Photography
The glacial valley national park of Valsavarenche retains some unique architecture high up the valley. The valley was long reserved a retreat for the kings of Savoy and then Italy. Development was limited and wildlife protected with hunting permitted only with the King’s assent, which usually meant his participation.
More photos: The architecture of Valsavrenche - Parco nazionale del Gran Paradiso
Sunflowers in bloom in a field near the Route Napoléon in the Alpes-de-Haut-Provence. Against my expectation (based on popular rumour) the heads had not all turned to face the sun.
These friendly animals grazing and playing on the Quantock Hills in Somerset are the breed known as Exmoor Pony. The pure breed have grey muzzles. Also in the herd are mixed breed Quantock Ponies, Exmoor Pony crossed with Welsh Cob and Arab breeds, though this is not a recognised breed. They’re all freezemarked recording ownership.
Marine chains stored on the quay at Portpatrick harbour, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. I enjoy and respect the power and raw physicality of the linked iron. Six bins store chains of different gauges, the product of human labour in mining, smelting and forging processes. The eroded surfaces witness the history of the trusty chains in and around the harbour.
