Messing About in Boats

I mentioned in a recent post how I would have loved to go to sea and how I would imagine being shipwrecked or living on a remote island, ideas that were inspired by many of the books I read when I was very young.

I think sailing vessels have a unique romantic quality and the thought of being transported, powered by the wind is very tempting for me. Aside from the fact that I do not know how to sail a boat, have never sailed a boat I am absolutely sure I would love the experience.

I have driven/sailed/piloted/skippered (I don't know the correct nautical term) a small cabin cruiser and a friends motor boat and I thoroughly enjoyed that and if I had the money a cabin cruiser would be quite high on my wish list and I would spend time sailing, exploring hidden coves and beaches, maybe fishing for my tea (ha ha) and just getting away from the hustle and bustle of daily  life. I might find myself alone though as my better half does not have sea legs and would prefer to stay on land. Oh well, a little alone time would be fun...
 

On The Ropes

 One thing I always enjoyed when I was growing up was reading tales of the sea; shipwrecks, desert islands, explorers and such. I grew up near Portsmouth and the maritime history of that area featured in my early education; Admiral Nelson, HMS Victory, and the Mary Rose. It is little wonder then that I feel drawn to the sea and I had dreams about going to sea. I never did fulfil that dream but that doesn't mean I have any regrets about it.

I love looking at boats and I think they often make for interesting subjects for photography, take these images for example of the masts and rigging set against the clear sky. 

Knock Knock... Who's There?

The connection between all of today's images is Caernafon. The first picture is a knocker on the great door of Caernafon Castle. I liked the door as a whole but really like the detail of the cast iron knocker.

The anchor is placed on the harbour front as a feature resting on a large compass, pointing North.

The third shot was taken overlooking the harbour. I would really love to own a boat but a motor cruiser would suit me better than a yacht like this.

Marina

Today's pictures are from Barcelona where we stopped for 3 nights on our trip around Europe. I had said that I was a little disappointed with the city but as I have looked through the photos I took I think I made a misjudgement. 

On the first evening we went and sat by the marina for some time in the sun and watching people walking along the promenade. There were some fantastic yachts in the harbour but I was especially taken with the reflections of the masts in the rippling water.  I am really happy with the pictures above and I hope you like them too.

The final picture was taken from a jetty looking back towards what I think was the old olympic village, as the sun was setting it gave a lovely warm glow to the buildings and the mountains on the horizon. It was nice to join the other people enjoying such a beautiful end to the day.

Coast and City

After Monaco we moved on to Juan les Pins and today's pictures show a few of the boats at the marina and then some views of Grasse a small town to the north which is famous for perfume.

The narrow streets in the old town are characteristic of towns in Provence which appear to cling to the hillsides. It was fun exploring these back streets and getting a sense of the old town, especially given how great the weather was.

Enjoy these pictures and come back for more road trip pictures over the next few days...