View allAll Photos Tagged conspire
Peaks of the Snoqualmie Pass area, North Bend, Washington
As I have been looking through many unposted images from summer hikes, all I can think about is snow! There is lots of it already at the higher elevations, and for weeks I have been craving a snowshoe or snow hike outing to hear the soft crunch under my boots and feel the bite of the winter air.
However, various life, weather (looking at you bomb cyclone!), and family events have conspired to keep me at home, so for now I visit there in my memories, and hope to return to the mountains again soon.
At normal viewing distance this is a minimalistic desert landscape. On closer inspection, the local fauna conspired to make the image somewhat less than true minimal.
Happy Thursday Monochrome.
You know instinctively that some moments are going to stay with you. When it’s the very first morning in a new country it’s probably going to help to keep the time you spent in the sunrise hour in your mind, standing on top of a big lump on the landscape, watching sheets of rain chasing north along the water and over the islands in a softly lit wash of the new day. I’d been dragged here at a far earlier hour than I’m used to, leaving the house at five to drive to the foot of the lofty Havstensklippan. A twenty-five minute uphill stomp with head torches on, dodging treacherous tree roots and wondering why I was wearing jeans instead of walking trousers as we shuffled over a hefty rock on our derrieres. The freshly laundered jeans were supposed to remain untainted so that on the long journey home by air and rail, I might have half a chance of looking and smelling reasonably acceptable. Not much chance of that now, with a spattering of mud on the backside of them.
Onwards, upwards and up to the top where the trees gave way to a glorious easterly panorama. There was no denying that this was a well chosen spot for a sunrise shoot. Across the water, perhaps three of four miles away, the handsome Uddevalla Bridge that we’d crossed to get here stood before a faint orange glow, a hint of what might come as long as clouds didn’t conspire on the horizon. Forty-five minutes before sunrise and time for a slug of life affirming coffee. Thanks to Steve’s son AJ, there was some coffee in the house. It seems he’s the only member of the family who drinks it. I made a note to get some later for the adventures in Norway, and began to plan a composition. Heather in bloom right in front of me and a southerly view straight along the sound. Somewhere down there was Steve’s home. The short drive here had taken us along an anticlockwise semicircle and the map shows me that we were no more than five or six miles from base - by boat that is. My host had found his own patch of heather and began setting up his tripod. “Am I in your shot?” he asked. “No you’re fine, but would you mind just moving your bag to the right a bit please?” Such is the way when you’re not alone. I rattled off a couple of test shots, and then noticed a bigger patch of heather to my right. With a group of three pines in the frame, it had potential. I changed position and continued to wait.
And then things started happening. The sun came up and sent its beams across the water. A squall blew northwards and a rainbow illuminated the heather to the west. I abandoned my compositions and chased all over the headland, catching the golden light as the sun rose beside the bridge, and then barging in on Steve’s one man party to capture the rainbow. Then jumping back to my original position to photograph the rainstorm coming straight towards us, painting everything with gold as it whipped across the water below us. We hid beneath a huge golf umbrella as the shower passed over our heads. The rocks before us were quickly filled with small puddles of reflected light. Worth getting soaked for everytime. At least the jeans had a wash of sorts.
On the way down we approached that big rock from the right hand side this time, clambering around its flank. And what was this? Blueberries? Like in the supermarkets at home, but just growing here? Well, bilberries actually, although I wouldn’t be able to tell the difference in a taste test. Breakfast was served and I helped myself to the landscape one last time this morning. From here we returned home via the supermarket. Steve had been given an order for croissants and various accompaniments. We were back home by half past eight, where breakfast of a different kind was placed on the table in front of me. And more coffee. Sherlock the spaniel rested his head on my thigh, only to leave a big trail of slobber on the sorry jeans as a welcome present when it was time to go walkies. It was heartwarming to be accepted by the family menagerie like this, but in just over a week from now, the journey back to Cornwall was going to be a delight for whomever had the misfortune to be sitting next to me.
"They say that all good things must end someday
Autumn leaves must fall
But don't you know that it hurts me so
To say goodbye to you
Wish you didn't have to go
No, no, no, no
And when the rain
Beats against my window pane
I'll think of summer days again
And dream of you . . . . "
"A Summer Song" by Chad & Jeremy
Last night's wind and this morning's rain conspired to turn our neighborhood streets into this colorful jigsaw puzzle.
Things are conspiring to knobbled my attempts to get out into the heather again this year. I was hoping for an early morning visit to Millstone edge this week but Toby’s mishaps upset that. I find the hills have a certain aurora this time of year with heather blossoming and I’m still striving to get a killer image of this time but with current commitments and weather conditions I can’t see that happening. I’m back down to the Peak district grandchild minding again at the end of August but that will probably be too late. I just caught the end of the season last year with a last minute dash up to Northumberland here is an image from that evening.
Rare Arctic Lion
'But the proles, if only they could somehow become conscious of their own strength. would have no need to conspire. They needed only to rise up and shake themselves like a horse shaking off flies. If they chose they could blow the Party to pieces tomorrow morning. Surely sooner or later it must occur to them to do it? And yet—!' - 1984
I think the universe is on my side
Heaven and Earth have finally aligned
Days are good and that's the way it should be
You sprinkle star dust on my pillow case
It's like a moonbeam brushed across my face
Nights are good and that's the way it should be
You make me sing oh, la, la, La
You make a girl go oh oh
I'm in love, love
Did you see that shooting star tonight?
Were you dazzled by the same constellation?
Did you and Jupiter conspire to get me?
I think you and the Moon and Neptune got it right
'Cause now I'm shining bright, so bright
Bright, so bright...
Nidderdale, in the hush of a December afternoon, glows with a quiet splendour. The low winter sun slants across the dale, gilding the rolling pastures in a soft amber light. In the middle distance, Gouthwaite Reservoir lies still and silvered, cradled by the surrounding hills.
It’s a scene of quiet resilience and timeless beauty—where land, light, and stone conspire to tell the story of winter in Yorkshire.
Best viewed large
Branches and shadows conspire to make an interesting composition on my late afternoons's hike by the East Portal, Colorado!
To Autumn
Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,
Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;
Conspiring with him how to load and bless
With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run;
To bend with apples the moss'd cottage-trees,
And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core;
To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shells
With a sweet kernel; to set budding more,
And still more, later flowers for the bees,
Until they think warm days will never cease,
For summer has o'er-brimm'd their clammy cells.
…John Keats
♥️This photo was taken while enjoying a visit to one of my favourite places on this Earth. I simply adore Central Park! and indeed NYC in general. Not sure now that I’d ever be able to return, but I hold the happy memories fondly in my heart.♥️
From across the pond came this RedHead. Now this is my friend. We chat..we talk we converse we conspire and so many other things. Im her fan and shes my fan. True bonds of friendship
Back to Liverpool. I spent 3 nights there and this was taken on my first evening there, a few hours after arriving. I did a walk around the docks area, along the River Mersey, and shot this looking toward Wallasey, a town that sits across the river from Liverpool proper.
Two things conspired in my favour with this. First and most obviously, the light, which was spectacular for 15 or 20 minutes as the sun descended through the layer of cloud and broke through in these distinct yellow shafts. That was cool to see. And then another bit of luck, the gull flying through the frame. I admit that I was looking for that shot because there were lots of gulls everywhere and I knew if I kept the camera up long enough one of them was sure to fly through the space. It didn't take long before this one did so sometimes one's patience is rewarded.
This was taken in Nashville Tn. about 15 minutes before totality. Although clouds chose to block the shot, the muses conspired and regained control of artistic endeavor.
YOSHI Eyes - Halloween FREE Group Gift, ends 31st October
DS'ELLES Bloody Pearl #3 @ Spookzilla Hunt
Pose: OMY Poppy @ FLF-o-Ween (face animation)
Ces oiseaux noirs !
Beaucoup les conspuent. Pourtant, il faut les observer sous le soleil pour découvrir leur plumage iridescent qui fera miroiter des couleurs incroyables.
Les premiers sont à nos portes annonçant ainsi la venue du printemps ; ))
These black birds!
Many conspire them. However, you have to observe them under the sun to discover their iridescent plumage which will sparkle incredible colors.
The first are at our doors thus announcing the coming of spring; )))
Sometimes when you round the corner, it’s just the visual sernedipity of it all, a random jumble of disparate elements slammed against each other in just a certain way, and in just a certain light, of course, that conspire to catch the eye. Photographed at golden hour in Toronto, minutes before sunset on February 8, 2022. Processed in PS.
To Autumn:
Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,
Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;
Conspiring with him how to load and bless
With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run;
To bend with apples the moss'd cottage-trees,
And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core;
To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shells
With a sweet kernel; to set budding more,
And still more, later flowers for the bees,
Until they think warm days will never cease,
For Summer has o'er-brimm'd their clammy cells.....
John Keats
---------------
Photo shows the ripe fruit of Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum), Quebec, Canada. September 2025.
Jack-in-the-Pulpit is a woodland plant that is native to east North America.
The ripe bright red fruit is inedible to humans.
The fruits (and all parts of the plant) contain high levels of calcium oxalate crystals, which cause burning, swelling, and irritation of the mouth and throat if eaten raw.
DSC07264
“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
Spindrift, northern shores of Lake Huron, the Bruce peninsula, Ontario, Canada
~my textures~
It's not really the road to the cottage, but it could be, and we're heading there today. So, I'll be incommunicado for a spell. I hope I can finally get at least a few autumn photos this year; conditions and opportunities have conspired against me so far this autumn.
© AnvilcloudPhotography
Moonrise and Mauna Kea, Hawai'i Island
On a stormy Saturday when the thunder, lightning, wind, and rain are conspiring to keep me off the hiking trails, I thought I would share one of my favorite moments from my summer trip to Hawai'i.
I photographed sunset almost every evening I was there, and this night was no exception. I was mainly shooting over the water and watching as the sun slipped into a soft bank of clouds on the horizon, when for some reason I turned around. My eyes widened as I saw the skies over Mauna Kea and the surrounding mountains adorned in the most beautiful shades of pink, and I hastily started taking some photos. While skirting the edge of the golf course to try get a better angle on the mountain, I spotted the near-full moon rising over its slopes, and it became one of those special moments that remain etched in memory forever.
And one of those times that all too quickly fades from moment into memory. Within a few minutes the colors had vanished from the sky, the moon was enshrouded in the layers of clouds, and only the photos remind me it wasn't a dream.
I used the name Gordon Bennett as an expletive the other day then wondered how it came to be used in this way….
This man's name is often used in place of a swear word when making an exclamation of anger, surprise or frustration.
There were two famous men with this name…a father and son.
James Gordon Bennett senior (1795-1872) was a Scottish-born journalist, famous in the US for founding the New York Herald and conducting the first ever newspaper interview.
Anyway the reason for the expletive and why comments are turned off are as follows……
We did go for a two night stay last Friday at Winthorpe on the east coast not far from Skegness. We went to open our static caravan as was told only day the site maintenance would be available if anything didn’t work such as the gas fire etc.. happily all ok..Just before going to the van we checked if the local pub/ restaurant which looks out to sea from 5mtrs distance from this shot. Now anyone who knows that part of the coast will be more familiar with muddy grey or even a reddish sea.
Well when the combination of a blue sky and a gentle lapping tide that was in or just going out gave this beautiful view….the name of the pub/ restaurant as it happens and I was out the car in a flash with the Fuji x100v which I had in my hands. Disappointingly the gulls ? Were blurry so this shot is over sharpened using AI ( which doesn’t really cut it tbh ) but this is what we saw and were elated.
We are going away for 10 days on Friday for ten days but things are conspiring to make things difficult. We had a much welcomed phone call from a guy with a wonderful Canadian drawl….Hi guys we’re coming over…err when we asked Malcolm, Jonathan’s son.
Next Friday 24th of March for 13 days………..You couldn’t make it up could you ? Him and his partner are packing a lot into those 13 days including his best friends wedding and showing his Canadian partner Leah the Lakes. We told him we were going to Torquay on Friday - “ no problem, we will join you at the caravan.
I rang the site to add two more people onto the list staying only to be told it was only a one bedroom caravan - can’t upgrade because the site is full dohh… we are hoping Malcolm and Leah can come to visit us at our home at the end of their travels which includes 4 days in Austria. We imagine may be where the wedding of his friend takes place.. have been up to our necks in stuff and try as I might can’t catch up and today we fetch my grandson from school then going out for a combined Mothers Day meal for me and also for my son Adams Birthday which is today…..I am waiting for my GP to call as the Oesophageal spasms I have had for six weeks are no better and medication only doubled for six weeks as was expected they would stop but they haven’t so I need a new supply ….endoscopy supposed to follow if the medications failed. I turned comments of because I shall try to catch up but may well fail…
Day 365. Went to see The Force Awakens for the third time today :) Had time to kill when I got to the cinema so went for a stroll along the river bank.
.....and that is that. Day 365, a whole year of taking photos every day. I've learnt a lot over the past year, but tbh it's not something I want to repeat in a hurry!
What I've enjoyed is exploring styles of photography that I hadn't thought about before, such as Street, Macro, Bokeh, Abstract, Low POV, Symmetry, Reflections...
What I've not liked is the drudgery of having to find a photo every day even when life is conspiring against you! ....And that feeling of frustration when the shot you thought was the "money shot" turns out to be out of focus when you look at it on the PC screen.
So, no 2016 365 shots for me, but I will continue to contribute to Flickr in some form (and I've got a stack of 365 reject shots to clear through and upload at some point).
My dreams of a card full of iconic shots from Milford Sound never looked like coming true as the low cloud, wind and rain flurries conspired against me. Still it wasn't a lost day, I came away with some beautiful shots, just not the ones I'd dreamed of taking.
Algunas extrañas veces la luz se confabula y se convierte en mágica.
Some extraneous times the light conspires himself and becomes magic.
♫ David Lee Roth - That's Life ♫
Been a puppet, pirate, a poet, a pauper, a pawn and a king
Been up and down and over and out and I know one thing
Each time that I find myself flat on my face
I pick myself up and get back in the race
That's life (that's life)
And I can't deny it
Many times I thought of quitting, babe
But my heart wouldn't buy it
If I didn't think it was worth one try
I'd jump right on a big bird and I'd fly
Been a puppet, poet, pirate, pauper, now I'm a king
Been up, down, I know one thing
Each time that I find myself flat on my face
I pick myself up and get back in the race
That's life (that's life)
And I can't deny it
Many times I thought of quitting, babe
But my heart wouldn't buy it
If I didn't think it was worth one try
I'd just roll myself up in a big ball and fly
Zop-pop-dup-shoo-be-doo-be-doo
196/365
In the face of advertisty, uncertainty and conflicting sensory information, I hereby promise to remain over mindful of the magical, infinite, loving reality in which I live. A reality that conspires tirelessly in my favour. I further recognise that living within space and time, as a creator amongst my creations, is the ultimate adventure, because thoughts become things, dreams do come true, and all things remain forever possible. as being a light, I hereby resolve to live, love and be happy at all costs, no matter what, with revereance and kindness for all.
Today I mark the beginning of a new life. A new start. A change that has been long awaited.
Vyou | Formspring | Tumblr | Facebook Page |
Bunny & I planned on a halloween picture, but life conspired against us ( well, her mouse was to blame). I hadn't taken down my halloween decor as I wanted to show her what I'd done so she came over & we ended up creating this pose & another firework one, which I crashed on, but see her pic because basically it was what I was aiming for. I still haven't taken my halloween spider wall down either! Pure friendship takes no effort, we are quite simply just there for each other, in good and bad times & being best friends completed our second lives and enhanced our real lives <3
or quite conspiring!
"Marley, it was a really good idea to come outside to draw, but you should have warned me that you have a lot of wind in your yard."
"It's just nature checking out our work."
"What does it do when it's done looking at it?"
"Well, if it likes it, it will return it to our laps."
"Wow, really?"
"Yah, but I don't think it likes my drawings because it usually tosses it all over the yard."
Success (well, actually a mile or so south of that timetable point, at Cedarville), only about 48 hours later than planned originally....
This recently-repainted beauty, the Norfolk Southern's Reading Company heritage unit (yes, the railroad you take a ride on in the game of "Monopoly") was supposed to transit my area on Tuesday, April 11, 2023.
It would take too long to describe all the things that conspired to delay this (although it would be slightly shorter than "War and Peace", or "Gone With the Wind"), including spending about 24 hours in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, but here it is on the morning of April 13, 2023, at Cedarville, Virginia, heading up NS manifest train 11Z.
All's well that ends well!
++ SIMURG + WINTER VALLEY ++, Lunar Valley (171, 60, 36) - Moderate
maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Lunar%20Valley/171/60/36
Walking in a Winter Wonderland
Sleigh bells ring, are you listenin'?
In the lane, snow is glistenin'
A beautiful sight
We're happy tonight
Walkin' in a winter wonderland
Gone away is the bluebird
Here to stay is a new bird
To sing a love song
While we stroll along
Walkin' in a winter wonderland
In the meadow, we can build a snowman
We'll pretend that he is Parson Brown
He'll say, "Are ya married?"
We'll say, "No, man
But you can do the job when you're in town"
In the meadow, we can build a snowman
We'll pretend that he is Parson Brown
He'll say, "Are ya ready?"
We'll say, "No, man
But you can do the job when you're in town"
Later on, we'll conspire
As we dream by the fire
To face unafraid
The plans that we've made
Walkin' in a winter wonderland
Songwriters: William Thomas Emmanuel, Richard B. Smith, Felix Bernard, John Knowles. For non-commercial use only.
One of the highlights of my recent trip to the highlands with the 1Z10 guys was the afternoon I spent on Rannoch Moor. Even though I only photographed two trains during my 5 hour stay I have to say that the time there was magical.
The conditions were perfect the view was stunning, all I had to do was to wait for a train and point and shoot. Nature did the rest.
In truth I would have liked this to be the first picture I shared but it needed some work in the edit suite. A planned family holiday and work conspired to delay its release by which time several other excellent pictures from my chums who were also there on the day were released all excellent may I add.
So here is my version of 66740 crossing the viaduct at Rannoch with the 0625 Blyth to Fort William Alcans.
The journey to this point required a drive to Bristol airport a flight to Inverness, a hire car from Inverness to Rannoch station and a pretty arduous yomp across difficult terrain to get to this spot. Thanks to Duncan for going on point and leading me across the moor on a hot midge filled afternoon.
Total distance from my front door to this spot....797.5 miles plus a 1.5 yomp. Even though it was a big gamble weather wise I would do it all again in a heartbeat but with stronger midge repellent.
May all the sweet magic of Christmas conspire
To gladden your hearts and fill every desire.
I Wish you a Merry Christmas my friends
Kisses ;-)
“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
Happy 2018! The clouds and ground fog this morning conspired to prevent a notable sunrise in Boulder (CO), so I'm using a photo from March 2017 to mark the dawn of a new calendar year. The Temple of the Sun in Lower Cathedral Valley of Capitol Reef National Park catches first light under a cloudy canopy. The smaller Temple of the Moon is also lit up on the left side.
Best wishes to everyone for health, happiness, and good light in 2018!
Siguiendo la luna y su veta invisible
La noche seguro que me alcanzara
No es que tu mirada me sea imposible
Tan solo es la forma como caminas
Siguiendo la Luna
Los Fabulosos Cadillacs
Fase: cuarto menguante
Fecha: 12-Dec-2018
Lugar: Puerto escondido, Duverge.
*"On the resplendent afternoon of the 15th day of December, in the year of our Lord 2018, at the precise hour of 3:52 and 14 seconds past, the moon ascended with regal poise over the tranquil expanse of Puerto Escondido, Duvergé. In its First Quarter phase, the lunar orb revealed a harmonious balance—half illuminated by the sun's golden rays, half veiled in shadow’s tender embrace. At the tender age of 7.59 days, the moon graced the heavens with an angular diameter of 0.5 degrees, suspended at a distance of 399,649 kilometers from the Earth. The sun, its eternal counterpart, lingered at a distance of 147,228,062 kilometers, casting its celestial influence upon the azure firmament.
Astronomical ephemeris whispered of the moon's passage through the sign of Pisces, imbuing the scene with an air of mysticism and poetic reverie. The tableau, a divine interplay of light and shadow, evoked a sense of cosmic grandeur, as though the heavens themselves had conspired to bestow this moment of sublime splendor upon the beholder."
LYRICS
This is gospel for the fallen ones
Locked away in permanent slumber
Assembling their philosophies
From pieces of broken memories
(This is the beat of my heart)
Their gnashing teeth and criminal tongues
Conspire against the odds
But they haven't seen the best of us yet
If you love me, let me go
These words are knives and often leave scars
The fear of falling apart
Truth be told, I never was yours
The fear of falling apart
This is gospel for the vagabonds
Ne'er-do-wells and insufferable bastards
Confessing their apostasies
Led away by imperfect impostors
(This is the beat of my heart)
Don't try to sleep through the end of the world
And bury me alive
'Cause I won't give up without a fight
The warm light from the setting sun, the dark, moody clouds in the eastern sky, a little bit of ice on the water, and periodic flocks of migrating tundra swans all conspired to make a magical evening in Goose Island Park, La Crosse County, Wisconsin.
Captured at: The Forgotten Gardens, Peaceful Shore
maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Peaceful%20Shore/229/100/27
Promises Of A New Day
© Belinda Stotler
Published: November 2019
The perpetual cadence of the vast sea
Stirs a restless desire that engulfs me.
Like an infinite force I dare not impede,
Briefly rushing in - only to then recede.
Beckoning me to leave life's safe shore,
Into deep waters of mystery and lore.
The seagulls' cries seem to taunt me,
To follow them over the endless sea,
Where I'd be free to spread my wings
And discover the new life the sea brings.
Yet, fear holds me fast to a familiar place,
Away from the unknown trials I may face.
Even the ocean's waves seem to conspire,
Relentlessly calling to stoke curiosity's fire,
As they rumble ashore with impatient haste,
Swirling about my feet with purpose chaste,
Urging me to follow as they return to the sea,
Leaving a luring trail of life or its relics for me.
Shall I boldly explore the sea's possibilities,
Or allow imagined worries to be liabilities?
Although I cannot foretell all the sea offers,
The strong desire to enrich my mind's coffers
Begs me to obey the sea's enticing siren song
And let its wandering currents carry me along.
As the day slowly wanes on the sea's horizon,
I ponder the sea's glittering trail to the sun,
Inviting me to watch its vibrant dying light,
Before the day's life gives way to the night.
Still, I lingered a while after it faded away,
Wondering about the promises of a new day.
Source: www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/promises-of-a-new-day
to call you a getleman ;-)
George Bernard Shaw
HSS! Science Matters!
dahlia, j c raulston arboretum, ncsu, raleigh, north carolina
Another shot of Victoria Creek, in Cedar, MI, on a glorious day in late October.
To Autumn
By John Keats
Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,
Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;
Conspiring with him how to load and bless
With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run;
To bend with apples the moss'd cottage-trees,
And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core;
To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shells
With a sweet kernel; to set budding more,
And still more, later flowers for the bees,
Until they think warm days will never cease,
For summer has o'er-brimm'd their clammy cells.
Who hath not seen thee oft amid thy store?
Sometimes whoever seeks abroad may find
Thee sitting careless on a granary floor,
Thy hair soft-lifted by the winnowing wind;
Or on a half-reap'd furrow sound asleep,
Drows'd with the fume of poppies, while thy hook
Spares the next swath and all its twined flowers:
And sometimes like a gleaner thou dost keep
Steady thy laden head across a brook;
Or by a cyder-press, with patient look,
Thou watchest the last oozings hours by hours.
Where are the songs of spring? Ay, Where are they?
Think not of them, thou hast thy music too,—
While barred clouds bloomthe soft-dying day,
And touch the stubble-plains with rosy hue;
Then in a wailful choir the small gnats mourn
Among the river sallows, borne aloft
Or sinking as the light wind lives or dies;
And full-grown lambs loud bleat from hilly bourn;
Hedge-crickets sing; and now with treble soft
The red-breast whistles from a garden-croft;
And gathering swallows twitter in the skies.
The brochure said it was a sunset cruise. I dreamed of spectacular shots, the bridge drenched in golden light, the clouds aglow and crimson. In truth the wind conspired to blow me overboard, my teeth chattered in the summer freeze and the sky stayed a resolute shade of gray. On board we were served salads when hot soups and a complimentary stiff drink would have better suited the occasion and eased the sunset disappointment.