see how many old and very old cars from all over Europe visited and displayed in the sun. I’ll have to stop saying “in the sun” the weather is pretty unusual a tad warmer than normal …. Here are a few images taken today and it’s nearly the end of my short stay …. I’ll definitely be back.

Click on an image to enlarge on your browser.

Around Armacao de Pera in November 2021

I didn’t expect the weather in Portugal to be so nice and it’s ideal for wandering around this fishing village and photographing interesting bit’s. I’m on a quick short break with Saga (over 50’s) so it’s pretty quiet after 10.00pm as most have gone to bed or watching a soap. That is when it’s an ideal time for me to get out the PC and type this blog.

The fishing part of this village is protected from the summer rabble and signs inform you it is to be visited with due care to the fishermen who sit about when the boats have returned to unload, mend nets and enjoy themselves. It’s great place to wander and take in the atmosphere. There are plenty of bars and cafes for the summer visitors and the old town has loads of interesting buildings and sea views.

Winters in the Sun Portugal 2021

November 2021 at Armacao de Pera on the Algarve. This is blog No.1 of this 7day trip. Started from Gatwick on Tuesday 2nd of November and I was truly amazed at how busy the Airport was for 5.20am on a Nov morning. Seem to be flights going everywhere on this end of Covid day, mind you sitting on an Easyjet flight for 2.30 hours was tiring but we are off on holidays again yipee!

Armacao de Pera is a great place to begin this blog as the scenery and beaches around here are wonderful and the sun shines for November. I’m staying at the Holiday Inn Algarve right on the main beach, so there plenty of time and space for walking etc. Went on a trip to Silves today just a few on the small bus but a great trip to get away from the beach.

Here are some images from the 100 or so taken today – have fun.

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Winter 2020

It’s winter at the end of 2020. We have had a hard year of Covid-19 lockdowns and general high levels of anxiety. Christmas and all it’s associated bits and pieces are now behind us and the New Year commences at the end of this week. 2021 looks to be shaping up to be a better year as the vaccines are now ready to roll out in order to stop the spread of the virus. Let’s hope so, then we can all get on with our lives and passions.

I’ve been out and about with the camera, I’ve not bothered with mask and covid portraits but just a few normal landscapes and a bit of general around town bit’s. These images are not titled, may get round to itemising them in a few days or so maybe.