Loose_Grip/Pete's photos

It's difficult to capture the depth of the "Big Hole" in Kimberley but the height of the buildings give an idea of the scale. It's a real vertical wall of rock. Kimberlite, an ultramafic igneous rock and a rare variant of peridotite, is most commonly known to be the main host matrix for diamonds. It is named after Kimberley where diamonds were mined from this hole. Kimberlite occurs in the Earth's crust in vertical structures known as kimberlite pipes, as well as igneous dykes and can also occur as horizontal sills. The consensus on kimberlites is that they are formed deep within the mantle, hence at high temperatures and pressures. HWW to everyone. Have a great day!

In between the showers the sun did shine and I managed to get this shot of Belton House. Belton is a Grade I listed country house built between 1685 and 1687 by Sir John Brownlow & cared for today by the National Trust. HBM to everyone. Enjoy the start to the new week.

Where else but the Netherlands? The many windmills along this canal in South Holland near Rotterdam are famous but I can't for the life of me remember the name of the area. Help me Jaap, Fred, Trudy... Thanks! It's Kinderdijk of course! Anyway HFF to everyone. Enjoy the weekend.

Paella de verduras at the El Roble restaurant in Calpe. Delicious!

Mount Sibayak is a fairly dormant volcano near Berastagi south of Medan. It is more than 100 years since it last erupted - very recently in geological time - but the Barisan Mountains are definitely still active. Mt Sinabung a few kilometres from here did erupt in 2010.

An evening walk around Barcelona. One of 3 famous houses designed by Gaudi in Barcelona La Pedrera, also known as Casa Mila, was built in 1905 on Passeig de Gràcia at the junction with Carrer Provenca. HWW to everyone. Enjoy the day!

Another shot of Kirby Muxloe Castle the ruined, fortified manor house in Kirby Muxloe, just outside Leicester. William, Lord Hastings, began work on the castle in 1480, founding it on the site of a pre-existing Manor House (in foreground). It was never finished because in the cut-throat politics of the Middle Ages he was on the wrong side and the Duke of Gloucester, later King Richard III had him beheaded. The castle is run by English Heritage today and open to visitors. HBM to everyone. Enjoy the start of the new week.

An afternoon shot from the Mirador Morro de Toix looking westwards towards Benidorm and the 433m/1420ft high Alt del Governador on the Serra Gelada on the horizon. HFF to everyone. Enjoy the weekend.

Kirby Muxloe Castle is a ruined, fortified manor house in Kirby Muxloe, Leicestershire, England. William, Lord Hastings, began work on the castle in 1480, founding it on the site of a pre-existing manor house. It was never finished because in the cut-throat politics of the Middle Ages he was on the wrong side and the Duke of Gloucester, later King Richard III had him beheaded. The castle is run by English Heritage today and open to visitors. HWW to everyone. Enjoy your day.