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Niagara USA offers a breathtaking view of one of nature’s marvels and an experience that will last a life time.
The Niagara Falls are the most powerful waterfalls in North America. These voluminous waterfalls are situated on the Niagara River, which drains Lake Erie into Lake Ontario and forms the international border between the Canadian province of Ontario and the U.S. state of New York and forms the southern end of the Niagara Gorge.
Four of the five Great Lakes drain into the Niagara River, (Superior, Michigan, Huron and Erie) before emptying into Lake Ontario. These five Great Lakes make up almost one-fifth of the world's fresh water supply.
From here one can see all the three falls namely,American Falls,Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls .
View entire set on Niagara Falls : www.flickr.com/photos/29848963@N03/sets/72157627677785296/
Brighton Marina & Undercliff a walk I've done a few times and rode for that matter. On a sunny day the chalk that washes of the cliff face is as bright as snow. It follows the cliff line all the way along to Saltdean. Past Rottingdean and Ovingdean Gap. Plenty of spots along the way to have a paddle in the cool water of the English Channel. At low tide you can scramble over the chalk reefs us locals call The Rock Pools, and net and bucket are a must. Rottingdean further along offer Fish and Chips from the smugglers Inn chippy. Talking of Smugglers this place is rich in history.
Japan offers lots of flowers to enjoy in spring. Although Sakura season is over, the Shibazakura (Moss Pink or Phlox Subulata) season is at its peak. Hitsujiyama Park is one of the most popular Shibazakura viewing spots in Japan. For people who likes flowers, this area is a must see place.
Original article thumbnail-of-life.blogspot.com/2010/04/hitsujiyama-park-c...
From the book The Art of The Last Jedi. Don't get me wrong, I really loved the movie. But I do have a few design preferences I would've changed.
Like the bomber: The long tube designs look great, retain both the WW2 vibe and the 70s sci-fi look. The decision to go vertical is fine but it feels like it ended up a compromise, the end shape being a right angle square. A tad too goofy for me. At least keep the wings wide: it offers a larger target and suggests a tightrope walker balancing.
What do you people think? Like? Dislike? Meh?
Under normal circumstances, Quay Sta’nn would have never thought of going back to his home planet Coruscant. Not after he got into quite some serious trouble with some crime gangs fairly soon after Order 66 got executed. But the job he was offered now was too big of an opportunity to miss. The Empire has initiated an assault on the mining world of Vanquo, and if this battle is lost the Empire will be vulnerable. Imperial forces have been called towards the center of Coruscant in case the Separatists attack the planet. This has left one of the biggest data vaults on Coruscant under low protection; a perfect opportunity to initiate a raid on the vault. The Red Hand, a crime syndicate Quay dealt with a few months ago, has hired all kinds of bounty hunters and smugglers to cause a distraction in the lower levels, and to raid the vault of its important information. Quay had taken the job to cause a distraction to draw Imperial troops away from the vault itself in exchange for a hefty sum of credits. The question floating around in his mind was, just how will he accomplish that?
After he had arrived at the planet on one of the spaceports, it immediately became clear to Quay how much the planet had changed in the few years he wasn't on Coruscant. As soon as Quay stepped out of the transport with the other passengers, a couple of heavily armed troopers walked towards them to see their IDs. Luckily, Quay brought a fake ID right before he left, otherwise he most likely would have gotten in trouble. The troopers took a look at his ID, gave it back to him, and nodded as a sign that he was free to walk through the gates. Quay walked through the gates and enjoyed the view of the skyline of this part of the planet. He took a taxi to the parts of the planet where he used to live, to see if his favorite places to go to were still there. After a bit of searching, Quay found one of the cantinas he’d frequented previously, down in level 4597.
On the outside, Gratt’s Tavern could just be described as one of the many, many bars down in the lower levels of this planet. But once you stepped inside, you could feel the warmth this place has. At every given point of the day, there was always some random smuggler or criminal enjoying a drink or playing a game of sabacc. The cantina had a variety of musicians who would play live music during the busy hours, and a reprogrammed protocol droid served as a waiter. And on top of that, the cantina was run by a kind old man named Terras Gratt, who could always provide a bit of advice and positive thinking when someone had some problems.
As Quay entered the tavern, memories of all the time he had spent in this place came flooding back. Here, he got his first mission, spent too many hours late in the night drinking all kinds of liquor, sharing stories with friends, and most of all, the apartment where Quay used to live was located right above the cantina. As soon as Gratt recognized who he was he walked towards Quay with a big smile on his face.
"Quay? You’re still alive? I thought those Imperials killed you years ago when you left here!” Terras said.
“I'm more surprised that you are still alive, you old barrel! With all the fights that break out in this part of the planet, it's a wonder that you haven't been killed yet,” Quay replied.
“The secret is just avoiding conflict at all costs. You can't be killed in a fight if you never are in a fight, to begin with!”
“Can’t argue with that logic,” Quay said. “So, how have you been holding up over these years? I could imagine the Empire changed a lot of stuff around here.”
“If you want, I have some time to catch up with each other. Apart from the occasional smuggler who stops by to get a drink, around this time of the day, it’s always quite calm here. And while we're at it, take a drink—on the house!”
After the two talked together for a while, they came on the subject of the apartment above the bar that Quay had lived in for quite some time before his departure from Coruscant. Terras owns the apartment and rents it out to people, but when Quay asked if someone came to live thereafter he left the planet, Gratt replied that the apartment had been vacant ever since he left.
“Would you mind it if I would stay there for a few days? Gotta finish this one mission I have, then I will probably leave again. And once I get paid for it, I will make sure to give you a share to cover the apartment.”
“Sure! It's quite a mess at the moment though. Since I couldn't get anyone to rent that place, I started using it to store left-over drinks and stuff I never use anymore. So unless you have a problem with sleeping in the mess, you are free to stay there.”
Because Quay would be gone in a few days anyway, he accepted the offer to stay in the mess for a couple of days. He packed the small amount of stuff he brought with him and headed to the apartment upstairs. As soon as he entered the room, Quay saw how much stuff was in there. Broken glasses, tables filled with blaster holes presumably from shootouts that happened there, tanks filled with fluids, and more junk was scattered all around the fairly big place. At least there was still a bed present in the room, and some other small furniture that Quay could still use. He dropped his luggage on the bed and opened the blinds to enjoy the view he used to see almost every day. Because it was almost night, Quay prepared to go to sleep. Just as he was about to go to sleep, the room was suddenly illuminated by a purple glow coming from the corner of the room.
“Give me one good reason why I shouldn't kill you on the spot.” a female voice said. A figure emerged from the shadows, and Quay saw where the purple light came from. The woman was holding a lightsaber, meaning that this person was most likely a Jedi.
¨Look, there’s no need for a fight here, I can get you whatever you want if you help me on a mission. Food, credits, a ride to get off this planet, you name it.¨
The Jedi thought about the offer for a moment, before accepting it.
“If you can get me a stock of credits and a fake ID, I will aid you on your mission. I'm planning on leaving this planet since it’s filled with Imperialists, but that’s hard to do when those troops closely monitor everyone who enters and leaves this planet. So, what is that job of yours?”
Quay explained what was happening on Vanquo, and the job the Red Hand offered him.
“So that is why the city center was so filled with Imperial troops.” the Jedi said.
“Indeed. The Red Hand tasked me with causing a distraction somewhere in these levels, but I have no idea how I am going to do that. In about 3 hours, the raids are supposed to start, but without a solid plan, I am not sure if I will even finish this job.”
“Don't worry about it. While you get me that ID and credits, I will stay here to make us a plan. But if this is all a trick, and you’re planning to give me over to the Empire, the pain of this blade slicing through your body will be the last thing you feel.”
“Alright, I’ll keep that in mind. I am not planning to give you to the Empire. By the way, I never properly introduced myself to you. My name is Quay Sta’nn. If you don't want to tell me your name, I can understand that.” Quay said before walking out the door.
“Shaella. My name is Shaella Xalrich.” The Jedi said.
Quay went out on the streets, still worried about how he would ever be able to accomplish this job, but he did know where to get a false ID, so that’s where he would start; he went to an old friend who was able to make him a couple of fake IDs for the Jedi without divulging any info. When he returned to his apartment a few hours later with some food he grabbed from a food stand a few blocks away, Shaella was still busy making the plan for the raid.
¨This has been a lot harder than i expected. I made a few plans, but they are very risky.¨ Shaella said.
¨Ah, forget it. The raid will be starting in about an hour. I doubt we will be able to participate in them without a solid plan. I got us some food, so if you want some feel free to take it. Also got those credits and that false ID for you, but I first want a solid plan before you will get those.¨ Quay replied.
Shaella nodded that she understood it, and started eating a bowl with food. She and Quay started talking about some stuff while they were eating, and Quay told her all kinds of stories from his past on this planet. The two enjoyed sharing some of their experiences to each other. After a while, they got to the topic of Order 66.
¨I have a bit of a weird question, but...how did you survive the Purge? I thought Order 66 wiped out the entire Jedi Order.¨ Quay asked.
Shaella went silent for a moment, before telling him how she survived the Purge.
¨Me, my master, and our pack of Clone Troopers were stationed on Colla IV near the end of the Clone Wars. Here, they manufactured droidekas and more droids for the Separatists. We were waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike at one of the factories, when suddenly the commander got a call from Chancellor Palpatine himself. Although I wasn't paying attention to what was said to them, I did hear a few words: ¨Execute Order 66.¨ Before I knew it, the Clones had their weapons pointed at me and my master. We managed to get to the gunship to escape the planet, but my master got wounded to the point where no surgeon could save him anymore. I managed to take control of the gunship and eventually crashed on this planet, but my master died a slow and painful death on the way there. He left me his Lightsaber, but since using one Lightsaber is risky enough on its own, I usually carry it with me at all times. To this day, I can still feel the emotional and physical effects of that event. Everyone that i knew and could trust, have been killed or is now held in a prison somewhere by the Empire. And while that all is happening, i am stuck here, without being able to do anything to it.¨
Quay went silent after hearing this story. He himself went through some heavy stuff growing up, but he could imagine the kinds of consequences an event like this could leave to a person.
The silence was quickly ended by someone banging on the door. Shaella hid behind the trash in the room, while Quay walked towards the door to open it. An Stormtrooper was standing in the doorway, with several more troopers standing behind him.
¨We have reports of a Force-sensitive hiding around somewhere in this sector. Would you mind if we take a look around this apartment?¨ The trooper asked.
¨Of course not.¨ Quay replied. Although he was worried that the troopers would find Shaella, he knew that if that were to happen she would be able to take them all on. 5 troopers stepped through the doorway, and started searching the apartment. It didn't take long before one of the troopers shouted: ¨Hey, what is this woman doing behind all of this junk?¨ Shaella quickly ignited her lightsaber and fighted the Stormtroopers. While the troopers did their absolute best to try to take her down, Shaella doged and blocked all of their attacks, and took them down one by one. Just before she was about to take down the last trooper in the room, he shouted in his comms:
¨The Force-sensitive has been found! Requesting immediate backup on level 4597!¨
Shaella´s blade sliced through the trooper, but it was too late. All of the Empire was now alerted of their presence, and would be at this location in a matter of minutes.
¨Well, what should we do now?¨ Quay asked Shaella. She thought about it for a second, until coming up with an answer.
¨I'm done with hiding from the Empire. I would rather fight them for the greater cause and go down in glory, than to spend my remaining days rotting away here.¨
The two stepped outside the door, and immediately saw dozens of troopers running towards them. Quay and Shaella quickly stepped into Gratt´s tavern. The cantina was filled with people, but if they didn´t get out as soon as possible, they would get caught in the heat of the battle. Shaella ignited her lightsaber, and yelled: ¨Everyone, get out of here, now!¨ Nobody hesitated for a second, and in a matter of seconds the cantina was empty, with the exception of Terras who stood behind the bar, terrified.
¨What is this, Quay? Care to explain why you are with a Jedi, who just scared away all of my customers?¨ Gratt said, noticeably angry and scared.
¨No time to explain right now. Listen, the Empire is about to arrive here in seconds, and without any good intentions. It's better if you get out of here, right now.¨
¨There is no way i am leaving my own cantina behind! I´ll stay here. I have a blaster here, so I can protect myself if needed. I will just hide behind the counter, together with my protocol droid.¨ Gratt replied.
¨Well, prepare yourself for a heavy fight if you stay here. And Quay; I hope you can handle this. You´ll need it if you want to survive this battle.¨ Shaella said.
Shaella threw something towards Quay. He caught it, and looked at what he held in his hands; it was a Lightsaber. He ignited it, and a green blade emitted from the saber.
¨This saber used to belong to my master. I held onto it for years, but I never used it.¨
¨Wow, I don't know how to thank you. I am sure this will be helpful in the fight.¨
¨Thank me later. First, we have some Bucketheads to take down.¨
Right as she said that, the first Stormtroopers walked into the cantina. While Quay had some trouble getting used to using a Lightsaber at first, he was able to quickly take down the first troops. Shaella used the Force intensively, and used it to hold one of the troops in the air right before piercing him with her Lightsaber. Just as that happened, a couple of troopers equipped with heavy-repeating blasters entered the cantina. Although Quay was able to dodge most of the blaster fire, a few of the blaster bolts hit the Lightsaber, damaging it enough to make the blade retract.. In the corner of his eye, he could also see one of the blaster bolts hit the Protocol droid Gratt owns, probably damaging it beyond repair. The fight seemed to last forever, until Quay and Shaella delivered the final blow towards the Empire. 4 Reconnaissance Troop Transports arrived, each carrying about a dozen troopers. Gratt quickly tried to get Quays attention, and he revealed some explosives he took as a payment from some arms dealers who stopped by to get a drink there earlier that day. Quay took some of them, activated them, and threw them at the troop transports. The devices rolled under the transports and detonated, causing the transports to explode. The few Stormtroopers who survived the blast, quickly received orders to retreat; the fight was won. Quay received a message from the Red Hand; The vault was successfully raided, and mostly thanks to Quay and Shaella. Although the Red Hand didn't know how he pulled it off exactly, a big part of the troops were sent to their location while other smugglers and bounty hunters raided the vault.
¨Well, I guess we didn't really need a plan to get this job done.¨ Quay said. ¨Thank you Shaella, I couldn't have done it without you. Since you have aided me in my mission, I will stick to my promise; here are the fake ID and credits needed to get off this planet. And Gratt, for you, I can get you some of the best repairers to fix your droid, plus some more credits to cover the damage we made here.¨
¨Quay, I want you to take this. I am ready to let go of my past, and start a new life somewhere. Since that Lightsaber of yours got pretty damaged, you can use parts of mine to repair it. With it, I have instructions on how to safely repair it. Goodbye, Quay Sta'nn. It was a delight to work with you.¨ Shaella said, before she walked off to get off the planet.
A few days later, Quay was working to repair the Lightsaber using Shaella´s instructions. The damage in Gratt´s Tavern was now mostly repaired, and his protocol droid was as good as new. Quay emitted the saber, and a purple blade emitted. It used to belong to a skilled Jedi, but now he owned it. He took his time to make it truly his own, and it showed off. He took a moment to process the power of the weapon he had in his hands right now. Anyone could use a blaster, but to handle a weapon like this it required more skill to handle. It will take a lot of time to learn how to properly use it, but one thing was for sure; This weapon would change Quay's life.
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Well, this took me a bit too long to finsh. My last moc for 2020, enjoy! (deleted the last version of the pic, since that one kinda sucked)
So, this year we had 2 dolls offered as IT shop exclusives (Vio and Ale) and 2 dolls offered via NuFace Event (Dom and Rayna). Before we move on, a small disclaimer: all dolls were designed by Jessy Ayala, a designer I really appreciate. I didn't count, but I am sure that close, or at least, half of the dolls from my collection were designed by him. That shows how much I like him. So, everything I will write here comes from the deep of my heart as a collector and believe me, I would be thrilled if all of these dolls were great.
Varsity Alejandra - I am starting from the best. When this character was revealed earlier this year, I didn't like her. Her head seems too big and sculpt lacks details. I still think the same, but this time her makeup is sooo much softer than on her first reveal that for some reason I love her! She reminds me on Hauntingly Beautiful Ayumi (I have noticed that Jessy likes to give us the same dolls all over again, but I aint complaining in this case), and she is one of my favorite NuFace dolls. I think she will redress beautifully. I am not crazy for her hairstyle (my least favorite), but it works for this look. I know some of you may dislike me saying this, but she reminds me on Ariana Grande! Regarding her outfit, I think that bra, jacket and top could be used for mix and match. Not sure about those boots though. In any case, her outfit is the best one. What I would do different: maybe add a bag as a baseball ball instead of simple white bag. Still, I am getting her.
En Pointe Vio - I was very excited to see her as I was floored by Fashion Legacy a few months ago. I am kind of disappointed we got a brunette again, blonde or platinum hair would look better IMO. I love her hairstyle and how her face is subtle. But, her fashion is at best strange looking. She is a mix of motorcyclist and a ballerina!?! She has a very unattractive belt bra under the shirt and with those ballerina shoes, I feel unconformable when I look at her. I am sooo over that hat we saw on Rayna earlier this year. I have never seen a motorcyclist or a balerinna with that kind of a hat! What I would do different: replace hat with a small crown, leave belt bra and add simple bodysuit. For now, she is a no.
MVP Rayna - I was afraid that we could see this screening again after Wild Feeling. I do not like those big eyes and wonky left eye. But, here it is again. Inspiration for her was rugby, believe it or not. I love her haircolor, but hairstyle is out of place. I am not into sports, but do rugby players have a hairstyle like this, like two pigtails? Weird. Her makeup is nice, but I am not sure about that green line that goes above her eyes, again weird looking. I am sorry for saying this, but this fashion might be one of the worst I have ever seen. That length of the pants never look good in person + she has short heels and Poppy feet. Pants has lace details on the front, for some reason I am expecting that her pants drop any second. Her jacket has ripped off sleeves details. Not sure what the bag is representing. The shoes has details seen on the rugby ball. What I would do different: beyond salvageable. I will definitely not be preordering this one.
Adrenaline Rush Dominique - Intro: If you missed on convention ticket, like I did, the only way you could get a doll at retail is getting NuFace event ticket. That event includes one NuFace doll as a gift and a right to buy a centerpiece of that event (when con was held in person you used to get a lunch, too). Me, and over a 2k other members, got the ticket. Reason? Gift dolls used to be very beautiful at these events, I will name a few: Public Adoration Eden, Sneak Peek Eden, Out of Sight Nadja (Evening Siren Ayumi, I think, but you got the point). So, it was a no brainer for me. When you say NuFace event you could imagine there will be a nice atmosphere, a chat with the designer of the line, inspiration behind the designs, reveal of future directions for the collection, fun and interesting stories about the creation of the dolls, and such. Instead, we got a full room of designers (I do not want to hear about Poppy on a NuFace event, or any other character/line as a matter of fact), where most of them looked tired and grumpy (except Mark and Chris), they analyzed the behavior of the members and they said some things I personally didn't like (but I will not dwelve on that here). On top of all of that, we got this Dom. I feel kind of tricked as although designers mentioned that they do not design "ugly" doll on purpose, they do know which sculpts and looks are desirable, so risking this much with a give away doll is a bit disrespectable.
Review: While Impossibly Beautiful screening is my favorite screening for Dom, it looks very unattractive here, and the reason for that might be unnatural eyes color and that stark white line above the eyes. Flocked/shaved hair adds sharpness to the look, and you get a doll very few people like. Her outfit is inspired by motocross (hope I wrote this right, you can tell my enthusiasm for sports). The top is kind of OK, but I do not see the point of the cut-outs on the pants. Shoes are actually nice. She has no accessories aside earrings! Now, come on, even dolls from basic line had sunglasses, ring, bracelet, or something. In my mind, she is an action figure (Star Track) and only needs a high-tech sword or a gun. Hell, I would even like that, just something to justify the price. What I would do differently: make a skirt out of pants and add a jacket. I am getting her unfortunately as nobody wants her...
To sum up, we got three sculpts we already got this year with the same screenings, I bet savings are great for IT, and that would be great if the prices remained the same... Regarding design, I think this collection is just a tad better than Counter Couture Jessy designed a few years back, or at the same level. I get it maybe Jessy got a task to design Barbie in Sports line, but even if the theme was sport, the designs could have been more cohesive, less literal interpretation and more details inspired by sports. On a scale of 1-5 I would give a 2.5
A note to IT: when you decrease number of dolls in a collection you increase the risk that some of them or most of them are not to the likings of collectors, when we had 6 dolls collections designers had more space to make a mistake. I am sure designers are under a great stress, just like we collectors are.
Yoshinoyama (Mt. Yoshino) in Nara Prefecture, is Japan's most famous cherry blossom spot. Besides an estimated 30,000 cherry trees, the area also offers a rich history and several temples and shrines
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To celebrate the 4th Al'Ol Homes anniversary, we lowered the price of several Al'Ol Houses on Marketplace SL!
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Dares Hill Circuit.
This route goes from Hallett into sheep station country east of Hallett and Mt Bryan East to Ketchowla and Collinsville stations and others before returning the farming country at Terowie. The highest peak is Dares Hill at 541 metres high. It offers vast panoramas of the semi desert country of the eastern ranges and plains. Beyond Mt Bryan East the road passes Piltimitiappa, Collinsville, Mallett, Ketchowla and Pandappa stations. The station homesteads are mainly ruins and deserted but this is still good sheep country. Creek crossing such as Wonna Creek and Dust Hole Creek etc are flat bottomed desert creeks which occasionally flood but often with quite deep gorges. The government roads pass through the current stations and grids and gates, which have to be shut and opened, are frequent as you pass through private property. Near Ketchowla station is the other main peak on this route Mt Pullen often called Ketchowla Hill. It is 502 metres high.
Piltimitiappa homestead. This fine stone ruin of several buildings was the head station of William Dare’s sheep run. William Dare began his pastoral enterprises on this run. William Dare was born in London in 1824 and arrived in South Australia in 1838. He worked as a shepherd for some years and went to seek his fortune in the Victorian goldfields in 1851. He came away with £700 a great sum in those days. On his return to South Australia he took out a lease of 50 square miles, or 32,000 acres east of Hallett which he named Piltimitiappa around 1853. With the help of Aboriginal workers he located water holes on his run and fenced some of it and built a split pine log cabin for his wife. After a few years he erected a stone homestead, a large woolshed and he built pug and pine water tanks. At first he sheared many of his own sheep and baled the wool himself in a timber press. His flocks suffered during the great drought of 1864-65 but he survived. When the government resumed much of his Piltimitiappa run for farming lands in the Hundred of Tomkinson in 1892 he received £4,000 for his improvements to the land. William Dare also held at various times Oopina run near Waukaringa, and Paratoo run near Yunta.
Collinsville station. Henry Collings, born in 1832, arrived in South Australia from Devonshire in 1846 with his parents. Both he and his father John worked in the Burra copper mines. Henry saved his money and bought a team of bullocks around 1849 to cart copper ore to Port Adelaide. In 1856 he married a local Burra girl and then began delivering flux from Iron Mine at Leighton to the Burra smelters with his bullocks. North of Burra John Hallett and his brother Alfred took out leases that covered much of the later Collinsville station. Henry Collings purchased his first land at Mt Bryan in 1856 and he made his home there. After the birth of his second son in 1859 he changed his family name to Collins. This second son John Collins went on to found Collinsville station. Meantime Henry Collins purchased more land in the Hundred of Kingston which he called Lucernedale homestead. Hundreds in the marginal lands beyond Goyder’s Line we e surveyed into Hundreds in the mid to late 1870s following a few years of above average rainfall. By 1884 much of this land had been returned to the government as farming was not viable. At this time Henry Collins took his chance to breed Merino sheep at his Lucernedale farm and he leased lands in the eastern district beyond Mt Bryan East to Mallett. His son John Collins however also leased land from 1879 and founded Collinsville stud in 1895. Another brother bought adjoining Mallett station when it went up for sale in 1917. Collinsville went on to became a major Australia Merino stud and still is today. Father Henry Collins was a founder of the Mt Bryan East Bible Christian Church which was built in 1871 and is located on the Dares Hill Circuit.
John Collins and his family moved to the present Collinsville homestead site in 1884. He soon build a stone homestead, managers houses, workers cottages and a grand stone shearing shed etc. By 1894 it was a property of about 18,000 acres. The homestead with French doors to the veranda was built in 1905 with blue stone and local limestone. It sis till occupied. Another 85,000 acres was added to Collinsville in the early 1900s. By 1912 the property was 112,000 acres. In the 1920s John bought land near Booborowie to grow lucerne for fodder to “drought proof” the station. Founder John Collins and his wife died with four days of each other in 1932. Their son Art Collins continued to improve the Collinsville stud. He died in 1969 when Collinsville stud was at its height of renown. In more recent times Collinsville Pastoral Company owned Mallett, Collinsville, Pulpara, Willara and Wymong stations. Collinsville was sold by the Handbury family to George Millington in 2020.
Mallett. When the town of Mallet was surveyed in the Hundred of Tomkinson in 1881 only nine of 500 town allotments were sold. It never developed as no buildings were ever erected there. The non-existent town officially ceased to exist in 1928. Maurice Collins bought it in 1917 and ran it as another successful Merino sheep stud.
Ketchowla.
Ketchowla run was taken out by Christopher Giles in 1853. He selected a spot near a spring for the head station area of the run on the edge of the ranges. It covered an area of 135 square miles, or 86,400 acres. Much of the leasehold was in flat saltbush country. When Giles sold the run in 1860 it included the spring and two bores, a seven room stone homestead, which still stands albeit in ruins, a shearing shed, stockyards and four workers cottages. Hillary Boucart bought half the leasehold and ran it with Christopher Giles’ son Alfred. But the big northern drought of 1864 to 1866 in South Australia saw their sheep flock reduced and the pair had to sell Ketchowla leasehold. The new owner was Frederick Austin who in turn tried to sell the leasehold in 1873 when Ketchowla was 245 square miles, or 156,800 acres in size. In 1874 the property was acquired by Sir Thomas Elder. Sir Thomas Elder held about a dozen massive outback South Australian stations as well as some in partnership with others. He probably kept Fredrick Austin on Ketchowla as his manager. In 1880 the Hundred of Ketchowla was declared with the government hoping it could become a farming district after some high rainfall years. 223 square miles of Ketchowla leasehold were resumed by the government for survey and then for sale from Frederick Austin the then current leaseholder on behalf of Sir Thomas Elder. From 1880 drought years soon returned and by 1880 farmers were generally sceptical and this afforded Frederick Austin the opportunity continue his leasehold of Ketchowla on an annual basis. By then William Dearlove was working on the station as the manager. But in 1883 Austin attempted to sell the 233 leasehold. After some years only three small sections of land had been bought freehold in the Hundred of Ketchowla. Austin continued on Ketchowla station for some years but from 1886 William Dearlove was the man in charge and he took over the leasehold entirely in 1890 until he died in 1914. His descendants were still the leaseholders of Ketchowla well into the 1980s.
Phoebe ~Piercings & more~
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At 76 stories, New York by Gehry offers an exceptional variety of residences with views of New York City’s downtown and midtown skylines, rivers, bridges and landmarks.
The articulated façade of the building yields over 200 unique floor plans, which feature asymmetrical bay windows that expand into the apex of each curve. Stepping into these free form bays residents experience the city in a new perspective, and the sculptural qualities of the building itself become part of the view.
Gehry’s design extends beyond the exterior of the building and into the interiors themselves. Floor plans take advantage of the organic shape of the exterior, and, as a result, niches have been formed that offer the opportunity for reading, dining, or just reflecting on the spectacular view. Every window has been fitted with solar shades that filter light and offer privacy without obscuring views.
Interior finishes and fixtures have all been designed and selected by Gehry, beginning with brushed stainless steel entry door hardware designed by Gehry, inspired by the organic forms found in nature. Custom cabinetry in kitchens and baths is fabricated with vertical grain Douglas Fir, a material whose fine grain and amber coloring combine to create an effect that is both polished and warm. Tones of light and charcoal gray in brushed stainless steel appliances, chrome fixtures, porcelain tile flooring, and quartz countertops complement this warmth. All elements of the interiors combine to create an aesthetic that is comfortable, light and modern.
A comprehensive array of lifestyle and valet services is available to the residents, including move-in coordination, the development of custom furniture packages, weekly fresh flower delivery and expert housekeeping. In addition, the concierge can secure reservations at coveted restaurants, premier seating at live shows and performances, prepare custom travel arrangements, and oversee the planning of special events, including private parties held in New York by Gehry’s amenity spaces.
El edificio 8 Spruce Street (anteriormente conocido como la Torre Beekman, o simplemente El Beekman, y actualmente mencionado como Nueva York de Gehry, es un rascacielos de 76 pisos diseñado por el arquitecto Frank Gehry en la Ciudad de Nueva York, en el nº. 8 de la calle Spruce, en el barrio de Manhattan, justo al sur del City Hall Plaza y el Puente de Brooklyn.
Es uno de los edificios de viviendas más altos en el hemisferio occidental, y en cierto modo parecido en altura y forma al Aqua, el rascacielos de Chicago. Su estructura portante es de hormigón armado. El edificio fue desarrollado por Forest City Ratner y construido por Kreisler Borg Florman. Alberga una escuela primaria pública, propiedad del Departamento de Educación.
Fue inaugurado en febrero de 2011
All images available for licensing via me. I offer commercial and editorial pet photography on a commissioned basis. And with a pet picture database with thousands of hand-picked images of dogs, cats, as well as horses, I might already have what you are looking for. All pictures here can be licensed.
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www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/m/minsmere/about.aspx
Minsmere offers families and keen birdwatchers a great day out. Nature trails take you through a variety of habitats to excellent birdwatching hides. In spring, you can watch avocets and marsh harriers, or hear booming bitterns. On the beach, a special area is cordoned off to protect nesting little terns. In autumn and winter, many wading birds and swans, ducks and geese visit the reserve. There is a visitor centre where you can find out more about the wildlife, browse in the shop or enjoy a meal in the tearoom. There are events all year and family explorer backpacks and trail booklets are available.
Opening times
The reserve is open daily during daylight hours. Visitor centre open daily: 9 am - 5 pm (closes 4 pm from 1 November - 31 January). Shop open: 10 am - 5 pm (closes 4 pm from 1 November to 31 January). Tearoom open: 10 am - 4.30 pm (closes 4 pm from 1 November to 31 January); last orders 15 minutes before closing. Hot food served 11.30 am - 2.30 pm. Reserve and visitor centre closed 25 and 26 December.
Entrance charges
RSPB members free. Non members: adults £5, children £1.50, concessions £3, family £10.
If you are new to birdwatching...
There is an extensive programme of guided walks, many of them aimed at beginners. Our guides may be on hand at other times to help visitors in the hides. The birdwatching hides provide excellent opportunities to see birds at close range throughout the year.
Information for families
There are Wildlife Explorer back packs that can be borrowed, free of charge (deposit required). These include an activity booklet, binoculars, bug box, identification charts and books, colouring pencils and much more. There are also free seasonal Discovery Trail guides for families. During the school holidays there are several family activites on the events programme.
Information for dog owners
We are sorry, but no dogs are allowed on the nature trails or in hides, except assistance dogs. There are a limited number of shaded car parking places available for dog owners on a first come, first served basis - please ask at reception on arrival. Dogs are allowed around the visitor centre and car park only. Dogs cannot be taken on guided walks. Dogs are, however, welcome on public rights of way that cross the reserve, including a five mile circuit around the reserve perimeter, but these are not accessible from the main car park. Dogs are also welcome on Open Access land on Westleton Heath, if kept on a lead. A leaflet of walks at Westleton Heath is available from reception.
Star species
Our star species are some of the most interesting birds you may see on your visit to the reserve.
Avocet
The famous scrape hosts a large colony of avocets and these can be seen at close quarters from the hides overlooking this impressive man-made wetland from early spring to autumn.
Bearded tit
Bearded tits can be seen flitting over the reeds as you walk along the North Wall, the path along the west side of the scrape and from Island Mere and Bittern Hides all year-round.
Bittern
Minsmere holds a sizeable proportion of the UK population of bitterns. Visit in spring to hear them 'booming' or summer to watch the parents making feeding flights. Bittern Hide and Island Mere Hide offer a great chance of a sighting.
Marsh harrier
The extensive reedbeds play host to several breeding marsh harriers. The elevated Island Mere and Bittern Hides will reward you with excellent views. They can now be seen here throughout the year.
Nightingale
Nightingales can be heard singing in the deciduous woodland in spring. Their performance is best early in the morning or in the evenings - but they do of course sing through the night!
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
Avocets return to breed on the Scrape - about 100 pairs nest annually. From mid-April see returning common terns, while wildfowl start to leave in March, and migrant wading birds pass through. Look for marsh harriers displaying over the reedbeds. Minsmere is the best place in Britain to hear booming bitterns. Listen for nightingales singing in the scrub from mid-April, and listen for various other warblers around the reserve. Look for Dartford warblers on the heath, and listen for great spotted woodpeckers drumming. Sand martins return to nest outside the tearoom. Bluebells are in flower in May. Adders emerge from hibernation.
Summer
Look for young avocets, common terns and gulls on the Scrape. The first spotted redshanks, ruffs and other wading birds return from late June. Little terns nest in a specially fenced area on the beach. Young marsh harriers will be flying from late June. Bitterns are easier to see on feeding flights. Look for family parties of bearded tits in the reedbeds. Listen for nightjars and look for glow-worms on the heath at dusk in June and July. Dragonflies and butterflies are easy to see, and the former may attract hunting hobbies. Rare flowers include yellow-horned poppy and sea kale on the beach and marsh mallow around the Scrape. Heather is in full flower on the heath. This is the best time of year to see water voles.
Autumn
Migrant wading birds continue to pass through, including curlew sandpipers, little stints and ruffs. Winter wildfowl return, with teal numbers increasing rapidly. Brent geese move south from late September. The first Bewick's swans arrive in late October. Large starling flocks gather to roost in the reedbeds. Swallows and house martins flock together before departing. Look for bearded tits on calm mornings. The red deer will be rutting on the heath in October. Redwings and fieldfares return and will be feeding on hawthorn berries. Look out for rarities.
Winter
Several hundred wigeons, teals and lapwings will be joined by other wildfowl and wading birds on the Scrape. Look for Bewick's swans and goldeneyes on Island Mere, and white-fronted geese on the Levels. Look for hunting hen and marsh harriers, barn and short-eared owls and peregrines. There's a chance seeing of otters on Island Mere. Look for tit and finch flocks in the woods. Great spotted woodpeckers start drumming on mild days. Red-throated divers and great crested grebes gather offshore. The former can sometimes be well out to sea.
Facilities
Facilities
•Visitor centre
•Information centre
•Car park : Large car park on site. No overnight parking. Parking for two coaches by advance booking only. Bicycle racks outside visitor centre.
•Toilets
•Disabled toilets
•Baby-changing facilities
•Picnic area
•Binocular hire
•Group bookings accepted
•Guided walks available
•Good for walking
•Pushchair friendly
Viewing points
Seven birdwatching hides and a public viewing platform. Four hides and the viewing platform overlook the Scrape. Three of these hides are wheelchair accessible. Two hides overlook the reedbed. One of these is on stilts and accessed via steps. The final hide is in the woodland, and accessed via steps.
Nature trails
Two circular trails, each about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) long, from the visitor centre. Allow about two hours for each trail. The circuit of the Scrape takes you through scrub, reedbeds, and along the beach. North, West and South Hides and the North Wall viewing platform are fully accessible to pushchairs and wheelchairs, but East Hide and the public viewing platform are accessed via the beach. The Island Mere circuit takes you through woodland and reedbeds. This route is not wheelchair accessible, although access to Island Mere Hide is possible by parking in a small layby (blue badge holders only) and walking about 300 m to the hide. This path is accessible for wheelchairs with difficulty, except after wet weather.
Tearoom
The tearoom also sells light meals.
Refreshments available
•Hot drinks
•Cold drinks
•Hot meals
•Cold meals
•Snacks
•Confectionery
Shop
Large selection of books, optics, outdoor clothing, bird food and gifts.
The shop stocks:
•Binoculars and telescopes
•Books
•Bird food
•Bird feeders
•Nestboxes
•Outdoor clothing
•Gifts
Educational facilities
Minsmere is an exciting place for young people to learn. We offer a varied programme of educational visits led by experienced field teachers. All activities are linked to the National Curriculum and are fully risk-assessed. Activities for Key Stages 1 and 2 include bird adaptations, food chains, birdwatching, minibeast safari, pond dipping and seaside habitat. Programmes can be tailored to suit particular requirements. Educational visits cost £3 per pupil for a half-day visit (10 am-12.30 pm) or £4 per pupil for a full day (10 am-2.30 pm), and accompanying adults are free. Special programmes can be arranged for secondary schools, including behind the scenes tours with an RSPB warden to look at how the reserve is managed. For further details and booking arrangements, please contact the visitor centre.
Accessibility
Car parking
The car park is accessed via an entrance from Westleton (brown tourist signs from A12). The entrance road is 2 km (1.5 miles) and has several 'sleeping policemen'. The car park is surfaced with rolled limestone and is rough in places. There are six allocated parking spaces on the right. An 80 m sloping path on rolled gravel leads from the allocated parking bays to the visitor centre. Wheelchair users can be dropped off and collected from outside the visitor centre, although caution is needed as delivery vehicles and pedestrians use this area.
Access to visitor centre
An 80 m sloping path on rolled gravel leads from the allocated parking bays to the visitor centre. Alternatively, there are steps from the nearest parking bays, which are 30 m from the visitor centre.
The visitor centre is accessed via double doors into a reception area, which has information and displays about the reserve and is staffed by friendly RSPB volunteers. Chairs are available in the reception area.
Access to the shop is via double doors from reception. Space is limited in places within the shop, light levels are poor in some areas, and some goods are on high shelves. Please ask the staff for assistance if required.
The tearoom is accessed via double doors from the shop. Space is limited within the tearoom, making it difficult to manoeuvre a wheelchair. Staff are available to help if required. Additional seating is available outside, including two tables that are fully accessible to wheelchair users. There is a bird feeding station outside the tearoom.
Access from the tearoom to the nature trails is via a short series of steps, or back through the shop and down a gentle ramp.
Toilets
There are unisex adapted toilets and baby changing facilities within the main toilet block and in the shop. The main toilet block is open at all times.
Access to the hides and nature trails
Some nature trails and hides are accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs, and work is continuing to upgrade many of the surfaces. Recent flooding has caused deterioration in the surface of some paths, making wheelchair access more difficult. We are working to improve these routes. There are regular benches on many parts of the trails.
The path from the visitor centre to North Hide is 320 m with a mixture of surfaces including tarmac, boardwalk, rolled gravel and 'natural' surface. This route is level apart from one gentle ramp.There are two benches. North Hide is wheelchair accessible.
North Hide to the beach viewpoint is 660 m of rolled gravel and is fully wheelchair accessible. There are two benches, plus two at the viewpoint.The path from this viewpoint to the sluice, via East Hide and the Public Viewpoint is 965 m along sand and shingle through the dunes so is inaccessible to wheelchair users. There are steps into both East Hide and the Public Viewpoint.
The path from the Visitor Centre to West Hide is 405 m of tarmac and rolled gravel on a level surface. This route is fully wheelchair accessible, although can be muddy after heavy rain. There is one bench on route. South Hide is a further 415 m along this path, with one bench on this section. West and South Hides are both wheelchair accessible via a dog-leg concrete ramp. The path continues to the Sluice (490 m), where there is a bench. This section is a gravel surface, which is accessible with difficulty.
The Visitor Centre to Bittern Hide is 485 m, with a mixture of rolled gravel and a natural surface. There are two benches. There is a slope down to Bittern Hide, which is accessible only via steps.
The path from Bittern Hide to Island Mere is 675 m on a natural surface, including a steep incline, making access for wheelchair users inadvisable. There are two benches.
Island Mere is accessible for wheelchair users from a lay-by opposite Scotts Hall Holiday Cottage. This path is 325 m on rolled gravel, with a gentle incline on boardwalk to the hide. The hide has wheelchair accessible viewing slots, but restricted visibility at times.
Scotts Hall Cottage to the Visitor Centre is 975 m on tarmac, along the reserve entrance road. This includes a steep slope. Canopy Hide, which is 600 m from the Visitor Centre, is accessible only via wooden steps.
Wheelchair loan
A Batricar is available to borrow, free of charge. This is popular, so advance booking is highly recommended, by telephoning 01728 648281. A Remploy wheelchair is also available for loan. These can be used during the visitor centre opening hours. Visitors are welcome to use their own wheelchair and mobility vehicles.
Guided walks for wheelchair users
We regret that many guided walks are unsuitable for wheelchair users as they take in sections of the beach or hides that are accessible only via steps. However, we will try to cater for requests for guided walks, if booked in advance, through our Hire-a-guide programme. Please phone 01728 648281 for details.
Lush
Lugu Lake - China
Lugu Lake offers so much variety to photography , from Snow covered mountains to blue lakes to over grown reed banks .
This was a lone farmer in a hand made boat farming reeds from the lake .
Lugu lake is located in the North West Yunnan plateau in the centre of Ningliang Yi Autonomous County in the People's Republic of China. (on the borders of Sichuan, Yunnan and Tibet )
The middle of the lake forms the border between the Ninglang County of Yunnan Province and the Yanyuan County of Sichuan province. The formation of the lake is thought to have occurred in a geological fault belonging to the geological age of the Late Cenozoic.
It is an alpine lake at an elevation of 2,685 metres and is the highest lake in the Yunnan Province. The lake is surrounded by mountains and has five islands, four peninsulas, fourteen bays and seventeen beaches
The Mosuo people have been isolated in the valley and retain more ancient traditions and customs than the other people around them. Travel up to their valley was difficult, and it still is comparatively difficult. There are not yet paved roads to their territory. The 30,000 or so Mosuo people are ethnically distinct from the Naxi who live around Lijiang, but are similar to the Naxi in some ways.
Taken with the DJI Phantom 3 Pro click.dji.com/sqLTijZWovQZUM_0…
All images available for licensing via me. I offer commercial and editorial pet photography on a commissioned basis. And with a pet picture database with thousands of hand-picked images of dogs, cats, as well as horses, I might already have what you are looking for. All pictures here can be licensed.
For licensing and commission requests: info{at}elkevogelsang.com -
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Get out and enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer....
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All rights reserved:
© 2014 Dave Bush
® Gravel Ridge Photography 2014
My images are copyrighted. ©
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Central Oregon offers up a better look at Oregon's past than most other parts of the state, partly because the dry climate preserves wooden structures far better than it does over here on the other side of the Cascades.
This is my favorite abandoned gas station in the area, which is located in Sherman County. This is not a great look at the station, which features a set of beautiful old analogue pumps. But with the brightest part of the Milky Way heading further and further west as the months progress, I had to stick with this and similar comps to fit everything in the frame.
Probably should have gone for a pano ... but the pack of coyotes that was circling me loudly at the time I was shooting kind of put me on the road to a different spot a bit earlier than I had planned. I hope you enjoy it all the same.
Thanks for viewing!
There's an amusing story behind this photo.. i spotted this woman and asked for a photo, she agreed and i took a few shots. Then she grabbed my hand, whipped out a henna tube and started doing mendhi all over my hand and arm! (and it wasn't one of the beautiful, skilled designs you can get!) After she finished i said thankyou and offered her a tip, which she refused. She then took me by the hand (again) and lead me and my friend to a shop down the road where she gestured to a bag of chappati flour she wanted us to buy for her! at a few hundred rupees it was only a few pounds for us and we bought it for her. I think this photo was worth it in the end! :)
Taken in Pushkar, Rajasthan, India 2012.
Altamura offers at this round of The Chapter Four two New Releases in the 50% OFF Room!!
Thaita and Misha Make Up with multiple applier for Altamura and Omega.
Available as exclusive items until the end of month at only 125L!!.
The lookout offers views over Obi Obi Gorge, Baroon Pocket Dam and its catchment.
Traditionally, for my birthday I hike, or "bushwalking", as Australians say. This year I walked 14km part of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk, from Baroon dam to Kondalilla picnic area.
www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/n/newportwetlands/index.as...
This nature reserve offers a haven for wildlife on the edge of the city, but is a great place for people too with a new RSPB visitor centre, a café, shop and children's play area.
Cetti's warblers and bearded tits can be seen and heard in the reedbeds, and ducks, geese and swans visit the reserve in large numbers during the winter. You'll enjoy spectacular views of the Severn estuary all year round.
Newport Wetlands is a partnership between Natural Resources Wales, Newport City Council and the RSPB.
Opening times
Open every day (closed Christmas Day), 9 am to 5 pm (Coffee Shop open 10 am to 4 pm). On Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, the centre will be open from 10 am to 4 pm and the coffee shop will be open 10 am to 3.30 pm. Please note that the carpark also closes at 5:30pm.
Entrance charges
None
If you are new to birdwatching...
Autumn/winter is the best time of year for birdwatching at Newport Wetlands when migratory wildfowl and wading birds begin to arrive ready for their winter stay.
Information for families
Newport Wetlands visitor centre is ideal for children and families. Guided walks and children's activities are available on the reserve, drinks and a bite to eat can be enjoyed in the coffee shop afterwards, followed by a browse in the retail area. Children will find the outdoor children's activity area with its 4 m high simulation of the East Usk Lighthouse very entertaining. We can offer a variety of fun environmental activity and exploration days for a wide range of local interest groups.
Information for dog owners
Some access for dogs - marked footpaths on perimeter of reserve. For more information, please contact the NRW enquiry line.
Star species
Our star species are some of the most interesting birds you may see on your visit to the reserve.
Bearded tit
You will often hear bearded tits before you see them. Listen for their bell-like 'pinging' calls, then watch them whizzing across the tops of the reeds. They perch up on the stems in calm weather and feed on fallen seeds on the mud at the base of the reeds.
Dunlin
Dunlins can be seen at Newport Wetlands at almost any time. They breed further north, including in the Arctic, but migrating birds pass through in spring and autumn and some also spend winter here. Watch for them probing their beaks into the mud as they feed.
Little egret
These dainty little white herons can be seen throughout the year at Newport. You can see them fishing, stirring up fish fry from the muddy bottom with their feet.
Little grebe
Listen for little grebes 'whinnying' in spring as part of their courtship displays. They are small, round birds, and remarkably buoyant despite their fluffy feathers.
Shoveler
Shovelers are commonest here in winter, but are also a regular breeding bird. Watch them using their beaks like sieves to sift out microscopic aquatic life from the water.
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
Spring is the start of the breeding season and is an active and exciting time of year at Newport Wetlands, as birds set about finding their mates and building nests. Breeding waders at the reserve include lapwings and oystercatchers. Bearded tits begin to nest in the reedbeds. During late April and early May, swallows and swifts begin arriving from Africa, and can be seen flying overhead. This is a great time of year to listen out for the distinctive call of the cuckoo and many plants, including orchids, will begin to burst into colourful flower.
Summer
Grass snakes can sometimes be seen soaking up the sun or skimming expertly through the water among the reeds. Around sixteen species of dragonflies, twenty-three species of butterfly and two hundred species of moth are found at Newport Wetlands. After dark is the best time for moth spotting, but visitors are likely to see species like cinnabar moths and scarlet tiger moths during the daytime. The reserve is also home to badgers, moles and wood mice. Otters live here too, but are notoriously shy of humans and can be difficult to spot. Their droppings, or ‘spraint’, are the most commonly spotted clue to their presence.
Autumn
In autumn, the reeds turn from a vibrant lush green to yellowing brown. Groups of goldfinches can be seen flitting around the reserve and are particularly visible along Perry Lane, using their long beaks to extract seeds from the teasels. Autumn is another extremely active season at Newport Wetlands, as migratory wildfowl and wading birds begin to arrive ready for their winter stay. Curlews, redshanks, dunlins and oystercatchers feed on the estuary at low tide using their long, pointy beaks to sift through the nutritious mud for worms and grubs.
Winter
The starling roost at the reserve is a not-to-be-missed wildlife experience. From October onwards, large groups of starlings gather at dusk in great black clouds. At its peak, around 50,000 birds swoop and soar overhead, chattering noisily. After a breathtaking display, the birds drop dramatically into the reedbeds where they settle for the night. Another winter treat at Newport Wetlands is a single bittern, which has been seen here most winters since 2001. Bitterns are rare and extremely secretive, moving silently through the reeds looking for fish. Parts of the reserve provide a winter home for nationally important numbers of black-tailed godwits, shovelers and dunlins.
Facilities
Information centre
Car park
Toilets
Disabled toilets
Baby-changing facilities
Group bookings accepted
Guided walks available
Good for walking
Pushchair friendly
Viewing points
Viewing screens are available.
Nature trails
There are a number of nature trails around the reserve of various lengths with easy accessibility for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Tearoom
Coffee shop serving triple-certified organic Fairtrade coffee, fairtrade tea, Fairtrade hot chocolate, and a selection of organic cold drinks, sandwiches, baguettes, locally-produced cakes and cookies.
Refreshments available
Hot drinks
Cold drinks
Snacks
Confectionery
Shop
A retail outlet for all your bird food and bird care accessories with a wide selection of binoculars and telescopes. There is also a fantastic selection of gifts and children's items.
The shop stocks:
Binoculars and telescopes
Bird food
Bird feeders
Gifts
Cafe
Our cafe in the visitor centre has large, panoramic windows overlooking the reserve and surrounding countryside. There is a large outdoor decking area providing additional seating with the same relaxing views. We provide organic Fairtrade tea and hot chocolate, and locally-produced cakes and ice cream.
We serve our own exclusive coffee that is grown, imported and roasted by us. It's Fairtrade, organic and certified bird-friendly by the Smithsonian Institute, so now you can help save nature simply by enjoying a great cup of coffee!
We are proud to hold a Level 5 Food Hygiene rating enabling our customers to have full confidence in the food and service that we provide.
Opening hours
10 am to 4 pm daily (closed Christmas Day)
Highlights from our menu
Triple-certified coffee including cappuccinos, lattes and Americanos, all freshly-made
We are known for our Bara Brith, Welsh cakes and hot toasted teacakes
From autumn through to spring we sell steaming tasty soups which are gluten-free
We provide a variety of sandwiches and rolls made with bread from a family baker
Pole-and-line-caught skipjack tuna is used to fill delicious sandwiches or rolls
Good variety of sandwiches and cakes. Coffee excellent
Access to the cafe
The coffee shop is in the visitor centre which has wheelchair-friendly ramps into the centre and out onto the reserve.
Children welcome
There are highchairs for babies and toddlers. We provide children's lunchboxes containing a sandwich, two-finger Kitkat, apple or orange juice and a choice of wildlife face mask.
We use local ingredients
We use Welsh meats, cheeses and free-range organic eggs.
Dietary requirements
We sell vegetarian and vegan food, some wheat-free snacks and soup, and some organic food.
Accessibility
8 August 2013
This is a Summary Access Statement. A full access statement is available to download from this page.
Before you visit
Clear print site leaflet available from reception
Visitor Centre open 9 am to 5 pm daily, except Christmas Day. coffee shop open 10 am to 4 pm
Entry to the reserve is free of charge
Car park open 8.30 am to 5.30 pm daily
Three mobility scooters and two wheelchairs available to hire out free of charge. Telephone for details
Registered assistance dogs welcome (please do not be offended if we ask for evidence of registration)
A dog walking route map is available from the visitor centre. Tethering rings and drinking bowl at the visitor centre entrance
Check events and activities for accessibility,
How to get here
Newport Railway Station (5 miles/8 km). Taxis usually available
Bus stop in the reserve car park, Number 63
Car parking
Free parking, 180 m/197 yds from the visitor centre
10 blue badge spaces
85 parking spaces
Drop-off at visitor centre arranged by telephone 01633 636363
Tarmac surface, path to visitor centre compacted limestone chippings and dust
Visitor centre and shop
Entrance by wooden walkway with a maximum gradient of 1:40. Manually operated doors. Non-slip tiled surface. Low section on service counter. Hearing loop system is installed at the service counter and in the education rooms. Good natural and artificial lighting. Staff can give assistance and read out any literature if required. Binoculars are available for hire (£3.50 for the day).
Nature trails
Four main trails. All level on compacted with one incline using a zig-zag. Floating walkways have been used by wheelchairs, scooters and pushchairs but caution should be taken due to buoyancy.
Viewing facilities
Natural viewing opportunities throughout the reserve. A wheelchair accessible viewing screens overlooking the reedbeds.
Toilets
Unisex accessible toilet along with separate ladies and gents available on ground floor of Visitor Centre. Level step free access. Baby changing table and a second baby facility in ladies toilets.
Catering
Step-free level access. Outside deck viewing area. Tables are well spaced apart. Good natural and overhead lighting. Non slip tiles. Accessible WC in the visitor centre.
Shop
Shop is located in the visitor centre. Level entry step free with no doors. There is step free, level access throughout. Non-slip tiled surface. Ample room. Well lit with daylight and fluorescent lighting. Promotional video usually playing with subtitles. Staff can provide assistance.
Classrooms
Two classrooms available as one room if required. Step-free, level access throughout. Non-slip flooring. Artificial even lighting. Portable hearing loop system available. Two raised ponds nearby.
Picnic area
Four picnic tables with wheelchair access outside visitor centre. Visitors free to bring their own refreshments for picnics.
Help us improve accessibility by sending feedback to the Site Manager.
For more information
Newport Wetlands
E-mail: newport-wetlands@rspb.org.uk
Telephone:01633 636363
How to get here
By bicycle (Sustrans cycle route)
Sustrans National Cycle Network route 4 has a branch to Newport Wetlands using existing roads. The car park has a covered cycle stand. Please note that cycling on the reserve is restricted to a designated route.
By train
The nearest railway station is Newport - which is five miles from the reserve. There is a taxi rank at the station and Newport bus station is just a few minutes walk away. For train times to and from Newport visit www.nationalrail.co.uk or telephone 08457 484950.
By bus
From the Kingsway Bus Station in Newport, the Number 63 bus leaves at 7.30 am, 9 am, 11 am, 1.30 pm, 3 pm, 4.50 pm and 6 pm and stops at the bus stop in the reserve car park. Alternatively, contact Newport Bus 01633 670563.
By road
Join the A48 at either junction 24 or 28 of the M4. Follow the A48 until you come to the Spytty Retail Park roundabout. Exit onto the A4810 Queensway Meadows. At the first roundabout take the third exit onto Meadows Road and follow the brown tourist signs to the reserve.
Our partners
The Newport Wetlands project is funded by the European Union's Objective Two programme supported by the Welsh Assembly Government and secured via the Newport European Partnership, Newport City Council's allocation of the Welsh Assembly Government's Local Regeneration Fund, Newport City Council's Landfill Tax Credit Scheme, the Environment Agency Wales and Visit Wales – the Department of Enterprise, Innovation and Networks.
Natural Resources Wales, Newport City Council and the RSPB would like to thank the communities of Newport and the volunteers who have supported Newport Wetlands.
Newport Wetlands Conference and Meeting Rooms
Set in the tranquil surroundings of a peaceful nature reserve, our excellent conference facilities offer a superb location for a great getaway from the office and provide a wonderful setting for a variety of corporate events. You will receive a warm welcome from the staff at the Visitor Centre, providing a professional and efficient service.
We can provide facilities for the following
Conferences
Board Meetings
Seminars
Training Courses
Presentations
Away days
Rooms can be arranged in boardroom, theatre style or in any other format to suit your event. We also have a range of equipment for hire including a digital projector and smart board facilities.
Your booking fee includes free car parking, access to the Reserve as well as the Visitor Centre, Shop and Café. The Reserve comprises of a series of lagoons and reed beds from reclaimed industrial land, which is now home to a wealth of wildlife.
A tour of the Reserve can be arranged as an unusual and revitalising break during a meeting or away day.
Catering
Fairtrade coffee and tea, biscuits or homemade cakes can be served throughout the day, and we can provide a freshly prepared buffet to suit your dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. Buffets include a selection of classic sandwiches, a selection of savoury items, fresh fruit and a selection of freshly baked homemade cakes.
Alternatively, delegates can stroll across to the café themselves and appreciate inspirational views of the reserve from the veranda.
The Lakeside Suite
A purpose built meeting room, which caters for 12 people boardroom style or 25 people theatre style.
The Education Facilities
Set in a tranquil environment, overlooking the waters edge the Education Rooms offers the perfect environment for larger events and conferences. The room can be organised in various styles and caters for up to 80 people theatre style.
For more information or to make a provisional booking, please contact Adrianne Jones using the details below.
For more information
Adrianne Jones
Centre Co-ordinator
E-mail: adrianne.jones@rspb.org.uk
Telephone:01633 636355
The gold pavilion is much more famous (and crowded) when the snow falls, but Ginkakuji offers a different, more authentic atmosphere.
More pictures of Kyoto (京都) and Ginkaku-ji (銀閣寺).
“Some offer their wealth, their austerity, and their practice of yoga as sacrifice, while the ascetics with strict vows offer their study of scriptures and knowledge as sacrifice.”
(Bhagavad Gita)
Since a few weeks those sadhus are staying at Darabhanga Ghat along the Ganges in Varanasi (Benaras).
The building of this ghat is a palace which was made by the king of Darabhanga from the Indian state of Bihar, it is now being restored into a luxurious hotel.
Beneath its wall several paintings showing a few gods and saints are preventing people to use this place as a bathroom and allowed this ghat to become clean again.
There is a kind of irony to see those men living there now...
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© All photographs are copyrighted and all rights reserved.
Please do not use any photographs without permission (even for private use).
The use of any work without consent of the artist is PROHIBITED and will lead automatically to consequences.
PEATLANDS PARK NEAR ANNAGHMORE 20-11-2023 THE WINTERS COMING......Peatlands Park has a wilderness appeal with its wide open spaces and woodland. The park offers a unique opportunity to experience both peatland and woodland habitats and their varied wildlife.
Pensavo di averle postata in privato ma è scappata fuori anche senza la mia autorizzazione tutta sfocata !
Two things we thought might be fun to find out here: The name of the road and the name of the man.
derangedlemur was able to furnish the first (Main Street in Bundoran). And while we did learn about the Mc Vittys merchants in the background, and mcginley2012 and O Mac offered some possibilities, naming the behatted foreground subject was always possibly going to be a cheeky ask. Happy Friday!!
Photographers: J. J. Clarke
Collection: Clarke Photographic Collection
Date: Circa 1890-1910
NLI Ref: CLAR_077
You can also view this image, and many thousands of others, on the NLI’s catalogue at catalogue.nli.ie
French postcard by Edition P.I., offered by Les Carbones Korès, no. 353. Photo: Warner Bros, 1953. Errol Flynn in Adventures of Don Juan (Vincent Sherman, 1948).
Australian-born actor Errol Flynn (1909-1959) achieved fame in Hollywood with his suave, debonair, devil-may-care attitude. He was known for his romantic Swashbuckler roles in films like Captain Blood (1935) and The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938), often co-starring Olivia de Havilland. In 1942, the tall, athletic and exceptionally handsome, Flynn became an American citizen. He developed a reputation for womanising, hard-drinking, and for a time in the 1940s, narcotics abuse. He was linked romantically with Lupe Vélez, Marlene Dietrich, and Dolores del Río, among many others.
Errol Leslie Thomson Flynn was born in a suburb of Hobart, Tasmania, in 1909. His father, Theodore, was a lecturer and later professor of biology at the University of Tasmania. His mother was Lily Mary Young. After early schooling in Hobart, from 1923 to 1925 Flynn was educated at the South West London College, a private boarding school in Barnes, London, and in 1926 returned to Australia to attend Sydney Church of England Grammar School (Shore School) where he was the classmate of a future Australian prime minister, John Gorton. His formal education ended with his expulsion from Shore for theft. After being dismissed from a job as a junior clerk with a Sydney shipping company for pilfering petty cash, he went to Papua New Guinea at the age of eighteen, seeking his fortune in tobacco planting and metals mining. He spent the next five years oscillating between the New Guinea frontier territory and Sydney. In early 1933, Flynn appeared as an amateur actor in the low-budget Australian film In the Wake of the Bounty (Charles Chauvel, 1933), in the lead role of Fletcher Christian. Later that year he returned to Britain to pursue a career in acting and soon secured a job with the Northampton Repertory Company at the town's Royal Theatre, where he worked and received his training as a professional actor for seven months. In 1934 Flynn was dismissed from Northampton Rep. reportedly after he threw a female stage manager down a stairwell. He returned to Warner Brothers' Teddington Studios in Middlesex where he had worked as an extra in the film I Adore You (George King, 1933) before going to Northampton. With his newfound acting skills, he was cast as the lead in Murder at Monte Carlo (Ralph Ince, 1935), now considered a lost film. During its filming, he was spotted by a talent scout for Warner Bros. and Flynn emigrated to the U.S. as a contract actor.
In Hollywood, Errol Flynn was first cast in two insignificant films, but then he got his great chance. He could replace Robert Donat in the title role of Captain Blood (Michael Curtiz, 1935). Flynn's natural athletic talent and good looks rocketed him overnight to international stardom. Over the next six years, he was typecast as a dashing adventurer in The Charge of the Light Brigade (Michael Curtiz, 1936), The Prince and the Pauper (William Keighley, 1937), The Adventures of Robin Hood (Michael Curtiz, William Keighley, 1938; his first Technicolor film), The Dawn Patrol (Edmund Goulding, 1938) with David Niven, Dodge City (Michael Curtiz, 1939), The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex (Michael Curtiz, 1939) and The Sea Hawk (Michael Curtiz, 1940). His striking good looks and screen charisma won him millions of fans. Flynn played an integral role in the re-invention of the action-adventure genre. In collaboration with Hollywood's best fight arrangers, Flynn became noted for fast-paced sword fights. He demonstrated an acting range beyond action-adventure roles in light, contemporary social comedies, such as The Perfect Specimen (Michael Curtiz, 1937) and Four's a Crowd (Michael Curtiz, 1938), and melodrama The Sisters (Anatole Litvak, 1938). During this period Flynn published his first book, 'Beam Ends' (1937), an autobiographical account of his sailing experiences around Australia as a youth. He also travelled to Spain, in 1937, as a war correspondent during the Spanish Civil War. Flynn co-starred with Olivia de Havilland a total of eight times, and together they made the most successful on-screen romantic partnership in Hollywood in the late 1930s-early 1940s in eight films. Flynn's relationship with Bette Davis, his co-star in The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex (Michael Curtiz, 1939), was quarrelsome. Davis allegedly slapped him across the face far harder than necessary during one scene.
In 1940, at the zenith of his career, Erroll Flynn was voted the fourth most popular star in the US. Flynn became a naturalised American citizen in 1942. As the United States had by then entered the Second World War, he attempted to enlist in the armed services but failed the physical exam due to multiple heart problems and other diseases. This created an image problem for both Flynn, the supposed paragon of male physical prowess, and for Warner Brothers, which continued to cast him in athletic roles, including such patriotic productions as Dive Bomber (Michael Curtiz, 1941), Desperate Journey (Raoul Walsh, 1942) and Objective, Burma! (Raoul Walsh, 1945). His womanizing lifestyle caught up with him in 1942 when two underage girls, Betty Hansen and Peggy Satterlee, accused him of statutory rape at the Bel Air home of Flynn's friend Frederick McEvoy, and onboard Flynn's yacht, respectively. The scandal received immense press attention. Many of Flynn's fans, assuming that his screen persona was a reflection of his actual personality, refused to accept that the charges were true. Flynn was acquitted, but the trial's widespread coverage and lurid overtones permanently damaged his carefully cultivated screen image as an idealised romantic leading player. In 1946, Flynn published an adventure novel, 'Showdown', and earned a reported $184,000. In 1947 he signed a 15-year contract with Warner Bros. for $225,000 per film. After the Second World War, the taste of the American film-going audience changed from European-themed material and the English history-based escapist epics in which Flynn excelled to more gritty, urban realism and film noir, reflecting modern American life. Flynn tried unsuccessfully to make the transition in Uncertain Glory (Raoul Walsh, 1944) with Paul Lukas and Cry Wolf (Peter Godfrey, 1947) with Barbara Stanwyck, and then increasingly passé Westerns such as Silver River (Raoul Walsh, 1948) and Montana (Ray Enright, 1950). Flynn's behaviour became increasingly disruptive during filming; he was released from his contract in 1950 by Jack L. Warner as part of a stable-clearing of 1930s glamour-generation stars. His Hollywood career over at the age of 41, Flynn entered a steep financial and physical decline.
In the 1950s, Errol Flynn became a parody of himself. He lost his savings from the Hollywood years in a series of financial disasters, including The Story of William Tell (Jack Cardiff, 1954) with Waltraut Haas. Aimlessly he sailed around the Western Mediterranean aboard his yacht Zaca. Heavy alcohol abuse left him prematurely aged and overweight. He staved off financial ruin with roles in forgettable productions such as Hello God (William Marshall, 1951), Il maestro di Don Giovanni/Crossed Swords (Milton Krims, 1954) opposite Gina Lollobrigida and King's Rhapsody (Herbert Wilcox, 1955) with Anna Neagle. He performed in such also-ran Hollywood films as Mara Maru (Gordon Douglas, 1952) and Istanbul (Joseph Pevney, 1957) with Cornell Borchers, and made occasional television appearances. As early as 1952 he had been seriously ill with hepatitis resulting in liver damage. In 1956 he presented and sometimes performed in the television anthology series The Errol Flynn Theatre which was filmed in Britain. He enjoyed a brief revival of popularity with The Sun Also Rises (Henry King, 1957); The Big Boodle (Richard Wilson, 1957), filmed in Cuba; Too Much, Too Soon (Art Napoleon, 1958); and The Roots of Heaven (John Huston, 1958) with Juliette Gréco. In these films, he played drunks and washed-out bums and brought a poignancy to his performances that had not been there during his glamorous heydays. He met with Stanley Kubrick to discuss a role in Lolita, but nothing came of it. Flynn went to Cuba in late 1958 to film the self-produced B film Cuban Rebel Girls (Barry Mahon, 1959), where he met Fidel Castro and was initially an enthusiastic supporter of the Cuban Revolution. He wrote a series of newspaper and magazine articles for the New York Journal American and other publications documenting his time in Cuba with Castro. Many of these pieces were lost until 2009 when they were rediscovered in a collection at the University of Texas at Austin's Center for American History. He narrated a short film titled Cuban Story: The Truth About Fidel Castro Revolution (1959), his last known work as an actor. He published his autobiography, My Wicked Wicked Ways. In 1959, Errol Flynn died of a heart attack in Vancouver, Canada. Flynn was married three times. His first wife was actress Lili Damita (1935-1942). They had one son, actor and war correspondent Sean Flynn (1941-1971). Sean and his colleague Dana Stone disappeared in Cambodia in 1970, during the Vietnam War, while both were working as freelance photojournalists for Time magazine. It is generally assumed that they were killed by Khmer Rouge guerrillas. Errol was married a second time to Nora Eddington from 1943 to 1949. They had two daughters, Deirdre (1945) and Rory (1947). His third wife was actress Patrice Wymore from 1950 until his death. They had one daughter, Arnella Roma (1953–1998). In 1980, author Charles Higham published a controversial biography, 'Errol Flynn: The Untold Story', in which he alleged that Flynn was a fascist sympathiser who spied for the Nazis before and during the Second World War and that he was bisexual and had multiple gay affairs. Later Flynn biographers were critical of Higham's allegations and found no evidence to corroborate them.
Sources: Charles Culbertson (IMDb), Wikipedia, and IMDb.
And, please check out our blog European Film Star Postcards.