The Underground World of Ibiza: A Journey into the Caves of Can Marca

 Nestled high on a cliff face overlooking the stunning Port de San Miguel in northern Ibiza, lies a hidden world waiting to be explored. The Cova de Can Marca, once a secret hideout for smugglers, is now one of the island's most captivating natural attractions.

My visit on the 12th of July, 2014, was a journey back in time and deep into the earth. The adventure began with the breath taking descent. The entrance steps, carved into the side of the cliff, offer panoramic views of the Mediterranean's brilliant turquoise waters, an incredible welcome before stepping into the cool, dark embrace of the cave.

The cave itself is a masterpiece of nature, sculpted over millennia by water and time. As you venture deeper, the atmosphere shifts. Eerie, yet beautiful formations of stalactites and stalagmites stretch from the ceiling and floor, creating a surreal landscape. The air is cool, and the sounds of the outside world fade away, replaced by a sense of calm and wonder.

The tour, which takes about 40 minutes, is a truly immersive experience. Cleverly placed lighting illuminates the ancient formations in a spectrum of colours, highlighting the intricate details of the rock. The highlight of the tour is a spectacular light, sound, and water show. A natural waterfall, now re-created with a special effects display, cascades down the rock face, the water shimmering and changing colour with the lights. It's a magical moment that truly brings the cave to life.

The Caves of Can Marca are more than just a tourist attraction; they are a testament to the raw beauty and power of the natural world. From the stunning coastal views on the approach to the mesmerizing light and sound show within, it's an unforgettable experience. If you find yourself in Ibiza, be sure to take a detour from the beaches and clubs and delve into this magnificent underground world.

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Entrance steps to the cave

Exit stairs from the caves.

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Mytholmroyd Railway Station

Some places hold stories in their very foundations. Mytholmroyd Railway Station is one of those places. My trip here on a crisp day in October 2013 with my Samsung Galaxy Tablet wasn't just about taking pictures; it was about capturing a moment in the long and fascinating history of this station.

The Ghosts of Stations Past

The station you see today is a far cry from its original form. Opened in May 1847 by the Manchester & Leeds Railway, it began with temporary buildings and platforms. It was only in December 1871 that new, more permanent structures were built, with platforms that actually overhung the impressive Mytholmroyd Viaduct. This is how the station remained for over a century, a busy and vital hub for the village.

The photos show what remains of that grand history. The old station building, now boarded up and closed, is a Grade II listed structure that stands as a silent sentinel to a different time. Its brickwork and arched windows speak of an era when train travel was a new and transformative experience. You can almost hear the steam hissing and the whistles blowing from decades ago.

Modern Day Commute

In the 1980s, the station underwent significant changes. Some of the original buildings were removed, and the station became an unstaffed stop. New platforms were built further down the line, and the old ones over the viaduct were taken away.

Today, Mytholmroyd Station is a functional, no-frills stop for commuters. My pictures show the platforms with their simple bus shelters and electronic ticket machines. There are no refreshment or toilet facilities—just the essential services needed for a quick journey. It's a stark contrast to the grand station it once was.

In 2020/21, the station served over 45,000 passengers, a number that dropped significantly from pre-pandemic levels. However, it still serves as a vital link for the community, connecting them to the wider Calder Valley and beyond.

More Than Just a Stop

Walking the ramp and stairs that lead to the platform, you can feel the layers of history. This station isn't just a place to catch a train; it's a living piece of local heritage. It shows how places adapt and change while still holding onto their past. It’s a testament to the community it serves and the enduring power of the railway.

I hope these images inspire you to look at your local railway station not just as a place of transit, but as a window into the past.

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A Walk Along the Waterways: Exploring the River Calder and Calder & Hebble Navigation

Sometimes, the most rewarding adventures are found right on our doorstep. On a crisp day in late March 2019, with my trusty Nikon D3300 in hand, I set out to explore the waterways that wind their way through Brighouse and its surroundings. The goal was simple: to capture the essence of the River Calder and the Calder & Hebble Navigation as they unfolded before me.

The journey began near the heart of Brighouse, where the River Calder meets the navigation at the Calder & Hebble Junction. The water here seemed to hold a mirror to the world, reflecting the bare branches of the trees and the sturdy, red-brick buildings that line the banks. It’s a place where industrial heritage and natural beauty coexist—a reminder of the area’s rich history.

Moving away from the town, the landscape began to shift. The path became a quiet haven, a tranquil corridor flanked by trees, their reflections dancing on the surface of the water. At a spot near Cromwell Bottom, the setting sun cast a golden glow, creating a beautiful interplay of light and shadow. The whole scene felt peaceful and timeless, a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Further on, the walk brought me to some of the engineering marvels of the navigation. The Calder & Hebble Navigation under the M62 motorway is a study in contrasts. The colossal concrete pillars supporting the roaring traffic above loom large over the calm water below. It’s a powerful juxtaposition of modern infrastructure and the historical, slow-paced world of the canal.

At Brookfoot, the path became even more secluded, with lush greenery and overhanging trees creating a natural archway. I spotted a small waterfall cascading gently, adding to the soothing sounds of the water. This spot, at the Brookfoot Lock, felt particularly serene. The lock itself, with its black and white gates and the stone lock house, felt like a scene from another era, a testament to the hard work and ingenuity that shaped this landscape.

My journey on this day was a reminder of the simple joys of observation. Armed with my camera, I wasn't just walking; I was seeing. I saw the sun glinting off the river in Brighouse, the subtle play of light and shadow, the powerful presence of the M62, and the peaceful stillness of the canal. Each photograph tells a small part of the story of these waterways, and together, they paint a picture of a landscape that is both beautiful and full of history.

It's amazing what you can discover when you take the time to look closely. I hope these images inspire you to take your own walk along a local path and see what stories you can find.

The pictures below are displayed in no particular order from the walk, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The Calder & Hebble Navigation towards Ganny Foot Lock

The Calder & Hebble Navigation at Brookfoot bend.

Brookfoot Lock on the Calder & Hebble Navigation.

The M62 Motorway over the Calder & Hebble Navigation at Brighouse.

Calder & Hebble at Cromwell Bottom.

The junction of the Calder & Hebble Navigation and River Calder at Brighouse.

The River Calder at Brighouse.

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Remembering the Deluge: Sowerby Bridge and the 2015 Boxing Day Floods

 The Boxing Day floods of 2015 are etched into the memory of the Calder Valley. On that day, a perfect storm of relentless rainfall and already-saturated ground caused the River Calder and its tributaries to swell, bursting their banks and unleashing a wave of devastation. While towns like Mytholmroyd and Hebden Bridge were hit harder, Sowerby Bridge didn't escape the deluge. These images, rediscovered and shared, offer a powerful, on-the-ground look at the impact of the floods on our community.

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A Town Submerged

The photos, taken with a Polaroid is2132 bridge camera, serve as a stark reminder of the sheer force of nature. One image shows the River Calder surging near the Turks Head Footbridge, its muddy waters completely overwhelming the usual banks. What is normally a peaceful river is transformed into a raging torrent, encroaching on picnic tables and threatening nearby buildings.

The sheer volume of water is evident in another photo, where the river completely surrounds the Lockhart Mills complex. The water level is so high it nearly reaches the windows on the ground floor, illustrating the scale of the damage. At the Gas Works Bridge, the river's high water levels are captured from two different angles, showing the water's menacing rise, swallowing trees and reaching the very edge of the footbridge.

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The Unstoppable Flow

The flooding wasn't limited to the river alone. The Calder and Hebble Navigation canal system, a vital part of Sowerby Bridge's heritage, also succumbed to the pressure. Photos of Tuel Lane Lock show water cascading over the lock gates, an unsettling reversal of its typical function. The lock, designed to manage water flow, was completely overwhelmed, highlighting the extraordinary volume of rain that fell.

The images of the canal near Kirkham Turn and the Calder & Hebble Navigation show the water level rising to meet the surrounding land, turning the waterway into a vast, muddy lake. Houseboats, usually resting serenely, are caught in the swirling currents, their moorings tested by the floodwaters.

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A Community's Resilience

While these pictures document the physical devastation, they also implicitly tell a story of resilience. The 2015 floods were the worst to hit the area since the 1960s, causing millions of pounds in property damage. Yet, from this shared hardship emerged an incredible community spirit. Neighbours helped neighbours, businesses were rebuilt, and the community came together to clean up the aftermath.

These photographs are more than just records of a flood; they are a testament to the power of nature and the enduring strength of the people who call the Calder Valley home. They remind us to respect our environment and to remember the challenges we have faced and overcome together.

The flooded Calder & Hebble Navigation and Rochdale Canals from Chain Bridge.

The Calder & Hebble overflowing at Chain Bridge.

Rochdale Canal from Tower Hill Bridge. The towpath can normally be seen to the
right of the canal, the small wall probably prevented the car park and nearby town
centre from further damage.

Tuel Lane Lock gates flowing over.

The River Calder flowing past Kingfisher Chase towards Lockhart Mills. The levels is
normally 15 - 20ft lower than this.

The flooded Kirkham Turn. This is where the Rochdale canal joins the Calder &
Hebble Navigation.

Flooding at Tuel Lane Lock on the Rochdale Canal.

Very High River Calder flowing past the Weaving Shed Apartments (right of picture) and
Dugdales Mill left of picture. Dugdales was severely flooded during this event.

River Calder at Gas Works Bridge, considering the damage done to Cromwell, Copley and
Elland Bridges, I was surprised that Gas Works Bridge still stood after the floods.

River Calder at Gas Works Bridge, looking more like a dam head than river crossing.

High level River Calder at Lockhill Mill, much of the red brick building was damaged beyond
repair by the flood and demolished the year after.

River Calder from above the Turks Head Beer Garden, the lower half of the iron footbridge
was just in to the flooded area. Dugdales mill storage yard can be seen heavily
flooded in the background.

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Discovering the Ryburn: A Journey Through Time and Nature

 The River Ryburn, a quiet yet powerful force, carves a path through the heart of West Yorkshire. From its source high in the Pennine hills above Baitings Reservoir, it travels approximately seven miles, nourished by 12 tributaries, until it concludes its journey by merging with the River Calder near Sowerby Bridge.

The route of the Ryburn is a tapestry of history and natural beauty, flowing through or near the villages of Rishworth, Ripponden, Kebroyd, and Triangle. As it winds its way downstream, it passes underneath 13 bridges, each a testament to human ingenuity and a connection between the communities it serves.

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The Final Mile: Where Nature and Industry Collide

These images, captured in October 2013, focus on the final leg of the river's journey, from Watson Mill Lane to its dramatic meeting with the River Calder. This stretch offers a unique glimpse into a landscape where nature and industrial heritage coexist.

One image captures the river flowing under the imposing Sowerby Bridge Viaduct. The weathered stone of the viaduct's arches stands as a silent witness to a bygone era of steam and rail, while the dark, churning water below shows the river's unceasing energy. This spot, where the river meets the railway, perfectly encapsulates Sowerby Bridge's character—a place defined by both its natural setting and its industrial past.

Further upstream, near Watson Mill Lane, the river adopts a more serene and natural feel. Here, the banks are lush with trees and foliage, their reflections dancing on the water's surface. The riverbed, scattered with rocks and pebbles, hints at the river's journey over time, carving and shaping the landscape. In another photo, a group of geese and ducks glide peacefully on the water, a stark contrast to the lively, cascading waters further downstream.

The images offer a moment of quiet reflection, showing us not only the physical river but also the life it supports and the history it has flowed through. The Ryburn, while small in stature, plays a significant role in the local ecosystem and the lives of the people who live along its banks.

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A Photographic Time Capsule

Shot on a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, these photos serve as a digital time capsule. They remind us that the most powerful images often don't require the most sophisticated equipment. Instead, they need a keen eye and an appreciation for the world around us. These snapshots from over a decade ago invite us to consider how the river has changed and how it remains the same.

The River Ryburn is more than just a waterway; it is a vital part of the West Yorkshire landscape, carrying with it stories of nature, industry, and community. Next time you're near Sowerby Bridge, take a moment to walk along its banks. You might just discover your own story waiting to be told.

These pictures were taken using a Samsung Galaxy Tablet in October 2013. Clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green photography store on Zazzle.

Geese and ducks in the River at Victoria Bridge

The Ryburn flowing in to the River Calder from underneath Sowerby Bridge railway viaduct, the former bridges bar can be seen on the right, as of September 2022 this is being demolished having stood empty for a number of years.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.