Beaches, Poppies, Windmill and Miniature Church - Essence of Alonnisos, Greece

Sunday (14th May) was a hot sunny day (33 degrees) in Alonnisos so our first stops were at two beaches - first Jane's favourite Leftos Gialos (no images) where we were shown a Horned viper that the owner had killed and had a quick paddle (insects from there in next entry). We then went down to Chrisi Milia - hopefully for lunch but no luck with everything closed so it was back to Patitiri for a meal before spending the afternoon on the headland above the Old Town and then down to the beach at Vrisitsa with its photogenic windmill. Final shots from morning of the Hotel Atrium (definitely recommended) where we stayed with the small attached church.

Insects Enjoying the 36 Degrees in Alonnissos Greece

The heat of 13th May certainly brought out the various spiders and insects. My favourites were the Jumping spider, Philaeus chrysops, the Robber fly with prey, Bee Fly in flight  and the Clearwing Moth (ID to follow)

 

36 Degrees in Alonnisos, Greece and Overcast

The day started with a soft dawn leading to a very hot day in this Greek Island on the 13th May. We spent the morning on the old Donkey Path that leads from the Old Town (damaged in an earthquake in the 1960s) to the new port and town. Insect images to follow as this was our main focus. We then went to Steni Vala, a beautiful bay for lunch - you can see how crowded it is with our car the only one parked. Following this we attempted to find the lake marked on the map but after a number of 'off-road' excursions we ended up at Geraka Bay - definitely the end of the road. A few scenic shots and also the two Lizards seen - one the common Wall Lizard but not sure of other found in the pine woods

 

People and Cats in Skiathos

Here a few pictorial shots from Skiathos. The streets and cafes are full of cats of every shape and colour, which add to the attractive architecture and the occasional dog. 

From Grey Rainy Stansted to Grey Skies in Skiathos

On the 12th May we left Stansted at 7.30 am for Skiathos in Greece. We had a few hours to spend in Skiathos before taking the ferry to Alonnisos, where we were to photograph flowers and insects. There sky was grey there but the light bright and the temperature warm. The streets are narrow and mopeds and motor bikes travel up and down them so conversation are often had at a distance. Next blog introduces some of the people and cats