Go West Wanderlust

01/07/2025

Malta, you were an absolute dream! 🇲🇹✨

Spent an unforgettable three days exploring the charm of Valletta and Mdina, and I’ve barely scratched the surface.

From capturing Valletta’s breathtaking skyline at night to witnessing spectacular fireworks over the harbour.

Unfortunately, my Polaroid camera got lost along the way, so I only managed to shoot three photos. But don’t worry – a new one is on its way!

Can’t wait to share my favourite moments with you soon… 📸✨

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29/06/2025

Arrived safely in Malta! 🇲🇹✨

Petite in size but big on charm, Valletta is a truly magical city. Despite its modest form, this picturesque little city holds the title as Malta’s capital and boasts a rich, centuries-old history. 🏛️

With just under 6,000 residents, Valletta is the smallest capital city in the EU. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s famous for stunning Baroque architecture, fortified city walls overlooking the Mediterranean, and the breathtaking Co-Cathedral of St John. 🌅

I’ve only got three days here, but I’ll be busy capturing street scenes, architecture, bygone shop fronts, and ghost signs. Watch this space! 📸✨

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26/06/2025

A classic example of man versus nature! 🌳📮

This Victorian post box has been decommissioned after being partially swallowed up by a tree.

The roots have lifted the pavement, making it unsafe to open the post box door. The pillar box remains in place as it is a Grade II listed structure of historical significance. ✨

A sign on the box reads:

“Regrettably, Royal Mail has had to remove this posting box from service as, due to the growth of the tree and the raised pavement, it is no longer a safe place to collect mail from. There are alternative posting boxes a short distance away.” ✉️

I’m off to Malta this weekend and can’t wait to photograph some stunning red post boxes in Valletta! 🇲🇹 A testament to the island’s rich history as part of the British Empire, alongside other British-influenced elements like red telephone boxes. 📸🇬🇧

💚 WalesOnline Royal Mail

25/06/2025

Just one month to go! 🇺🇸✨

Discovered this nostalgic Southern scene last year while exploring with A lady called Johnna.

The timing was perfect – the owner of this old service station parked up right next to the pump! 🚗⛽

So excited to explore with you again, Johnna and Backroads 2 Abandoned! 🙌✨ Can’t wait for this unforgettable adventure. 🎉

Counting down the days… let’s make some incredible memories! 💚🔥

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24/06/2025

✨ Reposting this enchanting gem with a fresh twist because it's International Fairy Day!🧚‍♀️

I wasn't quite happy with my first edit, so I’ve added a little extra fairy dust and included a couple of new shots to capture its magic even better. ⛰️🌲

This charming stone springhouse, AKA the House of Fairies, is nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Tucked away off Twin Creeks Trail, just a mile from Gatlinburg, this hidden gem was originally built for the Voorheis Estate to provide clean drinking water and keep food cool – like an early refrigerator! ❄️

Louis E. Voorheis, a Cincinnati businessman, transformed 38 acres known as Twin Creeks Orchard into a serene mountain retreat from 1928 to 1944.

He enjoyed exploring waterpower and built a dam, watermill, swimming pool, and gardens complete with water features. 💧

In 1933, he donated the land to the National Park Service, ensuring its magic would be preserved. They took over full management of the property in 1952.

Called The House of Fairies because over the years, moss has enveloped the stone building, giving it a whimsical fairytale vibe! 🌿✨

I had a magical day hiking to this mesmerising place.

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24/06/2025

I’m beyond excited for this! 🙌✨ Can’t wait to see you, A lady called Johnna & Backroads 2 Abandoned – it’s going to be an unforgettable adventure! 🚀🎉 Counting down the days… let’s make some amazing memories! 💚🔥

As soon as these chairs dry, they will be back on the porch waiting for you. We are grateful and excited that today starts our eighth season! We sure would love for you to experience our special place.

23/06/2025

Had the most amazing day on Skomer Island yesterday with the adorable puffins! 🐧💚

Just a short boat ride from the stunning Pembrokeshire coast in West Wales, this seabird paradise is a must-visit during breeding season, which runs from mid-April to late July. 🌊

Skomer hosts the largest puffin colony in southern Britain –  a record-breaking 43,626 puffins in 2025! 🥰✨

Give some love to these little creatures!
🖤💛🤍🧡

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21/06/2025

🌅 Happy Summer Solstice! 🌅

To mark the occasion, I’m sharing this incredible abandoned observatory perched on a hill within the grounds of a mansion (now a hotel).

The largest of its three domes houses a 24-inch reflector telescope, built around 1914 by Calver – believed to be the largest in northern England! 🔭

This telescope was originally owned by a local vicar and played a role in cataloguing red stars. ❤️

In 1960, the grounds were acquired by a university. The telescope was restored by a local expert who once found part of it being used as an animal trough!🐄 In the 1970s, the site even hosted lunar soil research from Apollo samples. 🚀🌖

The telescopes were used until the early 2000s, when the main house became a hotel and golf course – a fascinating piece of astronomical history! 🌌

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20/06/2025

🌅 Tomorrow marks the astronomical start of summer (at 22:42 UTC+01:00, to be precise)! 🌞

Also known as the summer solstice, it's the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and the shortest in the South.

It’s when the Northern Hemisphere is most tilted towards the sun, giving us the most daylight hours. ☀️🌍

To celebrate, I’m sharing this incredible abandoned observatory perched on a hill in the grounds of a mansion (now a hotel). Once operated by a university, its three domes now stand in disrepair.

Stay tuned – I'll be sharing more photos from this fascinating place tomorrow to mark the start of summer!

What are your summer plans? Let me know in the comments! 💛

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19/06/2025

A few of you have asked to see more old houses and what's inside, so I’m sharing this sweet Southern beauty that I explored with A lady called Johnna last year. Hope you like it! 😊🏚️

Inside wasn’t much, but I’ve got plenty of photos from other houses to edit and more lined up to explore over the summer.

Thank you for your curiosity and support – I hope you enjoy this glimpse into a forgotten but beautiful world! ✨

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