Contest #423: Chateau Chenonceau, France

After a castle in the United Kingdom, this week was another castle in France. Hidden in the Loire Valley in central France is a magnificent complex of gardens, a farm and a castle located over the Cher River.

There were many clues in this weeks contest, including the little circular maze built from plans by Catherine de Médicis, hidden in the trees away from the river.

Found without additional clues:

  • Eloy Cano
  • Robin
  • Cloudspotter
  • RicardPG
  • rob de wolff
  • LawnBoy
  • donaaronio
  • Maureen
  • Paul Voestermans
  • steve willis
  • Andy
  • Jason Hattermann
  • Garfield
  • Phil Ower
  • Lelie
  • Jeff
  • Lighthouse
  • Marisa Boraas
  • Junebug
  • Max_Power
  • Mehmet DURMUS
  • Chris Nason
  • Luís Filipe Miguel
  • hhgygy

Found with the hint:

  • Mik
  • Jesus Rodriguez
  • Katelin
  • Dackelz.HP

Contest #422: Lindisfarne Castle, Holy Island, Northumberland, UK

Sited on the east coast of the UK, disputed territory in the 16th century between English and Scots, with occasional forays from Vikings thrown in. Built in 1550 the original structure was barely more than a fort. Originally ordered built by Henry VIII the place was woefully inadequate to the task of defending itself. Elizabeth I ordered improvements, undertaken in the 1570s. When James I & VI came to the throne in 1603, uniting the kingdoms of England and Scotland, the need for defensive fortifications ceased. Despite occasional use as a coastguard lookout, and tourist attraction it sank into desuetude. By the time Charles Rennie Mackintosh sketched it in 1901 it was not in good shape. Fortunately Edward Hudson, very rich publisher of Country Life, bought the place and commissioned the architect Sir Edward Lutyens to remodel the remains in the Arts & Crafts style. Since those days it has passed into the ownership of the National Trust who are now responsible for the castle and grounds. National Trust Lindisfarne web page.

One of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s sketches of the castle.
Castle seen from the church ruins.
The church, castle looming in the distance.
A bit more close up. Nice perspective, using the fence.

And, two shots taken by Karel, for five years runner of the WOGE page. He just happened to have visited Lindisfarne Castle. Completely coincidental, we assure you.

Low tide.
Tourists headed towards the castle.

Those that knew where to stage a raid, or mount a defense on their own:

  • steve willis
  • Garfield
  • Lighthouse
  • Phil Ower
  • Paul Voestermans
  • Chris Nason
  • Lelie
  • Eloy Cano
  • donaaronio

And, those that need some additional planning. Or a sketch.

  • Jason Hattermann
  • Cloudspotter
  • RicardPG
  • Jeff
  • Marisa Boraas
  • Max_Power

Contest #421: along the south coast of the Island of Socotra, Yemen

The island of Socotra off the coasts of Yemen and Somalia was impacted recently by Cyclones Chapala and Megh. This part of the world does not see cyclones very often, and after searching about the island, it seemed like a neat place to visit for this contest. The actual location was just a neat looking place with interesting topography.

Wikipedia states that “… about a third of the plant life is found nowhere else on the planet” and “has been described as the most alien-looking place on Earth”.

The hint about the Dragon’s Blood Tree was designed to help lead you to this island, and then it was a matter of hunting down the actual location of the image, along the south coast.

Caught on the winds and landing on the island without additional assistance:

  • steve willis
  • Garfield
  • Lighthouse
  • Phil Ower

While others used the Dragon hint:

  • Jason Hatterman
  • Ben S
  • Paul Voestermans
  • John F
  • ashwini agrawal
  • Chris Nason
  • ArnoudS
  • Lelie
  • Eloy Cano
  • Cloudspotter
  • RicardPG
  • Maureen
  • Jeff
  • Jesus Rodriguez
  • Marisa Boraas
  • donaaronio
  • Mehmet DURMUS
  • Max_Power
  • steven simmons
  • Gillian B
  • Robin