From Port De Soller in the central Tramuntana made my way by bus to the northern Tramuntana based in a hotel at Port De Pollenca.
Port De Pollenca Arrival
Arriving at Port De Pollenca from Port De Soller and it was a 20 minute walk to my hotel from the bus stop. Dont mind walking 20 minutes but not with a suitcase. Still I took a walk along the seafront eventually arriving at the correct hotel courtesy of Google Maps. Luckily not get charged anything extra with my mobile phone data plan while roaming, the internet is essential. Checking into the hotel realised I had made a mistake. It was half term school holidays and was a very family oriented hotel. Nothing wrong with that, but as a solo traveller rather be someone quieter. Oh well was here for 3 days, half board, the rooms were nice.
Sunset Port De Pollenca
After settling into the hotel took an evening walk along the seafront of Port De Pollenca. It has some very photogenic potential. The sun was setting behind the Tramuntana mountains, just started shooting with the fixed 24-70mm lens as the sun was about to dissapear behind the peak.
Could have done better here. Smaller aperture would have given a better sunburst. Being ready with a tripod would have helped frame the right composition. Was also under exposing by almost a stop. This is a constant problem with a DLSR vs a mirrorless camera with an EVF.
Switching to the 70-200mm lens could get in closer to the detail and drama of the sun setting now behind the mountains casting streams of orange light. If you are going to be out photographing around sunset or sunrise you should bring a tripod.
Sunrise Port De Pollenca
The next morning just before sunrise got up and took myself to the same spot. This time had brought my travel tripod and setup the camera. Curious as to how the scene would look front lit at sunrise rather than backlit at sunset.
A lovely early morning scene with the alpine glow on the peaks of the Tramuntana as the sun rose behind me. What I dont like is the sail mast protruding above the outline of the background mountains. Not notice it at the time only post processing which is often the case. Difference between a big and small screen and having time. Was in Pollenca for a few days yet so had some more attempts at this composition.
Calm Morning
After the best of the sunrise was over returned to the all inclusive hotel for some breakfast, then prepared for a walk down the Boquer valley. On the way took a walk along Port De Pollenca seafront.
The seafront is very photogenic at all times of the day. The weather was now improving at least for holiday makers every day. It was a very warm and calm morning.
A white rowing boat added depth and foreground interest and exemplified the calm of the morning.
Boquer Valley
One of the recommended best walks in the Rother Majorca guide was through the Boquer valley. The start within walking distance from Port De Pollenca.
The Boquer Valley is nature reserve and popular with bird watchers. Not see any though but very peaceful and quiet.
At the end of the Boquer valley is a small beach and rocky bay that would be a delight to swim in during the summer months especially after a long walk. Bit cold this time of year. Took a few shots then found a sun spot to rest. At this time of the morning had the place to myself apart from a few mountain goats who wanted me to share my snack bars. Then small groups of people kept turning up, got quite busy and lost its charm with kids throwing stones in the calm water etc. I not get the shots I should have taken when I arrived. Walkers tend to leave later in the morning, taking snap and reference shots, selfies, I was here, with their mobile phones.
Port De Pollenca Seafront
After the return walk from within the Boquer valley had something to eat and drink on the seafront in Port De Pollenca. A few restaurants are open during low season but most are shut not opening until April. Port De Pollenca is popular with British holidaymakers. Can only imagine gets very busy during summer and the high season.
There are some very photogenic trees along the seafront of Port De Pollenca. This mature over hanging pine could not resist shooting every time I walked pass. There must be a thousand ways to shoot this tree. A pano came out best.
Puig De Maria Pollenca
On the last full day in port de Pollenca took a bus into Pollenca town. The plan was to explore the town, the roman bridge then hike up Puig De Maria and maybe hang around until sunset. Had something to eat in Pollenca and one too many beers then fell asleep in the town square on a park bench like a travelling tramp. It was a beautiful warm sun shiny day in Majorca. In fact I was beginning to miss the more unsettled weather I had first experienced in Palma and Sant Elm.
An energetic hike up 325m high hill of Puig De Maria. Some fantastic views all the way back to Port De Pollenca and beyond. But the most captivating image caught that day was the golden late afternoon sunlight coming through the doorway of the monastery. This was difficult to shoot. You need to provide room for cropping post processing as will need to straighten verticals etc with the transform tool in Lightroom.
Puig De Maria gives you some nice views of Pollenca below. Not wait for sunset, not think it would provide anything dramatic so headed back to the hotel.
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