by Steve Tanham
I love Italian cafes. One of my favourites is in Bowness-on-Windermere. The Old Pump House nestles by the lake at the southern end of the town, close to the marina. When Tess the Collie needs a longer walk, I drive us here. We try for a space in the free public parking by the pitch & put then use the ‘chucker’ to throw her … Read More Ciao Bella…
by Steve Tanham
It was blazing hot in Arnside on Friday. I was walking the collie along the shoreline when a flash of red from the road above caught my eye. The pier steps were nearby, so I coerced a reluctant Tess to come up with me, promising her a treat and a quick return… I used to have an MGB soft top. It’s throaty twin-carb engine … Read More Dashing red at Arnside
by Steve Tanham
Continued from Part Two. With a final look back, we say goodbye to the American Falls. It was worth the trip, alone, but now a deeper resonance calls us round the dark headland that partly obscures the larger Canadian basin. Our boat now passes close to a dark headland from behind which a far great roaring sound is coming – one that speaks of … Read More Niagara (3- final) Into the Canadian Falls
by Steve Tanham
Twilight can sometimes be the photographer’s best friend. Although the light levels are poor, you can still take a good ‘mood shot’ if you can jam the camera (iPhone here) against a solid object and let it absorb what it needs. The presence of an harmonic single colour in the scene – as here with the orange/peachy shed light – can set a contrast … Read More Harbour Light
by Steve Tanham
You emerge from the metro station, climb a few steps and bang! It’s there, seemingly an illusion because of its size. But it’s real – and stunning. Suspended between two large office blocks and connected to their walls, it looks ‘too present’ to be really there… It’s a brilliant piece of art and architecture. It was erected in June 2022. The sculpture weighs around … Read More Montreal’s giant ring
by Steve Tanham
The lower basin of Niagara Falls, from which the water-borne tours originate, can be approached in many ways; some more expensive than others! Most visitors arrive on foot, being funnelled into the large and streamlined ticketing system, which culminates with the issuing of the ubiquitous red plastic raincoats that are recycled at the end of tbe trip. Niagara comprises two giant waterfalls. They lie … Read More Niagara (2) the American Falls
by Steve Tanham
Passengers cling tightly to the boat’s metal rails. Everyone on board the Niagara Thunder is jammed down the port side of the vessel. No-one is screaming… the intensity is colossal. We are all too absorbed in the sheer ‘presence’ of millions of gallons of water thundering down in front of us on the Canadian side of the falls, turning the basin of the waterfall … Read More Niagara (1)
by Steve Tanham
We’ve finally made it to Canada! After years of wanting to, the presence of my son on a two year contract to Toronto has enabled a week-long trip to this lovely – and very friendly – city. We feel entirely at home here. As a special treat, we’re being taken to Niagara Falls, today. Can’t wait! Lots more photos to follow! The opening shot … Read More Finally made it to Canada!
by Steve Tanham
Alness: about ten miles north of Inverness on the famous A9 highland road to John O’ Groats and the port of Thurso. We hadn’t planned to visit Alness but an internet lookup for a decent pharmacy showed it was the closest supermarket town to where we were staying on The Black Isle. We bought our supplies at the supermarket then parked up and wandered … Read More Hidden Valley
by Steve Tanham
What secret value do I hold That this – with dying seconds – Bestows its once-glory on my eyes And now on yours…? —- What is this act of seeing That knits the view and viewer new In such a way and with such love They were not ever two but twin? —- And yet… —- And yet kaleidoscope of ‘it’ Mocks egoscope of … Read More The Afterwhere
by Steve Tanham
With labyrinthine grace Not lacking pace The human mind: The snake devourer of the here Makes shapes of what it likes And doesn’t… —- The sum a palette: A well-stuffed wallet ‘Embrace, avoid or pass’ The money says As hissing head explores in dread A painting made by self In which its power of choice Is just a word… — Come heart and flower … Read More With Labyrinthine Grace
by Steve Tanham
Beyond the Hawthorne Skies of blue Trick eye to thinking Summer’s due Not yet! The mind Replies, as frozen fingers May betray Spring’s breeze for Deeper pockets’ warmth. ©️Stephen Tanham 2025
Sun in Gemini 
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