Gloomy morning

A quick walk around the local park this morning, although the weather was mild the light was poor. I think this image of a Black Headed Gull in winter plumage against an almost grey background set the scene nicely and gives a good indication of the  morning mood.

Wild Bird Wednesday #16

Elephant Beetle

Now this fella is a real big beast. To get a size comparison it is sat on a clenched fist!

 

 

 

This was from the garden of our guest house at Casa Maria, NW Venezuela March 2012

 

Gold - Box

This postbox is situated just around the corner from where I live and has been painted Gold in recognition of the acheivements of Sarah Storey in the London 2012 Paralympics. Sarah who although is from Disley, attended Poynton High School and chose this Box to mark one of her Gold Medals.

 

Royal Mail testamony 

 

 

 

about Sarah Storeys acheivements 

 

 

 

Tonights Moon

A change from a full moon - again this image has been taken while in the garden

   

 

Pamukkale

A two day family excursion to Ephesus and Pamukkale in Western Turkey.

(Ephesus to come later in a seperate post).

click on any image to access the slideshow and to enlarge the images

 

Liz & Matty
the hot spring water runs down the channels, many people chose to sit in the channel

 

 

Bfb & Liz

despite the miserable look I was really enjoying it... honestly.

Pamukkale is located to the south central of the Aegean region of Turkey. It is about 19 km to Denizli city. Pamukakales location is in the Menderes Valley but in ancient Turkey it was situated inside the borders of Caria, Lycia and Phrygia. It is at altitude of 360m above sea level.

 

 

Pamukkale town and the Menderes Valley



This is a natural thermal water source and is unique with its calcareous white steps and pools

 

 

 

The water contains calcium hydro carbonate. Tectonic movements triggered frequent earthquakes in this area and gave rise to the emergence of a number of very hot springs. The water from these springs created Pamukkale with its large mineral content. When the hot water becomes in contact with the carbon dioxide, it starts to lose its warmth and the carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide are released in to the air (apparantly!). Anyway as a result the calcium carbonate is formed and gives us these magnificent white travertines.

 

About Pamukkale

Matty enjoying the healing powers of the hot spring waters

 

 

Red Kite: Garden Life Bird No 71

A warm autumn morning and a few hours to kill before I go to work..... sat on the patio with a cuppa (..... Tea), binoculars to hand and a field guide to the birds of South Africa, studying for next years trip!

 

I tend to always watch the sky when in and around the garden, just looking for what may or may not be about. I thought at first it was a distant Buzzard, always welcome above my house and always gives me that feel good factor... however I squinted a little more and grabbed the bins and blow me we have a RED KITE!  I just had enough time to grab this shot before it drifted out of sight

This is certainly a garden mega around these parts so very very happy indeed. And as the title suggests it is a new garden life bird and it comes in at species No. 71

Happy Days.