Ibiza's Hidden Gems: A Coastal Return from San Miguel to Portinatx (July 2014)

 Sometimes, the magic of a journey lies not just in the destination, but in the path taken. Back in July 2014, while soaking up the sun in the beautiful Portinatx, Ibiza, I embarked on a memorable boat trip that offered a unique perspective of the island's northern coastline. Having already shared the captivating sights encountered on the outbound leg from Portinatx to San Miguel Bay, it's time to unveil the equally stunning views captured on the return journey – an hour-long coastal cruise that truly showcased Ibiza's rugged beauty.

On July 12th, 2014, with my trusty Polaroid is2132 bridge camera in hand, I settled in for what I knew would be a feast for the eyes. The Mediterranean sun glinted off the turquoise waters as our boat gracefully skirted the northern edge of the island, revealing a tapestry of hidden coves, dramatic cliffs, and untouched natural wonders.

The return trip from San Miguel to Portinatx wasn't merely a reverse of the outbound journey; it offered a fresh perspective, with the changing light and the slight shift in our vantage point bringing new details to life. We cruised past secluded beaches, some accessible only by boat, inviting me to imagine their pristine sands and crystal-clear waters. The coastline itself was a masterpiece of nature's artistry – ancient rock formations sculpted by centuries of wind and waves, creating intriguing shapes and textures.

I vividly recall the vibrant hues of the water, transitioning from deep sapphire in the depths to an almost luminous emerald closer to the shore. The cliffs, clad in a mosaic of greens and browns from the hardy Mediterranean vegetation, plunged dramatically into the sea, creating a sense of both grandeur and tranquillity. It was a stark reminder of Ibiza's diverse landscape, proving that there's so much more to this island than just its famous nightlife.

This hour-long return journey was a photographer's dream. Each turn of the boat presented a new postcard-perfect scene. There was a particular joy in capturing the raw, untamed beauty of this less-explored coastline, far from the bustling resorts. The gentle rocking of the boat, the salty air on my skin, and the panoramic views all combined to create an unforgettable experience.

While the exact names of every cove or rock formation may now elude me, the feeling of awe and serenity from that coastal cruise remains. It's these unexpected moments of natural beauty that often become the most cherished memories of a trip. So, if you ever find yourself in Portinatx, I highly recommend taking to the water and discovering the stunning, rugged charm of Ibiza's northern shores. You might just find your own hidden gems along the way.

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Entrance to San Miguel Bay

San Miguel

Portinatx Pirate Tower

Punta Moscarter Lighthouse

Portinatx

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Dunkeswell, Devon: A Church's Challenge

 Oh, the serendipity of an unexpected layover! For an HGV driver like me, a delay often means a good book or a cuppa, but back on September 10th, 2015, in the quiet corner of Dunkeswell, it meant something far more enriching. Stranded until morning after an early arrival at the local airfield, I traded the rumble of my truck for the gentle thud of my boots on country lanes, embarking on an impromptu exploration that unveiled two fascinating pieces of local history: the unassuming Dunkeswell Methodist Church and the remarkably resilient St. Nicholas Church.

Dunkeswell: A Pilot's Paradise and a Church's Challenge

Dunkeswell, for many, is synonymous with its airfield. During World War II, this seemingly tranquil spot buzzed with the vital energy of the US Air Force and later the US Navy. Little did I know, as I set out, just how deeply this wartime legacy had etched itself into the very fabric of the local architecture.

The Quiet Watcher: Dunkeswell Methodist Church

My first encounter was with the Dunkeswell Methodist Church, a humble edifice perched at the top of Abbey Road, gazing down over the village. With its understated charm, it spoke of quiet contemplation and community spirit. Using my trusty Polaroid is2132 bridge camera, I captured its serene presence. Online, historical details are sparse, which only adds to its mystique. It stands as a testament to the enduring faith of the local community, a steadfast beacon through generations, silently observing the ebb and flow of village life below. One can almost imagine the hushed sermons and hymns that have echoed within its walls for decades, providing solace and fellowship to its congregants.

St. Nicholas Church: A Tale of Resilience and Remembrance

A short walk further brought me to the more prominent St. Nicholas Church. This was where the history truly began to unfold, revealing a captivating narrative of destruction, rebirth, and poignant remembrance. Rebuilt between 1865 and 1868 on the foundations of an earlier structure, its very existence speaks to the enduring spirit of the community.

However, it was the story of its tower that truly grabbed my attention. Imagine this: the mighty roar of bombers taking off from the nearby airfield, the ground trembling with their power. It turns out, this very vibration, a symbol of wartime might, proved to be a silent assailant to the church's ancient stone. By 1953, the tower, seriously weakened and on the brink of collapse, had to be urgently demolished. This wasn't the work of bombs, but of the relentless, powerful pulse of progress and protection.

The current tower, rebuilt in 1953, stands as a testament to this remarkable story. But St. Nicholas isn't just a survivor; it's a keeper of memories. Inside, you'll find a moving tribute to the US forces who called Dunkeswell home during the war. A plaque and a book of remembrance stand as a permanent marker of their presence and sacrifice, a tangible link between a Devon village and the global conflict that shaped the 20th century. Even today, the church continues to hold regular services, its walls echoing with both contemporary prayers and the whispers of history.

A Journey Beyond the Load

My unexpected detour in Dunkeswell was a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most enriching experiences are found when you step away from the planned route. What started as a logistical delay transformed into a journey through local history, a chance to connect with the quiet resilience of a community and the surprising impact of global events on a seemingly small corner of England. These two churches, each with its own story, offered a glimpse into the heart of Dunkeswell, proving that even a quick walk can uncover a wealth of hidden narratives. And all thanks to a postponed load!

Clicking any of the images above should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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Sowerby Bridge: A Photographer's Early Journey Through a Historic Town

 My photographic journey truly began in 2013, sparked by a holiday to Lanzarote. Upon my return, I started exploring my local area with fresh eyes, and naturally, my hometown of Sowerby Bridge became my primary subject.

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A Glimpse into Sowerby Bridge's Past

Sowerby Bridge is a bustling market town nestled in Calderdale, West Yorkshire. Its origins are deeply rooted in the confluence of the Rivers Calder and Ryburn, where a ford once stood, eventually replaced by the bridge that gave the town its name. The Industrial Revolution marked a period of significant growth for Sowerby Bridge. The rivers, along with numerous streams and inlets, provided the power for the textile and engineering mills that sprang up along their banks. The town became an urban district in 1894 and later merged into the Metropolitan Borough of Calderdale in 1974.

The town's waterways are particularly notable. Sowerby Bridge is the junction point of the Calder and Hebble Navigation Canal, opened in 1770, and the Rochdale Canal, which opened in 1804. While the Calder and Hebble has remained open since its completion, the Rochdale Canal faced closure in 1952, with its last full journey from Sowerby Bridge occurring in 1937. A section of the canal was even infilled and converted into a road (Tuel Lane) and a car park before being gloriously reopened in 1996.

The railway also played a crucial role in Sowerby Bridge's development, arriving in 1840 with the opening of its first station. This station, located near the current Tesco, was replaced in 1876 by the present-day station, strategically moved in anticipation of the new Rishworth Branch Line.

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Overcoming Challenges and Looking to the Future

Following the departure of textile and engineering companies, Sowerby Bridge experienced a period of decline. The town's hilly terrain and lack of flat land proved unsuitable for modern industrial development. By the late 1970s, many businesses had left, leading to various regeneration efforts. These included the establishment of a canoe club on the River Calder, the vital restoration of the Rochdale Canal and its wharf area, and the large-scale conversion of former mills into apartments and smaller, more suitable industrial units.

While significantly improved since the 1980s, Sowerby Bridge still grapples with challenges, including persistent traffic congestion and a scarcity of shops to attract visitors. Despite these hurdles, the canals remain a central feature of the town, and the annual Rushbearing festival brings much-needed tourism, though its popularity has waned in recent years.

The pictures I captured around Sowerby Bridge in 2013, all taken with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, formed the basis of an early YouTube video, marking the true beginning of my photographic exploration.

Sowerby Bridge Station

The Canal Basin

Scar Head Tunnel Portal, on the closed Rishworth Branch Line.

Jubilee Refreshment Rooms, formerly Sowerby Bridge Station ticket office

The Subway at Sowerby Bridge Station. The bricked up portal used to run under long since removed lines and into the former station building which was damaged by fire and demolished around 1980.

Willow Hall Dam, this was taken on Boxing Day 2013, the bench is no longer their.

Winton Mill

The former Coal Drops

Willow Hall Dam

The Navigation Inn

The Rochdale Canal from Co-Op Bridge

The tunnel to the east of Sowerby Bridge is known by a few different names, the most popular being Dixy, Cemetery or Sowerby Tunnel. 

County Bridge, the bridge that gives the town it's name. A much older bridge can be seen underneath, which has been largely covered due to road widening.

Sowerby Bridge Cemetery

Carlton Mill Chimney

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A Glimpse into Scottish History: 1933 "Famous Scots" Cigarette Card Collection

 I recently embarked on a little journey through Scottish history, right from my own home. I've been in possession of a fascinating set of 50 cigarette trading cards from 1933, titled "Famous Scots." As I was preparing to list these unique pieces of ephemera for sale, I realised what a treasure trove of historical figures they represented.

Rather than just selling them off, I decided to take the time to scan each card and create something special for you all. I've put together two videos, each featuring 25 of these incredible images, and uploaded them to YouTube.

These cards showcase a diverse array of famous Scottish individuals, ranging from beloved poets and influential playwrights to ground breaking inventors, powerful politicians, revered royalty, and so much more. It's a truly captivating cross-section of Scottish talent and influence throughout history.

You can view both videos right here in this post, and of course, on YouTube. I'd be absolutely thrilled if you could take a moment to subscribe to my channel while you're there – it really helps me to create more content like this!

A little bit of background on the cards themselves: they were originally released in packs of Mitchells Cigarettes. Mitchells was a Scottish tobacco company with its roots in Linlithgow. Interestingly, while the company had merged with Imperial Tobacco by 1901, these cards were still released under the Mitchells branding, adding another layer to their historical significance.

It's been a real pleasure delving into these cards and sharing a piece of Scottish heritage with you all. I hope you enjoy the videos as much as I enjoyed creating them!

and part 2,

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