Way back in 2015 – yes that really is ten years ago – I decided to post photos of the numerous benches sitting in my folders. It seemed that I was not alone and suddenly it turned into the Bench Challenge where I set a particular criterion each month and people joined in posting their bench photos. It was a lot of fun and I met a lot of wonderful bloggers through it.
This year I am returning to mark the occasion by posting a bench photo every Sunday. There will not be any particular theme set this year so it’s not really much of a challenge, but if there is anyone out there who still has a bucketful of bench photos and would like to join me, then please do so by adding a link in the comments or a link to my post in yours (a pingback) and I will happily pop along to admire.
TRAVEL WORDS 
I’ve never heard of a tamarisk tree.
Good coastal trees, pretty pink flowers. I must get here in June when they are flowering, a pink froth.
Sounds gorgeous!
I would sit there. The tamarisk trees are a weed in Australia but only some of the 50 varieties are here I think. The Salt Cedar and Athel Pine seem to be the worst
I found a bench that will fit three Jude 😀
They ae good by the coast here. Tough as old boots. In fact I actually had one in Cape Town. Another windy place!
Simple and peaceful.
All you need there to just stop and admire the view.
Another good (if backless) bench. I’m sorry not to be joining in. Who knows what we may find in Alsace next week?
Ooh, traveling again. Exciting!
First holiday for us both this year, though I went across to family in Spain in May. Earlier attempts cancelled because of M’s health issues. Fingers crossed!
Ah, sorry to hear that. Medical issues sure do cause problems. Are you flying or driving or using the train? It’s a fair distance. I once hitchhiked to Zurich, close to that region.
Driving. For flexibility and to take M’s bike. So we can’t feel snootily eco, even though we’re aiming to avoid flying.
I have heard of the Tamarind tree but don’t think I have seen one. But I do, vaguely, remember a 1974 movie called “the tamarind seed” They do make a good backdrop for your bench. I’ve found some in the archives this week. https://retiredfromgypsylife.wordpress.com/2025/09/28/bench-challenge-4/
Tamarind trees are very different (from Africa) this is a Tamarisk tree, you might know it as the Salt Cedar.
Oh I misread 🫢will check that one out.
A useful, plain and practical bench for a quick rest. It feels natural in its surroundings too.
Best wishes, Pete. x
Yes, nothing fancy about this one, just the location. Take a breath before heading downhill.
I like the simplicity of that bench and the way that it suits its surroundings so well. Looks like it could be a nicely sheltered spot for a rest!
It is nicely tucked away and sheltered as long as the winds down come in from the south.