The Tale of the Trip to Puerto Rico 7

We went on an explore with Frank and Chris who had a car, saw pelicans diving whilst we had lunch in a great restaurant by the coast. Next was a visit to a rum distillery which included a brilliant tour guide who explained it all to us, and took us through 12 tastings - quite a thing.

 

The Tale of the Trip to Puerto Rico 6

It was a very relaxed time in Rincon. I discovered a museum of musical instruments - I think I was possibly the only visitor all day, and I got a very friendly welcome. This man had collected many cuatro guitars, an instrument unique to Puerto Rico. A pleasant place to be shown round.

In the evening we walked into town and experienced the art trail when lots of stalls sell arts and crafts, and bands play on a bandstand in the square. A good day.

 

The Tale of the Trip to Puerto Rico 5

 It was good to know we were in the same place for four nights (before our flight back home, if it actually took off). We walked to the beach and into Rincon, a nice little town. There were frigate birds in the sky and terns on the beach. This photo has the whole group in, from the left it comprises: Eric, Frank, Guy, Tim, Rowan, Vicky, Catherine, Maddie, Chris, Julie, Danielle. Tim oversaw the cooking of a fish bbq which was great.

The Tale of the Trip to Puerto Rico 4

Our flight left Barbados for Trinidad at 5.15 in the morning. So Gerry, our host, said "I'll give you breakfast at 2.30, then arrange a taxi for 3am to get you to the airport in time." And it was not just any breakfast: served by Gerry with a smile, home made bread and jam, great coffee, natural yogurt, fruit. Absolutely perfect, and very kind.

Checked in, we boarded the plane at a very calm airport, and flew first to Trinidad which is geographically part of south America, being off the coast of Venezuela. A change of plane and we flew all the way up the Lesser Antilles islands, stopping off at Antigua then the Virgin Islands. It was an amazing trip, being able to see all the islands easily from the low flying island hopper plane. Having known people in London who were from so many of the islands, St Lucia, Dominica, Montserrat, St Vincent, Anguilla, it was amazing to see them all arced together in the Caribbean Sea. By the time we arrived in San Juan in Puerto Rico we were beginning to appreciate the present, look forward to our holiday, and forget about the difficulties of getting there.

Eric and Julie met us a the airport, and drove us over to Rincon on the west coast, where we would meet up with the rest of the group in a self catering house. Great to have arrived.

The north coast of Trinidad, from the plane.

The Tale of the Trip to Puerto Rico 3

As we check in with Virgin Atlantic for our flight from Manchester to Barbados the pleasant, competent staff inform us that we have the whole economy section to ourselves and 5 other passengers. On the entire plane (some big Airbus) there are 24 passengers. It is the best flight I have been on. Once we decided which row to have, and which toilet to have as our private one, it was a smooth flight with plenty of space. 

So, to be visiting Barbados was not in the plan, but it turned out to be a great experience. From the unlicenced taxi driver (who I ended up having to direct, using the map when he got lost) to the marvellous Air B&B hosts (she American, born in Trinidad, he English and like a Graham Greene character), to the bootleg bus that resounded with reggae, and had a crammed interior that someone always seemed to accommodate just one or two more passengers, to the fish restaurant outdoors at Oistins, and another chaotic bus ride back - it was all a delight.

We were happy to be in Barbados.

The Tale of the Trip to Puerto Rico 2

Alarm off at 5am, the first thing we see is a message from Rowan "Are you guys OK?" This made us check our phones. Flight cancelled, Heathrow Shut all day. The end. Unless we could get to Madrid a different way, we were stuck. We couldn't get anywhere. So we decided to get to Puerto Rico on any flight that would have us, then fly home on our existing tickets. Not easy to arrange in the middle of a maelstrom of panic and uncertainty that is whipped up by such systemic failures. In the end we could get a flight to Barbados from Manchester on Sunday, then to San Juan on Monday. So we went home for two unexpected nights, then we could get the train to Manchester and fly on Sunday. But we couldn't. The dreaded phrase "replacement bus service" on the timetable meant we had to travel to Manchester on the Saturday, stay at the terminal then fly on the Sunday. 

We were in good spirits at the Radisson hotel in the airport, it is a family favourite place to stay, and we had a good meal. 

The Tale of the Trip to Puerto Rico 1

Danielle's high school reunion, which happens every 10 years or so, was arranged for Puerto Rico, where one of the cohort, Maddie, comes from. Last time had been in Tuscany, so this time the four Europeans had to travel west. Rowan was also coming, she was working in the New York office then travelling down to San Juan (the capital) where everyone would meet up.

Danielle and I got the train to Kings Cross, then across to Heathrow where we were staying in a hotel before getting a 7am flight the next morning. To get to the hotel you take pods that run on a special road  from Terminal 5. The idea is presumably to be like the new driverless Google taxis that Rowan has used in Arizona. The reality was more like the dodgems at a fairground in Barnsley, a lot of bumping and rocking, but actually quite fun. We went to bed early, ready for the long flight the next day (London > Madrid > San Juan)

YOS Days 1&2

 Well the first two days of Open Studios are over, and very enjoyable they have been. Some early sales, which always helps settle the nerves, then a beautiful day Saturday with a stream of interesting and interested visitors. Anyone who walks in and says "So, tell me about Elmet ..." is going to get a good response, and I had a couple of those. So good start.

A circular version of this image (Tarn, taken in the Lakes) was one of the sales.

One Day to Go - York Open Studios

Starts Tomorrow. New work everyday until York Open Studios starts on Friday April 4th at venue 47. Details at www.yorkopenstudios.co.uk 

1. Towards the Light

Two Days to Go - York Open Studios

Two days to go. 

2. The Rock Planter. Cripple Creek

Three Days to Go - York Open Studios

New work everyday until York Open Studios starts on Friday April 4th at venue 47. Details at www.yorkopenstudios.co.uk 

3. Queens Hand at Kings Cross

Four Days to Go - York Open Studios

New work everyday until York Open Studios starts on Friday April 4th at venue 47. Details at www.yorkopenstudios.co.uk

4. Cry in the Mist. Thorne Moors

Five Days to Go - York Open Studios

New work everyday until York Open Studios starts on Friday April 4th at venue 47. Details at www.yorkopenstudios.co.uk 

5. The Lonely Tree. 

Six Days to Go - York Open Studios

New work everyday until York Open Studios starts on Friday April 4th at venue 47. Details at www.yorkopenstudios.co.uk 

6. The Pool, the Lamp and the Sea. Madeira

Seven Days to Go - York Open Studios

New work everyday until York Open Studios starts on Friday April 4th at venue 47. Details at www.yorkopenstudios.co.uk 

7. Levada Shadows. Madeira

Eight Days to Go - York Open Studios

New work everyday until York Open Studios starts on Friday April 4th at venue 47. Details at www.yorkopenstudios.co.uk   

8. Stealth Two

Nine Days to Go - York Open Studios

New work everyday until York Open Studios starts on Friday April 4th at venue 47. Details at www.yorkopenstudios.co.uk 

9. Vanishing Point

Ten Days to Go - York Open Studios

New work everyday until York Open Studios starts on Friday April 4th when they will be on display at venue 47, my studio. All details at www.yorkopenstudios.co.uk  

10. Paris Olympics

Eleven Days to Go - York Open Studios

New work every day until York Open Studios starts on Friday April 4th. Venue 47, my studio. Details at www.yorkopenstudios.co.uk  

11. Fractured Ouse

Twelve Days to Go - York Open Studios

A new work, each day until York Open Studios starts on Friday April 4th at venue 47, my studio. All details at www.yorkopenstudios.co.uk  

12. Study in Green

Thirteen Days to Go - York Open Studios

Posting new work, each day until York Open Studios starts on Friday April 4th when they will be on display at venue 47, my studio. All details at www.yorkopenstudios.co.uk  

13. The Line of Beauty

An old packhorse bridge on the Trans Pennine Trail in Barnsley

Fourteen Days to Go - York Open Studios

New work, not shown before, each day until York Open Studios starts on Friday April 4th when they will be on display at venue 47, my studio. All details at www.yorkopenstudios.co.uk  

14. Return to Lomnice

Fifteen Days to Go - York Open Studios

I shall be posting a new work, that I have not shown before, each day until York Open Studios starts on Friday April 4th when they will be on display at venue 47, my studio. All details at www.yorkopenstudios.co.uk 

15. Boat in the Reeds. Ohrid. North Macedonia

Strolling On

For the latest part of the Stroll I took the train to Ulleskelf (10 minutes from York, with the most Scandinavian of names imaginable) then walked along the river Wharfe to Tadcaster, and back to York on an old Roman road, then across fields. It was a great walk, the longest I have done so far. This pond is on Bilbrough whin.

Film Night

 We have occaisional film nights with Sue and Eddy. We hosted this time and watched If by Lindsay Anderson with Malcom McDowell made in 1968. None of us had seen it this century, and were interested to see how dated it had become. Amazingly it had aged really well, although very obviously of its time. I had last seen it when I was at a boarding school that was very like the one if the film.

Here is one happy dog on the Stroll at Danes Dyke

Woeful Carlisle

 Mark was up in Harrogate to see Carlisle play, so I dutifully went to watch them lose in the fourth minute of extra time at the end of the match 1-0. They are bottom of the entire Football League so it is neither a good moment nor an unusual occurrence. Hopefully they can pull clear of relegation, else they'll be playing York next season.

Music Book Group

On Filey Beach

In the Music Book Group we discussed Nocturne by Ishiguro. A collection of five short stories all with a musical aspect. We all enjoyed most of the stories, and had some good discussion as well. 

Danes Dyke

I left to coast to explore Danes Dyke which is a 4km long earthwork. Nothing to do with the Vikings, it is bronze age in origin and probably defensive in nature. A huge ditch with massive banks, it is very imposing and impressive. And also totally ignored. Not a single sign to say what it is, not even a sign to say keep out. So I didn't, and was pleased to be able to walk down most of its length. 

As ever it is hard to photograph earthworks successfully, but you get the idea.

High Rise Living

As orderly and organised as a bee-hive, gannets getting ready for the breeding season on the cliffs at Bempton. 

I went to see Andy Shepherd (jazz sax player) at the Howard Rooms in Leeds with Robert the Drummer and Paul. Another really good gig.
 

Stroll On

The next stage was from Bempton to Bridlington (know as Brid up here). Another great stretch along the beach, or on top of cliffs. The coast is eroding at an increasing rate, so there is not a lot of beach to play with, you have to be careful and check the tides. Illustrated with this photo, high tide was 3 minutes before I took the shot, so I was fine. That is Brid in the distance.

 

The Stroll is Back

After the winter break, when days were short, trains unreliable and weather less welcoming, my Stroll is back on. This is when I take the train to point A, walk to point B then the next time, start at point B and go to point C etc. Using the rail network across the area it is a lot of fun; and the dog loves it. So the first stage was from Filey, where this shot was taken, to Bempton where the RSPB have a reserve on the chalk cliffs. Good to be back.

Return of the Blog

Longest gap between posts for many a year. Just a lot of all day activity at the moment, then little time to post. 

The cycle route took me through Coxwold with its church with an octagonal tower. This is one of my favourites - built in 1430.

Danielle and I went with Tina and Andy to see Katherine Priddy play at Pocklington Art Centre. She is a young singer songwriter with a lovely voice and some good songs. That doesn't sound that inspiring, but it was a good gig. Highlight was a couple of tracks she co-wrote with Simon Armitage (the poet laureate).

RIP Robert

I have been busy at the weekend sorting out the studio for Open Studios which is a month away. So I got a ride in when the weather was good last week. Train to Yarm then a ride south via the North York Moors. As I rode past this lake I got a text I had been fearing; from Helen, friend Roberts wife. He had been having treatment for cancer for 6 months or so, and the cancer suddenly accelerated in the last few weeks. I saw him three weeks ago. We walked or cycled or coffeed every couple of weeks. A great loss.

Dark Sky

I turned around from Layla in the canal, and saw the darkening sky behind these trees. It passed with out rain.

Hot Dog

Thorne and Hatfield moors are off limits to free running dogs until August 1st. This is to protect the very many ground nesting birds on the moors. So for the last week I took the dog for a 6 hour walk on Thorne moors, mapping the paths as we went. This is one of the old canals built by the Dutch engineers in the 19th century to allow for the extraction of peat. That activity ceased at the turn of this century, so the canals are now a useful cooling down facility for hot dogs.

 

Snaith

Saturday Danielle and I walked along the river Aire at Snaith. Interesting walk, passing several trains full of bio-mass going to Drax power station, Layla catching a pheasant, and seeing the lovely Snaith priory across the fields.

Carving at the Carr

Last week I visited Potteric Carr wetlands. No dogs allowed, so Layla stayed with Danielle. I liked this carving that I came across on the reserve.

Dinner Guests

Friday evening we had Ira and Syrgn over for a meal. They came to York in the 90s as refugees from the war in Sarajevo. Really good to meet them, and to share my Bosnian experiences amongst lots of other chat. Great start to the weekend.
 

Korea

Rowan flew from Tokyo to Seoul today for the next leg of her work trip. Here is the route on her plane screen.

Japan

 

Rowan flew out to Tokyo via Hong Kong last weekend for work. She is meeting with various tech companies for the week, then moves on to Seoul and finally Taiwan. Amazing experiences. This shot is of the park where she was having a run.

Model Village

I continue to trawl. This shot is of Rowan at the Beckonscot model village which we visited in 2006 when we were staying with my mother in Kirtlington. Very happy days. The amazing thing for me, is not how much Rowan has changed (a little bit I grant) but that she is wearing my hat that I still use today (literally).

Thicket

Just having a look through my photo library to see which ones jump out at me. Usually this is photos I have overlooked or forgotten about. This is "Thicket" taken in New South Wales, Australia in 2018.

Orbital

Book Group last night discussed Orbital, about living on the international space station. Everyone liked it who had read it. 

Early morning on Hatfield Moors

Mapmaker

One of the strange things about Thorne and Hatfield Moors is that they are barely mapped by the Ordnance Survey. Because they were treated as industrial sites until this century, they were just mapped as empty spaces. There are no public footpaths on the moors (a few on the perimeter) with many paths not marked at all. So I have started to create my own map in the space the OS leaves. This is the first draft of Hatfield Moors with paths that I have used and found, and the large number of scrapes and lakes sketched in. Benches, gates, viewing platforms, tables, bridges are all going on as well.

 

Old Friend Rufus

Took the dog to Bishop Wood this week, in the mud and rain. She met Rufus, a similarly robust and sturdy dog; over a year since they last met, but they got straight into having a great play. Rufus' owner and I had a good chat whilst the dogs hurtled through the forest.
 

Party Time

Rowan came up for the weekend so that we could go down to London for Coral's 60th. Very kind of her. The party was great. As usual at this kind of event now, I can't hear anyone, and Danielle struggles to see in the dark. But get onto the dance floor and we are fine. The venue was in Islington and we stayed just round the corner, so all was good. Then when we got home, Rowan had made us some focaccia (the best in the world as it happens). Blimey.

This bad photo is by me of Danielle and her book group friends.

Book Group

Our old book group carries on. 20 years old this week. Here is what I wrote in this very blog after our first meeting in February 2005. 

We had the first meeting of our new book group this week. The membership consist mainly of people who have never been in a book group before [like me] and people who are already in one, but need one that is slightly less taxing / needy than their existing groups [which they will continue to be members of] [like Danielle]. For these reasons Danielle and I call the group the Refugees and Virgins Book Group. In the first meeting we worked out how we would choose books, what sort of books we liked, what we liked to drink with our discussion etc. First book is The Dream of Scipio by Iain Pears which we are looking forward to discussing in March.

Same rocks as yesterday, different angle, wave free, monochrome.

Music Book Group

 Last week we discussed Rare Singles by Benjamin Myers in our Music Book Group. It is set in York and about Northern Soul, so I was all set for loving it. It was terrible; one of the worst books I've read for a while. So there you go. On the plus side I did get to play a couple of great Northern Soul tracks to people who had no idea what it was.

Back to Madeira for the photo, stacks on the northern coast of the island.

Stealth

 Not sure about this one. Stealth. Taken on Hatfield Moors a few weeks back.

Monday Monday

Friend Emma was 70 on Monday, we went round for a birthday meal with other local friends. A really nice evening, involving a quiz and everything. A great way to start the week.

In the day I introduced friend Gail to Hatfield Moors: she was impressed. This photo is of a mysterious avenue of trees with a Layla posing for me.