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The Black Gray Squirrel came from Canada, specifically from Rondeau Provincial Park, a peninsula in Morpeth, Ontario, that juts into Lake Erie.
The first batch of black squirrels — eight in number — was sent to the National Zoo in 1902 by Thomas W. Gibson, Ontario’s superintendent for parks. Smithsonian secretary Samuel P. Langley, in his report to Congress that year, wrote that the squirrels were accepted “in exchange,” and, indeed, checking Canadian records, the Washington Post discovered that Rondeau Park received an unspecified number of gray squirrels from the Smithsonian.
The black squirrel and the gray squirrel are the same species of squirrel: Sciurus carolinensis, a.k.a. the Eastern gray squirrel, the only difference being a color variation. The black squirrels evince a “melanistic color phase,” the recessive gene for black coloration coming to the fore.
The Canadian squirrels were released in the northwestern part of the zoo, “where they were very much at home,” according to the 1923 Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington. “They have since been constantly in the Park, especially from the vicinity of Klingle Valley, and they have spread northward to Cleveland Park and nearly to Chevy Chase.”
The zoo also released a second batch of black squirrels, which arrived in May 1906.
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Over thirty-five years ago - Doc and I were traveling north on the Alaska Highway and happened to reach an old lodge just in time for lunch. We popped in, and while enjoying a good home cooked meal we spotted this lamp warming a corner of the room. I fell in love with it and Doc asked if it was for sale. The reply was "no" it was homemade by one of the owners, using rocks from the nearby river bottom, and wood from the surrounding forest. The kind folks could see how much I loved it and decided to part with it - much to my delight. I have treasured it ever since. It stands almost two feet tall and like I said in my title - is quite unique. Have any of my Flickr friends come across an item that they couldn't resist? If so I would love to see it.
Port Key West - Key West Harbor - Fall
Key West, Florida U.S.A. - Florida Keys
Virgin Cruise Line - "Valiant Lady" - at the dock - 11/29/24
(leave it to Richard Branson; those long red hanging things
on each state-room balcony...swinging red hammocks! LOL)
----- Opal Key Harbor Resort and Marina (formerly Hilton) -----
----- Cruise-Ship Terminal / Sunset Key Ferry / Opal Marina -----
------ Key West: Far from Normal - Close to Perfect -----
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Key_West,_Florida
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_keys
"Margaritaville" - Alan Jackson & Jimmy Buffett
www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4XtBiWgXLE
"It's Five-Oclock Somewhere" - Alan Jackson & Jimmy Buffett
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPCjC543llU
RIP Jimmy Buffett - Passed 9/1/23
My 2024 Key West Slideshow: flic.kr/s/aHBqjBUfUL
This unique, iconic, luxury Lake District Cottage is an 'ideal honeymoon cottage in a location to die for', stunning views of Lake Ullswater and the fells can be viewed whilst relaxing on the balcony of this traditional boathouse or from the bedroom through the patio doors.
Unsurprisingly, the Duke of Portland Boathouse has been voted "the best waterside retreat" by BBC Countryfile Magazine! It's location at the top of Ullswater gives it superb, unparalleled views across this beautiful lake.
October 1992 and Cummins L10 Engined Bombardier (Ireland) Double Deck KD146 is seen on Abbey Street on a 66 to Maynooth County Kildare
Unique British Steel Liveried 37501 Teeside Steelmaster+37502 British Steel Teeside passing Tapton Jct, with the 6M47 10.50 Lackenby to Corby 'Tubeliner' Loaded Coils, 12.02.1988
Copyright © Chris Brogdale
No Unauthorised Use
Flea market shelves are unique. It always amuses me how people try and dress up their junk. Note to self... if I ever need a toupee or the wife needs a wig, maybe a furry winter hat, check the high end section at the flea market first.
The Sochi Arboretum is a unique museum where flora of Caucasus and different countries is represented. The park is more than 49 hectares (120 acres) in area and numbers about 1,600 species and forms of plants from all over the world. The Arboretum was founded in 1890s by a famous journalist and publisher of that time Stepan Khudyakov. The plants were bought in botanical gardens of the Crimea, Germany and Caucasus. Arboretum is located in Khosta district of Sochi, Krasnodar Krai, Russia.
Chandra's unique ability to precisely locate and resolve individual X-ray sources in 12 globular clusters in our Galaxy has given astronomers a crucial clue as to the origin of these sources. Two clusters, known as NGC 6266 (or M62) and NGC 7099 (or M30), are shown here in this 2003 image.
A globular cluster is a spherical collection of hundreds of thousands and even millions of stars buzzing around each other in a gravitationally bound stellar beehive that is about a hundred light years in diameter. The stars in a globular cluster are often only about a tenth of a light year apart. For comparison, the nearest star to the Sun, Proxima Centauri, is 4.2 light years away.
Most of the point-like sources in these images are binary star systems containing a collapsed star, such as a neutron star or a white dwarf star, that is pulling matter off a normal companion star. While direct, head-on collisions between stars are rare even in these crowded circumstances, close encounters occur and can lead to the formation of binary star systems containing a collapsed star.
The images illustrate a general trend observed for globular clusters. Clusters such as M62 where the stars are packed very closely together and the rate of close encounters is high have more X-ray binaries than those such as M30 in which close encounters occur less often. This is strong evidence that the X-ray binaries in globular clusters are formed by close encounters.
Image credit: NASA/CXC/MIT/D.Pooley et al.
#NASA #MarshallSpaceFlightCenter #MSFC #Marshall #chandraxrayobservatory #ChandraXRay #cxo #chandra #astronomy #space #astrophysics #nasamarshallspaceflightcenter #solarsystemandbeyond #globularcluster
With the chimneys of Aldwarke Steelworks in the background , uniquely liveried 66783 passes by Primrose Hill working the 6X73 1050 Doncaster Decoy - Toton North Yard .
11 2 19
Unique X Poses - Play With Me
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A unique piece of social and architectural history - the Galloway car was built here in the 1920's, the inspiration of Dorothée Pullinger who wanted to design a car for women, built largely by women. The design of the building was modernist with classical features such as moulded concrete cornice. There was a tennis court on the roof that is apparently still there. Two large "R"s are visible in the brick work of the top storey. If ever there was an iconic building that symbolised the achievement and struggle of women in industry this is one of them. It should be preserved and saved. See also www.itv.com/news/border/2021-04-30/dorothe-pullinger-why-...
Seen on 20th Aug 2016 at Yeovil bus station, L55BUS is a Scania N94UB with a Castrosua City CS40 body and was new to Kings Ferry as YP52 CUU in 2002.
C&NW inspired Metra F59 #90 highballs Lockport Depot on Metra's Southwest Service, formerly the GM&O Alton Route, with the 2022 AAPRCO Special. This was a dead head positioning move after the days festivities and excursions had completed.
The special excursion on this day road the rails of the CP C&M/Elgin and Fox Lake Subdivisions bringing out a unique character to the territory. C&NW Heritage F59 METX 90 with the Chicago inspired F40PH 104, leading 8 Privately-Owned passenger cars all over Chicagoland. The car owners were being shuffled all over town for the weekend and into the new week for Annual Convention Festivities.
Lockport, IL
2022.09.03
A Pub Story (After the drinking Began)
Anyone familiar with my world in RL knows that a lot of my stories are based on the antics my twin Sister and I do in unique thievery infused role-playing games that we have come up with ever since we were young.
My sister has always felt a delicious urge to dress up in pretty clothes and sparkling jewelry, and an even more intense desire to think someone may want to steal her baubles.
I will argue( and we have had friendly ones over this ) that her drawing me into being a thief to her victim, was the key to me realizing my fondness overplaying the protagonist. Though she harbors thoughts that it may have been the other way around.
So that all being said. On should not be surprised at a recent occurrence at our local riverside drinking establishment.
Hailed as the Poet and Peasant Pub.
Incident at a Pub
Last Saturday I was just well into my 20th straight day of work.
With working 10 hours today(Sat) and have to go in at some point Sunday for 4, then 10 hour days all again next week, I was sure it would be a long while before I’d have any type of personal fun with family or friends, with or without drinking.
But then the Pub, my Twin Sister, and a certain diamond bracelet came to the rescue…
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
It was Saturday in my 4th hour of a ten-hour workday that the texts started coming in from my mates to join them that evening for a dart match at the pub.
I didn’t want to, knowing I’d be here until 7 and have to go back in on Sunday. But they were persistent buggers and since the match started late I easily talked myself into accepting the invite.
I made it to the Poet and the Peasant pub at 7:30 just as the first team was up.
It was a rousing time, drinking, eating, and tossing the darts. I even managed to play decently for a change, I;e not missing the board once.
Before I knew it the clock struck 10:00 and my team was still in the thick of it.
Suddenly I was warmly grasped in a bear hug from behind.
Turning I found I was being mugged by my twin sister and …. then by my giggling cousin Michael(Micke)
The two sillies had been out at a dance and had been drinking, before heading to our pub to finish off the evening.
It was a nice surprise to see them there, in more ways than one.
My sister was indeed looking very pretty, wearing her scooped necked velvet dress, with rhinestone trimmings that looked smashing on her.
With her dress, she wore some of her collection of rhinestone diamonds. The set tonight consisting of long earrings, a bracelet, and a cocktail ring.
The decadent bracelet is something special, a real cracker that is dazzling when she wears it.
A five-strand diamond sparkler. The two outer strands were set with stones about 1 1/2 carats in size. The middle strand was set with 3-carat pear-shaped rhinestones. My sister bought it online at a site called Windsor Royal.
And it looked like something royalty would wear, granted theirs would be real and worth a cool million if not more.
Micke was also looking very cute, wearing a long-sleeved satin blouse with ruffles, gold mesh belt, and long black shiny skirt.
She had on wide gold chains, gold mesh earrings shaped like a kite, and no less than six gem-set rings.
Both looked a treat and soon had all us lads buying them drinks, which I believe was the point of my girl's plan for coming dressed like that and not changing after the dance.
Needless to say by the last hours before we had to be kicked out, none of us were feeling any pain.
We had been well into our third and final
Match when I realized the girls, who had been cheering us on, had disappeared
I shrugged it off figuring that they had just taken off for horizons unknown. Though it was a trifle odd they did not say goodbye.
I played my best, but my lads and I were losing the final match
When my last turn was up I plopped down on the couch to watch our final attempts. Merrick, our best player was up. But the odds were against us.
Then from out of nowhere, Micke plopped down next to me, I looked around but no sight of my sister, though I then heard her laughing by the bar in the next room.
Micke had placed her hand upon her raised knee, and I cast my eyes down to relish a look over her collection of sparkly rings.
The sleeve’s cuff of her satin blouse had slipped up, and I realized that there was a diamond bracelet peeking out.
How in the world had I missed that?
As Micke chatted on about something I was only half-listening to, I nonchalantly reached over and placed my hand on her arm. Then without her notice managed to carefully raise the sleeve of Micke’s satin blouse for a better look.
I then realized it was my Twin’s fancy diamond bracelet Micke was wearing?
“Clever girl, how?” I was thinking as I touched the sparkling bracelet and carefully cut into her conversation and commented to her as she looked down at my finger.
“Pretty bracelet....”
“It’s not mine silly twit, it’s Your sister’s !” She answered with a pleasant little twittering laugh
“Oh...” I answered in an open sentence with my best shot at a perplexed look.
Raising her arm and flashing the diamonds set in the bracelet, creating amazing sparkles as it was wrapped snugly around her wrist, she happily confided in me her story.
Apparently the pair, Micke, and my twin sister had been in the loo together to freshen up.
My sister had removed her bracelet and ring to have a wash-up after some of her drink had accidentally spilled on her hands.
On a lark, Micke, who had come up from behind, had touched Sis on the opposite shoulder, and as she turned away, snatched the bracelet up and got away out the door without being caught.
She had put it in and was now wearing it around as a teaser to my Sister.
“No worries luv, I’ll give it back to her at Sunday Service tomorrow.”
Micke told pacifically me, though I had no concerns that she would not give it back.
“The last call” came a friendly command from the pubs’ bar in the other room...
“Come on, “ said Micke, grabbing my arm
Go on ahead Lass. Meet you thereafter this last lad finishes his round
“Let the finale drinking now heavily begin.” She added with a challenge in her charmingly sweet voice as she swished away
I studied her thoughtfully as she disappeared around the corner.
My eyes traveled down the backside of Her shiny blouse and I caught a last look at her swinging arm.
Her sleeve covered the bracelet, but I knew it was there.
That was the problem
For now, feeling confident from alcohol I had an objective that was tickling my fancy.
The only question was how I would achieve it?
^^^^^^^^^^^
Since Micke with a degree of cleverness had nicked the diamond bracelet from my twin sister, I would try and nick it from Micke.
I meant to acquire the bracelet from Micke and make it home without being caught out by either girl.
I had read in a short story once about a scoundrel who was determined to part a wealthy American lady from the jeweled necklace she was wearing, mainly because she was nieve enough to wear it out in public.
And now in an odd way, I sorta knew what that character had felt.
For me, it hopefully would not prove difficult if I could just manage a way to distract Micke.
I knew the clasp of that bracelet, having removed it from my twin on several of the role-playing thievery games/adventures we do.
Including one a few months back. Her favorite damsel in distress game; a role-play she calls help honey. This we had played about a month ago at the old cemetery around midnight.
My sister had worn a green taffeta bridesmaid gown recently picked up at the thrift.
With it, she had worn a nice collection of rhinestones, including the bracelet. Playing a princess who has been lured away from her prince, innocently not realizing the plot to lead her off was to rob her of the jewels she wore.
That had seemed a long while ago since I had had a bit of play and seeing Our Cousin Micke now wearing that bracelet had whetted my appetite to do some playing again.
My mind raced through a myriad of ideas.
Most of them ran the gauntlet of just silly to outlandish. None were clever.
I knew there was not much time anyway so I unhappily had decided to just shelve the idea.
We also had lost the match ...
I rose as we shook hands, then left to head to the bar for final rounds.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Now I am writing this at 3 am Sunday, still two sheets to the wind, before heading to sleep.
Laying next to my laptop is my sister's diamond rhinestone bracelet…
The very one Micke had nicked and been wearing around at the pub.
Of course, once the loss is noticed I will be the prime suspect.
But my cell will be off all day at work tomorrow, so they will have all day to wonder and stew over how I did it before I can enlighten them to the fact that l was the thief, and decide whether or not to keep it a secret as to my method if they fail to figure out.
Oh, and let Sis know my ransom demands for its return... something quick and easy like her princess in green taffeta meeting the culprit, at the old cemetery to get her bracelet back.
Anyway, it was truly an inspired moment that allowed me to slip away the lovely diamonds unnoticed from around Micke’s wrist.
And a rather proud one at that, even if my victim was giggling silly drunk at the time.
Please read on as I brag on about it
>>>>>>
After Micke left, my mind was not letting go of wanting to acquire the diamond bracelet I now knew our cousin was wearing.
As the final drinking now heavily progressed, I could tell neither girl’s mind was thinking about the bracelet.
They were concentrating on giving out hugs to anyone buying them last shots. And both girls, dressed as such, were immensely huggable to the lads.
Though I will admit that it was with some protective trepidation that I felt over my sister being on the receiving end.
It was in the middle of this commotion that I saw Micke wrapping her arms around a shot buying lad, the bracelet peeking out from her satin blouse’s sleeve, that I had an inkling of an idea.
With really no thought or plan as to how exactly this would give me a crack at the bracelet, I sprung into action.
I quickly bought two shots.
Told the barmaid,with a wink, to tell my sister hers was from a lad named Shamus and that Micke’s shot was from Merrick
Merrick was alone practicing in the dart room. Shamus was at the opposite end of the barroom.
This would split the girls up, which was the first step.
Giving me the second step of Micke pretty much being separated from the herd.
As for the third step, I was merely hoping there would be one.
I am sure a professional thief would have already had all of the steps figured out, no sweat.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The plan, however, began to work smooth as silk.
I went and stood next to my Sister and Micke as the barmaid approached us.
The barmaid served the girls their shots, gave them the message (winking back at me), and immediately the two girls split off.
Micke began to scurry, almost tripping over the hem of her skirt, over to Merrick, with me in close tow.
Reaching the surprised lad she grabbed and enveloped him in a tight warm hug, leaning heavily against him.
I reacted without any thought...
It took only seconds but seemed to me far longer.
Seeing no one watching us, I came in from around behind and pressed up playfully against them, with Micke’s hands at my stomach. I could feel her fancy rings digging splendidly into my skin, through the thin white turtleneck I was wearing, as I grasped her arms just above the elbows and pressed into her.
I slipped my fingers ever so nimbly down to her blouse's slick sleeve, and pulling the cuff of her blouse up with my right hand, exposed the shimmering bracelet.
As I held the blouse’s cuff up with two fingers of my right hand, I pressed my thump up into her arm to divert any focus of unusual feelings she may experience around her wrist.
With the diamond bracelet now exposed, it was a simple matter of locating the clasp, with my left hand, wedging my index finger in between Micke’s wrist and the bracelet.
Almost at the same time, I managed to quickly press my left thumb up against the hinge to release the clip and grasp a loose end as it separated ( thanking in my mind pretty Micke for not setting the safety chain).
And “Bobs your Uncle”, I had the fancy diamond-encrusted bracelet she was wearing slipped off from around her wrist and secreted in my pocket, easy peasy as you please. And thank you, Micke.
As I let go of her arm with my right hand, the white satin blouse’s long cuff slipped back down covering up the evidence of my dirty deed.
^^^^^^^^^^^
That deed was done I talked to Merrick for a few minutes before I rejoined the girls, remaining cool as a cucumber over my secret.
They didn’t suspect a thing. And as I joined in with the final partying before closing, a perfect idea popped into my head.
I had been talking to Micke while over her shoulder watching my sister, and the long sparking earrings she was wearing. Thinking that if they had been real they would be worth a fortune, like her bracelet.
And how any thief worth his salt would have hated to pass them up, or her diamond cocktail ring.
Then it hit me, an idea of how if I was a professional thief, I could trick my sister, along with her diamond earrings and ring, into a trap.
Bloody hell, If I hadn’t to be at work the next morning I would have attempted it.
My idea had been to sneak out the back and using the pubs stationary, leave a note on Micke's car saying
Lady, I have your diamonds. If you wants them back it will cost you. Meet me at the churchyard.
The pair would have fallen into it, curious as to what game I was playing, as well as how I had taken the bracelet.
So when they showed up they would be met by the thief who would then rob the pair of the rest of their jewelry for being so gullible.
What a devious lot we play thieves are!
But it, of course, did not happen. Only the bracelet would be nicked from the fine clothed, pretty damsel this evening.
We all together left at closing.
I gave the girls warm hugs goodbye (inwardly smirking) and watched as they drove off in Mickes Italian made sports car
I turned and took the wooded path that led down to my cottage.
I lit a pipe and happily made my way home, placing a hand in my pocket and fingering the diamonds I had nicked, just because she had been wearing them out in public
Another perspective of an old storefront in Wheeling, with awning windows on the 2nd floor, great brick and stonework,
segmental arches above the 3rd floor windows, and detailed brick cornice.
www.spurnpoint.com/Spurn_Point.htm
Spurn is a very unique place in the British Islands. Three and a half miles long and only fifty metres wide in places.
Extending out in to the Humber Estuary from the Yorkshire coast it has always had a big affect to the navigation of all vessels over the years. Help to some and a danger or hindrance to others. This alone makes Spurn a unique place.
Spurn is made up of a series of sand and shingle banks held together with mainly Marram grass and Seabuckthorn. There are a series of sea defence works built by the Victorians and maintained by the Ministry of Defence, till they sold Spurn to the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust in the 1950s. The defences are in a poor state, breaking down and crumbling. This is making Spurn a very fragile place wide open to the ravages of the North Sea.
One of the most striking features of Spurn is the black and white lighthouse near to the end of Spurn. Now just an empty shell not used since it was closed down at dawn on the thirty first of October 1986.
There have been many Lighthouses on Spurn over the years the first recorded at around 1427. The present light was built from 1893 TO 1895. The small tower on the beach on the Estuary side was originally the low light. It was built and put in to operation at around 1852. This light was no longer needed when the present lighthouse was opened in 1895.At a later date the light was removed and it was used as a store for explosives and later as a water tower. The tank can still be seen on the top. When it was operational there was a raised walkway from the shore to the lighthouse so it could be reached at all stages of the tide.
The present lighthouse was built to replace an old lighthouse that was positioned just to the south of the present one. You can still see the round perimeter wall surrounding the old keepers cottages and the base of the old lighthouse which had to be demolished due to it settling on it's foundations making it unsafe.
The only light on Spurn today is a flashing green starboard light on the very end of the point and the fixed green lights marking the end of the Pilots jetty.
Because of Spurns ever moving position there have been many Lighthouses over the years. There is a very good book by George.de.BOAR, called History of the Spurn Lighthouses, produced by the East Yorkshire Local History Society. This is one of a series of books on local history.
www.spurnpoint.com/Around_and_about_at_Spurn.htm
Around and about there are plenty of places to eat and drink. Starting from the north of Spurn at Kilnsea there is the Riverside hotel offering good quality food drink and accommodation. Coming south towards Spurn and still in Kilnsea there is the Crown and Anchor pub. A welcoming place serving bar meals fine beers and offering bed and breakfast at very reasonable rates. At the crossroads before you turn towards Spurn there is the Spurn heritage coast visitors centre. Where there is a small cafe and exhibition. At the entrance Spurn point nature reserve is an information centre and bird observatory selling books pamphlets, etc., and the last toilet on Spurn.
Past the lighthouse is the last car park. Two hundred metres further on you find the Humber Lifeboat and Pilot stations. Near the houses is a Small caravan selling tea, coffee, cold cans, hot and cold food, crisps and sweets.
All are open all year round apart from the heritage centre which is open thought the season.
BIRD WATCHING.
Is a very popular pastime as Spurn is internationally famous for birds. There are up to two hundred species recorded at spurn every year. Some of which are extremely rare. The Marmora's Warbler seen at Spurn In June 1992 was only the third recorded in Britain.
SEA FISHING.
The beaches of Spurn provide some of the best sea fishing in the area, with Cod and Whiting and Flats being caught through the winter and Skate, Flats and Bass through the summer. There is sport to be had all the year.
At the very end of Spurn is deep water ideal for Cod but this only fishes best two hours either side of low water, the tide is to strong at other times. All along the seaward side of Spurn is good for all species of fish at all times though over high water being the better. The riverside of Spurn is very shallow and only produces Flats and the bass over high water.
THE BEACH.
The beaches at Spurn are of soft sand and shingle. Whichever way the wind is blowing you can just pop over the dunes to the outer side. There are fossils and all manners of things to find beach combing. Swimming is not safe any were near the point end as there are very strong tides at up to six knots at times. But in side Spurn around the point car park is perfect at high water. The beach does not shelf to fast and very little tide. You can have the place to your self at times, as Spurn is never really busy weekdays.#
A very popular pastime at Spurn is Fossil hunting. There is a good abundance of fossils to be found in amongst the pebbles and shingle.
The Shark Trust has a very interesting PDF file tell you all about Shark Skate and rays the mermaids purses you find on the beach are egg shells from sharks and Rays. Click the link to down load the Shark Trust Brochure.
WALKING.
Walking or strolling at spurn is very easy, as there are no hills. There are various sign posted paths up and down the point. For the fit a complete walk round the whole point is about 8 miles, taking in all the point round the point end and back to the "warren" information place at the start of Spurn. You will need good footwear, as much of the paths are sand. There is limited access for disabled, but not to the point end, as you have to go via the beach.
You can park your car at the point car park and walk round the point end and back to the car park about a mile, or just stroll around the point were you choose. The only place you are not allowed to go are down the pilot's jetty and the centre square of the Lifeboat houses.
In spring and early summer Spurn is covered with a large amount of wild flowers of all species.
There are common to the not so common; from Orchids to bluebells. I must remind you Spurn is a nature reserve and the picking of all flowers is prohibited. When visiting please enjoy Spurn, as it is a very beautiful place and leave only your footprints.
Horse Riding.
There is riding available nearby at the North Humberside Riding Centre. The stables are ideally located with rides along quiet country lanes, by-ways, plus miles of sandy beach and riverbanks. The cross-country course offers a variety of fences for both the novice and the more experienced rider.
www.spurnbirdobservatory.co.uk/
A Brief History of Spurn Bird Observatory
Following visits to Spurn by several members of the Yorkshire Naturalists' Union in the late 1930's, a communal log for ornithological observations was instituted in 1938. This included a roll-call of species, the beginnings of a recording system, which later became standard in bird observatories. Realising the potential of the Spurn peninsula for the regular observation of bird migration a group of enthusiasts, notably Ralph Chislett, George Ainsworth, John Lord and R.M. Garnett, had the idea of setting up a bird observatory, with the Warren Cottage at the northern end of the peninsula as an ideal headquarters. Unfortunately the outbreak of war forced them to put their plans on hold but shortly after hostilities ceased a lease for Warren Cottage was obtained from the War Department and the observatory was established shortly afterwards under the auspices of the Y.N.U. with the four members mentioned above forming the first committee. A preliminary meeting was held in September 1945 to decide on the site for a Heligoland trap, work on which was begun almost immediately and the first bird (a Blackbird) was ringed on November 17th. The first minuted committee meeting was held on March 9th 1946 and the observatory was opened to visitors at Whitsuntide that year.
Initially coverage was limited to the main migration seasons, being extended to winter weekends in the early 1950's to trap and ring some of the large numbers of Snow Buntings which used to occur at that time of year and gradually coverage was increased (whenever possible) to cover the late spring and summer. In 1959 there was an important development when the Yorkshire Naturalists' Trust (now the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust) became the owners of the peninsula and thus the observatory's landlord. In 1960 a full time warden was appointed by the Trust, and although having no official connection with the observatory the fact of having an observer on the peninsula year-round inevitably helped to improve the ornithological coverage. This was especially the case from 1964 when the current warden, Barry Spence, was appointed, in conjunction with the fact that an interest in birds and their migrations was steadily growing and more bird-watchers were staying at the observatory, often for longer periods.
When the observatory opened there was accommodation for seven visitors in Warren Cottage and facilities included two chemical toilets, the Warren Heligoland trap and an ex-army hut as a ringing hut. Over the next ten years a further five Heligoland traps were constructed along the peninsula, although today only three remain in existence. In 1959 the observatory gained the use of the Annexe, one of two ex W.D. bungalows built at the Warren during the early 1950's, thus increasing the accommodation capacity to seventeen and providing much improved toilet facilities. Over the years the accommodation and facilities have been gradually improved to try to make the visitor's stay at Spurn as comfortable as possible. Other improvements have also taken place, in 1968 part of one of the derelict buildings at the Point was converted into a ringing laboratory ready for the first B.T.O. Ringing Course, held in autumn of that year and in 1971 part of one of the derelict buildings at the Warren was also converted into a ringing laboratory. The other part of this building became a laboratory for the use of students of Leeds University but this also became available to the observatory in the mid 1980's when the University no longer had a use for it. Subsequently it was converted into a self-contained accommodation unit for two, complete with kitchen facilities, and although officially known by the somewhat unimaginative name of Room F (the rooms in the Annexe being known as Rooms A, C, D & E, - whatever happened to Room B?), it was somewhat irreverently christened "Dunbirdin" by regular visitors to Spurn.
In 1965 a sea-watching hut was erected east of the Warren beyond the line of the former railway track. Due to coastal erosion it became necessary to move this in late 1974, when it was hoped that it would last at least as long as it had in its first position. Alas this was not to be, as the rate of erosion increased dramatically in the mid 1970's, necessitating a further move in early December 1977. In that year a clay bank had been built across the field behind Warren Cottage (Clubley's field) to prevent the flooding of arable land by wind-blown sea water, but on January 11th 1978 Spurn suffered its worst flooding ever when a strong to gale-force north-westerly wind combined with a spring tide. In late 1981 due to extensive construction works at Easington a large quantity of boulder clay became available and this was used to build up and extend the bank across Clubley's field, south towards Black Hut and north beyond Big Hedge to join up with an existing bank (which had been built in 1974) behind the scrape. In 1982 the sea-watching hut was repositioned on top of this bank, where it remained until the bank itself was washed away in the early 1990's.
A number of other changes to the observatory recording area began to take place from the early 1970's, including extensive building operations at the Point, commencing in 1974, with the construction of a new jetty for the Humber Pilot boats, new housing for the Spurn Lifeboat crew and the conversion and renovation of various existing buildings for use by the Coastguard and the Pilots. In 1978 following damage to the existing road south of the Warren area a new tarmac road was laid to the west of the original one, this lasted until 1988 when a second "new road" loop had to be laid, followed in 1991 by the construction of the existing loop road running along the Humber shore from just south of the Warren to just beyond Black Hut. The construction of this road resulted in the destruction of the actual Black Hut, although the area still bears the name. In 1981 the lines of wartime concrete anti-tank blocks running from the seashore to the Canal Zone were removed to fill in a breach at the Narrow Neck. This resulted in the southward extension of the Scrape field by the farmer up to Big Hedge and the start of a gradual decline in the condition of this hedge and its attractiveness to birds. In 1982 a local resident excavated a pond for shooting purposes in the wet area adjoining the Canal Zone. This never really proved successful and the land was later purchased by the Y.W.T. and the pond enlarged to become what is now known as Canal Scrape. In 1984 a famous Spurn landmark, the Narrows "Hut", a wooden migration watch shelter which had stood at the Narrow Neck for twenty-three years, was set fire to by person or persons unknown and completely destroyed, it was replaced the following year by a more solid construction made from breeze-blocks.
A period of considerable change began in 1988 when the Spurn peninsula was designated as part of the Spurn Heritage Coast. Projects undertaken include the enlargement of the Canal Scrape mentioned above and the erection of a hide overlooking it, a hide overlooking the Humber wader roost at Chalk Bank, a public sea-watching hide alongside the observatory one, provision of additional car-parking space, the restoration of the short-turf habitat in the Chalk Bank area, provision of footpaths, etc. A major project was the renovation of the Blue Bell in Kilnsea for use as offices, an information centre and a small cafe, which became fully operational in 1995. Another fairly recent project has been the creation of another scrape/pond on Clubley's field.
In 1996 the observatory celebrated its fiftieth anniversary, and for the first time in its history SBO employed a full time seasonal warden. This position has since been expanded and the observatory now enjoys the services of a year- round warden. In 1998, with a view to the future, a small bungalow in Kilnsea was purchased with money bequeathed by the late John Weston, a long time committee member, who regrettably died in 1996. This was followed in 1999 by the purchase of a strip of land adjacent to the property and is now known as the ‘Church Field’, this is planted with a sacrificial crop every year, and has also had several groups of trees planted and a feeding station placed in the north-east corner. Access to this field is available by becoming a member of ‘Friends of Spurn Bird Observatory’, a venture set up in 2003 to eventually help with the building of a new observatory when the old one falls way to the sea.
Australia is unique in that it is so big, it is a country and a continent (no, Antarctica doesn't count as a country). Just when I thought Eurovision couldn't get more surreal, I hear that Australia is now competing in the contest. For the Europeans who are confused (like me) here's an overview of the country seen from space, and the amazing colours on display, I am sure the show tonight will be just as colourful if not more! Maps don't do Australia justice, due to the typical way maps of the world are made (the mercator projection) Australia looks smaller than it is in reality (like Africa), whereas Greenland or Alaska look larger on a map than they are in reality (sorry Andreas). From space Australia is unique in its hues of red that progress from the blue of the coast and even include purple with vein-like marks, hardly much green in sight. An incredible surreal sight on each pass! Talking of which, Australia is unique this year in that it is the only place to witness 2021 total lunar eclipse. If you prefer your live events with more science and natural phenomena, ESA is broadcasting a show on the eclipse from Australia on 26 May www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Explora...
L’Australie est un véritable pays-continent, et les cartes ne lui rendent pas justice (comme à l’Afrique) : la projection habituelle d’un globe sur une carte plate augmente artificiellement les surfaces à mesure qu’on s’éloigne de l’équateur… le Groenland (désolé Andreas Mogensen ) ou l’Alaska ne sont pas si grands que ça, mais le Sahara, le Congo, l’Inde ou l’Australie, si !!! L’Australie vue du ciel est unique par ses couleurs qu’on ne rencontre nulle part ailleurs : les bleus de la côte se transforment, à l’intérieur des terres, en toutes les nuances du rouge, voire même du violet, parcourues par des veines noires et tachées d’immenses étendues quasi blanches. Quasiment pas de vert. Incroyable et presque surnaturel 🔵😯🔴. On commence par la vue générale où le rouge du bush finit par se fondre dans le bleu du ciel.
Credits: ESA/NASA–T. Pesquet
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Hubli DLS homed, distinctive looking WDG-4 12313 along with its shed mate and some flower decorations slows down to enter the station limits of Tumkur with Bangalore City bound Siddaganga Intercity express from Dharwad.
The unique landscape of the Badlands owes its appearance to the one material that is in short supply in Death Valley: water. The Badlands now exist in what was once a prehistoric lake. Mud and silt from the surrounding mountains washed down into the lake when what is now the national park was once a wetter environment. The silts settled to the bottom and were compressed and weakly cemented into soft rock over time. The clay minerals in the mudstone are shaped like tiny plates. These plates act like roof shingles, preventing water from penetrating the surface. The combination of the almost impermeable mudstone and Death Valley’s scant rainfall makes plant growth and soil development nearly impossible. If one looks closely at the photos, on some of the hills a layer of black rock covers the yellowish underlying layers. This is the result of volcanic debris deposited in the lake bottom when the valley was rimmed by ancient volcanoes. This layer forms a protective cap on the soft underlying sediments.
As the climate shifted, the lake dried and a geological upheaval (known as the Pacific Plate crashing into the North American Plate) caused the landscape to tilt. This tilt is easily identified in the rock strata. At Death Valley rainfall is intense but sporadic. Very long periods of drought are punctuated with drenching downpours. With so little vegetation and no soil, when water reaches the ground, there is nothing to absorb the rainfall. During Death Valley’s rain showers, water hits the surface and immediately begins to rush down the steep slopes, sweeping along particles of loosened mud. The rate of erosion can be incredible! Tiny rills are quickly carved into the soft mudstone. The more water in the downpour, the more rills are needed to carry the water away. Rills cut deeper to form gullies. Badlands are the ultimate result-- nature’s way of efficiently moving lots of water quickly.
Source: www.summitpost.org
December 28, 2013, Death Valley National Park, California.
I have always waned to see the strange and unique landscape of Dungeness. Finally, I saw it. Also a great home to wildlife as well!
www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/find-a-reserve/reserv...
If you haven't been to Dungeness, nothing can quite prepare you for the landscape – mile after mile of shingle, which is wild and a little weird! On a cold winter's day, it is a delight to sit snug in the visitor centre and look out through a huge picture window at all the waterbirds on the large gravel pit just outside. Often a rare grebe or diver is among them, and it is perhaps the best place in the UK for watching the delightful smew.
The nature trails lead around a series of hides where there is an excellent chance of seeing bitterns and bearded tits in winter. There is plenty to be seen at other times too. Dungeness's position, jutting into the English Channel, makes it ideally placed to watch for migrant birds arriving or departing, with wheatears, swallows, martins and warblers regularly seen.
In summer, redshanks, lapwings and reedbed birds breed, including, in 2007, two pairs of marsh harriers for the first time.
Dungeness is a great place for children to become 'wildlife detectives' and enjoy learning about nature at one of our regular family events. And with recently added hides and trails overlooking new wetland areas, there's more than ever to see.
Opening times
The reserve is open daily (except December 25 and 26) from 9 am-9 pm (or sunset if earlier). The visitor centre is open from 10 am-5 pm (4 pm November - February).
Entrance charges
RSPB and Wildlife Explorer members free. Non-members: adults £4, student £3, under 16s £2, under 5s free, carers free (when accompanying registered disabled visitors)
If you are new to birdwatching...
A good variety of waterfowl and seabirds can be easily seen from the visitor centre and hides. Staff usually on hand in the visitor centre to help with identification. Identification charts in all hides. Four beginners' walks run each year.
Information for families
Families are always welcome at RSPB Dungeness and a huge range of family friendly activities goes on throughout the year. Use a Wildlife Explorer rucksack (free of charge) to explore the reserve and the children's trail on your own or join one of our events to get expert tuition on activities such as pond dipping, minibeasts, bird watching or being a nature detective to name just a few. Family events run throughout the school holidays; children must be accompanied by an adult.
Information for dog owners
No dogs allowed, except registered assistance dogs. However, dogs can be exercised on a lead in the car park.
Star species
Our star species are some of the most interesting birds you may see on your visit to the reserve.
Bittern
Bitterns come to Dungeness in Britain from Europe when cold weather forces them to move to sites where they can still catch fish.
Little ringed plover
The first little ringed plovers arrive at Dungeness in March. Look for them on the islands on the pits and feeding around the muddy edges until early autumn when they head back to Africa.
Slavonian grebe
Slavonian grebes are scarce, but regular visitors to Dungeness. A small number of them can be seen diving for food on the pits in winter.
Smew
Look for small parties of smews diving on the pits between late November and March. The hides overlooking Burrowe's Pit should produce good views. The stunning adult drakes are outnumbered by 'redheads' - females and immature males.
Wheatear
The arrival of wheatears from March is a sure sign that spring has arrived at Dungeness. Large arrivals - 'falls' - of this migrant can occur here in both spring and autumn.
Read more at www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/find-a-reserve/reserv...
Seasonal highlights
Each season brings a different experience at our nature reserves. In spring, the air is filled with birdsong as they compete to establish territories and attract a mate. In summer, look out for young birds making their first venture into the outside world. Autumn brings large movements of migrating birds - some heading south to a warmer climate, others seeking refuge in the UK from the cold Arctic winter. In winter, look out for large flocks of birds gathering to feed, or flying at dusk to form large roosts to keep warm.
Spring
The first sand martins of the season should be seen in mid-March, closely followed by wheatears, black redstarts and yellow wagtails. Cuckoos should be present from mid-April whilst there will be a large increase in warblers. Sedge and reed warblers and whitethroats all nest on the reserve whilst willow warblers, chiffchaffs, and blackcaps pass through on migration. Wader passage should be noticeable with bar-tailed and black-tailed godwits, whimbrels, greenshanks, green and common sandpipers, little ringed plovers, avocets and ruffs all likely. Look for lapwings displaying over the fields and listen for marsh frogs calling from the lakes and ditches.
Summer
In June, our resident cormorants will be busy feeding their chicks whilst cygnets, goslings and ducklings will be much in evidence. Hobbies may be seen hunting insects over Hooker's pits - it is always a joy to watch these fantastic falcons performing their aerial acrobatics. Throughout July the reserve will be ablaze with the colourful flowers of viper's bugloss and yellow-horned poppy. Butterflies and dragonflies will be on the wing. Species of the former most likely to be seen include red admiral, small tortoiseshell and common blue but there may also be influxes of migrant species such as clouded yellow and painted lady.
Autumn
Wildfowl numbers will increase as September progresses. Hundreds of sand martins, along with smaller numbers of swallows and house martins, can be seen feeding over Burrowes' pit throughout September. Migrating passerines such as whinchats, redstarts, wheatears and ring ouzels, will all be present in varying numbers. In October we expect to see our first goldeneyes of the season, whilst November brings the first smews and goosanders. Marsh harriers will be seen regularly and by November will be joined by their cousin the hen harriers. Finch sightings will increase as the colder weather sets in, with linnets forming flocks, and sightings of greenfinches, goldfinches, siskins, and chaffinches all likely.
Winter
Waterbirds are the main attraction during the winter months. Large numbers of wigeons, gadwalls, teals, mallards, pintails, shovelers, pochards and tufted ducks will be present whilst smews, goldeneyes and pintails will also be seen. Bewick's and whooper swans may roost on the Hanson ARC pit. Large flocks of greylag geese may be joined by white-fronted geese. Merlins, peregrines, hen harriers and marsh harriers should be seen regularly. Barn, short-eared and long-eared owls may also be found during the winter months. Amongst the passerines stonechats, goldcrests and greenfinches will be regular features and Cetti's warblers and bearded tits should be present, particularly around Hooker's pits.
Facilities
Visitor centre
Information centre
Car park :
Car parks: Two, one at visitor centre, one at Hanson ARC site. Cycle racks outside visitor centre
Toilets
Disabled toilets
Picnic area
Binocular hire
Group bookings accepted
Guided walks available
Good for walking
Pushchair friendly
Viewing points
There are six hides on the main nature trail, plus viewing from the visitor centre. There is a hide and viewing screen at the Hanson ARC site.
Nature trails
A circular nature trail 3.2 km (2 miles) in length starts at the visitor centre. The track surface is largely hard-packed shingle with two stretches of short grass. The trail is generally suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs although there are occasional patches of more loose shingle. At the Hanson ARC site there are two tracks (both 380 m in length), one leading to a hide, one to a viewing screen. Both tracks are suitable for both wheelchairs and pushchairs. All hides and the viewing screen are wheelchair accessible.
Refreshments available
Hot drinks
Cold drinks
Confectionery
Shop
The shop stocks:
Binoculars and telescopes
Books
Bird food
Gifts
Educational facilities
Please see the school visits page for information on the educational facilities we offer at Dungeness.
Accessibility
28 June 2012
This is a Summary Access Statement.
Before you visit
Clear print site leaflet available from our reserve reception
Free entry to members. Entrance charge for Non-members. Carer or essential companion admitted free with disabled visitor
Registered Assistance Dogs welcome. Other dogs are restricted to exercise in the car park
The Visitor Centre is open from 10 am to 5 pm (4 pm November-March) daily, except 25-26 December. The nature trail is open from 9 am to 9 pm or sunset if earlier
Check accessibility for events and activities.
How to get here
Rye railway station, 10 miles (16 km) away. Taxis usually available
Bus stop on request at the reserve entrance from where there is a one-mile walk to the Visitor Centre.
Car parking
60 spaces and two Blue Badge spaces, 10 m from visitor centre
Surface hard-packed shingle, occasional potholes. Cement surface for Blue Badge
No height restriction
No formal drop off point
No lighting.
Visitor centre and shop
Ground floor with step free level access throughout and carpeted flooring. Lowered counter section. Good lighting and ample space. Several seating areas and four seats have arms. A magnifying glass, pen and paper. Binoculars for hire. Some goods may be difficult to reach. Staff available to assist.
Nature trails
Three signposted routes, generally flat with some gentle undulations. A variety of benches, perches and occasional bench provided.
Viewing facilities
Six hides. Four with single Blue Badge Parking space. Hides have adapted wheelchair spaces. Paths hard packed shingle or gravel with some loose stones. Great views from visitor centre. A hide and screen opposite to main reserve at Hanson-ARC site is accesed on compact aggregate with some loose stones, occasionally muddy.
Toilets and baby changing facilities
Across the car park from the visitor centre entrance. A unisex accessible toilet. Baby changing facility.
Catering
Hot and cold drinks and confectionery in the visitor centre. Staff available to assist.
Picnic area
Three tables in the car park, all with wheelchair spaces. Three tables, two with wheelchair spaces at Dennis's Hide. A table 45m from the visitor centre with a view over the pond-dipping area. Visitors are welcome to consume their own food and drink here.
Education facilities
Ground floor, step-free, level, large flexible space. Good lighting. Carpet flooring.
Help us improve accessibility by sending feedback to the Site Manager.
For more information
Dungeness
E-mail: dungeness@rspb.org.uk
Telephone:01797 320588
How to get here
By bicycle (Sustrans cycle route)
Route 2
By train
Rye (16 km/10 miles), then bus 100 to Lydd and bus 11/11A/11B (not Sundays) from Lydd to reserve. Folkestone (32 km/20 miles), then bus service 101 to Lydd and bus 11/11A/11B (not Sundays) from Lydd to reserve. Ashford (25 km/16 miles) then bus service 11/11A/11B (not Sundays) to reserve.
By bus
Bus services 11/11A/11B from Ashford via Lydd (not Sundays) stop on request at the reserve entrance from where there is a one-mile walk to the Visitor Centre. There is a limited service on bus 102 from Lydd or Folkestone. The nearest stops on Sundays are at either Lydd or Lydd-on-Sea (The Pilot Inn). For more detailed information please contact the reserve.
By road
One mile out of Lydd on the Dungeness Road turn right for the the main site. The visitor centre and car park are one mile along the entrance track. The entrance to the Hanson ARC site and car park is opposite the main reserve entrance on the left of the Dungeness Road.
Our work here
18 July 2011
Dungeness was declared a National Nature Reserve in order to protect its unique shingle ridges. Other habitats include wetlands, grasslands and farmland.
The reserve is a haven for breeding and wintering water birds, and an important stopover for migrants. It is also home to many unusual plants and invertebrates.
The RSPB is managing the reserve for the benefit of all its wildlife.
Saving shingle
Dungeness's shingle ridges support an internationally important community of plants and animals. These include the endemic leafhopper Aphrodes duffieldi, and the scarce Nottingham catchfly, which is the food plant of several rare moth species.
We are managing this fragile habitat in order to preserve its unique character and biodiversity.
Flourishing fens
Behind the shingle ridges are a series of natural freshwater pits that have been colonised by fen vegetation. These support several uncommon plants, including the regionally scarce great fen sedge, as well as great crested newts and medicinal leeches.
We are encouraging the fens to recover and spread by cutting back willow scrub and other invasive plants. This enhances the overall biodiversity of the pits.
Reedbed creation
We have recently carried out major landscaping on Denge Marsh to create a 20 ha reedbed which links to the reedbed at Hooker's Pit. This will provide habitat for bitterns, bearded tits and marsh harriers.
Pit stop
The reserve also has over 90 flooded gravel pits. These offer an important refuge for wintering wildfowl, including black-necked grebe, goosander and smew, and support breeding colonies of gulls and cormorants.
We are managing the pits for their biodiversity. In particular, we aim to increase the numbers of seabirds, including Mediterranean gulls and common terns, that breed on the islands.
Grassland and farmland
Dungeness has both wet and dry grassland. We are managing these habitats in order to provide suitable breeding conditions for birds such as lapwings, redshanks and garganeys, as well as two uncommon species of bumblebee, Bombus humilis and Bombus ruderarius.
Visitor attraction
We will continue to promote the reserve to visitors and maintain our network of facilities, which includes hides, nature trails and a visitor centre. However, we will be careful not to exceed 40,000 visitors per year, since any more might inhibit conservation work.
Funding
RSPB Dungeness has developed into a fantastic home for nature, helped by the tremendous support of many individuals, groups and organisations. In addition to RSPB members and supporters, local community members and a tireless team of volunteers, we would particularly like to thank the following organisations for their financial support:
Affinity Water
Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund, a Defra grant distributed by Natural England
Brett
Countryside Agency
Environment Agency
EU Life Nature
Hanson Environment Fund through the Landfill Community Fund
Heritage Lottery Fund
Ibstock Cory Environment Trust through the Landfill Community Fund
Kent County Council
Mid-Kent Leader+
Natural England through Defra
The Oliver Coppin Memorial Trust
Roger de Haan Charitable Trust
SEEDA
Tory Family Foundation
WREN/FCC Environment through the Landfill Community Fund
Ancient cobblestone pathways in the Old Town lead the way to one of Geneva's unique sights, the Chapel of the Maccabees. This colorful Gothic influenced chapel is located in the south-west wing of the St. Pierre's Cathedral. It was built in the 15th century as a tomb for Jean de Brogny and his family, a cardinal who served under Pope Clement VII.
History of the chapel
Chapel of the Maccabees or the Notre-dame collegial chapel was converted into a warehouse during the Reformation to store salt and gunpowder, but by the end of the 17th century, it was used as the venue for lectures on philosophy by the Academy, a predecessor of Geneva University. This period saw a change in the layout of the chapel, as they built three other interior floors to accommodate the masses. Today, visitors can attend concerts that are held in this historic building and it is even used for weddings and family ceremonies.
Architecture
The chapel was renovated in the 19th century in the neo-Gothic style. The chancel vault was redecorated displaying the celestial chorus theme that reflected the original frescoes of its glorious past, a time before austerity was introduced by John Calvin as he preached Protestantism to the citizens of this city.
A perfect time to visit this chapel is during the sunny day, a spectacular sight as the sun's rays hit the stain glass and creates a magical atmosphere inside the chapel with different hues of color. The colorful arches and the high ceiling are remarkable. The ceiling is painted in shades of blue and pink and if you look closely you will see angels adorning the ceiling. The pulpit is stunning, it has sculptures of an angel, an eagle, a winged lion, and a winged horse, this represented the Medieval Royal Houses from the different ages that patronized this chapel. Another interesting sight is the historic Walcker organ, this was positioned on the cardinal's tomb after renovation in 1889. Though small in size, the Chapel Maccabees charms the visitor to spending more time admiring its beautiful interiors.
Other attractions near the Chapel of the Maccabees
You might also be interested in visiting the archaeological site that is located below the cathedral. There are stunning artifacts from the 4th to the 11th century. The most outstanding is the 4th century mosaic floor and the baptistery, do watch out for the skeletons at this site!
The adventurous can climb to the top of 2 towers of St. Peter's Cathedral and enjoy the beautiful panoramic views of the city - definitely worth the climb.
www.geneva.info/st-peters-cathedral/chapel-of-the-maccabees/
Zebra slot canyon might be one of the most unique and most photographic sot canyon out there. The section of the canyon you see in these images is maybe about 50-60 feet in length. All of these shots are looking back towards the way one typically comes into the canyon (not sure it is even possible to enter the other direction?)
Because of the narrowness of getting to this section and how you have to leverage climb past one particular spot, I decided not to bring my tripod in with me to this section. All shots of Zebra are handheld.
Another interesting thing about the slot is the lighting and color of the rock. You can see in these shots that it can vary depending on the time of day and the way the light is hitting it, and then how your camera interprets that light color (white balance). I shot auto white balance on these shots, and corrected in LR in post.
At 8.5, these are a little tight, but not that bad. I walked a few NYC Aves in them without any problem. There's just no slippage! But look at them...