Greece and its Islands

Mount Gingilos (1980m) from the entrance of the Samaria George at Xyloskalo. The summit of Gingilos is the most popular mountain walk in western Crete. A 5-6 hour steep rocky hike with fine views, but I am told, never crowded. Unfortunatly for us, a cup of local tea and piece of honey cake at a local resturaunt diverted us away. Oh dear!!! According to a local legend, Gigilos peak was the throne of Zeus,the Father of the Olympian Gods. West of Gigilos, are the peaks of Agathopes (1768 m) and Psilafi (1984 m), where Zeus drove his beloved chariots. Indeed, the peaks of Agathopi had previously hosted slalom ski races.

Actually you could not get to the lighthouse on these but.... Seen on the old harbour promenade. The lighthouse looked as if it would be a great walk but we did not have the time to do the few kilometers to get there. PiP more info

A very pretty hillside village and church here, seen from the bus window whilst travelling from the Omalos Plateau back to Chania on Crete. The window reflections giving an impression of light-beams hitting the church.

Seen on the harbour front of Chania by the wall of the Firkas Fortress. As an accordeon player myself I am always interested to see and hear these buskers and only too willing to add a few coins to the collection. Amazingly, as I was looking for a suitable piece of Greek accordion music to accompany this, I found the 'same person playing the exact same music too'. The video -no its not mine, gives a real insight of what this fellows daily life is like. The real thing video. Enjoy full size.

Seen in the old town of Chania on the Island of Crete. There are many narrow alleys and streets like this here giving the whole place a medieval effect. One might wonder about the purpose of the barred windows here on your rented room ! Enjoy large.

A big view of much of the harbour here at Chania from the Fortress of Firkas. Directly in front sits the ancient lighthouse and the old town to the right and back of me. Pip shows lower view of the inner harbour. Enjoy full size.

The narrow bougainvillea strewn streets of Chania are a delight to wander through and indeed dine under in the many restaurants here. This area demonstrates how with a bit of care and planning, inner city area's can be made beautiful. Only thing is -it also needs sun and warmth! Enjoy. Herb ps a delight at full size.

Only in Greece or on Greek Islands are you likely to see such an array of blues and whites. A nice set of whitewashed steps accompanied with blue doors and windows too. Altogether a very pleasing picture to my old eyes.~ Seen on the beautiful Island of Mykonos. I wish you all, a great weekend, Herb A must, in full screen.

Another corner turned and another narrow stepped lane. As with so many of these streets in the old part of the Crete Island town of Chania, it is full of hotels and restaurants. Another place of serene beauty as well. Enjoy

As we sail into another Island of Greece we are greeted by this sunrise. A whirlwind trip around the Island for us - a cave lake boat trip, and possible coastal turtles later!

A wonderful if not breathtaking view over Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia. A close up of this reveals that the passenger is holding strongly to her phone selfie stick. -This taken from the same spot as the adjacent photo. 2x PiPs Enjoy

A high view of this wonderful beach from the main road riding the edge of these mountain coast roads here on the Island of Kefalonia. It would have been nice to experience the beach closer but - well that is what comes of taking the tour bus.... 2 x PiPs Enjoy full screen

Another look into the alleyways of Chania in Crete. Only around the corner from luxury hotels and restaurants, indeed this could be the back of those same buildings.

Seen near the fish pier of Argostolli on the Island of Kefalonia. - We could see a crowd of people standing on the sea edge looking into the water. Imagine our pleasant surprise on seeing a number of these turtles there. Each one about a metre in length. 'Loggerhead turtles are named for their large heads that support powerful jaw muscles, allowing them to crush hard-shelled prey like clams and sea urchins. They are less likely to be hunted for their meat or shell compared to other sea turtles. Bycatch, the accidental capture of marine animals in fishing gear, is a serious problem for loggerhead turtles because they frequently come in contact with fisheries. Loggerheads are the most common turtle in the Mediterranean, nesting on beaches from Greece and Turkey to Israel and Libya. Many of their nesting beaches are under threat from tourism development. Sea turtles are the living representatives of a group of reptiles that has existed on Earth and travelled our seas for the last 100 million years. They are a fundamental link in marine ecosystems and help maintain the health of coral reefs and sea grass beds." : www.worldwildlife.org/species/loggerhead-turtle

Another set of fences from this delightful Greek Island. Here we are in the town of Chania and a couple of fences greet our eye. Together with sweeping curves and harmonic colours, what more could we ask for. I wish you all, a great weekend, Herb PiP shows my other Chania fence.

A welcoming open door into this yard beckons the innocent fence photographer inside, but I have to resist the temptation and just grab this as I pass by. I do like the matching fence, window and door colours here I wish you all, a great weekend, Herb

Autumn 2019 and we are walking the old town of Rhodes. Every turning reveals another glimpse of history and interest. Here at the edge of the harbour is a closed small room, built into the wall. Do the step outlines show an old stairway or some kind of geometric pattern? A fence stops us from exploring further but it only raises more questions. HFF, enjoy your weekend

Leaving the harbour at Igoumenitsa in Greece we are greeted by this sunset. Enjoy