The famous "coathanger". Not a great shot but it illustrates the point that just because something has been photographed countless times before doesn't mean you should ignore it. This was a one in a lifetime trip so it got snapped! (Fujifilm 9600)
COBBLED ALLEY, PLYMOUTH
You don't need to travel far from home to get a decent photograph. I was travelling through Plymouth (UK) when I saw the sunset on this old cobbled alley. Parked up the car and took a quick shot on my iPhone (iPhone)
You don't need to travel far from home to get a decent photograph. I was travelling through Plymouth (UK) when I saw the sunset on this old cobbled alley. Parked up the car and took a quick shot on my iPhone (iPhone)
CAMBRIDGE, ENGLAND
Another evening shot with the sun reflecting on the water. I liked the interesting pattern the chained punts made. (Canon SX30)
Another evening shot with the sun reflecting on the water. I liked the interesting pattern the chained punts made. (Canon SX30)
BRIDGE DENMARK TO SWEDEN
We sailed under this bridge on a cruise and there was sufficient reflection from the boat to illuminate the underside of the bridge. The strong diagonal line makes the shot interesting.
We sailed under this bridge on a cruise and there was sufficient reflection from the boat to illuminate the underside of the bridge. The strong diagonal line makes the shot interesting.
DOUBLE TAKE
Looks like an ordinary snap of parked cars until you look closely and see that they are plant containers! Shot in Milan, Italy - only the Italians could make such a fashion statement! (Fujifilm 9600)
Looks like an ordinary snap of parked cars until you look closely and see that they are plant containers! Shot in Milan, Italy - only the Italians could make such a fashion statement! (Fujifilm 9600)
COLLEGE BUILDING
Closer to home with a study in shape, form and colour of a section of our local College of Art. A picture out of nothing really. (Nikon D90)
Closer to home with a study in shape, form and colour of a section of our local College of Art. A picture out of nothing really. (Nikon D90)
SPORTS FAN
Not great technically but I like this because of the positions of the subjects and the humour. Almost like the baboon is watching the match!
Not great technically but I like this because of the positions of the subjects and the humour. Almost like the baboon is watching the match!
NEON SIGN, LAS VEGAS
Just loved this sign when I saw it. It conveys everything you need to know about Las Vegas.
(Fujifilm 9600)
Just loved this sign when I saw it. It conveys everything you need to know about Las Vegas.
(Fujifilm 9600)
SUNSET AMBESOLI, KENYA
Taken at the end of our afternoon game drive. I asked our driver to stop and took this quick shot of the glorious African sunset. (Canon SX30)
Taken at the end of our afternoon game drive. I asked our driver to stop and took this quick shot of the glorious African sunset. (Canon SX30)
BEAD BELTS at "PITSTOP", KENYA
This is simply a close-up of some bead belts on a stall but by cropping in close it takes on a more abstract look. (Canon SX30)
This is simply a close-up of some bead belts on a stall but by cropping in close it takes on a more abstract look. (Canon SX30)
MASAI SPEAR and BLANKETS, KENYA
Another shot taken at a souvenir stall. This is a "tourist" Masai spear against some bright blankets. *Canon SX30)
Another shot taken at a souvenir stall. This is a "tourist" Masai spear against some bright blankets. *Canon SX30)
JUNK SHOP SIGN, ST JUST, CORNWALL
I just loved this bit of retail humour. (Nikon D90)
I just loved this bit of retail humour. (Nikon D90)
JUNK SHOP, ST JUST, CORNWALL
Just next to the sign were these pretty flowers despite their mundane containers. (Nikon D90)
Just next to the sign were these pretty flowers despite their mundane containers. (Nikon D90)
TRUCK, INDIA
A bit of fun with the Out Of Bounds facility in Photoshop. Travel photos can be humorous as well as documentary and this truck is a great fun subject with its bright colours and streamers. (Canon SX30)
A bit of fun with the Out Of Bounds facility in Photoshop. Travel photos can be humorous as well as documentary and this truck is a great fun subject with its bright colours and streamers. (Canon SX30)
BURNING STREET LITTER, INDIA
Litter is a major problem in India, especially plastic. Women have the role of street cleaners and gather it up for burning. (CANON SX30)
Litter is a major problem in India, especially plastic. Women have the role of street cleaners and gather it up for burning. (CANON SX30)
ANCIENT OBSERVATORY, JANTAR MANTAR, JAIPUR
Striking shapes and forms of ancient measuring devices in Jantar Mantar observatory, Jaipur, India. (CANON SX30)
Striking shapes and forms of ancient measuring devices in Jantar Mantar observatory, Jaipur, India. (CANON SX30)
JANTAR MANTAR, JAIPUR, INDIA
Another shop from a different angle. (CANON SX30)
Another shop from a different angle. (CANON SX30)
RAMESSES HEAD, EGYPT
One from the archives here! Taken on a trip to Egypt a few years ago.
One from the archives here! Taken on a trip to Egypt a few years ago.
ROW OF STATUES, KARNAK, EGYPT
A row of small sphinxes at Karnak temple complex.
A row of small sphinxes at Karnak temple complex.
GLACIAL VALLEY, NORWAY
You need a good head for heights to travel in Norway ! Another one from the travel archive !
You need a good head for heights to travel in Norway ! Another one from the travel archive !
GALCIER, SVALBARD, (SPITZBERGEN), NORWAY
At 76 degrees North and inside the Arctic circle, it is pretty cold up here, even in summer.
At 76 degrees North and inside the Arctic circle, it is pretty cold up here, even in summer.
ALESUND FJORD, NORWAY
The large ferry boat gives a great sense of scale to the Norwegian fjords, some of which are about 30 miles long.
The large ferry boat gives a great sense of scale to the Norwegian fjords, some of which are about 30 miles long.
GOAT FARM, ALESUND, NORWAY
Grass covered roofs help insulate these old cottages on a goat farm.
Grass covered roofs help insulate these old cottages on a goat farm.
GARGOYLES, NOTRE DAME, PARIS
No explanation required...
No explanation required...
LOVE LOCKS, GREAT WALL OF CHINA
There are thousands of these locks hung on chains at the great Wall of China. Each one is engraved. (Video Still)
There are thousands of these locks hung on chains at the great Wall of China. Each one is engraved. (Video Still)
DOOR DETAIL, SUMMER PALACE, BEIJING
Beautiful door detail. (Video Still)
Beautiful door detail. (Video Still)
LION STATUE, FORBIDDEN CITY, BEIJING
LION STATUE DETAIL, FORBIDDEN CITY, BEIJING
Male lions have a ball under their paw and are on the left side of a gate entrance but female lion statues have a cub and are placed on the right of the entrance. (Video Still)
Male lions have a ball under their paw and are on the left side of a gate entrance but female lion statues have a cub and are placed on the right of the entrance. (Video Still)
CHURCH DOME, SANTORINI, GREECE
Taken while wandering around the narrow streets of Santorini. The colours just reflect the warmth of the light there. (Video Still)
Taken while wandering around the narrow streets of Santorini. The colours just reflect the warmth of the light there. (Video Still)
COLOURFUL COTTAGES, ANTIGUA
Some pretty cottages on Antigua (JVC Video still)
Some pretty cottages on Antigua (JVC Video still)
CHRIST THE REDEEMER, RIO
Slightly unusual viewpoint of a well known statue.
Slightly unusual viewpoint of a well known statue.
RIO SUNSET
I haven't altered this picture except to sharpen it slightly. It was a beautiful sunset on the last day of our holiday. (JVC video still)
I haven't altered this picture except to sharpen it slightly. It was a beautiful sunset on the last day of our holiday. (JVC video still)
STREET, ITALY
A different take on an Italian street scene. (Samsung compact)
A different take on an Italian street scene. (Samsung compact)
RICKSHAWS, XIAN, CHINA
A row of rickshaws on top of the city wall in Xiang, China. (Video still)
A row of rickshaws on top of the city wall in Xiang, China. (Video still)
GARGOYLES, YALTA, UKRAINE
Two hungry mouths to feed with these creatures! (Video still)
Two hungry mouths to feed with these creatures! (Video still)
SAINT MORITZ, SWITZERLAND
This footbridge provides an excellent viewpoint for tourists but I chose to include in this photograph for contrast. (Video still)
This footbridge provides an excellent viewpoint for tourists but I chose to include in this photograph for contrast. (Video still)
ARCHES, TUNISIA
A study in Arabic architecture in Tunisia. Spoiled by the bins in the corner and the floodlight. (Video still)
A study in Arabic architecture in Tunisia. Spoiled by the bins in the corner and the floodlight. (Video still)
MOSQUE, TUNISIA
More arches this time, with a figure to give a sense of scale. (Video still)
More arches this time, with a figure to give a sense of scale. (Video still)
DONATELLO'S DAVID, FLORENCE
A shot of Donatello's famous statue of David with the head of Goliath taken in the main square in Florence. (Fujifilm 9600)
A shot of Donatello's famous statue of David with the head of Goliath taken in the main square in Florence. (Fujifilm 9600)
MILLENNIUM BRIDGE & ST. PAULS CATHEDRAL, LONDON
Actually taken from the wrong side of the bridge resulting in a poor composition.
Actually taken from the wrong side of the bridge resulting in a poor composition.
GREAT WALL OF CHINA
A conversion to still from video.
A conversion to still from video.
PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY
A study in black and white of the new university building in Plymouth (Nikon D90)
A study in black and white of the new university building in Plymouth (Nikon D90)
TEA FOR YOU
In some parts of Sri Lanka transport is still quite difficult . This village has to carry its tea manually across a rope bridge to get to the main road for collection. The bridge is rated for 3 people at a time ... Note the gaps in the steel deck !
In some parts of Sri Lanka transport is still quite difficult . This village has to carry its tea manually across a rope bridge to get to the main road for collection. The bridge is rated for 3 people at a time ... Note the gaps in the steel deck !
TEA PICKING
Tea leaves still have to be picked the old fashioned way - by hand. Workers are poorly paid and poorly housed and the work is hard - but we must have our cheap cuppa, mustn't we? Workers are paid by weight of tea picked and the leaves don't weight very much.
Tea leaves still have to be picked the old fashioned way - by hand. Workers are poorly paid and poorly housed and the work is hard - but we must have our cheap cuppa, mustn't we? Workers are paid by weight of tea picked and the leaves don't weight very much.
PADDLE SURFER
Of course Sri Lanka is all about hard work. The southern beaches are a delight. This paddle surfer was photographed at Mirissa Beach.
Of course Sri Lanka is all about hard work. The southern beaches are a delight. This paddle surfer was photographed at Mirissa Beach.
DAY'S END, SRI LANKA
A beautiful sunset taken at Uda Walawe National Park. The cloud looks like a mountain.
A beautiful sunset taken at Uda Walawe National Park. The cloud looks like a mountain.
ADVERTS
Photographed on a Sri Lanka street on the road to the airport. Thinks like local adverts provide a flavour to the country as they can be quite individual to a location.
Photographed on a Sri Lanka street on the road to the airport. Thinks like local adverts provide a flavour to the country as they can be quite individual to a location.
SRI LANKA SCRIPT
I was fascinated by the Sri Lanka script which just appears to my eyes to be a series of elaborate loops. This looks like a rugby advert.
I was fascinated by the Sri Lanka script which just appears to my eyes to be a series of elaborate loops. This looks like a rugby advert.
TUK TUKS
The Tuk Tuk is the essence of Asia. Slow and noisy they are essential to locals because they are cheap but really cause slow traffic and jams in cities.
The Tuk Tuk is the essence of Asia. Slow and noisy they are essential to locals because they are cheap but really cause slow traffic and jams in cities.
PUBLIC BUS, SRI LANKA
I noticed that the buses and trucks are still Leyland but noticeably the Indian registered company Ashok Leyland. The bus drivers are somewhat reckless but there are surprisingly few accidents!
I noticed that the buses and trucks are still Leyland but noticeably the Indian registered company Ashok Leyland. The bus drivers are somewhat reckless but there are surprisingly few accidents!
FOOT STANCE
This type of foot stance is very common in Asia and Africa but rare in the West.
This type of foot stance is very common in Asia and Africa but rare in the West.
GALLE SUNSET
The sunset from the ramparts of the old Dutch Fort in Galle, Sri Lanka.
The sunset from the ramparts of the old Dutch Fort in Galle, Sri Lanka.
BALTIC STREET
I took this in 2002, so I don't know where it is, probably Latvia or Estonia.
I took this in 2002, so I don't know where it is, probably Latvia or Estonia.
DOUBLE TAKE !
No, it isn't New York - it is Daiba in Tokyo. A copy of the Statue of Liberty was installed to celebrate French Year in 1998-1999 and a permanent version was installed in 2000.
(Nikon D7100)
No, it isn't New York - it is Daiba in Tokyo. A copy of the Statue of Liberty was installed to celebrate French Year in 1998-1999 and a permanent version was installed in 2000.
(Nikon D7100)
BULLET TRAIN (SHINKANSEN)
A shot of the famous Japanese bullet train captured at Odawara station near Mount Fuji. We travelled back to Tokyo on the train but the ride is smooth, quiet and not very exciting.
(Nikon D7100)
A shot of the famous Japanese bullet train captured at Odawara station near Mount Fuji. We travelled back to Tokyo on the train but the ride is smooth, quiet and not very exciting.
(Nikon D7100)
KIMONO GIRL
We were quite surprised to see how common Kimonos were in Tokyo. This was taken outside a department store in the busy Ginza shopping district. There were also two girls in kimonos waiting to enter the store. Note the umbrella to ward off the strong sun.
(Nikon D7100)
We were quite surprised to see how common Kimonos were in Tokyo. This was taken outside a department store in the busy Ginza shopping district. There were also two girls in kimonos waiting to enter the store. Note the umbrella to ward off the strong sun.
(Nikon D7100)
IMPERIAL PALACE, TOKYO
On our whirlwing one day sightseeing trip into Tokyo, we walked past the imperial palace. Similar to the forbidden city in Beijing, it is surrounded by a moat. Visitors are only allowed to see the inner imperial palace on two days in the year.
(Nikon D7100)
On our whirlwing one day sightseeing trip into Tokyo, we walked past the imperial palace. Similar to the forbidden city in Beijing, it is surrounded by a moat. Visitors are only allowed to see the inner imperial palace on two days in the year.
(Nikon D7100)
SOUVENIR, TOKYO
This bag is one of many thousands of souvenirs for sale at the row of shops leading to Sensoji Temple, Tokyo
(Nikon D7100)
This bag is one of many thousands of souvenirs for sale at the row of shops leading to Sensoji Temple, Tokyo
(Nikon D7100)
OLD AND NEW
Tokyo tower framed by the roof of the Sesoji Temple.
(Nikon D7100)
Tokyo tower framed by the roof of the Sesoji Temple.
(Nikon D7100)
EVENING, SENSOJI TEMPLE, TOKYO
The lights come on in the early evening to create a lovely atmosphere at the Sensoji Temple, Tokyo.
(Nikon D7100)
The lights come on in the early evening to create a lovely atmosphere at the Sensoji Temple, Tokyo.
(Nikon D7100)
GINZA, TOKYA, JAPAN
The Ginza area of Tokyo is famous for its shopping and large pedestrian crossings such as this one. (Nikon D7100)
The Ginza area of Tokyo is famous for its shopping and large pedestrian crossings such as this one. (Nikon D7100)
OLD GAS/PETROL STATION, JAPAN
An old art deco style Caltex gas station in Japan. Now converted into a hairdressers. (Nikon D7100)
An old art deco style Caltex gas station in Japan. Now converted into a hairdressers. (Nikon D7100)
TOUR BUS INTERIOR, RUSSIA
I loved the curtain drapes in this tour bus at Korsakov, Russia. The interior looked like it hadn't been cleaned nice the bus was new in about 1990. (Nikon D7100)
I loved the curtain drapes in this tour bus at Korsakov, Russia. The interior looked like it hadn't been cleaned nice the bus was new in about 1990. (Nikon D7100)
REMINDER OF THE PAST
The face of Lenin looks down on the people in the main square in Korsakov, Russia. (Nikon D7100)
The face of Lenin looks down on the people in the main square in Korsakov, Russia. (Nikon D7100)
LOOKING FORWARD
Another view of this impressive statue. (Nikon D7100)
Another view of this impressive statue. (Nikon D7100)
RUSSIAN DOLL COLLECTION
There were Russian dolls a-plenty for sale in Korsakov. I had hoped to see a set of Russian presidents but not on this trip. (Nikon D7100)
There were Russian dolls a-plenty for sale in Korsakov. I had hoped to see a set of Russian presidents but not on this trip. (Nikon D7100)
RUSSIAN FOLK DANCE
The highlight of our afternoon in Korsakov was the folk dance show performed by local artists. Beautiful costumes and lovely, lively music. (Nikon D7100)
The highlight of our afternoon in Korsakov was the folk dance show performed by local artists. Beautiful costumes and lovely, lively music. (Nikon D7100)
SPOON PLAYER
This little lady played the spoons at the folk dance show. (Nikon D7100)
This little lady played the spoons at the folk dance show. (Nikon D7100)
JAPANESE TEA CEREMONY
No trip to Japan is complete without seeing the elaborate tea ceremony. Local schoolgirls demonstrated the ceremony to tourists in the local museum in Otaru. (Nikon D7100)
No trip to Japan is complete without seeing the elaborate tea ceremony. Local schoolgirls demonstrated the ceremony to tourists in the local museum in Otaru. (Nikon D7100)
TEA TIME
Japanese green tea is served with a small sweet bean cake. It takes quite like fig. (Nikon D7100)
Japanese green tea is served with a small sweet bean cake. It takes quite like fig. (Nikon D7100)
KOTO PLAYER
This stringed instrument is a Koto and is plucked. It has 13 strings and moveable bridges (top of photo). Nikon D7100
This stringed instrument is a Koto and is plucked. It has 13 strings and moveable bridges (top of photo). Nikon D7100
KOTO
Here is a close up of a Koto being played. (Nikon D7100)
Here is a close up of a Koto being played. (Nikon D7100)
TRADITIONAL JAPANESE ARCHITECTURE STYLE
This temple detail features a very traditional architectural style. (Nikon D7100)
This temple detail features a very traditional architectural style. (Nikon D7100)
OXFORD
A black and white conversion of an Oxford street scene. (Nikon D7100)
A black and white conversion of an Oxford street scene. (Nikon D7100)
TAIKO
These Taiko drummers assembled to send off the ship at Hakodate, Hokkaido. (Nikon D7100)
These Taiko drummers assembled to send off the ship at Hakodate, Hokkaido. (Nikon D7100)
OLD TRAM
Hakodate has an excellent tram system, including this old style tram car. (Nikon D7100)
Hakodate has an excellent tram system, including this old style tram car. (Nikon D7100)
POTS
Old pots on a doorstep in Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan. (Nikon D7100)
Old pots on a doorstep in Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan. (Nikon D7100)
RADCLIFFE CAMERA, OXFORD
The Radcliffe Camera (camera = latin for Room) is a building designed to house the Radcliffe Science Library. It serves as a reading room for the Bodleian Library and is probably one of the most photographed buildings in Oxford. (Nikon D7100)
The Radcliffe Camera (camera = latin for Room) is a building designed to house the Radcliffe Science Library. It serves as a reading room for the Bodleian Library and is probably one of the most photographed buildings in Oxford. (Nikon D7100)
SENSOJI, TOKYO AT NIGHT
The area around Sensoji Temple is full of character, particularly at night when the lights come on. (Nikon D7100)
The area around Sensoji Temple is full of character, particularly at night when the lights come on. (Nikon D7100)
BYGONE ERA
A classic car photographed at the National Tramway Museum, Crich, Derbyshire.
A classic car photographed at the National Tramway Museum, Crich, Derbyshire.
THE KELPIES, FALKIRK, SCOTLAND
The Kelpies are sea horses of Scottish legend. These statues are 30 metres high and are really stunning in the right light. Unfortunately there are a couple of electricity pylons in the vicinity that spoil some angles for photography.
TAJ MAHAL, INDIA
Sometimes you don't always need to photograph the actual subject. We all know what the Taj Mahal looks like, so the reflection is a bit different
COLOURFUL KIOSK, KORSAKOV, RUSSIA
BUDDHA, SENSO-JI, TOKYO
ANDELSNES, NORWAY
HAIRPIN BENDS, NORWAY
NY ALESUND, SPITZBERGEN, NORWAY (ARCTIC CIRCLE)
ALASKA & CANADA 2015
Below you will find some photos from our fantastic trip to Alaska (cruising from Vancouver), train over the Rockies to the Calgary Stampeded.
Enjoy !
The Women's World Cup was on in VANCOUVER when we arrived (and returned). Below is the sign that hung from just about every street lamp.
USA Fans were everywhere and delighted when their team won.
We stayed near Granville Island which has a market area. A nice area although well away from the downtown attractions.
A convenient method of getting about is to use the AquaBus shown here.
The market was pretty average, but I liked the colours and pattern on this scarf.
Vancouver is famous for the totem poles in Stanley Park, but this is a more unusual one. It is a statement about cars destroying nature (trees).
Here are the ones in Stanley Park
I love photographing street signs in various countries. Like these.
The Harbour Area is where the cruise ships depart from and is busy with seaplane tours.
Sunsets tend to be spectacular in Canada. I caught this sunset reflected in the buildings opposite our hotel.
VANCOUVER AQUARIUM
Stanley Park in Vancouver contains a great aquarium featuring white Beluga whales. Below are some photos taken there.
A beluga whale jumps for some fish treats.
They also spit out water over unlucky spectators !
The other big attraction is the Sea Otters. We didn't realize just how big they are = about the same size as a spaniel.
Of course there are lots of other interesting exhibits.
ALASKA
This was our home for the week - Celebrity Infinity.
This was our home for the week - Celebrity Infinity.
AT SEA
I got up very early one morning just to catch the dawn with some good results.
I got up very early one morning just to catch the dawn with some good results.
FIRST STOP - HOONAH (ICY STRAIGHT)
Hoonah (Xunaa in Tlingit means protected from the North wind) is a largely Tlingit (native American) community of around 850 people on Chichagof Island located in the southeast region of Alaska. The local people have created a great tourist site there with whale watching, kayaking, folk culture shows, nature trails, zip line ride and of course shops. We went of a whale watching and bear watching expedition are were not disappointed as you will see from the photos.
The whale watching trip didn't go very far until we saw our first humpback whale and our first glimpse of the great tail disappearing into the deep.
Further along the coast we saw a pod of about 7 whales feeding on the surface and quite close to the shore.
The bear sighting trip took us by bus to a marshland and riverside area with some interesting plants , a brown bear and some bald eagles.
At the river, a brown bear was harassed by a couple of bald eagles and soon disappeared into the long grass.
Our final view was of a bald eagle flying off into the early evening.
HUBBARD GLACIER
Hubbard Glacier, unlike most glaciers is actually expanding. It is difficult to estimate the size of the nose of the glacier both from the ship and from the photos, but we were told that the length is about 1 mile and the height is around 200 feet. It takes around 400 years for ice to travel from it's source inland to the front of the glacier. On its journey the ice compresses giving it a blue tint and picks up ground up rock to give it the brown streaks. I can't describe in photos the noise the glacier makes with explosions like gunfire and creaks and groans, then a splash and roar as the ice breaks off into the sea. A totally unique and awe-inspiring experience.
Hubbard Glacier, unlike most glaciers is actually expanding. It is difficult to estimate the size of the nose of the glacier both from the ship and from the photos, but we were told that the length is about 1 mile and the height is around 200 feet. It takes around 400 years for ice to travel from it's source inland to the front of the glacier. On its journey the ice compresses giving it a blue tint and picks up ground up rock to give it the brown streaks. I can't describe in photos the noise the glacier makes with explosions like gunfire and creaks and groans, then a splash and roar as the ice breaks off into the sea. A totally unique and awe-inspiring experience.
FIRST VIEWS
WOW !!!
CLOSE UP
WATCHING THE ICE "CALVE"
WILDLIFE
The local wildlife included seals and a "bear" !
The local wildlife included seals and a "bear" !
JUNEAU
It was a wet day for our excursion in Juneau to Mendenhall Glacier and whale watching. However the walk in the forest up to the glacier was interesting with lots of different plants to photograph.
BALD EAGLE
On the ship we were told to look up in the trees for "golfballs" and sure enough while we were waiting at the dock for our bus, up in the trees was a bald eagle.
On the ship we were told to look up in the trees for "golfballs" and sure enough while we were waiting at the dock for our bus, up in the trees was a bald eagle.
FOREST WALK
The forest is dark and damp and covered in moss. On the ground are fungi and delicate flowers.
The forest is dark and damp and covered in moss. On the ground are fungi and delicate flowers.
BEWARE BEARS !
Everywhere you go there are warning signs about bears and you are not allowed to take food on the nature trail.
Everywhere you go there are warning signs about bears and you are not allowed to take food on the nature trail.
MENDENHALL GLACIER
The glacier is not as large as Hubbard, but still impressive with a lake formed by meltwater at the base and a large waterfall on the right edge.
The glacier is not as large as Hubbard, but still impressive with a lake formed by meltwater at the base and a large waterfall on the right edge.
SCALE !
Some idea of scale can be gained from this close-up of the waterfall area.
Some idea of scale can be gained from this close-up of the waterfall area.
WHALE WATCH
The whale watching trip was a very wet affair, still we did manage to see a mother and her calf.
KETCHIKAN
We arrived at Ketchikan on 3rd July just before Independence Day. Ketchikan was a great experience for us as we took an Alaskan Crab Fishing Experience trip. The guys on the boat were great fun and had great stories (as all fishermen do) of their experiences. The big surprise was when they stopped and tossed fish over the side of the boat. In no time at all about thirty bald eagles appeared and stated swooping for food. Wow, I have never seen so many eagles in one spot. Simply magnificent ! Hope you enjoy the photos as much as I enjoyed taking them.
SEAPLANE
There were lots of seaplanes doing sightseeing trips. This was the most colourful.
There were lots of seaplanes doing sightseeing trips. This was the most colourful.
CAR FERRY
Marker Buoys
CRAB FISHING EXPERIENCE
This photo shows the baiting of hooks used for long line cod fishing.
This photo shows the baiting of hooks used for long line cod fishing.
Possibly the ugliest fish in the world? The spines are extremely sharp.
Box Crab
King Crab trap complete with crab.
Pacific Octopus
If they can get their horny beak (like a parrot's) through a hole, the rest of their body can follow!
If they can get their horny beak (like a parrot's) through a hole, the rest of their body can follow!
Bald Eagles - an utterly amazing experience !
ROCKY MOUNTAINEER
I must first apologize for the quality of some of the photos in this section due to the reflections of windows in the train shots. The journey was in two parts. Part one was from Vancouver to Kamloops, not as scenic as the second leg from Kamloops to Bamff but with plenty of golden eagles, ospreys, bald eagles and big horn sheep.
PART 1 - VANCOUVER to KAMLOOPS
The railway follows the mighty Fraser River lined with rafts of logs and sawmills together with several lakes and tight gorges.
TRAINS
Trains here are huge. Freight trains are commonly over 200 wagons and hauled by two, three or even four locomotives. Dining on board the Rocky Mountaineer was a lovely experience with silver service for breakfast and lunch.
Trains here are huge. Freight trains are commonly over 200 wagons and hauled by two, three or even four locomotives. Dining on board the Rocky Mountaineer was a lovely experience with silver service for breakfast and lunch.
WILDLIFE
It is difficult to get wildlife photos from within a train, so don't expect quality wildlife photos here!
Virtually every dead tree contained a Bald Eagle and lineside posts were popular spots for Osprey nests. Golden Eagles were fewer in number and we never saw a bear. Big Horn sheep were spotted just outside Kamloops.
Osprey nests.
Golden Eagles
Bald Eagles.
Bighorn Sheep.
CULTURAL ASPECTS
There are noticeable differences between Britain and Canada/USA. These photos attempt to document some that I noticed along the way.
WELCOME TO KAMLOOPS !
These cowboy volunteers welcome every Rocky Mountaineer train. I'm afraid that Kamloops was just another average North American town.
These cowboy volunteers welcome every Rocky Mountaineer train. I'm afraid that Kamloops was just another average North American town.
PART 2 - KAMLOOPS to BANFF
The second part of the journey took us deep into the Rocky Mountains and spectacular mountain scenery. It was an early start but that was a small price to pay.
BANFF
We only stayed 1 night in Banff, which was a pity are the scenery around there is spectacular.
These shots were taken on my smartphone as walked to the local supermarket !
We only stayed 1 night in Banff, which was a pity are the scenery around there is spectacular.
These shots were taken on my smartphone as walked to the local supermarket !
CALGARY & THE STAMPEDE
CALGARY
Calgary is a modern, wealthy city with lots of oil companies based there. During Stampede the city goes western mad with everyone dressed in stetsons, including bank tellers! In Rope Square each morning there is a show and a parade and you can get a free pancake breakfast and do square dancing in the street.
CALGARY
Calgary is a modern, wealthy city with lots of oil companies based there. During Stampede the city goes western mad with everyone dressed in stetsons, including bank tellers! In Rope Square each morning there is a show and a parade and you can get a free pancake breakfast and do square dancing in the street.
THE CALGARY STAMPEDE
The Stampede is a spectacular rodeo but it is also an agricultural show and a funfair combined. Not like anything we have in the UK, so it was a unique and wonderful experience.
We even had flaming musical instruments!
Midnight Cowboy !
CAMBRIDGE UK
Punts on the River Cam.
Punts on the River Cam.
Vaulted Fan ceiling King's College Chapel, Cambridge.
Choir stall, King's College Chapel, Cambridge
Tudor crown at King's College.
THE DORDOGNE REGION, FRANCE
Sarlat (in the rain)
Rocamadour
Chemin de Fer du Haut Quercy (Tourist Train)
Beynac The castle has been used as a film and TV location.
Marqueyssac
Roque-Gageac
Cahors
Carcassonne
Canal du Midi at Carcassonne
Albi
Au Revoir France !
BRISTOL
Old semaphore signal at Bristol docks.
Dock cranes
Love locks
John Cabot, a Genoese who sailed in the ship Matthew to discover Newfoundland.
CHEDDAR GORGE, SOMERSET, ENGLAND
Cheddar Gorge is a valley through limestone hills in Somerset. It is famous for being the home of Cheddar Cheese which was matured in the caves in the gorge.
WEST BAY, DORSET
West Bay is a little seaside town in Dorset but is probably more famous as the setting for the ITV detective series "BROADCHURCH".
West Bay is a little seaside town in Dorset but is probably more famous as the setting for the ITV detective series "BROADCHURCH".