Wednesday 22 January 2014

Spain, a New Year - Troisième partie

 More than half way through the trip, Christmas past, without any psychological damage and the sun is still (generally) shining. Cool wind continued, but we were on the edge of humungous low pressure systems that were battering northern Europe so couldn't really complain too loudly. If you have a late breakfast, then book reading outside in a sheltered spot is more than pleasant.


From a bird watching tower, the tall grasses don't obscure the view of the lagoons.



Water either side, but the only a view is of the hills a few miles away while on the cycle path/road through the nature reserve.


Couple of seeds in the low sun - I'm definitely getting faster at taking these sorts of shots. No more than 6-7 minutes to get an OK picture. 'Faster' is relative term.


Wandering about Guardamar we managed to find a big market - bought nothing - a sculpture, and a Three Kings display ready for the 6th of January celebration - nice camels.



A cycle ride to Callosa de Segura yielded a very quiet town but with bars full of locals having a good time by the sounds. A large church with tall blank walls and a huge door was so hemmed in by the surrouding town that this was the most interesting shot. Probably very ornate inside.














In Nijar, Irene had to photograph this garden. This, I imagine is what typical veg gardens in Sens-de-Bretagne look like (could be wrong).


Up the hill fron Nijar was a tiny mountain village called Huebro. On the way a small mountain flower, and in the village, huge open cisterns used to capture water in the not so distant past. These were more or less empty - maybe they fill up in January/February.


A long legged beetle was nearly run over by the bikes - but no insects were actually hurt during the capture of this picture.


 Finally, the more touristy town of Alicante. A huge tree with aerial roots and white doves/pigeons picking at the fallen fruit. Large exotic flowers on the trees, steep steps climbing up towards the castle, reconstructed arches that made nice shapes but not much more, and, on the way down, a look backwards.






7 comments:

  1. I don't think Mandy grows bears or little scarecows in het veggie patch, let alone baby's heads! A a summerlike winter vacation in Spain, what a delight, and not too many tourists!
    And here is you version of the famous linden fruit! Nice! :-))
    Love the camels and exellent shot a the almost ran over bug, Nick!
    Nice to see Irene and you have happy feet! Give her my regards!
    Muchas gracias, señor Schierloh!

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    1. Are you sure Jan? Have you been to the secret corners of Mandy's garden? I've heard rumours.

      Irene is out running in Edinburgh. Hope her feet are happy when she gets back. I'll ask her and pass on your regards.

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  2. Another delightfully sunny instalment, Nick!

    I find the garden with the orange trees, posh scarecrow and cute Teddy (the doll head on a stick looks a tad creepy though!) very appealing indeed (I've never seen an orange tree with my own eyes).

    I must say my favourite picture is the one of this amazing tree with aerial roots, where the white doves create a magical contrast :-)

    I like the wonderful variety of photos subjects, landscapes, village streets, flowers, architecture and the occasional macro (the long-legged beetle is quite amazing!)

    J'attends maintenant l'épisode 4 avec impatience :-)))

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    1. Je suis très heureux que tu aime le mélange Marie-Hélène.

      Quite a few Spanish towns have orange trees planted on each side of the street. It gives a very summery feel - even in December. The tree was incredible but a bit difficult to get a reasonable photo of and still have non-burnt out doves.

      Not sure I have enough good photos for No. 4. . . . P T Barnum allegedly said "Always leave them wanting more" ;-P

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    2. ha ha ha..... how clever of you :-))

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  3. Ho ho ho! Great mix of photos which I really enjoyed seeing, especially in the depths of boring northern European winter! That wildlife place with the reeds looks just like the Ebro Delta (maybe minus the rice paddies).

    Now as for the veg patch. :-) About the only thing we have in common is (are?) the spuds in the foreground - but even then, in December? Not here! Tres bizarre, love the teddy wearing a living duvet - but doll's head scarecrows, umm! (Would love some citrus fruit here, she says wistfully)

    Love the beetle (no idea), the tree (no idea either) and the flower (also no idea). Enjoyed the whole lot and hope you do share more!

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    1. Good that you enjoyed them. Irene writes a holiday diary, which is really helpful when we are trying to recall places. So I thought a photo diary would be good for me. (My memory for some things is appalling.) The text is to help that process and to amuse me - can't really imagine total strangers having the slightest interest . . . but friends with a veg patch?

      Do you have a greenhouse/conservatory? Citrus in a big pot might do ok with you. Too dark and cold up here and I refuse to heat the conservatory - oranges £50 each? I don't think so. :-)

      The beetle shot may make an appearance on G+ on a suitable theme. Tried to identify it but couldn't pin it down exactly.

      PS I refer you to my last sentence to Marie-Hélène above. ;-P

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