Alpine soldier

On a recent trip to Italy I came across this impressive statue of an Alpine soldier.The Italian Alpine  army regiment was formed in 1872 and is still active.

A view of the Matterhorn, Switzerland

On a recent trip to Switzerland I took a ride on the railway to Gornergrat, which is 10,000 feet high, and was very lucky to have a nice view of the Matterhorn which is truly a wonderful sight.

Roald Amundson. explorer

It is nearly a century, December 14, 1911, to be precise, that the Norwegian explorer Roald Amunden arrived at the South Pole and on December 16 planted the Norwegian flag at the Pole, in so doing he arrived at his destination five weeks ahead of the Englishman Robert Falcon Scott. Although Amundsen returned safely from this expedition Scott and his party perished. It took this picture on a trip to Norway but I can't remember which town is was in. If anyone knows I would be grateful to know.



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September 11, 2001 Memorial in Stresa, Italy

On a recent visit to the delightful town of Stresa on the shore of the Lake Maggiore, Italy, I came across this memorial to the people killed in the September 11 2001 tragedy which was erected by the Italian people in memory of those people who lost their lives. I know by my stats that there are a number of American friends who look at it so I hope you find it of interest.

Preston village pump

On my way to the Verulam Cycling Club's annual hill climb, an event which ends the cycle club's racing season, I passed through the village of Preston, where I took a photograph of the village pump, which was used to pump water from underground tanks to used for domestic use. Preston has an interesting history going back hundreds of years. If you are interested in cycling look up http://www.verulamcc.org.uk/ the Cycling Club,of which I have been a member for over 45 years. Hill climbs on cycles are a young man's sport so I timed the riders up the hill which pushing the button on a stop watch is much more conducive for my age which is 82 years.

Wells Fargo in England!

For our American friends I thought I would show you a Wells Fargo coach in the heart of Bedfordshire which was used in a film (not the real thing of course!)

A ride to a Discovery Centre

I recently  visited a Discovery Centre in Stockwood Park, Luton, although I cheated a little because it is in the neighbouring county of Bedfordshire. At the centre is a very interesting collection of horse drawn carriages and old motor cars set in very nice grounds. Among the exhibits is an old horse drawn London omnibus.  Hope you like it.