On Virtual Explore

Gurnard's head as seen from Carnelloe Cliffs, Zennor. For Pam.

I got chatting to the two walkers seen at the bottom of the photo. They were walking the entire Cornwall section of the South West Peninsula Coast Path and had given themselves 6 weeks to do it with the odd week's rest here and there! They looked fit, seemed determined and were over half way round and at about half way in terms of their allotted time frame! I have no doubt they succeeded, and in time to get back to Stanford University where they were both studying for their MBAs. I told them that I had helped Spanish students with their MBA applications to Stanford, Yale, Duke and Harvard - which had to be in English of course. I was pleased to report that I had helped one candidate into Stanford, one to Duke and another to Yale! However the Harvard MBA programme candidate was never going to get on the programme (but I got my fee anyway!). OK, program (not programme) as these were all US MBA courses!

Another Cornwall shot for Pam.

The Palace of San Lorenzo de El Escorial and a fence with a nice 'sweep'.

Felipe II's enormous monastery-palace; the nerve-centre of the greatest world empire seen up to that time. Best on black and full-screen.

Near Algete, Madrid Province. I normally go for a walk here with my sister's family when the poppies are out, but there weren't any in 2017 and 2018

My Mum's garden this year.

Near Zarzalejo, Las Machotas, granite country. Rain shower in the distance.

Steam house for tropical plants, near where I used to live, in north east Madrid.

LOVE AND ENERGY FOR PAM'S RECOVERY after her brain haemorrhage. Looking out from Porthcadjack towards The Knavocks and Godrevy, and, of course, Pam!

A tiny 18th century garden in the heart of old Madrid, restored in the 1990s and 2000s.

... and I forget the name of the yellow plant but they are ubiquitous in these parts. La Sierra de La Cabrera

A calm summer's day at Porthcadjack, Cornwall. I was attracted by the gently shimmering sea and the very clear water as evidenced by the seaweed in the foreground.

High tide above Greenbank Cove, North Cliffs, Cornwall. My previous visit (2015) and descent to the cove was via a path that now only exists in part (seen here to the left). Coastal erosion has meant a new path (between my feet) had to be kicked in.

I have posted many shots of this convent / monastery over the years and this is one of my favourites. Sierra de La Cabrera

Another of very many photos taken over the years in this Sierra, mainly in an enthusiastic burst between 2011 and 2013. I always think of Paco de Lucia when walking these hills: Sight and Sound: www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oyhlad64-s I'm posting another. Well, I don't post many to Sight and Sound but this an absolute nerve-jangler from two consumate artists, Cameron de la Isla and Paco de Lucia; www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNPzDXXM9V4 When I listen to these artists, at their prime, I get goosebumbs. Simply superlative music!

You can see some great strata folds at many places on the Cornish coast.

El Retiro Park. I wrote down the name of this rose but the piece of paper in my pocket got sodden in the next torrential downpour and my notes couldn't be read. I'm sure someone will know!