Wishes

Xmas tree

 

 

Xmas wishes

 

Mycena seynesii

803_9478 [Mycena seynesii]
 

I have seen Mycena seynesii a number of times growing on a pine cone.

It must have a reason but who knows why!

 

It was photographed on Mt. Hymittos on November 03, 2021

Crocus pallasii

UCDS6269 [Crocus pallasii]

 

Crocus pallasii could be considered an oriental species since it grows on areas of the Balkan Peninsula, the Aegean islands of Lesbos and Chios, Israel, and even further to West Iran. Relatively recent it was also found on Mt. Hymittos where this picture was taken. 

 

It grows from October to December on stony or rocky slopes and bears flowers in various shades of lilac.

 

 Photographed on November 3, 2021

 

 

Colchicum cupanii

ECVP1492 [Colchicum cupanii]

 

803_9464 [Colchicum cupanii]

 

803_8043 [Colchicum cupanii]

 

Colchicum cupanii is a poisonous Mediterranean plant that grows mainly on rocky sites at altitudes of 700-1400 m          in West and South Greece, in Attica and on Greek islands. 

 

It flowers from September to early December.

 

All pictures were taken on Mt. Hymittos on November 3, 2021

 

 

Pictorial bits of Greek History

The Marathon Race.

 

A few days ago (on Nov. 14, 2021) the 38th Marathon, the Authentic, took place in Athens Greece and many TV stations worldwide showed splendid images of the start, of the athletes and of the finish line in the Panathenaic Stadium. The event reminded me of a few photos that, to my knowledge, have never been broadcast on TV, so I am sharing some of them with you today with short references to the Battle of Marathon and to the marathon race in modern Olympic Games.

 

 

The battlefield

IMG_6963 [Schinias wetlands]

 

Somewhere between these wetlands, known since antiquity, and the foot of the mountains in the distance took place the Battle of Marathon in September 490 BC between the Greeks and the Persians. The latter had come all the way from Persia (It is called ‘Iran’ today.) to conquer Greece and export their civilization to the west. Instead, they killed 192 Athenians and went back leaving behind 6400 dead Persian soldiers. 

 

 

The Athenian Tumulus

803_3778 [Athenian Tumulus]

 The Athenian Tumulus, as it is called, is an artificial little hill, about 12 m tall and dominates the plain of Marathon where the battle took place. It was erected by the Greeks after the victory as a burial mound for the 192 Athenians who fell during the battle. Only a few meters behind the Tumulus is where Marathon, the Authentic, starts every year.

 

The picture was taken on February 19, 2019.

Miltiades

803_774 [Miltiades]

Miltiades was the victorious “commander in chief” of the Greek forces in the Battle of Marathon. His statue, a work of Antonis Ntagadakis and Vasilis Kaparos, stands in his honor a few meters away from the Tumulus. 

 

It is said that when the battle ended victoriously for the Greeks, a messenger named Pheidippides was sent to Athens to carry the good news to the Athenians who had remained back home. He ran all the way there covering a distance of about 42 km.

 

 

Spyros Louis

Photo source: Album of Olympic Games 1896, Benaki Museum

The route that was followed by Pheidippides after the Battle of Marathon is the same as the one that is followed by athletes today during the marathon in modern Olympic Games. Spyros Louis (his portrait in national costume above) was the marathon winner in the first modern Olympic Games that took place in 1896 in Athens. He was not an athlete but a daily water-carrier from Marousi to Athens with considerable innate athletic abilities.

 

 

The Trophy

803_9497 [Breal Cup]

Louis, the winner, in addition to the “first-place medal”, and an honorary diploma he was also donated the Bréal Cup (above) and a Skyphos (below).The Bréal Cup was designed by French philhellene Michel Bréal, who had the original idea to include a marathon race in the modern Olympic Games. It was made out of pure silver and was relatively small, having a height of 15 cm. An inscription at the top said in Greek: "Olympic Games 1896, Marathon Trophy Donated by Michael Bréal.

 

It was photographed in the Cultural Center “Stavros Niarchos” in Athens on November 08, 2021

 

Skyphos

803_5770 [Skyphos]

Along with Bréal’s silver cup Louis also received this ancient vase [called “Skyphos” in Greek] offered by professor Spyridon Lambros. On both sides of the vase two long distance runners are overseen by two figures, possibly judges. The vase dates back to 540-520 BC and was found in Thebes.

 

The picture was taken on January 22, 2020 within the National Archeological Museum in Athens where it was being temporarily displayed. Today, it is permanently exhibited in the Museum of the History of the Olympic Games, located near the archaeological site of ancient Olympia.

For a related older post please click HERE. 

Cocus cancellatus subsp.mazziaricus

 

AXDC_8085 [Crocus mazziaricus]

 

 

IMG_9731 [Crocus mazziaricus]

Crocus cancellatus is endemic to Southern Greece and to Southwest Turkey.

On Mt. Hymittos we find the subspecies mazziaricus where it blooms in large numbers

and in a variety of shades of white and purple since mid-October. 

 

Both photos were taken on Mt. Hymittos on November 3, 2021

 

 

Colchicum atticum

801_1402 [Colchicum atticum]

 

For many decades this Colchicum was considered endemic to Attica but it was eventually found in other locations in Greece, as well as in Southern Bulgaria and Asia Minor. It is interesting to note that it stands out from the other colchicums by the fact that its tepals are divided along their entire length. It loves stony areas and appears from November to December reaching 3 to 6 cm in height.

 

It is also known as Merendera attica.

 

It was photographed on Mt. Penteli in Attica, Greece in the month of November.

Spiranthes spiralis

803_9402 [Spiranthes spiralis]

 

803_9408 [Spiranthes spiralis]

 

 

Detail

803_9408 [Spiranthes spiralis]

 

 

A charming little orchid that is widespread across the Mediterranean in heights up to 1400m. It appears in August to November. Its tiny white flowers that are born in a spiral row up the stem provide the name to the flower.

 

All photographed on Mt. Hymittos on October 20, 2021

 

 

Sternbergia lutea

803_9453 [Sternbergia lutea]

 

 

803_9444 [Sternbergia lutea]

 

A crocus-like flower usually found in stony slopes between late August and early November. Widespread in Greece and often cultivated as a decorative plant. 

 

Both photographed on Mt. Hymittos on October 20, 2021

 

 

Cyclamen hederifolium

DSCN2950 [Cyclamen hederifolium]

 

This wild species of cyclamen is widespread in mainland Greece and the Aegean islands but it is also wildly cultivated for its beautiful and fragrant flowers that come in shades of pink to (rarely) white.

 

It blooms from September to October in shady areas on heights of 100-1400m.

 

Photographed on Mt. Parnitha on October 18, 2008

Colchicum bivonae

802_6733 [Colchicum bivonae]

 

Photographed on Mt. Parnitha on September 05, 2016

 

 

Sunset at OAKA

803_5181 [Sunset at OAKA]

 

I had gone to this place with a specific photographic project in mind but I was faced with adverse conditions that rendered the project impossible to carry out. The long metal “tunnel”, designed by the architect S. Calatrava for the 2004 Olympic games in Athens, provided me with an alternative project: to experiment using the hyperfocal distance in an attempt to achieve maximum depth of field. Indeed, I focused at 122cm and, to my surprise, I found the outcome more than encouraging. Not bad for a beginning, I think.

[The sunset was only a 'by-product' here.]

 

Photographed in Athens on September 03, 2019.

 

Please click on the picture to have a better view.

An Amphora

801_1932 [Amphora]
 

This monumental amphora was found in Kerameikos cemetery, very close to the Acropolis of Athens, and is exhibited in the National Archeological Museum in Athens. It dates back to 760-750 B.C. 

 

Impressive dimensions (approximately 125cm x 60cm) and an interesting, painted scene of people.

See below. 

 

 

801_1932 [scene]

Please click on the photo for a better view.

 

The scene shows a funeral of that time. The dead person is depicted lying on the deathbed in the middle of the scene, while men, women and a child around it all lament with the hands on their heads, the mourning gesture of those days.

 

Photographed in Athens on January 18, 2014

Colchicum sfikasianum

803_9241 [Colchicum sfikasianum]

 

803_9242 [Colchicum sfikasianum]

 

This species of Colchicum is endemic to Mt Hymittos, to the island of Kefalonia and to SE Peloponissos.

 

Together with cyclamen it denotes the beginning of a new photographic period for flower photographers in Greece. So, I let my heart rejoice!

 

Both photographed on Mt. Hymittos on September 13, 2021

 

 

Cervus elaphus

802_6745 [Cervus elaphus]

 

A male Cervus elaphus, proud of its antlers

 

By the way, 

• “Antlers are shed and regrown each year and function primarily as objects of sexual attraction and as weapons in fights between males for control of harems.”
• “They start growing in the spring and are shed each year, usually at the end of winter."
• "Antlers typically measure 71 cm (28 in) in total length and weigh 1 kg (2.2 lb.), although large ones can grow to 115 cm (45 in) and weigh 5 kg (11 lb.)”. [Source: Wikipedia]

 

Photographed on Mt. Parnitha on September 05, 201

 

 

Caterpillar

803_6431 [caterpillar]

 

 

803_6434 [caterpillar]

 I discovered this 2.5 cm long caterpillar on the leaves of a plant on the balcony of my apartment.

I believe it’ll turn into a moth but I wonder which one. Any experts out there who could give us a hand? 

 

It was photographed in Holargos on June 29, 2020

 

 

Euphorbia myrsinites

803_8833 [Euphorbia myrsinites]

 

One of tens of Euphorbia species found in Mediterranean countries.

It hardly attracts your attention in the field.

 

Photographed on Mt. Parnitha on May 20, 2021

 

 

 

304_2093 [Euphorbia myrsinites]

When it starts flowering, it seems to become more interesting.

 

 

802_8810 [Euphorbia myrsinites]

Sometimes it does capture your attention and forces you to look at it carefully from very close, as was the case with the photo above. I was attracted by the peculiar, unusual color of the leaves, and the details of the florets that reminded me of a “multiple-candle stand”; so, I couldn’t resist spending some extra time to capture details that the naked eye could normally hardly see.

 

Photographed on Mt. Hymittos on May 7, 2017

 

 

Spain’s Industrial Park

_MG_4474 [Industrial Park]

 

This is part of Spain’s Industrial Park in Barcelona. It was built between 1982 and 1985 on the site of an old textile factory, a fact that justifies its name 'Industrial'. It combines a grassy area, a large odd-shaped boating lake and on the right a seating area dominated by 10 futuristic, lighthouse-style watchtowers (only five are visible here).

It is considered controversial but I found that it deserved a 'click'.

 

Please click on the photo for a better view.

 

Photographed on August 25, 2006

 

 

Poros

301_4771 [Poros]

 

Poros is a small island, covered with pines and olive trees, in the Saronic Gulf. It has its own peculiar charm and attracts the preference of many tourists, including photographers of all kinds.

 

A narrow sea passage separates the island from mainland Peloponnesos and from a vast lemon-grove which fills the air with a pleasant aroma for miles around.

 

I visited the island quite some time ago but I still have memories of golden beaches, shores with shady pines, and leisure walks, not to mention restaurants with a reputation for good food and wine! 

 

Photographed on November 22, 2008

 

 

 

DSCN2342 [Poros]

 This is a partial view of a picturesque seaside residential area of Poros (about here: 37.495885, 23.460630) at the southern part of the island.

 

Photographed on April 26, 2008

 

Please click on the photos for a better view.

 

 

Ag. Panteleimonas

803_6815 [Ag. Panteleimonas]

 

A place for a swim, or a prayer, or … both! Why not? 

 

Photographed near Daskaleio on August 10, 2020

 

Please click on the photo for a better view. 

 

Campanula celsii subsp. spathulifolia

302_5849 Campanula spathulifolia]

 

Endemic to south-central Greece

 

Photographed at Alepohori on April 14, 2010

 

 

Asphodeline lutea

802_8805 [Asphodeline lutea]

 

Photographed on Mt. Hymittos on May 06, 2017

 

 

Limodorum abortivum

803_8864 [Limodorum abortivum]

 

Photographed on Mt. Parnitha on May 20, 2021

 

 

Orchis pauciflora

803_8446 [Orchis pauciflora]

 

Photographed on Mt. Hymittos on April 11, 2021

 

 

Malva eriocalyx

302_5246 [Malva eriocalyx]

This biennial malva usually reaches a height of two meters (rarely 3), while its pinkish purple flowers are 3-4 cm across. Widespread on rocky areas usually near the sea.

 

The flower is also known as Malva arborea or Lavatera arborea.

 

Photographed on the island of Irakleia on March 23, 2010

 

Sedum ochroleucum

803_8801 [Sedum ochroleucum]

 

Photographed on Mt. Parnitha on May 20, 2021

 

 

Dianthus serratifolius

803_8892 [Dianthus serratifolius]

 

This is a perennial flower found on mountainous rocky areas mainly in Central Greece.

 

It flowers from May to July and produces flower-heads whose petals are very small (12-14mm in diameter),

pinkish or white on top

but purple on the underside. See below.

 

 

300_7007 [Dianthus serratifolius]

300_7032 [Dianthus serratifolius]

 Photographed on Mt. Hymittos on May 23, 2021

Centaurea triumfettii

304_6683 [Centaurea triumfettii]

Usually found in grassy, stony or rocky habitats from May to June.

The flower head can be up to 40-60 mm wide.

 

Photographed on Mt. Parnitha on May 15, 2018

 

 

Anacamptis palustris subsp. palustris

803_8622 [Anacamptis palustris]

 

One more wild, not very common orchid, that can be found not only in Greece but in other Mediterranean and European countries as well. It grows in heights of up to 1800 m. and it flowers from April to July, often in large populations.

 

The flower above is not fully in bloom but personally I find its beauty unquestionable!

 

Photographed at Schinias on May 05, 2021

 

 

 

803_6165 [Anacamptis palustris]

 A population of Anacamptis palustris

Click on the picture to enlarge it.

 

Photographed at Schinias on May 09, 2020