A-Z Challenge 2021 - Photo Shoot: X - Cross Roads

 'X' was always going to pose a problem for me until a roadsign like this gave me an idea.

Roundabout ahead

For all of us who live here it simply is the Cross Roads so I guess that's an 'X" for me.

Where I collect my paper has Cross Roads Garage as its address.

Many of the drivers from the A1044 ignore the island in the middle, rarely slow down as they drive straight over, making me crosser (X er) and crosser (X er, X-er) when I have to make my way safely from the A67 to the garage.

 

A-Z Challenge 2021 - Photo Shoot: W - Wood Pigeon, Weddings, Whitby

 Wood pigeons are very common in our village and currently a pair are building a nest in one of our hedges. Still they can take a rest from time to time.

Two wedding photos separated by more than 60 years - I'll let you decide which is which.

We live quite close to Whitby, the North Yorkshire town associated with many things including Captain Cook, Dracula and of course the Abbey.

Whitby Harbour

Not all visitors are allowed in the Visitor Centre and some then decide to get in everybody's way.

Others just find the walking too much to handle.

A-Z 2021 Challenge - Photo Shoot: V - Viaduct, Turkey Vulture, Valhalla

 The Isles of Scilly have seen a lot of shipwrecks. The Valhalla Museum on the island of Tresco has figureheads on show recovered from some of the wrecks.

As you can see Valhalla is part of the National Maritime Museum.

Soaring high in the sky is this Turkey Vulture captured in the USA.

One of the sights that is hard to miss is the viaduct in the town less than three miles from where we live.

Yarm Viaduct crossing the River Tees

Nearly 700 metres long the viaduct, carrying a railway line, has 43 arches which dominate the town.

Larpool Viaduct in the Esk Valley ( a minnow with 13 arches)

Sunday Stamps - Sports: Great Britain

 One games - three events in the 9th British Commonwealth Games.

Runners

Swimmers

Cyclists

This set was issued on 15th July 1970 for the Games held at Edinburgh.

A - Z Challenge 2021 - Photo Shoot: U - USA

 When we visit the USA we quite often end up going to see well known houses or houses once owned by well known people like Edsel Ford.

Front entrance to the house

Unfortunately photography was not allowed while touring the inside so I can only show you another view.

The full furnished play house built in the grounds for his young daughter was also worth a look.

A bit different to a dolls house I think you would agree.

A-Z Challenge 2021 - Photo Shoot: T - Transporter Bridge, Tees Barrage, Temenos, Turkey

 The iconic symbol of Middlesbrough can be seen from a long way away.

Transporter Bridge (from Saltholme Nature Reserve)

But in these days of public art it supposedly has a competitor.

Temenos (by Anish Kapoor)

I know which one I prefer.

 

Another feature of the River Tees is the barrage that now controls the river, rendering tideless upstream.

Tees Barrage controls the water released seawards

Down stream with the river in full flow

Somehow I wouldn't describe any of these structures as  - 

A turkey

A-Z Challenge 2021 - Photo Shoot: S - Sam, Sveti Stefan, Soo, Scout

 In the beginning the brother and sister were - 

Sam and Maxie

Maxie appeared earlier under 'M'.  Sam was the Golden 'Yellow' Labrador who would not go into water deeper than his knees.

Deep snow didn't bother him

Unfortunately when he got older he suddenly went blind, but this did not stop him getting about.

If you have time you may read an article about him which was published in Dogs Monthly (a UK magazine) - you will find it at When Darkness Falls

Now that people are thinking of foreign holidays again it has reminded me of a place we visited what seem like many years ago.

Sveti Stefan

Sveti Stefan is a small island on the Adriatic coast of Montenegro and is reached by the causeway you can see in the centre. Accommodation is in individual cottages.

Finally today it's the dog owned by our younger son.

Soo - ready for action

Not bad for a Springer.

But there is another dog. He insists on having the last word.

Scout