PhotoPOSTcard: Egg-centric London Underground Art

I happened upon this art installation at Gloucester Underground Station just by chance. My hotel was just across the street so this was the station that I was coming to and going from for a few days in London. A little bit of Google research told me that this bit of egg-centric art is called “my name is lettie eggsyrub” by British artist Heather Phillipson, and was only recently installed in June, 2018. This work is one of a number of decorative installations that are part of the Art on the Underground projects which are designed to “enrich the journeys of millions on the Tube every day”.  Apparently “for this commission she [Ms. Phillipson] focused on the egg as an object of reproduction, subject to human interference.” And here I though it was a reference to good breakfast restaurants in the area – shows you what I know. Now I am on a mission to find more London Underground art.

Thanks for visiting.

Rose

Looking for Things to do in Big Bend? – My 25 Big Bend Experiences to Inspire Your Next Itinerary

I think the Big Bend area of West Texas is an undiscovered jewel in our National Park system. My first visit was in 1990 and I loved it then and loved it even more on a recent trip in September which was a perfect time to explore the park. The weather was not super hot (low 80’s during the day) and it was not at all crowded since the busy season had not yet started. So, for those trying to figure out what to do in West Texas country, I am sharing my 25 favorite things to do in Big Bend to inspire your next trip itinerary to one of the least crowded National Parks in the lower 48 states.

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Terlingua and Lajitas – A Tale of Two Cemeteries

The historic west Texas towns of Terlingua and Lajitas share a common location as gateway towns for both Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park. Though only fifteen minutes apart, their personalities are as distinct as their heritage. On my recent visit, I found that both towns are very much a reflection of their historic cemeteries: Terlingua is wild and woolly while Lajitas is more sedate and proper.

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Let My Big Bend Photography Inspire Your Next Visit

I have been posting many individual Big Bend photos from my recent visit to the Big Bend National Park area of Texas. I have gathered up 25 of my favorites into this one post for your enjoyment and reference.  So let my Big Bend photography inspire your next visit to one of my favorite National Parks.

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PhotoPOSTcard: Sotol Vista Sunset

Another great spot for watching the sunset in Big Bend National Park is the Sotol Vista viewpoint. When I got there just before sunset, I found that the area had recently experienced a wildfire. The ground was still charcoal black, many of the sotol plants were yellow and dried out, and there was still a slight burnt odor in the air. But none of this detracted from the view across the desert toward the Santa Elena canyon in the distance as the sun dipped below the clouds for a spectacular sunset. Make sure you catch a Sotol Vista sunset when you visit.

Thanks for visiting.

Rose

Please note that my visit to the Big Bend area was hosted by Visit Big Bend but all content is my own.

PhotoPOSTcard: A Little Bit of Italy in Marathon, TX

No, this is not Italy – this is still Texas. The Gage Gardens in Marathon, TX is a beautiful garden in the middle of the desert. It’s a surprisingly green and lush landscape amid the dry native desert that surrounds it. The 27 acre garden includes ponds, walking and jogging trails and a nine hole putting green.

Thanks for visiting.

Rose

Please note that my visit to the Big Bend area was hosted by Visit Big Bend but all content is my own.

On the Trail to Balanced Rock in Big Bend – Taking a Hike Down Memory Lane

“I’m tired” whined my three-and-a-half year old son. He was dragging his feet and kicking up sand on the flat part of the Grapevine Hills trail to the Balanced Rock  in Big Bend National Park. As I trekked along the same trail 28 years later, I could still clearly hear his voice across time and space. How had the years flown by so quickly?

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PhotoPOSTcard: Balanced Rock Viewpoint

The balanced rock hiking trail is one of the most popular day hikes in Big Bend National Park, probably because it is fairly easy. The first 9/10 of a mile are level and only the last 2/10 require a scramble up and over rocky terrain. The reward is a lovely view across the desert toward the Chisos mountains through the “window” formed by a very large balancing boulder.

Thanks for visiting

Rose

Please note that my visit to the Big Bend area was hosted by Visit Big Bend but all content is my own.

PhotoPOSTcard: Rio Grande Reflection

I can’t resist a reflection photo when I see one, so I had to take this one of the canyon walls reflecting in the Rio Grande in Big Bend’s Santa Elena canyon area. The river was too high and the bank was too muddy to hike to the mouth of the canyon, so I had to be satisfied with this early morning view instead – not a bad alternative.

Thanks for visiting.

Rose

Please note that my visit to the Big Bend area was hosted by Visit Big Bend but all content is my own.