Ancient Forest - Tywyn Beach - Wales

Over the years if there have been big storms, especially during the winter months it has often been possible to see parts of the Ancient Petrified Forest, hidden under the shifting sands of Tywyn Beach.
So at the moment as I write it is no surprise that the Ancient Forest is at low tides still visible but for how long this time none of us know.  Apparently the existence of this forest is sometimes held up as evidence for the existence of Cantre'r Gwaelod, a mythical lost land hidden beneath the waters of Cardigan Bay. 

The recent winter storms which battered the coast of Wales have exposed once again previously hidden traces of the areas Stone Age landscape. A four mile stretch of our coastline here in Tywyn on the west coast of Wales has been so altered by the sea that it was pushed back 50 feet (15 metres). There have been some interesting finds from deer antlers to WWII items and the coast has even been featured on national television. 

What the sea exposes it can also take away again without warning, with this in mind I have been taking photos of the petrified remains as I find them fascinating. 

It struck me that maybe my Travel Tales readers may also be interested in seeing my impressions of the Ancient Forest as viewed through my camera lens. The following photos are just a selection of the many I have taken the rest of  of which can be viewed in My Flickr Albums in the collection entitled  Tywyn Out and About 2014

I hope you found the virtual tour of the Ancient Forest interesting, I certainly had fun taking the photos and maybe the sea will let us enjoy the the phenomenon for a little longer, as it is proving to be a tourist attraction.  If you have not already seen the News Videos I have included one here. 

                                         

                                            

 The video I have shared from YouTube is courtesy of Ace Science News

Find out more about Tywyn by visiting the Links below.

Tywyn Times   Tywyn Travel Guide  Love Tywyn Website  Love Tywyn Facebook Page


                                                All photos are my own taken in February 2014
  

 All rights reserved by LindyLouMac Photo Collection

More photos  may also be viewed individually in the set entitled  

Tywyn Out and About - February 2014 at My Flickr  account.

Holy Trinity Church - Bansko - Bulgaria

The Greek Orthodox 'Holy Trinity' Church in Bansko is one of the most important and historic landmarks in the town. Therefore well deserving of a post especially to share my photos with you, although unfortunately no internal ones as cameras were not allowed.  Building of the church by local craftsmen commenced in 1835, when it was first consecrated. Within three years a monastery school had been built in the churchyard, the tower was not added until 1850 and it did not get a clock until 1865.

Since its construction during Ottoman rule the church has established itself as the spiritual and cultural centre of Bansko. Playing an important part in the revival of the Bulgarian National spirit and independence in 1912, this place of Orthodox religion was apparently supported by many educated men, that were also revolutionaries.

If you are interested in learning more about the murals, icons, architecture and general history of the building information plus photos can be found by visiting these links.  Bansko - Holy Trinity Church   About The Holy Trinity Church

It was raining when my sister and I visited, hence the spot on lens!

More rain spots, plus if you look carefully, the painting photographed below.

I was particularly pleased with the following photos of the storks nest on the church tower.  It is said that a pair of white storks return to the nest each year, something I would love to see for myself, an event that is very important  to the locals and of course a great visitor attraction. 

Just imagine this photo with a stork nesting here!

The links below will take you directly to the pages on Bansko and my earlier posts if you are interested in learning more about the church, town and the ski-slopes.  

Church:
Bansko - Holy Trinity Church   About The Holy Trinity Church

General:
Bansko - Wikipedia  Municipality of Bansko - Official Website  Travel Tales - Bansko - Bulgaria  
Travel Tales - Market Day in Bansko

For Skiers:
Bansko Blog.com  Facebook Page - Bansko Blog   Twitter - Bansko Blog

                                               All photos are my own taken in January 2014
  

 All rights reserved by LindyLouMac Photo Collection

More photos from this trip may also be viewed individually in the collection entitled  

Bansko - Bulgaria at My Flickr  account.

Market Day - Bansko - Bulgaria

Those of you that have been following my blogs for the last few years will know that I have a fascination with markets, seeing them as full of great photographic opportunities.  Bansko provided me with another excuse to add to my collection, portraying Markets around the world. 

Hope you enjoyed your virtual market visit.  Which are your favourite scenes? I have one more post to share with you about the church in Bansko, which will follow soon.

The links below will take you directly to the pages on Bansko if you are interested in learning more about the town and the ski-slopes.

General
Bansko - Wikipedia  Municipality of Bansko - Official Website
For Skiers:
Bansko Blog.com  Facebook Page - Bansko Blog   Twitter - Bansko Blog

                                               All photos are my own taken in January 2014
  

 All rights reserved by LindyLouMac Photo Collection

More photos from this trip may also be viewed individually in the collection entitled  

Bansko - Bulgaria at My Flickr  account.