Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum
General Subjects => Travel / Places to Visit => Topic started by: ranunculus on April 30, 2008, 01:26:56 PM
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CRETE
There is a land called Crete
in the midst of the wine-dark sea.
Homer, The Odyssey
We eagerly anticipated our spring break on Crete as we booked the flights, car hire and the hotel on the internet in October last year, but our expectations gained momentum and our hopes positively soared after consulting Carl Hardwick and Vic Aspland about the floral potential of this beautiful island that sits equidistant from North Africa, the Middle East and Europe.
This was to be our first visit to this legendary island (indeed it was to be our first visit to Greece), so advice from such learned travelers both assisted our plans and added momentum to our already energetic searches for information on Google and beyond.
We did, of course (by traveling in mid-April), hope for mild spring weather but we could not have anticipated just how warm the western part of the island would become during our seven-day trip. We encountered three days that exceeded 90 degrees and the remainder proved only slightly cooler. These very unseasonal temperatures were, however, accompanied by exceedingly strong winds blowing in across the Libyan Sea…conditions not wholly conducive to photography and plant photography (without the aid of a tripod) in particular.
We based ourselves in a superb hotel eight kilometres west of Chania (on the north coast of the island), but flew into Heraklion (by a direct…and very cramped… flight from Manchester) where we collected a small, but quite adequate, car and then joined the nearest thing to ‘Whacky Races’ we have ever encountered!
Cretans are to road-sense as Sue and I are to astro-physics…Paris can be hectic, London can be clogged, Cairo can, without doubt, be chaotic…but Chania is bedlam without the safety-net, sky-diving without the constant of gravity…Chania is taking your life in your hands after a double amputation.
…But we survived…and if the splendid populace of Crete are not VERY good drivers they ARE exceedingly friendly and they are so fortunate to live on such a beautiful and flower-rich island.
I believe I have sufficient images that I can submit both a Monthly Feature to the main site during the weeks to come and a page or two to the forum. I will endeavor to keep the postings in chronological order and will begin with some shots taken in and around the lovely city and port of Chania.
My apologies for the lack of titles, I have so many images to post that it would be too time consuming to name each picture. I will try to indicate a general area but will ensure that each of the images in the forthcoming Monthly Feature is correctly named.
Please enjoy our trip to beautiful Crete…and don’t hesitate to visit yourself if the opportunity arises. Mid-April is highly recommended.
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More from Chania...the plants will follow...
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Chania again....for now...
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We had been encouraged to visit two sites in Western Crete...one was for the orchid display at Spili (of which much more later) and the other was the Omalos plateau in the midst of the White Mountains.
Our recent holidays to California and Florida had, in part, been badly affected by the droughts prevalent in each of those States thereby limiting the range and quantity of plants that we saw and, unfortunately, the Omalos had been similarly affected to a limited degree. Instead of the anticipated drifts of anemones, tulips and arums we were searching for plants in these beautiful high pastures...
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The Omalos plateau...and random images captured on the northern coast of the island...
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More images from the coast of this lovely island....
MORE TO FOLLOW WHEN TIME AND TIDE ALLOW
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Cliff, you have closed this set of postings with a photo which brings me a fond memory and reminder of my MOST FAVOURITE fragrance...orange blossom! We had the good fortune to live opposite a huge citrus grove in Tripoli, Libya, and this heady fragrance filled the air and made my life an absolute joy 8)
thank you!
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Oh that we could have transported that wonderful aroma to Whitworth, Maggi? The warm Cretan air was simply intoxicating!
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Nice anemones?! Must be fun to see them grow wild.
Here they bloomed already in January in the pots but they did not look at helthy as the ones You show. Nice variation.
We where there in August so it was a bit different landscape. The only time we went to the mountains (more correctly hills) around Chania we did it a cloudy day that became sunny and hot so my companion had great problems getting down. She was almost passing out. It gets warm and when the mountains sweet it is warm.
Thanks for sharing and hoping to see more (orchids) and others.
Thanks for posting.
My parents brought a orange tree home from Crete so they have it in there glassed out room (glassed veranda).
It has now company with several Portuguese trees as well.
Maggi when You first talked about the intoxicating smell of Citrus trees I did not get it since they start to flower in the winter but when it gets warm it is really a smell even if it is a nice smell. Now we have one balcony full of Citrus flowers that smells lovely.
One again thanks for taking us to Crete and good pics to enjoy as well
Kind regards
Joakim
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That very first picture, if it's what I think it is, is a long way from home!
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If what you think it is, is the Norfolk Island Pine, they seem to be endemic in the Greek Islands. Many gardens in Corfu have them.
I have not been in Crete for 14 years so it was interesting seeing some current pictures. The driving does not seem to have improved !!
I can remember a hard slog on the climb up to Gingelos in the Lefka Ori and seeing Anchusa Caespitosa growing beside the paths at the 2000 metre contour along with alpine forget-me-nots. On a scree slope, just on the snow line, we found crocus sieberi The bird life included Alpine Choughs, Alpine Accentors and a glimpse of a Lammergeier vulture. My main passion at this time was photographing bee orchids and we found one of the best spots was off the Spili / Gerikari road, which had just been built.
I managed to slip on one of the mountain paths, take a lump out of my shin and cracking two ribs. As Cindy cannot drive, I then had to walk a mile to the car, leaving a trail of blood, and then drive myself to the hospital in Rethymnon 14 miles away. I waited in accident and emergency for half an hour being stared at by the local crones in black only to discover that I was in the gynaecological clinic !!
Exit stage left looking sheepish. They fixed me up and it did not spoil the rest of the holiday, although it slowed me down a little.
I look forward to the rest of the pictures.
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Lovely pictures Cliff that brought back memories of our holiday on Crete some years ago. We stayed in Rethymnon but I fell in love with Chania. I share your views on Creten's driving talents-it was my first experience of driving abroad, and according to Maureen, who didn't enjoy it at all, it was my last. She particularly didn't enjoy the vision, through the rear view mirror, of the enraged Creten whose motor cycle handlebars I had clipped whilst he was parking it!
Lovely Island though, and apart from said motor cyclist, lovely people.
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After I manage to go to the Dolomites, I'll have to book right away for Crete.
Beautiful pictures, Cliff and very interesting to read your story and those of the other Forumists.
Thanks for showing us your pictures.
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Cliff do you know the names of the plants?
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I could probably name most of them Mark (are there any in particular that you would like to know), but, as there are still well over a hundred images to post from Spili alone, I would prefer to name them correctly in the Monthly Feature article that will follow when time allows?
Many thanks for all the positive responses.
Will try to post the orchids and tulips at the weekend....though there may be a few images from East Cheshire AGS Show as well...!
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Cliff lovely photographs and I am glad you had such a good time and found lots of flowers.It is a delightful island super places to stay and eat before the season starts and quite the best orchids of anywhere I have been in the Med.
Having been three times I would suggest that going a bit earlier at the end of March very beginning of April is a better time because as the season progresses the heat builds and the plants are more likely to have been burnt off.One year it was 100f on the 2nd of April This does of course cut out the oportunity to get higher as the snow line is that much lower and so little chance of seeing the anchusa,or in our case none.
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Another magnificent display Cliff. Ahhh.....some day, some day..
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Cliff,
Super pictures Cliff that brought back memories of my hike on Crete some years ago. Thanks.
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You did it again Cliff ! :o
Wonderful photography and great views and plants !
I'll be watching this space ! ;)
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Great set of photographs, Cliff.
Those anemones are out of this world, such variation in the colours.
Paddy
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....At last some images from the beautiful town of Spili...they will be posted in numerical order (or in a slightly chaotic order) ;), so there may be duplicates (or what may appear to be duplicates). This is preferable to me spending another three days sorting them and omitting any that seem the same.
Hope you enjoy...
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...Onwards through the orchids of Spili...
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...And there's more...
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My apologies..I forgot to mention that we arrived at Spili at the same time as a coach party of members of the Swedish Botanical Society....we all enjoyed the visit IMMENSELY!
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...On with the show...
I should have mentioned that it was very warm, but also quite windy (and, of course, no tripod)... :D
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More to follow....possibly this evening..
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Superb Cliff. 8)
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Mr Ranunculus it was a great treat to see the orchids but also the very tall branched plant with small white flowers. I have seen similar in Portugal and I am getting more crazy by not knowing what it is. Does anyone have an idea?
Does anyone dare to identify the orchids?
Thanks for sharing it brightens the day :) 8)
Kind regards
Joakim
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Cliff, a number of people are mentioning to me that they would enjoy your "trips" more if therewere plant names attached......... please?
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I will try to label as many as possible Maggi...time is the detractor...it may result in an 'Autumn' trip to the Land of the White Mountains! :D :D
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And again a great show, Cliff! Super orchid pictures.
I understand exactly what you mean, when taking pictures with much wind.
One need patience and you seem to have it.
Mr Ranunculus it was a great treat to see the orchids but also the very tall branched plant with small white flowers. I have seen similar in Portugal and I am getting more crazy by not knowing what it is. Does anyone have an idea?
Joakim, maybe is Asphodelus ramosum the plant you asked the name for?
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People can suggest names to the pics and see how right they are copared what Mr Ranunculus think added later. This way we can watch the plants twice and not need to wait until they are named.
Luit You gave me the name of the mystery plant.
Kind regards
Joakim
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Some more images from Spili...
Anacamptis pyramidalis
Anchusa azurea
Anemone
Anchusa azurea 2
Asphodelus aestivus
Asphodeline aestivus close-up
Astragalus angustifolius
Asphodeline lutea
Asphodeline lutea 2
Aubrieta deltoidea
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Another batch from Spili...more to follow later.
Campanula tubulosa
Campanula tubulosa 2
Campanula tubulosa 3
Colony of Serapias lingua.
Euphorbia acanthothamnos
Hills near Spili.
Ophrys 7(identify please).
Ophrys cretica
Ophrys phryganae.
Orchis italica
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Now come on Mr B you can't back two horses in the same race-Is it ASPHDELUS aestivus or ASPHODELINE aestivus? ;D
Lovely pics as usual Cliff, thanks for posting them.
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Just time to post one more batch from Spili...
Well spotted Mr Nicholson.....opticians number please Mrs Booker?
Orchis pauciflora
Ornithogalum dictaeum ssp. dictaeum
Orobanche ramosa
Papaver argemone ssp. nigrotinctum
Papaver purpureomarginatum.
Prunus prostrata
Serapias lingua
Serapias lingua 2
Silene colorata
Umbilicus horizontalis
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Ophrys 7 looks like tenthredinifera Cliff. Image 235 is omegaifera; 236 is tenthredinifera and 237 heldreichii.
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In case anyone is still confused...it is Asphodeline lutea (Yellow asphodel) and Asphodelus aestivus (Common asphodel).
A batch of tulips now....mostly from Spili...
Thanks for the identification Anthony...I will check it out in 'The Orchids of Crete and Karpathos' by Alibertis Antonis, which I picked up on the island, but haven't had time to study yet.
Tulipa bakeri
Tulipa bakeri close-up
Tulipa doerfleri
Tulipa doerfleri 2
Tulipa doerfleri 4.
Tulipa doerfleri 5
Tulipa doerfleri and Muscari comosum
Tulipa doerfleri close-up
Tulipa doerfleri close-up 2
Tulipa doerfleri white streaks
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Thank you Cliff - especially for showing the tulips, which I regrettably missed.
I would be glad if you'll mention the books you used for identification - especially for the Papavers.
Gerd
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Thanks for the kind comments Gerd. I have been using 'Wildflowers of Crete' by Vangelis Papiomitoglou (www.mediterrneo.gr), which is a soft-backed, but beautifully illustrated (with photos) book from 2006 (ISBN 960-8227-77-1) that features more than 500 species and is highly recommended.
As previously mentioned I also purchased 'The Orchids of Crete and Karpathos' and took other (less useful) books along for the trip (but had to pay excess luggage charges at Heraklion airport for the privilege.
A number of excellent websites include:-
http://www.west-crete.com/flowers-crete.htm
http://cretanvista.gr/Galleryflowers1/page_01.htm
http://www.guenther-blaich.de/engl/kretfrue.htm (Orchids)
http://orchids-crete.sherwoodonline.de/index.html (Orchids)
http://cretanvista.gr/GalleryCTBirds/page_001.htm (Birds of Crete)
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Fabulous post! Cliff :o :o :o
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Thank you, Cliff.
Gerd
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Cliff,
what a wunderful picture tour 8) 8) 8)
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So glad you all enjoyed our trip to Crete...many thanks for the very kind comments.
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Thanks for the great Photos, Cliff! Will you require a porter for your next visit?
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Absolutely Hans....Sue will be glad of the help. ;)
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More marvelous pix Cliff !
I particularly enjoy the Campanula tubulosa - nice upright bells !
Tulipa doerfleri is another favourite !
etc... etc....
Thanks again for taking us on the tour. (we didn't even have to carry your bags ;) )
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Cliff,
Wonderful photos of spring on Kreta. I hadn't so much luck to see this riches of flora. In July Kreta looks differently, plants are completely dry.
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I hope, Cliff isn't offended with me, if I add some photos to this thread.
1. Balos from Gramvousa
2. Kourna lake.
3. Eryngium maritimum
4. Coast in Georgiopouli. There are only volcanic stones
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I didn't take many photos of plants
1. Arum italicum
2. Platan - it is 2000 years old and has 11 m periphery
3. White Mountains - entrance to Samaria at sunrise. They are majestic but we must go, because we have 14 km to crossing
4. This photo I have taken by entrance to Samaria but I didn't identify this plant. It has flowered nice
5. White Mountains
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Thanks for these pictures Ewelina. What a vastly different place Crete is in July, from the time of spring bulbs! I can imagine someone who didn't inderstand plants going there in high summer and thinking that nothing much of interest grew there, in almost desert conditions.
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What a different is Crete and Alps, where I was 2 weeks earlier.
Some plants from Samaria - trees cope with drought the best.
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Apologies Ewelina,
Only returned from Portugal yesterday morning, so I have missed all the forum postings for the past twelve days - many thanks for your very welcome additions to this thread. I expect Crete would be too hot, dry and arid for me at that time of year. :D
Beautiful pictures.
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Only returned from Portugal yesterday morning, so I have missed all the forum postings for the past twelve days - many thanks for your very welcome additions to this thread.
Welcome back, Mr Buttercup. I hope you enjoyed your holiday and look forward to seeing all your pix. I think you will be pleased to have missed SOME of the forum postings. Hope to see you Saturday at the Blackpool show.
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Many thanks Di,
Rest assured I got to the 'bottom' of all the postings made whilst I was away ... the 1400 plus pictures I took in the Algarve may contain one or two items of retaliation (if I could discover a malevolent side to my nature, of course)? :D
See you Saturday ... baggsy first ride on the waltzer! :D
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Hi Cliff,
Super posting, the tulip sequence, wow! I wish I had been there, I would have been running around like a little kid!
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So many of us really appreciate these travel threads, whether we are just enjoying the armchair trip or planning our own visit.... all in all a super subject, thanks Cliff 8)