Verbascum sinuatum

803_1406 [Verbascum sinuatum]

Photographed on Mt. Kitheronas on April 20, 2018

Please click on the picture for a better view.

Ursa constellations

803_3342 [Ursa constellations]

Inspired by my High-School teacher of Physics some decades ago, I have developed the habit of looking at the stars at night whenever possible and enjoy finding constellations in the way he had shown us. On a short vacation in a small hotel on Mt. Vardousia and when everybody had left the roof garden opting for the warm bed around midnight, I was left alone to enjoy the starry sky. No lights anywhere. Only dark mountains around and the starry sky above. Shooting the stars seemed to me a good way to go.

Constellation stars were highlighted in processing to make Ursa Minor and Major prominent.
 
Please click on the pictures for a better view.

803_3351 [Milky way]

I was hardly done with shooting the constellations above when I turned South and noticed the Galaxy waiting patiently for me behind Mt. Vardousia. I moved my equipment for a few meters and took another shot. I love vacations on the mountains!
 
Both photographed on Mt. Vardousia on September 9, 2018

Chondrilla juncea

304_6927 [Chondrilla juncea]

This is a thin, noxious weed native to Europe, Asia and North America but it can also be found in many other parts of the world. It produces small daisy like yellowish flowers that eventually turn into the fruit topped with a pappus. Although it can reach a meter in height, it usually passes unnoticed to the photographer’s eye. I wouldn’t have noticed it if it hadn’t been for my friend N.N. who not only brought it to my attention while in the field but also informed me of its official name. Thank you, N!

300_6925 [ Chondrilla juncea]

Looking at the pappus at close range.

Both photographed on Mt. Parnitha on Sept. 21, 2018

Polytrichum alpinum

803_0927 [Polytrichum alpinum]

Photographed on Mt. Hymittos on January 12, 2018

IMG_1822 [Polytrichum alpinum]

In spite of the striking difference in color, both pictures probably show the same moss in two different stages of development. In the lower picture the moss is at the end of its life-cycle.

While I was shooting them, I had no idea what I was shooting. It was the first time I had seen them from close and found them interesting. Some search I conducted in relative sources afterwards led me to “Polytrichum alpinum” but I have some reservations and so I leave the final verdict to experts. The fact that they were shot at the low altitude of 300m (upper picture) and 230m (lower picture) seems to contradict the name “alpinum” which implies much higher altitudes. Experts, are you reading?!

Less than 10cm in height, in relatively small patches, on a rocky surface, about 500m one away from the other.

Photographed near Kaisariani on April 09, 2011