Llandudno Pier

The present pier, built for the Llandudno Pier Company by Walter Macfarlane of Glasgow using iron castings from the Glasgow Elmbank foundry, was opened to the public on 1 August 1877. 

A British Tourist Authority report in 1975 said of it: '.... It zooms out of the sea.... in a spectacular Indian Gothic style rather like a Maharajah's palace floating on a lake. Cast iron, brackets of iron lacework, an outstandingly pretty balustrade like an enlarged fish net, ogee roofs curling away to the sky, all add up to a totally pleasurable experience.'

Winter at Bodnant

We had a lovely sunny walk around Bodnant Garden this week. I was really impressed with all the flowers that were out already out in the garden and I thought the winter garden looked wonderful. 

Coffee in the Bluebird

This week marked the 50th anniversary of the death of former British land and water speed record holder Donald Campbell. Mr Campbell was holder of eight world speed records in the 1950s and 1960s in the Bluebird cars and boats.On January 4 1967 he attempted a water speed record in the Bluebird K7 at Coniston Water with the target of 300mph (480km/h).After numerous attempts the Bluebird boat reached a speed of 328mph (528km/h) but shortly after, it somersaulted, breaking in two and plunging into the water.

Liverpool Lights

The Liverpool waterfront all lit up with the Christmas lights, next time I will use a tripod.

Autumn at Bodnant

The colour of the Acers leaves has been spectacular this year. You can certainly see why they grow so many in Japan. This was taken in the Acer Glade at Bodnant Garden, North Wales.

A Walk round the Park

It is a long time since I went around Astley Park, I had forgotten how big it was.Astley Hall is a museum and art gallery housed within a Grade I listed historic house. The Hall is set within the beautiful surroundings of Astley Park which include historic woodland, a lake, a fully renovated Victorian walled garden 

Autumn Solstice

A day in the lakes to celebrate the autumn solstice, lots of Herdwick sheep posing for the tourists. The Herdwick is a breed of domestic sheep native to the Lake District of Cumbria in North West England. The name "Herdwick" is derived from the Old Norse herdvyck, meaning sheep pasture