On Virtual Explore

Strange hand shape. I once knew what this granite oddity is called but I've long since forgotten. Behind is the summit of Cancho de La Bola, home of vultures.

Above the vast sweep of the meseta (tableland) that is Castilla La Mancha.

Early spring light in Pastrana, Guadalajara province.

Parque de Santander, Madrid. A suggestion has been to view on full screen.

The only possibly POV. All the other benches were occupied by the unfortunate, the homeless, the winos and the addicts. And it wasn't possible to stay too long because of the smells. A great pity. And it will only get worse ... I kick myself now ... a shot of them on the benches might have made a more powerful statement.

A late autumn scene. The nerve centre of Felipe II's imperial beaurocracy. It controlled the largest empire the world had known. Best on full scren.

An August shot, judging by the haws. I don't remember how hot it was but it would have been H.O.T.!

Herrería Woods and San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Can you spot the smoke from the forester's fire?

A quiet corner. By the side of the church I think.

An enormous park to the west of Madrid affording superb views over the city. A former private Royal hunting park.

Carn Gloose or Gluze, Ballowall, Saint Just, Cape Cornwall. Granite scenery.

Up above is Cancho de La Bola and that guano stained rock beloved of Griffon vultures. A freezing cold January day! Fred might be astonished but I know for a fact that I've not posted this one before; neither on ip nor on Pano!

From the summit of Cancho Gordo with Cancho Largo (the highest point in the Sierra) on the right, overlooking the Bustarviejo valley.

Spring - not yet - but soon ...

La Sierra de La Cabrera. Unusually snow-less for mid Jan!

Parque de El Capricho, Madrid. This is a particularly attractive park.

Where I used to stay in the summer as a teenager. I was very fortunate with my school French exchange partner!!! This was his family's summer holiday home here in Provence. (We are still in contact!). Look on the satellite map for an idea of its size

Saint Day, Cornwall. The steeple of the old, disused and now collapsed parish church can be seen on the horizon. In the period 1770 to 1850 this view would have been one of utter devastation and industry with mining for tin, copper and arsenic all happening here. It was called the 'richest square mile in the world'. Then it all suddenly stopped as cheaper labour and mining costs for these minerals were found in South East Asia amongst other places (slave labour in the main). Nothing remains of this previous hive of activity, I'm pleased to say..