Andy Rodker's photos with the keyword: Vallehermoso

One of the last photos I took before my back went and I didn't take any more new photos for some time. I had an operation for 4 fractured vertebrae (apparently caused by long term cortisone treatment as part of my chemotherapy). Then immediately after suffered a detached retina so another operation, then quickly after that, covid in a big way (5 months in hospital including 2 months in an induced coma). Funny how these things pan out; on the day I took this photo, I'd walked 30,000 paces and felt really really good! Hubris or what? A song I've always liked and a band who always inspired. www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnH_zwVmiuE

Red fence, gates, palm and a creeping vine.

The water company, Canal de Isabel II, had to keep up with Madrid's expanding population and water needs and constructed reservoirs (in the Mountains of Madrid), canals and aqueducts throught the 19th century. The first main deposit was amost in the centre of the city and opened in 1858. This is the second and the third was opened in 1905 (I have posted shots of its water tower). Since the 1950s, the water system has expanded exponentially. Deposits I, II and III have long been defunct. This is being transformed into a park and could open soon, Covid-19 permitting.

On a walk yesterday. Vallehermoso, Madrid.

Parque de Santander, Madrid. A suggestion has been to view on full screen.

My local park again.

HFF everyone. Parque de Santander, Madrid

Still very frustrating in that they have opened only one gate - and, Sod's Law - it's the one furthest away from where I live (20 minutes walk away).

I don't know what this is. All I know is that it is in the grounds of the Isabel II water company.

The ubiquitous oleander. Well, my park has finally re-opened but there is only one thing one can do and that is enter and leave by one entrance only (five gates are closed. Bad luck if you live on the far side of the park, such as I!). You can walk round the outer edge of the park on the running track but running and jogging are banned. Lesser paths among the rose beds and so on are blocked, all seats are out of bounds as are all the children's play areas and the many cafes and bars. Masks are obligatory as is 2 metres distancing but these last two rules are ignored by many which makes me seethe like little else!

Built in 1927 to the design of architect Casto Fernández Shaw. Dismantled in 1977 and pleasingly rebuilt to the exact original design 20 years later. The hotel behind is an '80s construction. I think the two architectural styles fit together pretty well. Better on black and full screen.

My local park is still closed. I'm sure it's because of the much-used running track seen here. It would have been crammed full of joggers, mostly without masks, so the authorities had no choice I suppose.

Jardín Enrique Herreros. One of the few parks open in Madrid (and it's tiny!) I certainly didn't spot the bee until long after uploading!

The first (very small) park I saw open in Madrid since the start of lockdown. And I just caught the very last of the wisteria. That's my spring flora shot for the year! (Better on large, z, black, full screen.)