Hi all ๐ Feel free to join in this weekly challenge whenever you find yourself thinking, “I’m a fan ofโฆ” (see below for how-to).
First off, thank you so much for all the birtdays wishes from you guys ๐๐๐
This week’s Fan Of.. is Coffee at the Kelpies. With some time off over my birthday, my wife & I were able to get out on our first longish ride of the year (50km). Although we’ve been out on our bikes with the trailer constantly over the winter, to go shopping & run errands, this was our first chance to really get out. Over my whole time off we had strong to gale force winds & horizontal rain for much of it; we did, however, get a break last Monday & so headed to one of our favourite places, the Kelpies.
Owing to part of the canal path being closed, we had to follow an “alternative” route, one that was clearly not thought up by a cyclist. This involved following very rutted tracks that had been turned into swimming pools by the recent rain; you know it’s deep when the water comes over your wheel hubs (we have 28″ wheels, bigger than normal).
This next shot shows one of the better stretches of the path…
… but with a great view of the snowcapped Ochil Hills.
Once again we were amazed by our bikes absorbing the punishing terrain without a blink, considering they are meant to be city commuter bikes.
We finally arrived at the Kelpies in beautiful winter sunshine, and pulled up at some tables for well earned coffee, muffins & empire biscuits. This bit’s my entry for Xingfumama’s Pull Up a Seat Challenge.
I trundled around with Snappy for a while to get some more shots of the Kelpies for Marsha & Cee’s PPAC…
…including some more odd perspectives for Becky’s final Odd Square.
Again, because of the large amount of rain, a large puddle had formed in front of the Kelpies, giving some unique reflections. I was lucky with my timing, a few minutes after I took these shots, another photogapher went to get some similar shots, only to have a crazy labrador go full speed through the puddle & destroy the reflections ๐คฃ
Just before leaving, I went to have a quick chat with a pair of swans; one unfortunately had a damaged wing, but seemed perfectly fine otherwise & their mate always stayed close at hand.
How To Join In
- Create a Fan Ofโฆ Photo Post.
- Add a link to your Fan ofโฆ blog post in my comment box or create a pingback by linking to my post.
- Title your post Fan Ofโฆ or add Fan Ofโฆ tag.
Hae a guid week ๐
Wonderful!
I love the Kelpies too, but I’ve not managed to get there for sun or snow capped mountains. So big thanks for sharing these, Jez.
More visits required!!
Thanks, Debbie ๐ So lucky to have them only about an hour a way by bike; plus gets some unique views from the canal path that you don’t otherwise get to see ๐
Congratulations, you are one of this weeks FEATURED BLOGGERS on PPAC! Great photos!
Thank you so much, Marsha ๐
I love these Kelpies and have only seen them from the road as we were driving past and have put them on my blog also a while ago. Nothing like yours though Jez and lovely to be able to seem them in all their glory.
Thanks, Alison ๐ It took us years to get to them; we’d always pass them on the road, but never could find out how to get to them. That was until we got our bikes & were able to head straight along the canal to them ๐
It was worth the trip I think
Definitely ๐
Jez, your photos are exquisite. The reflections, the statues themselves, the blue sky. Wow! I can see why this is one of your favorite spots. Thanks for linking up to PPAC this week. I adore your horses.
Thank you so much, Marsha ๐
The Kelpies are a favorite of mine. They are on my bucket list of things to see before I pass on.
What amazing photos (especially the odd perspectives and reflections). I keep meaning to visit when nearby but never seem to have the time. KL โค๏ธ
Thanks KL ๐ After years of never getting to them, they are now a regular stopping point on many of our journeys; there’s coffee & bathrooms ๐
โค
It looks awesome! Perfect place for a breakfast picnic. I love the photo of the kelpies against the snow topped hills, and the one with them reflected in the water. That bike path looks pretty intimidating. I hope it wasn’t too bumpy. When I used to ride I always thought that the hardest part of bicycling was the seat!
Thanks fo the awesome comment ๐ Fortunately our sales are very comfortable; gel filled with suspension in the seat post ๐
Nice pictures Jez
Thank you so much ๐
Amazing post, sweetie! I love the odd perspectives of the kelpies ๐
We were on a short ride yesterday taking advantage of the gorgeous weather (our grandson was trying out the bike he received for Christmas and he was visiting). I didn’t take photos though, but I’ve got distant relatives of your kelpies in my fanatical post this week: https://picturesimperfectblog.wordpress.com/2022/02/28/im-a-fan-of-donkeys/
It’s always great to get out on the bikes; we’re closing in on the 1000km mark ๐
๐๐ฝ
Great captures Jez. I remember that it was very busy when we went there in 2016.
Thanks, Teresa ๐ We fortunately normally get there before the main crowds ๐
oh wow what a fabulous bike ride under blue skies, and as for those noses well not sure what my horse would think! Thanks for being so much part of squares this month ๐
Thanks, Becky ๐ Always look forward to squares coming round ๐ Hope your flights went off smoothly & you’re enjoying the Portuguese sun ๐ Hopefully we might see some of your marvellous sea scapes for WWE ๐
thanks ๐ Flight was delayed but not by much, and today we have had some glorious sunshine