Category Archives: #PhotoFlashback

PhotoFlashback: The Gothic Temple, Stowe Gardens, Buckinghamshire, UK

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Triangular Gothic Temple, Stowe Gardens

Triangular in shape, with circular rooms in the three corner towers. This is not your average holiday home. The Landmark Trust took over management of the Gothic Temple in late 1960’s. The building was renovated between 1969 and 1970. The Landmark Trust preserves notable buildings of of distinction by renovating them and adding living space. Landmark Trust properties are rented out to visitors. The profits from the rentals fund further similar projects. The Gothic Temple sleeps four people with a high standard of comfort.

Gothic Temple, Stowe Gardens, Buckinghamshire History:

The temple was built for Lord Cobham in 1741. Originally called the Temple of Liberty it had painted glass added in 1748. A domed ceiling was added in 1749.

The Gothic Temple can only be visited by persons renting the property, although it is possible to see the building from the outside by visiting Stowe Gardens. The Gardens are managed by the National Trust while Stowe School still occupies Stowe

#PhotoFlashback: Paragliding at Chamonix

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Paraglider above Chamonix

A paraglider soars above Chamonix


Paragliding above Chamonix in front of the Mont Blanc Massif. A pilot soars above the Chamonix Valley, after taking off from Planpraz, where this photo was taken. The Aiguille du Midi towers over the town on the left of the picture.  Mont Blanc is the mountain on the right. The true majesty of Mont Blanc cannot be comprehended, even from up here in the mountains opposite. Move further away to at least as far as Megéve, then the summit can be seen as the tallest in the Mont Blanc Massif.

Chamonix is a popular place for paragliding. It has numerous paragliding schools where you can take a tandem flight. If you get the bug, it is possible to progress to obtaining a solo licence after one week’s continuous  tuition. The photo is from August, but as long as the weather conditions are amenable, then it is possible to fly at all times of the year using the the cable cars and Europe’s highest cable car lift to the Aiguille du Midi to gain access to the take off zones.

I’ve decided to call this series of posts #PhotoFlashbacks as I don’t intend to post a ‘Photo of the Day’ everyday. Furthermore, they are not Postcards from anywhere. Unless of course you are one of those people who buy postcards at a place then forget to send them and end up sending them from home.

Getting there:
Chamonix is served by SNCF and FlixBus.

 Paragliding schools:
Evolution 2
Fly Chamonix
Absolute Chamonix

#PhotoFlashback photo: Portree harbour, Isle of Skye, Scotland

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The harbour at Portree on Scotland’s Isle of Skye.
Portree, Isle of Skye,The Trotternish Peninsula on the Isle of Skye is an awe-inspiring landscape of rocks breaking out of verdant hills. If you are looking for a touring base for the area, then Portree is a good choice. The capital of Skye it has an ample supply of hotels, restaurants and shops.
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Getting there:
Train to Kyle of Lochalsh then bus to Portree.

Somewhere to stay:
Find a late booking deal from LateRooms: Hotels in Portree with up to 50% off*