Creative Pumpkin Carving

Tired of the traditional Jack-O-Lantern?

How about a dog pumpkin?

Chicken Wire Art

Chicken wire is used to make fences.

But this British-born artist Ivan Lovatt found another use for it, he makes sculptures out of it.

It takes talent and a big imagination to do this.










Absolutely amazing!

Miscellaneous Photos Of Greece

My trip to Greece, abridged version, filled 16 blogs beginning October 4th. There is so much more to tell, yet words and photos cannot capture the amazing experience that unfolded each day.

Included in this final blog - although I will probably mention Greece again at some point in time - are a few photos of note which I would like to share.

Cats are plentiful and seem to have a good life in Greece. Some of the fishermen share their catch of the day which this kitty took to a quiet spot to consume.


Finding a little shade from the intense sun.


Keeping an eye on me while I eat.


Posing for the perfect photograph.


Rocks are one of my fetishes. Here are just a few.......

Paradise Beach, Santorini





Morning light on Plakias Beach, Crete


Despotiko Island near Antiparos



Favorite flower photos

Prickly pear cactus growing on Thirasia Island, Santorini


Mystery plant growing at the monastery of Meteora


Wild Onion found on the islands of Crete, Naxos, Paros, and Antiparos. Most likely grows all over Greece.


Wild sand orchid which I found on both Santorini and Crete.


The lovely, colorful bougainvillea found everywhere in Greece.



Some classic photos

Santorini



Santuary of Apollo on Naxos


Meteora



And the typical tourist photos

Final Day in Crete

Ameigh convinced me to join the group on the "River Walk" to Preveli Beach instead of exploring Frangokastello, Hora Sfakion, and Loutro by boat.

Jeroen was our fearless leader as he was the only one who had been before. He emphasized not taking anything along as we would travel in the river, at times swimming, and climbing boulders. He did volunteer to take carry a camera.

Unfortunately, Jeroen tripped and the camera ended up in the drink. He was hoping that the card was still able to read images. I have not heard from him. Preveli Beach is at the mouth of the Kourtaliotis Gorge and where the Meglopotamos River empties into the Libyan Sea. This is the river we traveled down to the beach. The banks are lined with palm trees and fresh water pools. Recently, there was a fire, but you could see new growth coming back to the palm trees.

Ameigh sent me a few photos taken from the historical Moni Prevelli Monastery looking down to the river.





We all took Jeroen literally about not bringing anything, and after three hours of hiking, swimming, and climbing boulders no one had even brought money for food. Fortunately, Jeroen pulled out 5 wet Euros from his pocket and treated us to chocolate pastries.

Here is the motley crew upon return with food, wine, and beer at a taverna in Lefkogia.


That evening the town of Plakias was hosting a "Tourist Celebration" providing Greek food and Greek dancing.
I guess they knew it was my last evening on Crete!






The following day I would ride three buses to Iraklio Airport in Northern Crete, fly to Athens, and then another flight to London where I stayed in the Yotel. You must check it out. After that it was across the Atlantic Ocean and the U.S. Continent. Phew!

Addendum:
Jeroen sent me some photos from the "River Walk" which was truly its essence.