A few scattered and very short showers left us hoping that
the autumn rains had come early, but sadly, in the east of
the island, the dry weather returned. Even at higher altitudes
the ground is baked dry and parched and very little seems
to be managing to flower.
The dreadful fires of August have, however, abated and
in Northern Greece there has been sufficient rain to prevent
any further outbreaks.
The weather has stayed warm and, at times, very humid and
the harvest of seeds and nuts seems to be a good one.
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| Veins in rocks
- when there are no flowers about it is amazing
what else can take your eye. Here I was enthralled
by the veining in the rocks at my feet, whilst
I waited for visitors on one of my trips to finish
photographing the fruit and berries they had discovered. |
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| Rubus sancta
- (The blackberry) - I often really crave
for blackberry and apple pie..but the blackberries
on Crete never become plump and luscious enough
to pick and stew. Nevertheless the sight of them
always makes my mouth water!! |
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| Seedhead
- the seedheads have been particularly spectacular
this year and the autumn colours amazing. This
thistle seedhead looked magnificent in the late
afternoon sunshine. |
|
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| Thapsia garganica
- I never tire of the wonderful display of seeds,
pods, berries and fruits that Crete has to offer.
These winged seeds looked so sculptural in the
clear autumn light of the Katharo. |
|
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| Thymus capitatus
- looking and smelling superb, this thyme covered
the hillside with a vibrant mauve blush, filling
the air with the warm spicy scent of Greece. |
|
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| Umbelliferae
- protected from grazing goats and sheep, this
tiny umbilliferae could be left to blossom and
fruit undisturbed. |
|
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| Yet more snails!
- from their penthouse apartment overlooking Malia
Palace, these snails could enjoy superb ocean
views. |
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