Heyjude

Californian Mission: Santa Barbara (10)

On our road-trip down the Pacific Highway 1 from San Francisco to San Diego in 2009 we had an overnight stay in Santa Barbara, known as the American Riviera. It is an expensive city to stay in as it is very popular with holidaying Americans and not too far from Los Angeles. Nestled in amongst the gently rolling hills above the Pacific Ocean it is known for its Moorish architecture, colourful history and beauty. Naturally, before we left, I had to have a look at the 10th historic mission founded there in 1786 and known as The Queen of the Missions.

Continue reading Californian Mission: Santa Barbara (10)

Weekly Photo Challenge: Selfie

THIS WEEK, IN A POST CREATED SPECIFICALLY FOR THIS CHALLENGE, SHARE A SELFIE.

I don’t do ‘selfies’, I don’t even like anyone else taking my photo let alone myself. I don’t do ‘facebook’ or ‘twitter’ or even have a smartphone, and for someone who has a degree in computer science I am a bit of a technophobe – or maybe it’s just that I don’t do sharing… except on here of course. Among friends.

If you would like to see what others have come up with for this challenge then go to the Daily Post @ WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge

Travel Theme: Amarelo

Ailsa of “Where’s My Backpack?” was very surprised today to see a YELLOW orb in the sky. After 23 days of rain in January, the windiest December ever, and more rain to come, I was also blinded by the light today. There is one problem though, it showed up all the layers of dust in the house which have obviously built up whilst I have been busy blogging so I had to abandon my PC and look for a yellow duster which is why this particular post is later than usual. 😀

So finally having returned the yellow dusters to the cupboard, I went searching for some splashes of the sunny stuff in Lisbon, where I came across a few examples, including the header of yellow lilies and sunflowers and canopies of a flower stall in Praca Dom Pedro IV one of Lisbon’s busiest squares which was once used as a cattle market, a public execution centre, a bullfight arena and carnival ground. Rossio is the old heart of the city and popular with locals and tourists. There are many shops and cafés and the beautiful Rossio train station Continue reading Travel Theme: Amarelo

Cee’s Which Way Challenge: Black Down

Cee’s Which Way Challenge: There is no specific theme given. It just needs to be some sort of ‘Which Way’. The possibilities are endless.

You came and looked and loved the view, long known and loved by me, Green Sussex fading into blue with one grey glimpse of sea.

~ Tennyson

These images are from the trails on the Black Down in West Sussex, close to the Surrey border. It is the highest point in the South Downs National Park. I used to go here a lot when I lived in nearby Haslemere as there are several lovely pathways on the chalk down with spectacular views over the countryside.

You may even find black cows grazing as they have been introduced to help manage the land, controlling the scrub to encourage the heather to thrive. You can walk along chalky paths or ancient sunken lanes and drove ways with the steep hedgerows filled with blackberries in the autumn. Bog ponds come and go. Scots pines, mountain ash and beech hanger woodland provide welcome shade when the midsummer sun is burning down. And it is a perfect place to star-gaze on a clear night.

Join in with the challenge or view other ‘Which Ways’.

A Lingering Look at Windows: # 6

This weekly challenge is hosted by Dawn from ‘The Day After’ who invites participants to post pictures of any windows that they find curious, inviting, photogenic, or in some way tell a story. Visit her blog to see more windows and/or to join in with the challenge.

I know Dawn loves to visit wineries in her region, so especially for her, here are a few lovely shuttered windows from a delightful winery in the Sonoma Valley, only 40 minutes from San Francisco. Viansa is enchanting and transports you to Tuscany, with its lovely courtyards, statues and fountains and views. Have a glass of wine with lunch overlooking the impressive wetlands.