Portsmouth, England -- May 6

Portsmouth, England - May 6

Central to England's maritime past, Portsmouth has been a naval port for centuries. This prestigious city is home to two historic vessels, Henry VIII's Tudor battleship Mary Rose and Lord Nelson's HMS Victory, the world's oldest naval ship still in commission.

The only island-city in the United Kingdom, Portsmouth has been settled since before the days of the Roman Empire. It grew into a medieval port town, bringing in wine and other goods from France.

More recently, this was the embarkation port for the D-Day landings and served as headquarters for Dwight D. Eisenhower. 

The citadel walls of Napoleonic forts are seen on the approach through the Solent Strait.

Great shopping, waterfronts, fortresses, pubs, and a bonus, Dave got his haircut in Paradise Barber Shop. 

Leaving Portsmouth

Lord Nelson's HMS Victory

Viking's photo

Its twin piece of chain is in Sydney Harbor to commemorate the war

Portsmouth Cathedral

Porto, Portugal - May 3

Porto (Leixões), Portugal -  May  3

Portugal's second-largest city, where port wine mixes beautifully with strolls past historic architecture. Shops up and down the lanes of the historic Old Town invite window shopping. 

The imposing Romanesque Cathedral commands more than just a passing glance with its towering facade.

Along the Douro River, the prosperous fate of Porto was sealed when the barcos rabelos delivered the first wine shipments here from vineyards upriver. These vessels still bob with the current. 

Across the river, and over the distinctive 19th-century Dom Luis | Bridge, cellars of 58 companies fortify the prized port wine that is still produced in the Douro Valley.

Worlds largest concrete arched bridge.

Barcos rabelos now carry tourists rather than port wine

Cartagena, Spain -- May 1

Cartagena, Spain -- May 1

Cartagena is a lovely seaside port city, with beautiful buildings and parks, clean and shiny.  Its beautiful tile-lined streets in the pedestrian area welcome visitors.
The archeological remains of the Roman Forum and also the Roman Theater, lay undiscovered for more than 2,000 years, including a very well preserved ampitheater. The 13th century Concepcion Castle high on the hill, was built using stones pilfered from the nearby Roman Theater.

Cartagena is a great walking city with many interesting sites.

Roman Ampitheatre, discovered after 2,000 years. Still excavating. 

Cartagena lovely, lively port area

Our big neighbors in port, largest cruise ship in the world, Wonder of the Seas

Another big neighbor in port

Countryside drive

This area of Spain has been mined for silver, lead, pyrite, and other heavy minerals since the Roman times. Abandoned equipment can be seen everywhere! Most mining and smelting has ended because runoff into the ocean was toxic.

Cape Palos beach

Cape Palos is in the municipality of Cartagena. It is part of a small range of volcanic mounts that form a small peninsula as well as the islands in the Mar Menor (“Little Sea”). 

Cape Palos lighthouse