Flora and fauna

I'm fond of these, the flower heads of the cistus seem to have 'personality!'

The path was treacherous even with good boots. So sandy and with loose gravel mixed in; very difficult to get any kind of purchase, but you expect that with dry weather and you learn to cope with experience. I actually find scrambling in among the rocks and boulders far easier and more satisfying!

Above Valdemanco, Sierra de La Cabrera

I heard them before I saw them; they sometimes breathe in great snorts! They all watched me quizically and didn't move a muscle as I approached and passed them. They all just kept their eyes firmly fixed on me as I passed. It was only later as I looked back that I saw a kid suckling. I couldn't take a shot of it as the sun was directly in line. La Sierra de La Cabrera. www.youtube.com/watch?v=RG9TMn1FJzc

For Pam. The beach at Portreath at low tide viewed from Treaga Hill. I think I may have posted this before, and fairly recently at that! Apologies if so.

Early summer and still verdant. This won't last! By the end of June all is parched. Pico de La Miel: skyline, a little to the left of centre.

At all other times of the year this little patch of ground is totally nondescript. But come spring ... ... ! A roadside shot, halfway between the Four Towers and Chamartin station, Madrid.

Lanner village seen from the lower slopes of Carn Marth, Redruth, Cornwall.

La Sierra de La Cabrera.

Walked past this small local public garden almost without seeing it. I will have a look when I have more time.

Among the granite boulders and cliffs of La Sierra de La Cabrera.

There are three main cistus types in the Sierra, this one wth its magenta smudge at the base of the petal, an all white petal version (the most common) and a miniature version, very much smaller.

The rose garden in El Parque de El Buen Retiro, Madrid. I will visit again soon for this year's show!

These are unusually low lying; they normlly form dense and impenetrable clusters of bushes (rather like rhododendrons) and cover whole mountainsides.

Where the ground is damp from nearby streams and / or snowmelt, these proliferate. I was about a day too early to capture it with its full (snake's) tongue lolling out. I am always too early or too late with this orchid and this was as close as I ever got. I plan to visit (all things being equal) towards the end of this month or the beginning of June to get the mountain spring flowers. Maybe I will be lucky this time!

Rose garden, Parque de El Buen Retiro, Madrid.

I wanted to get better orchid photos but it was too windy and it just didn't happen.

Taken looking towards the house this time. I meant to cut the grass before taking shots but I decided to do it after, as I would have lost the last of the sun.