Sentinels' tower

[moopy goops]

Thwarted by the snow higher up the mountain I took a detour to the old sentinels' tower. In times of old these were built all across France and were used to pass emergency signals from one end of the country to the other. Ours, which is very near to the Spanish border was primarily used to start the ball rolling if the Spanish Army was seen approaching. In this event the large pile of wood that was continually maintained was set ablaze, the next tower along would see the fire or smoke and set their fire alight, this process would continue all the way to the city where the Army was based and they would come riding down and repel the enemy. Quite how long this would take is a valid question but at least people would know what was going on.
Either way the tower holds a commanding position and has spectacular views. . .
Please click for full size viewing (it's pretty big)



This view through the trees shows the mountain ridge which forms the natural border between France and Spain



Thanks for your time, all CC most welcome

[zen]

Nice shots; spectacular sharpness.

Thanks for sharing.

Zen

[Sergio M.]

Both great images, and interesting information on the history.

Sergio

[moopy goops]

Thanks Zen, I felt it was pretty sharp too

[moopy goops]

Sergio, I'm glad you liked the history lesson (and the photos) I just hope it's not some crazy made up story the french tell all the foreigners for a laugh !!

[IzzieK]

I like the first one...made more interesting with your story...nothing to nitpick about.

[moopy goops]

Thank you Isobel. The 2nd photo doesn't work for you? If you don't mind me asking, why?

[Paniaa]

Loved the historical background; the shots are very good. Enjoyed looking up the sardana too.

[deetheturk]

Great images Mat,well captured!

[moopy goops]

hey Pania, thanks for the comments and glad you like the shots and the views

[moopy goops]

I appreciate your comment David thanks too

[Digital]

Mat, very nice photographs.



Bruce

[Brownbear]

Gorgeous images. Thank you for sharing.

[IzzieK]

My name is ISABEL...with an "A"...Anyway...I did not say I didn't like the second photo. And I said I prefer the 1st one, also because of the story or narrative info you put with it. The second photo I did not comment on because I've seen a lot of them already. It is a good shot anyway, just that I prefer the first one.

Thank you Isobel. The 2nd photo doesn't work for you? If you don't mind me asking, why?

[FootLoose]

Nice work, Mat. I particularly like the 2nd one for its colours.

There is a small strip of white background in the top right and bottom left corners of the first one. The left side border does not appear to be straight to me, but that maybe an optical illusion resulting from the white strip and the drop shadow.

[Stagecoach]

Mat,

Both stunning images with superb compositions and you have done a great job with the processing.

Being super critical I feel that No 1 could benefit from increased sharpening compared to what you have achieved with No 2. As for a favourite very difficult but I'm going for No 2 because I know how hard it is to get trees looking good and you have achieved it.

Grahame

[FrankMi]

Hi Mat, the narrative really helps set the scene and the mood. The images are well worth looking at in the Lytebox. The cloud formations really help the scenes in both images and the wise choice of aspect ratio helps convey the grandeur of the vista.

I did notice a halo around the hill and tower in the first one. Usually this is a result of post processing techniques.

In the second image I keep wanting to see more through the trees in the middle and wonder how the background would look if the trees were more flanking the vantage point rather than blocking a good portion of it?

I hope these thoughts are helpful!

[moopy goops]

Thank you Bruce,

[moopy goops]

My name is ISABEL...with an "A"...Anyway...I did not say I didn't like the second photo. And I said I prefer the 1st one, also because of the story or narrative info you put with it. The second photo I did not comment on because I've seen a lot of them already. It is a good shot anyway, just that I prefer the first one.

ISABEL, my apologies. My Sincere thanks for commenting a second time too, I was interested to know what you thought and I think I realise what a difference a bit of a story or narative makes.I had not thought of that before, Thanks again

[moopy goops]

Nice work, Mat. I particularly like the 2nd one for its colours.

There is a small strip of white background in the top right and bottom left corners of the first one. The left side border does not appear to be straight to me, but that maybe an optical illusion resulting from the white strip and the drop shadow.

Thank you Greg, I hadn't noticed the 2 wee strips in those corners but I do now. I straightened the image a fraction as the horizon didn't look right and then when I cropped I must have missed those sections ! I will re-edit the post and sort out the edges plus I'll have a look at the border. Sometimes the drop shadow can look wonky