The Last Ever Crete Nature Blog?

At the end of my last blog I left you rather floundering at the Hotel Astir in Patras. Sorry about that but my own life has been a bit astir since then. To finish off that part of the story, the following day comprised a morning swim in the rooftop pool, crossing Greece from Patras to Piraeus by bus and train, then boarding the overnight ferry to Heraklion. From thence back to Ferma and home. More tiring than exciting and little time for nature watching.

I then spent the next three months finishing The Quick Guide To Creepy-Crawlies which, I am pleased to say, is now available on Amazon alongside my anthology of short stories, Not Just For Twisted Women (the ebook is now free with Kindle Unlimited). Both books can be viewed on my Author Page and both make great Christmas presents (honestly!).

So, why The Last Ever Crete Nature Blog? Well, without going into detail, at the beginning of November I began to feel a bit lost and lonely down there on the south east coast of Crete and decided to return to the UK for a couple of months and spend Christmas with the family up here in West Cumbria. I shall be returning to Crete in early January but my plans for 2020 are very fluid although I suspect that it will involve more time in the UK and less time in Crete.

I daresay that I shall continue to write next year (I can't keep quiet for too long) but after six years of the Crete Nature Blog it is time for something new. Until then, have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

Steve

Crete Nature Catch-up

Series 1 - Welcome to Lasithi

Series 2 - The Rhythm Of Life

Series 3 - A Journey Begins

Series 4 - The Milonas Valley

Series 5 - This Is Ferma

Series 6 - Upland Villages

Series 7 - The Forty saints

Series 8 - Sunday Strolls

Series 9 -Stormy Weather

Down The Adriatic from Venice to Patras

Despite trying to be clever and booking a hotel between Venice city and the ferry terminal it was still a fifty euro taxi ride to the port. Oh well, I'll know for next time. If there is a next time. Let's get on board and see where they've put us. This is going to be home for the next day and a half. Oh, that's nice, right up the pointy end.

It's a midday departure so I suggest a stroll sternwards and we'll watch Venice recede. Is it really necessary to have so many posts I wonder? I feel like I'm travelling up an old bagatelle board (fore-runner of the pin-ball machine for younger travellers – the metal ball did run between actual pins). Still, they make great perches for the Yellow-legged Gulls and the Black-headed Terns.

And after that, quite a lot of sea. No whales, dolphins or porpoises unfortunately but we have had one unexpected visitor, a Painted Lady butterfly. You may recall that back in March of this year I introduced you to the Butterfly Migration Project which was studying this remarkable butterfly's migration patterns (see No Place Like Home). The study is still ongoing so that's another observation to add to the list. Nip up and ask the captain for the ship's current position would you? Tell him we've just seen a butterfly - I'm sure he'll be impressed.

Now I suggest that we go and have a wash and brush-up and see what the restaurant has on offer this evening. (The eagle-eyed amongst you will notice that this photo was taken at lunchtime. You can clearly see the port through the windows. Still, if Messrs. Durrell and Attenborough can 'fake it' I don't see why I shouldn't!)

The journey is now entering its final leg as we pass into Greek waters. It has been interesting but I have come to realise that travel, like so many other things in life, is a pleasure best shared but Patras on the north coast of the Peloponnese, is looming into view, so lets see what the Astir Hotel has to offer by way of entertainment.

Crete Nature Catch-up
Series 1 - Welcome to Lasithi	Series 2 - The Rhythm Of Life	Series 3 - A Journey Begins
Series 4 - The Milonas Valley	Series 5 - This Is Ferma	Series 6 - Upland Villages
Series 7 - The Forty saints	Series 8 - Sunday Strolls	Series 9 -Stormy Weather

Steve's Books

Just waiting for the author proof copy of The Quick Guide To Creepy-Crawlies to arrive (due here Nov 8^th). So long as everything is OK it will be available on Amazon very soon after.

Not Just For Twisted Women by Steve Daniels  A light-hearted look at life through the eyes of the fairer sex. Kindle Edition 1.99 pounds sterling (or equivalent). Click on the link to the right to read two complete stories for free. Paperback Edition 4.99 pounds sterling (or equivalent).. Read snippets, samples and stuff at Steve's Books

*********************************************************************

LINKS:

Share your nature thoughts, photos and comments on Naturalists (the facebook page that accompanies this blog)

Explore the region with the #CreteNature interactive Hiking and Nature Map

Cretan Flora Flowers of Crete BIRDS OF CRETE Crete Birding

Greek Butterflies and Moths Aquaworld Aquarium

Visit Greece (National Government Tourist Office)