Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 55-300 4.5-5.6 ED

Taken from our stopped bus, as our driver screeched to a stop on seeing this near Lake Louse. We knew we were lucky seeing this. It was about 100m from our road, moving by a river. The bus was stopped and I managed to get this through a open window but trees and foilage marred the view somewhat via this long 270mm (400mm equivalent) lens. I was pretty happy with this capture though as my fellow bus riders got nothing like this. Of course our driver had his hand on the ignition and foot near the accelerator in case it crossed the river and ran towards us :) "Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) have concave faces, a distinctive hump on their shoulders, and long claws about two to four inches long. Both the hump and the claws are traits associated with a grizzly bear’s exceptional digging ability. Grizzlies are often dark brown, but can vary from very light cream to black. The long guard hairs on their backs and shoulders frequently have white tips and give the bears a "grizzled" appearance, hence the name "grizzly." The correct scientific name for the species is “brown bear,” but only coastal bears in Alaska and Canada are referred to as such, while inland bears and those found in the lower 48 states are called grizzly bears." - defenders.org

We see here a female Stonechat (Saxicola torquata) having caught a grub, probably for her young. I am almost at the spot where I captured the clifftop view of Ratlin Island’s east Lighthouse (PiP). The other side of this fence is a long drop to the sea rocks below. Enjoy the weekend.

See next photo for description

Another look at this Island lighthouse sat on top of a high headland. Operating since 1849, It had two unique features, twin lights and explosive charges instead of a fog-horn. Both these features have now been superseded but the main light is still in automatic operation. See PiP for high view. More info: www.irishlights.ie/tourism/our-lighthouses/rathlin-east.aspx Have a great day. Herb

The start of our Mediterranean Cruise starts from Palma, Mallorca, Spain. Here we see its cathedral with its mountainous backdrop as we sail by, just as the sun starts to set. The Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma, more commonly referred to as La Seu, is a Gothic Roman Catholic cathedral. It was begun by King James I of Aragon in 1229 but only finished in 1601. Nice full screen.

Another walk up Chew Valley in the Dovestones Reservoir area brings us to this Silver Birch tree amongst the summer flowering heather. I am with our Ipernity friend Toz who is busy firing away with his own version of this scene. The Pip shows my 2014 version. Toz's vesion: www.ipernity.com/doc/2405228/52060760 Enjoy full screen

A view looking across Saddleworth Moor at the edge of Chew Valley. I am here with our Ipernity mate Toz. I just managed to catch that slither of light on the tops -thank goodness. Enjoy full screen.

Having climbed to the trig point just behind me, the next step is to walk the entire top ridge to the top of the hill on the far right corner via Hollin's Cross by the plantation (small woods) you see and then the normal goal of 'Lose Hill 476m' (notes) From there the real hiker heads down to the village of 'Hope'. We on the other hand only managed to get to the flat section below here before turning back to retrace our steps as the weather was closing in fast. As can be seen, much of this path is now laid in stone to stop further erosion by the many hikers. Enjoy full screen.

A look down onto this bridge from the Cnoc Trail on the Isle of Skye itself. The Isle of Skye is connected to the mainland by a road bridge. Connecting the mainland village of Kyle of Lochalsh to the village of Kyleakin on Skye. The bridge construction started in 1992 built by the Scottish company Miller, but designed by a German engineering company DYWIDAG Systems International in collaboration with civil engineering firm Arup. The main bridge is a concrete arch, supported by two piers. This connect Skye to the small island called Eilean Bàn, the rest of the bridge is level across to the mainland. The total distance across is 1.5 miles (2.4km). The main arch is about 35m high (30m clearance for boats on high tide). Apologies for slight camera shake at handheld 300 (450mm) and slow shutter speed. (You would think I would know better by now ! (˚◡˚) ) Enjoy full screen