Sitting here in the shade of the awning, the temperatures today some of the hottest we have seen so far in Greece. While the UK freezes back home, I hear the Acropolis in Athens had to be closed due to the heat. We are currently about 100km from Athens, due to visit after the weekend. Fingers crossed things drop a tad as is predicted. And yes, we know it gets hot in these parts, but this early in the year is pretty much unheard of.
It’s a much to do about nothing kinda day. We have extended our time at the campsite until Friday when the temperatures drop a notch. The van is parked under the shade of a couple of pine trees, a small breeze blowing in from the sea. It almost seems manageable until you step outside as I did earlier, in search for some supplies.
Blistering, energy sapping, sweat inducing heat.
Using the time to get on with some writing, a few more common birds scuttling about in the dust. Collared dove. Beautiful creatures, often overlooked. A tree sparrow or two. Even a couple of Jays flitting from tree to tree. Never too keen to show themselves.
And then I spot something out of the corner of my eye, drilling almost mechanically into the dirt. A Hoopoe – a stunning bird, and something I’ve not seen since our time in South Africa. I’m pretty sure I also saw one back in England, and while they are not breeding there, every year around 100 overcook their landing spot in mainland Europe and end up in southern Blighty – poor things.
Watching it has made me want to dust down my 400mm lens and head out to do a spot of wildlife photography, although in this heat I may need to consider a nocturnal session.
Until next time .. Happy Pixels …
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Nigel Cooke Photography 