Floating Traffic

The Sandbanks ferry approaching the Studland side.

Nice Views

Looking across to Durlston Head and Old Harry Rocks in the distance.

Well known landmark

The Globe, just south of Durlston Castle is 10 ft in diameter and weighs 40 tons. It was built by John Mowlems Greenwich works and erected in 1887

Tilly Whim Caves

These caves are part of an old stone mine situated on Durlston Head in the Isle of Purbeck area. They used to be open to the public, the entrance shown on the left is now blocked off with a locked gate.

Bleak Lighthouse

Anvil Point Lighthouse complex in Durlston Country Park about 2 miles from Swanage town centre. The buildings always look clean and in excellent condition.

Local Information

This is part of the information display inside the Visitor's Centre. We have been to this part of the coast several times but have never seen any Dolphins. You can see by this display that things are a bit dated but the good news is that a new centre will open later this year in the castle, large parts of which are being refurbished at the moment.

Refreshments

Ruth sitting just outside the Visitor's Centre of Durlston Country Park which is 260 Acres of nature reserve, part of Dorset's Jurassic Coast.

Smart Accommodation

The Manor House Hotel overlooking Studland Bay on the Isle of Purbeck. We have stopped here several times for meals over the years. It's a bit expensive although they have an offer at the moment, £100 per person for one night which includes a 4 course dinner and full English breakfast which makes it quite good value really.

Point Rubble

Just a pile of rubble, the sad remains of someone's home and thriving business which was a great favourite of thousands of people enjoying the beaches of Southbourne over many years. We wait now to see what will eventually be built on the site.

Half Point Cafe

I took this picture on 30 May 11, the day before Tina took a similar one. To see a photograph of the building, complete, but empty, awaiting development, see my blog dated 16 Apr 11.

Shades of Eiffel

This extraordinary structure, The Santa Justa Lift, one of Lisbon's best loved landmarks was built between 1900 - 1902 by the Portuguese born French architect, Raul Mesnier de Ponsard to connect downtown to Bairro Alto, the lowest and highest points of the city. He was an apprentice of Gustave Eiffel which explains the similarities to the Eiffel Tower. Originally powered by steam, now electricity, it is 147ft high. The top of the tower, reached via a spiral staircase, has a cafe with splendid views of the city.

Taking a Rest

Ruth  having a much needed rest on the steps of Dom Jose's statue, quite a nice picture of her.

A Bit of History

This square is called Praca Do Comercio (Trade Square), it is a very large open space and is home to the monument in honour of Dom Jose, the King of Portugal at the time of the 1755 earthquake which devastated the city of Lisbon. He's the green chap sitting on the green horse!

Street Decoration

I don't remember ever seeing Jacaranda trees before. This was one of many overlooking one of the squares in the centre of Lisbon. We were a little early in the year, the blossom gets much thicker later and must make a superb show.