Henry The Labrador and daughter Joanne are in charge of the house. Alarm at 2 a.m. Next stop Manchester Airport and a 7 a.m. flight.
Sue and I set off for Skiathos Greece on Wednesday looking for a break from the British weather, the coldest spring for many a year. The average UK temperature in April was just 8 degrees Celsius, or 1.6 degrees colder than the usual monthly average.
On a sunny Greek day the sight of JSI runway splitting the landscape gladdens the heart and brings a lump to many a Boomerang's throat. We circled Mamma Mia island (Skopelos), passed close by Skiathos Town low enough to look in cafes and tavernas lining the harbour and then hit the football pitch runway to a roar of air brakes. If we overshot we’d land on Xanemos beach on top of a taverna, shaken but not stirred.
Skiathos, Greece
Less than an hour later we loaded cases and bags into the Jimny and set off to Spiti Oneiro, Dream House, our base for a day or two. Kostas, Efi and baby Vagelis greeted us with cold beers and a welcome hug. Xenia, Greek hospitality at its best.
We strolled to Maistrali our favourite taverna, more hugs, an early night, and an unwelcome but fortuitous thunderstorm. Kosta's Breakfast set us up nicely for the day ahead.
We hit the road north in the Suzuki Jimny, the best car to ever leave Japan. The island has a roundabout under construction this year, an interesting addition to the perils of driving on the 'wrong' side of the road, especially since according to local gossip it won't be finished until October.
Jimny
The storm had done the trick with a huge flock of Bee eaters some 200 birds strong which tucked into the plentiful flying insects. Grey skies and into the light didn't make for the ideal morning but the best was yet to come with shrikes, Black-headed Buntings, Red-rumped Swallows, a European Roller and a simply superb Little Bittern. Several hundred clicks later the camera batteries needed a top up.
Bee eater
Black-headed Bunting
European Roller
European Roller
Little Bittern
Red-rumped Swallow
Red-backed Shrike
It's not all about birding. Here are few pictures of the other Skiathos until I get around to going through the hundreds of pictures so far.
Goatherd and goat
From Plakes
Spring Jimny
Black Swan
Boatyard
Towards Skiathos Town
The Bourtzi
Plakes Skiathos
More soon from Skiathos. Now go back and click the pics for a break from the UK weather.
Sounds wonderful. Wouldn't mind changing places as I look out of the window at a very greyday.
ReplyDeleteWow what great photos, I have never been to Greece but I have seen so much of Africa :-) Like me, you have masses of photos to go through and somehow time seems very limited. Looking forward to seeing the rest of them when you have the time, mine will be slow!!
ReplyDeleteTake care, best wishes, Diane
The Little Bittern he will wait patiently for fish to come by
ReplyDeleteBrilliant idea to head for brilliant weather!
ReplyDeleteWe hope your change of venue is relaxing. Just don't forget to snap plenty of pictures to share upon your return! Since we are not able to travel to Skiathos we can at least brag we know people who do!
All is good here. Not enough birding time, but that is a constant complaint.