.jpg) A Woman in the Mustard Fields
As I walk through the tidy, fertile fields only a few kilometres away from the chaotically busy and densely populated urban maze that is Kathmandu, Nepal, I am surprised to experience a feeling calm and a sense of space. The small, land-locked country of Nepal contains about 0.37% of the world’s total population, and much of this is concentrated in the Kathmandu Valley.
Fortunately, this region – which is one of the most densely populated areas of Nepal – is also very fruitful.
According to ancient Buddhist scriptures, the Kathmandu Valley was a giant lake until the Bodhisattva Manjusri, a Chinese bodhisattva venerated in Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhist traditions, cut a gap in the surrounding hills with a holy sword while on pilgrimage, thus letting the waters out.
The Gopal Banshawali (Gopal Raj Vamshavali), a 14th-century hand-written manuscript delineating the history of the ancient Nepalese kings, says it was the Hindu God Krishna who cut a gorge with his Sudarshana Chakra – a spinning, discus weapon with 108 serrated edges – to let the water out of the giant lake. Krishna then gifted the drained valley to the nomadic cow herders who lived there.
There is indeed geological evidence of an ancient lakebed where the mythical lake used to be: probably formed over one million years ago when the southern edge of the valley experienced a tectonic uplift which dammed the precursor of the Bagmati River. Fossil remains of the extinct ancestors of mammoths, hippos, and crocodiles have been found, as well as pollen-dated sediment (see: The Nepal Times). From the time of the last Ice Age, the waters slowly receded, leaving behind a richly fertile soil.
This productive soil keeps the population fed and the economy moving. Across the country, between 25 and 30 percent of GDP comes from agriculture, which provides a livelihood to well over 60 percent of the population. In the peri-urban Kathmandu Valley, vegetables are a major cash crop.
The steepness of the valley makes growing anything a labour-intensive exercise here, but the terraced mountain sides were lush and green when I visited. It was mustard season: I was told that farmers in this region rotate potato, mustard, and rice crops. In other parts of the country, you will see more maize, wheat, and buckwheat.
The municipality of Changunarayan is less than 20 kilometres (12.5 miles) east of Kathmandu , and the ancient city of Bhaktapur is only 13 kilometres (8 miles) southeast of the metropolis. Even so, the gentle seven kilometre (four mile) walk from the temple at Changunarayan (see: Changunarayan Temple) to Bhaktapur feels completely rural. The views and terrain change constantly as you meander down through tiny villages with dirt roads, tall stands of pine forest, fertile terraced fields, and tiny rural hamlets.
Do come along!
.jpg) Sorting the Mustard Seed
Outside the temple at Changunarayan, everyday life and seasonal tasks take place in the streets. .jpg) Watching from the Window
Local people smile as we pass – from their windows overhead …  Mother and Child
… or from doorways where they sit. Pine Woods
A short time later, our track brought us to an extensive pine wood. Almost Abstract : Tall Tree Trunks
I was travelling with photographer Gavin Gough, and he made sure we had time in the forest to play … Almost Abstract : Tapering Tree Trunks
… and experiment with representations of the beautiful trees. Almost Abstract : Look Up! Almost Abstract : Find the Forest in the Trees In the Forest : Textured Tree Trunks Woman in Pink
We are not out of the woods long before we come across a small hamlet, … Women in Orange
… where the residents are happy to greet us in the road. Corrugated Shed and a Sari
The scene is rural: small rough sheds are dotted all around. Man in a Dark Shed
Surprisingly, the hardworking-farmers are not too busy to chat. Typical Nepali Scene
A double-story brick home sits on the crest of the hill and fresh green plants fill the curving terraces. I think this is rice, … Bee in the Mustard Flowers
… but elsewhere, the mustard is in bloom. Farmer in a Red Hat Woman outside a Shed
Farmers and their out-buildings are all along our path down through the terraces. Young Woman in Blue
The smiles we meet are luminous! Woman in a Red Headscarf Making Bricks
One of the other major outputs in the Kathmandu Valley is bricks: with the increasing population and the need to repair damaged buildings, brick manufacturing is a growth industry. Brickworks
Brick kilns often use lands during the dry season that are used during the wet, summer monsoon months for rice. Unfortunately, this has lead to decreased soil quality, reduced ground water, and increased air pollution. Shines at a Hindu Temple
The majority (over 80%) of residents of this valley identify Hindu, and temples and shrines are everywhere. Inlay in the Brick Wall
The treasure vase is one of the Ashtamangala, the eight auspicious signs the run through Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. Man at the Temple Shiva Linga
The most widely followed Hindu sect in Nepal is Shaivism: the worship of Shiva. In Shaivism, a lingam or Shiva linga, is an abstract representation of Shiva. They are often joined to a base in the shape of a yoni, which represents the Goddess Shakti. Lingam Maze
Together, lingam and yoni symbolise the the divine eternal union of the feminine and the masculine forces that create and recreate all of existence. Woman Carrying Herbs
At the side of the road, a woman is gathering fodder for her goats. Walkers on the Hill
In Nepal, even a predominantly downhill trek includes steep uphill sections – and even tiny hamlets comprise large homes. These houses are probably shared across multiple generations of an extended family under one roof. Women in the Mustard Fields
Over that hilltop, the terraces of mustard plants stretch down into the next valley. Father and Son
This dad was determined to show off his son; the young lad was much less thrilled. On the Steps
At the top of the next hill, where we can look down over Bhaktapur in the distance, three friends sit for a chat. Fortunately, from that friendly front porch, our hike was a gentle downhill slope into Bhaktapur, where our transport waited to take us the short distance back to Kathmandu …
… back to that dusty, chaotic, noisy city – so geographically close to this rural environment, and yet, a world away.
Namaste!
Photos: 14March2017
Posted in Nepal,Rural,TravelTags: architecture,environmental portrait,environmental portraits,hindu,hinduism,nature,people,Photo Blog,portrait,portraits,rural,temple,travel,Travel Blog,Ursula Wall
Bab al-Ghuri
You can buy almost anything here at Cairo’s Khan el-Khalili Bazaar. If you search, you might even find Aladdin’s lamp in one of the shops nestled either side of this stone gate built by Sultan al-Ghuri in 1511. Two of the great joys of travel are eating and shopping!
Any visitor to these pages know I love exploring markets. I love the colour and the chaos; I love the photographic challenges they present; I love the insight they give into local people’s lives.
I don’t even mind the pseudo ‘workshop’ visits that are part of almost any organised group trip. For while they are principally aimed at the tourist’s dollars, they are also a break from the more serious museums, and give an insight into local products and craftsmanship. As the vendors hope, I often succumb to temptation – although I try to buy consumables, or small gifts, rather than collecting yet more souvenirs for my already crowded home.
After an intense morning of heat and history at the pyramids of Giza (see: Stories in Ancient Stone), I was happy to have a coffee in the air conditioned comfort of a papyrus store, where a brief explanation of how papyrus is made into paper preceded a lengthy opportunity to buy artworks or hieroglyphics. A visit to the Egyptian Museum (where I wasn’t allowed to use my cameras inside the museum, but could use my primitive old iPhone6) fleshed out some of the morning’s history.
Everywhere we went, markets beckoned, but none was more beguiling than the honeycomb of ancient streets making up Cairo’s magical, medieval Khan el-Khalili. As a centre of trade, this historic souq (souk, or marketplace) was established between 1382 and 1389. Some of the buildings and city gates that the market incorporates date back even further. The density of cultural heritage and historic Islamic, Mamluk, and Ottoman architecture found here contribute to – along with the mosque and museum we had visited that same day (see: The Gayer-Anderson Museum and Ibn Tulun Mosque) – the UNESCO’s World Heritage listing of ‘Historic Cairo’.
If you hit shopping overload, there are plenty of cafes to stop and just people-watch. We did even better! Our day – and our Egyptian sojourn – ended with a home-cooked meal with a local family in Cairo.
Join me!
Explaining Papyrus
As the tour buses role through, saleswomen are kept busy, explaining the iconography in the artworks … Cyperus Papyrus
… and demonstrating how the common Nile grass … Making Papyrus
… gets made into durable paper. Making Koshary for Lunch
If you want good, fast food, go where the locals eat! Koshary Abou Tarek in Cairo is a hive of activity, serving up Egypt’s national dish. A popular street food, koshary (kushari, or koshari) is a tasty mix of pasta, rice, and lentils, with a spicy sauce and garnish. Yum! (iPhone6) Ghosts of the Past
The Egyptian Museum is said to be the oldest archaeological museum in the Middle East, and houses the largest collection of pharaonic antiquities in the world. (iPhone6) Timeless Black Schist Triad
The age of these artworks is mind boggling! This triad depicts King Menkaure, wearing the crown of Upper Egypt (centre), flanked by the Goddess Hathor and Waset, the ancient God of Thebes. In spite of its modern appearance, it dates to around 2500 BC. (iPhone6) “Everyman”
Pharaohs are not the only ones immortalised: this painted limestone statue of Niankhre II, a physician, dates to the Fifth Dynasty (2494–2345 BC). (iPhone6) Tutankhamun’s Collar
The riches that were buried with this young pharaoh are simply awe-inspiring. (iPhone6) Glass Blowing
I love watching glass blowers as they sculpt it into wonderfuls shapes over flame. This was near the entry of a large store in Aswan selling essential oils. Ornate Glass Bottles
Ancient Egyptians and Mesopotamians were making perfumes at least 5000 years ago. Essential Oils
Egyptian priests used aromatic resins to sweeten the smell of sacrificial offerings, and oils have long been believed to have psychological, physiological, and spiritual healing properties. Preparing Fragrances
Today, the essential oils are packaged for tourists to take home with them. After a cooling karkade (hibiscus iced tea), we were treated to samples of healing oils and fragrances that mimicked expensive branded perfumes. Buying Fragrance
Even though I had bought frankincense resin at the markets earlier that day, neither I nor the rest of my group could resist! I’ve read many unhappy reviews from similar places in Cairo, but I can’t fault this one in Aswan: I’m still loving my ‘Secret of the Desert’ – and my ‘not-quite-Chanel’. Fresh Fruit in the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar
Markets bring a city to life! Souvenirs
Although this historical market still houses local merchants, craftsmen, and traders, … Trinkets
… much of it today targets tourists. Traditional Glass and Brass Tea Set Qalawun Complex
The souq is bounded on the west by El Moez Street – or al-Muizz Street – transliteration from Arabic is notoriously slippery. This kilometre (0.6 mile) long pedestrian street is crowded with magnificent examples of Islamic architecture. This building, named after the the seventh Bahri Mamluk Sultan Qalawun, was built between 1284–1285 and includes a hospital, a madrasa, and his mausoleum. Madrasa and Mosque of al-Salih Najm al-Din Ayyub
Directly across the street, the extensive complex started by the Ayyub Sultan As-Salih Ayyub in 1242, stands tall. El Moez Street Doorways
Shops are tucked into every nook and cranny. Craftsman in a Laneway
There are still a few craftsmen working in the narrow laneways – although fewer than in the past. Tooling Metal
I was fascinated watching the intricate work taking shape. Al-Ghuri’s Gate
The last Mamluk Sultan al-Ghuri (r. 1501–1516) redeveloped this area; the southern gate of Suq al-Nabulsi remains from that time. Living in the Old City
Houses and workshops fill the upper floors of many of the old buildings. Foods for Sale
Dates are ubiquitous in the Middle East. Another Old Gate Minaret
There are so many old mosques in in this neighbourhood, I couldn’t identified most of them, … Al-Azhar Mosque
… but the distinctive Al-Azhar Mosque marking the southern boundary of the market stands out. One of the oldest mosques in Egypt, it was originally established in 972. The three minarets make it immediately recognisable: especially the double-finial minaret of Qansah al-Ghuri. Cairo Kitchen
We finished our last day in a middle-class Cairo home, … (iPhone6) Cairo Home-Cook
… where our bubbly hostess, teacher and mother of two … (iPhone6) Cairo Dinner Table
… laid out a wonderful meal, and introduced us to her family. Last Lights on the Nile
From my hotel room, I had a last view over the majestic Nile River. I departed Egypt with several pieces of Egyptian cotton which I paid too much for – and some of it was later found to be synthetic. And, my beautiful blue-stone necklace discoloured my neck on the very first wearing!
 Caveat emptor applies even more when you know you are a target, and purchasers in foreign ports need to pay special attention to what they are buying.
But, I love my souvenirs anyway, and I’m always sorrier for the things I don’t buy. It’s all part of the fun!
Pictures: Cairo: 06October2019 and 12October2019; Aswan: 10October2019
Posted in Architecture,Egypt,TravelTags: architecture,arts and crafts,Egypt,environmental portrait,environmental portraits,market,Photo Blog,travel,Travel Blog,UNESCO,Ursula Wall
Rock Pools
It is impossible to count the number of tidal rock pools on Vancouver Island’s beautiful Botanical Beach – and each one is unique in its colours and textures. It is nice when advertising slogans actually make sense and ring true!
British Columbia (BC), Canada’s western-most province, has coined the phrase: Super, Natural British Columbia. And it fits. Wherever you go, there are natural spaces of the most incredible beauty.
I had landed in Vancouver, and almost immediately headed for the woods and nature trails (see: Back in the Land of Tall Trees). I was lucky: some time later, I was visiting with ‘friends-in-the-know’ on Vancouver Island, off the west coast of BC. They took me to visit what used to be called Botanical Beach Provincial Park, but since 1996 has been subsumed under the larger Juan de Fuca Provincial Park. This magnificent coastal preserve is a two-hour drive from where I was staying in Victoria. It sits overlooking the Salish Sea – or the Strait of Juan de Fuca, depending on the age of your maps – and is accessed through the tiny community of Port Renfrew. Serious multi-day hikers know the locale because it is the trailhead for the celebrated Juan de Fuca Marine Trail and the historic West Coast Trail; even so, it is not an area I would have found by accident.
But, like every other corner of this remarkable province, it is a joy!
Botanical Beach, with its abundance of intertidal life, was identified as a notable location for the study of marine tidepools by Dr. Josephine Tildon from the University of Minnesota. The university set up a marine station in 1900 – but students had to travel by steamship from Victoria to Port Renfrew, and then walk a narrow and muddy trail (with all their scientific equipment) the rest of the way. A road was promised but never built, and the station closed in 1907.
Fortunately, we were able to drive to the trail head, from whence the beach was an easy one kilometre (0.6 miles) walk!
Come for a waterfront stroll among the tidal pools.
Western Skunk Cabbage in the Shadows
Skunk cabbages (Lysichiton americanus) are ubiquitous in the wet spaces here. They are also monocots – which I had to look up: monocotyledons are grass and grass-like flowering plants whose seeds typically contain only one embryonic leaf, or cotyledon. Helpful, right?
The contrasts between brilliant sunlight through a clear sky and dark, damp understory of a tall forest are a challenge for the camera – and for the editing process afterwards! “Scientifically Significant”
The interpretive signage along the track provides lots of useful information. Tall Trees and Alectoria Sarmentosa
I have always called it Spanish Moss – silly me! Thanks to a signboard along the track to the beach, I now know it’s a witch’s-hair lichen. The Path
We parked near the toilets; as we were about to set off, a woman asked if we’d done the track before. “It’s very muddy and slippery!” she said. … Walkers on the Path
… Lucky for us, she pointed us to a cleaner, shorter trail to the beach close by. Green Shoot in the Sun Approaching Botanical Beach
It doesn’t matter how long I spend in BC where sights like this are an everyday occurance, this kind of view always takes my breath away. A Figure on the Beach
Even if you are not alone, there is a feeling of space. Steller’s Jay in the Trees
Regularly sighted in these forests, the native Steller’s jay (Cyanocitta stelleri) was named in 1788 for Georg Steller, a naturalist who first sighted them in Alaska in 1741 from a Russian explorer’s ship. Waves on the Rocks
The soft sandstone foreshore has been pounded by the waves of the wild Pacific Ocean, carved by boulders tossed around by water, and further detailed by purple sea urchins. Bull Kelp – Nereocystis Luetkeana
More than once on this trip, I heard stories about how the over-hunting of sea otters lead to the rise in sea urchins, and the subsequent decimation of kelp forests. This then had numerous negative flow-on effects, especially – but not restricted to – the reduction in other marine life. Scientists are currently looking at ways of restoring the balance; but what would balance look like? The Eastern Shore
An unnamed (as far as I can ascertain) promontory marks the eastern end of Botanical Beach. In any event, the tide was coming in; it was time to work our way back! Tidal Rock Pool
Provincial Park rules prohibit the collecting or harming of any marine species (whether it is alive or not) … Another Rock Pool
… but the wonderful colours and textures make the urge to reach in and touch (almost) irresistible! A Little Drippy Cave
Even the vertical sandstone walls have been carved into interesting shapes. Nature’s Watercolour Pallet Rock Pool Moonscape
The incoming tide can rise quite quickly: it is time to move on, before we lose the foreshore. Mussels on a Log
Creatures are everywhere we look. Salmonberry Flower
Nothing says the Pacific Northwest like the native bramble: the salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis), which will soon be covered in delicious, raspberry-like fruit. Laurel
The laurels were also in full bloom, but I’m not so sure these are native.
We were lucky: the low temperatures that had dogged the usually warm west-coast spring were ideal for walking, and the copious rains that had been mostly unrelenting all month held off long enough for us to get back to the car for the drive back home.
Super, natural, …
Indeed!
Pictures: 16May2022
Posted in Aquaculture,Canada,Landscapes,NatureTags: BC,blog,Canada,landscape,nature,Photo Blog,Provincial Park,travel,Travel Blog,Ursula Wall,walk,waterscape
A Penetrating Gaze
Sadhus, pilgrims, and locals alike, meet your eyes boldly in the streets of India. The county is street-portrait heaven! India is truly a street-portrait paradise.
People are everywhere. Swathed in colourful fabrics and draped in layers of beads, they sit or stand against backgrounds of textured wash-painted buildings or rusting roller-doors, colourful ads or fading billboards. It is as if they are just waiting for an aspiring photographer to wander past! They meet your eyes unselfconsciously, and implicitly give consent to the camera lens.
This is especially true in a holy pilgrimage city like Haridwar, where the streets are full of travellers on the move. In Sanskrit, Haridwar means “The Gateway to Lord Vishnu”. Sitting on the right bank of the Ganges river – in and of itself a most sacred entity in Hindu tradition – Haridwar is one of the seven holy places (Sapta Puri) in India where Hindus can be liberated from the cycle of birth and death.
I was lucky enough to visit the city twice: the first time for the Kumbh Mela in 2010 (see: Weekly Wanders Kumbh Mela), and on this, the second occasion after the Pushkar Camel Fair (see: Weekly Wanders Pushkar) with photographer Karl Grobl from Jim Cline Photo Tours.
Early one morning, I braved the November chill to wander the streets, where plenty of willing subjects greeted me and my cameras.
The Balcony – Haveli Hari Ganga
Exploring the chaos of Indian streets can result in sensory overload very quickly! Having a centrally-located oasis to escape back to makes it manageable. (iPhone6) Woman and Child
It is early morning, and it is cold, but people are happy to greet me and smile for the camera. Old Woman
This elderly woman was happy to pause, … Hennaed Hands
… and proudly showed me her hand decorations. Man in a Woollen Hat Cheeky Child
Children are the same the world over! Man in a Blanket
The colours in India always catch my eye – especially when they are against dark, textured backgrounds. Big Smile In the Morning Streets
The morning light sneaks into the dark laneways where pilgrims gather to chat. More Blankets
Who knows how far some of these pilgrims have walked? Shiva
This is a holy city, and shrines are everywhere. Rhesus Macaque
The monkeys gather to eat the marigold offerings. Rhesus Macaque – Macaca Mulatta Women in the Street
People are all layered in an assortment of clothing to ward off the cold; I guess it beats carrying bags! Men in Blankets
More pilgrims – wrapped up in blankets against the November morning chill – … Pilgrims at Rest
… rest their weary legs and walking sticks on their long journey. The Eyes of a Sadhu Man in a Long Beard
India is a country of 1.4 billion people – and they are all such individuals! Waving Man
Everywhere I have been in the country, the people have been friendly and welcoming. Lassi Shop
There are some things things that define a place: lassi – a tasty blend of yogurt, water, spices, and sometimes fruit – is so India. Cleaning the Equipment
Raw milk is at high risk of transmitting foodborne illnesses, and this shop was taking its job of cleaning the equipment seriously. Lassi Machine
This equipment was so shiny I could see the street in it! Pilgrims
The morning light slants through the narrow streets … Men in Turbans
… catching faces, turbans, and bare feet.
.
It was time for me to get myself some masala chai and breakfast – and to leave the pilgrims to their travels.
Until next time –
ॐ
Photos: 19November2013
Posted in India,Portraits,TravelTags: environmental portrait,environmental portraits,Haridwar,people,Photo Blog,portrait,portraits,Street Portraits,travel,Travel Blog,Ursula Wall
Bushy Needlebush – Hakea Sericea
Although it is part of Metropolitan Melbourne, it is easy to lose yourself in nature on the Mornington Peninsula. It is very easy to find interesting and diverse walks into the woods and wetlands of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. Although it is only an hour south of Melbourne City Centre, you feel like you are a world away.
But, there is no need to rough it here: the region is also home to more farm-to-table speciality restaurants and boutique vineyards than you can possibly sample in a short stay. The accommodation I had booked for my week in the region was in a central location on the compact peninsula, making all corners accessible. Armed with a terrific map highlighting places of interest – including for shopping and eating – and describing a variety of walks (see: Mornington Peninsula), I was able to plan my time around foods I wanted to sample.
I was staying next to the Eagle Ridge Golf Course, so I enjoyed daily morning and evening walks around the landscaped greens. I also spent time exploring the region’s history (see: A Walk into the Past) and some of the different preserved and recovered landscapes (see: Red Hill Rail Trail and Endeavour Fern Gully).
On my fourth full day on the Mornington, I walked just over six kilometres (4 miles), out and back on the Balcombe Estuary Boardwalk beside Balcombe Creek. After this meandering stroll into saltmarsh and bushland, I returned to Mount Martha for local wine and flavoursome Italian-style wood-fired pizza made with regional produce and cheese. I think I ate much more than my walked had earned me!
On my last day, I lunched at the hatted-restaurant at Pt Leo Estate, and wandered through their Sculpture Garden (see: Pt Leo Estate). I decided to check out the nearby Coolart Homestead, and explore the wetlands there in the remains of the winter afternoon light before heading back to my room.
Join me!
Eagle Ridge Golf Course
My morning walks around the beautifully-landscaped golf course were a pleasure. (iPhone12pro) Entry at Mount Martha
The hardest park of any walk is getting started! I parked on the wrong side of the estuary at first, and had to consult with locals about where best to put my car. “Purple Swamp Hen”
Once on the path everything is well signposted: including with metal signs letting you know what birds to look out for. Balcombe Boardwalk
The boardwalk makes life for mums with strollers a breeze! The walkway was in good condition, and I passed many people making use of it. Balcombe Creek
Little detours in the walkway take you down to the water’s edge … Cormorant on the Creek
… where there is plenty of waterbird life to enjoy. Native Scrub Grey Shrike Thrush
I’m always excited when I catch even part of a bird in the wild! Colluricincla Harmonica
Used to people here, this one sat and watched me for a while – from a safe distance. Graffiti on the Cluster Pine
The texture in the the cluster pine (pinus pinaster) bark allows room for people to leave their marks. Pine against the Sky
These trees, native to the Mediterranean, grow to reach 20–35 m (66-115 ft) tall. Protecting Nests
Volunteers engage in a variety of activities – including installing plastic sleeves to prevent ground-based creatures like feral cats from attacking precious hollows and nesting sites. She Oak Needles
I love casuarinas, and I loved finding out that they were named for way their needles resemble the feathers of cassowary birds. (iPhone12pro) Eastern Yellow Robin – Eopsaltria Australis
Another bird! The eastern yellow robin lives only in the southeastern regions of Australia. Coolart Homestead
Dating from 1895, this late Victorian-era family home is usually open to the public. Managed by Parks Victoria, the heritage estate is currently undergoing renovations. Morning Flight
Ibis by local sculptor and potter Heather Ellis adorn a pond outside. Pine Cones
A network of walking tracks criss-cross the 87.5 hectare (216 acre) property, taking in coastal woodlands, wetlands, lagoons, and formal gardens. Like a Bear in the Woods
I followed the Woodland Walk. It was late in the day, and I imagined I saw creatures in the weathered stumps. Into the Woods
According to the website, the dominant trees here are manna gums, drooping she-oak, and coast banksia. Tree Trunks Rising Winter Light on the Wetlands
Several creeks and waterways – some of them estuarine – intersect the property, and the open waters of the Western Passage are just a short distance away. Overgrown Pathway
The recent strict and lengthy lockdowns have taken their toll: clearly not many people have been able to use these pathways, and they have become quite overgrown. Still Life Found
I love the natural patterns and shapes one finds in the landscape. Pergola : Eagle Ridge Golf Course
There is just enough light left in the winter evening sky for another stroll around the golf club before dinner. (iPhone12pro)  Truly, some very different terrains!
And, some wonderful meals between walks.
I was sorry to leave the peninsula behind!
Pictures: 22-23June2021
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