Walkers on the Rapperswil–Hurden boardwalk, Switzerland.

On the Bridge
What could be more Swiss? The weekend walkers are out, enjoying a beautiful sunny day and utilising an engineering marvel in a glorious setting. The walkway between Rapperswil and Hurden is the longest wooden bridge in Switzerland (841 m / 2759 ft). The current structure was opened in April 2001; built of untreated oak, experts give it a lifespan of 50 to 70 years.

Once upon a time, a long, long time ago, my husband I were staying with friends in that enchanted, fairy-tale-land of mountains, lakes, and alpine meadows known today as Switzerland

It really does feel that long ago! That is what happens when you have too many external drives full of photos and memories. They slip to the bottom of the pile and risk being overlooked.

And, it really was that magical. Every day that we were there, we wandered through picturesque landscapes, rimmed by magnificent mountains, full of green spaces, flowers, and fragrant coffee. On one ‘ordinary’ day, we took a little walk from our friends’ home, and across Lake Zurich.

Yes, across the lake!

We were walking a path taken by Neolithic communities, by Roman rulers, and by medieval warriors. We were in the footsteps of pilgrims on of The Way of St. James to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain, and of tourists, hikers, and nature-lovers alike.

On a map, Lake Zürich and Lake Obersee look like one body of water. But, there is a narrow passage between the towns of Rapperswil-Jona and the village of Hurden. At this point, three Swiss Cantons (Zurich, Schwyz, and St. Gallen) meet, and the body of water changes name.

At times, residents of towns on either side of this narrowing have relied on ferry boats to cross. But, prehistoric timber pilings recovered in this area date back to 1523 BCE, and suggest that a bridge was in place for the Neolithic and Bronze Age occupants of the now-UNESCO World Heritage-listed stilt-house settlement nearby.

Much later, in the 2nd century CE, the Romans built a 6 metres (20 ft) wide wooden footbridge here. But, that seems to have been followed by a long gap. Then, between 1358 and 1360, the House of Habsburg-Austria opened the next generation of bridges. Used by pedestrians, cart traffic, and livestock, this elevated walkway was 1450 m long and rested on 546 oak posts. The bridge was partially destroyed by wars and the forces of nature several times. Renovated repeatedly – the last time in 1847 – it remained in use until 1878.

The current wooden footbridge was opened in April 2001. It lies just south of the Seedamm, the stone causeway and bridge built in 1878 to accommodates vehicle traffic and a rail line. The footbridge is particularly popular with birders and other nature-lovers for the opportunity to visit waterfowl breeding areas. It also provides the only means of access to the historic medieval Heilig Hüsli Chapel.

We had passed the start of the bridge – and under the Seedamm – a week prior in order to access a boat across Lake Zurich (see: Swiss Apples And National Day). What really captured my attention as we meandered across the boardwalk was the geometric lines and angles of the bridge itself, and the altered view of the lake that the walk gave us.

Holzbrücke Rapperswil-Hurden from the shore at Rapperswil, Switzerland.

Swans on the Lakeshore
From the shore of Obersee (“Upper Lake”), we can see the 1.5 metre-high (4 ft 11 in) bridge on some of its 233 wooden posts.

On the wooden bridge at Rapperswil, Switzerland.

On the Bridge at Rapperswil
The bridge stretched away and angles left to meet the Heilig Hüsli Chapel, and to skirt a small island that is a nature reserve and important waterfowl breeding habitat. You can see a train on the nearby Seedamm.

Diorama behind chain fence, Holzbrücke Rapperswil-Hurden, Switzerland.

Diorama in the Bridge
Nestled into the base of the bridge is a little tribute to those medieval predecessors who once walked here.

Trees and grasses in the wetlands off the Holzbrücke Rapperswil-Hurden, Switzerland.

Green
Much of this side of the lake is declared protected wetlands – no boating or swimming is allowed.

Wooden floor and side, Holzbrücke Rapperswil-Hurden, Switzerland.

Leading Lines

Water ripples and grass, Obersee, Switzerland.

Ripples in the Grasses
The bridge acts like a hide, and gives us access that we would not otherwise have to the wetlands.

Eurasian coot in the Obersee, Switzerland.

Eurasian Coot – Fulica Atra
These are the same birds we get on our estuary at home.

Close up: patterns in an oak plank, Holzbrücke Rapperswil-Hurden, Switzerland.

Knotty Wood

Dark fish, indistinct in green water, Obersee, Switzerland.

Almost Abstract : Fish Swimming
I love Nature’s artworks! You get such a different perspective walking close above the water, instead of along the shore.

View over the Schwyz shoreline from Holzbrücke Rapperswil-Hurden, Swi

Other End of the Bridge
The canton of Schwyz comes into view as we work our way across the lake.

Small boat on the Obersee, mountains behind, Switzerland.

Boat on the Lake
We might be in what the Swiss call the “Low Country”, but beautiful mountains rise up all around.

Standing wooden pillars, Holzbrücke Rapperswil-Hurden, Switzerland.

Pillars in the Water

Perennial cornflower in the grass, Holzbrücke Rapperswil-Hurden, Switzerland.

Perennial Cornflower – Centaurea Montana
Back on the shore, we are surrounded by summer wildflowers.

Wild rosehip in the green, Holzbrücke Rapperswil-Hurden, Switzerland.

Wild Rosehip – Rosa Canina L.
Rich in antioxidants and minerals, rosehip has been used since prehistoric times. Findings in the pile-dwelling settlements near here – built between 5000 and 500 BCE – suggest it was often made into jam.

Purple loosestrife behind a chain fence, Holzbrücke Rapperswil-Hurden, Switzerland.

Purple Loosestrife – Lythrum Salicaria

Wetlands on the Obersee, Freienbach, Switzerland.

Grasses on the Waterfront
The Frauenwinkel nature reserve is a reed and marsh belt on the western shore of the Obersee.

A domed rooftop, Hurden, Switzerland.

Rooftop
I love these traditional buildings, with their half-timbered decorations, shingled roofs, and domed towers.

Train on the Seedamm - viewed between trees on the walking path, Hurden, Switzerland.

Passing Train
This part of the path runs parallel to the Seedamm; even though we can see the traffic there, we feel miles away.

Tiny spider in a web next to the walking path, Hurden, Switzerland.

Tiny Spider

European white water lily, walking path, Hurden, Switzerland.

European White Water Lily – Nymphaea Alba

Walkway to Hurden, Switzerland.

Walkway
The path to the towns of Hurden and Pfäffikon is smooth and easy to walk.

Common honeysuckle, Obersee in the background, Switzerland.

Common Honeysuckle – Lonicera Periclymenum
We could be miles from anywhere, …

Cosmos on the fence from the walkway to Hurden, Switzerland.

Cosmos on the Fence
… but the railway line is right there, behind a light fence.

Wooden walkway fenced in by an iron frame, Hurden, Switzerland.

Walkway Geometry
Our walk takes us across the Hurden ship canal.

Young man on a swing over the Hurden ship canal, frame, Hurden, Switzerland.

Young Man on A Swing
The water of the canal sparkles as a young man takes advantage of a swing here, …

Young man off a swing over the Hurden ship canal, frame, Hurden, Switzerland.

Into the Water
… and launches himself into the green.

Grasses against a clear blue sky, Hurden, Switzerland.

Grasses

The Holzbrücke Rapperswil-Hurden from the train, Switzerland.

Bridge from the Train
Rather than walk back, we take the train from Pfäffikon back to Rapperswil. On the Seedamm we can look back at the bridge we’ve just crossed.

Text: Happy Walking!

It was a beautiful walk –

– almost as enjoyable as the cake and coffee we treated ourselves to afterwards!

Until next time,

Happy Walking!

Pictures: 09August2014

View south from Boomerang Beach to Sugarloaf Point, NSW Australia

Boomerang Beach
Australia is home to endless beautiful sandy beaches, framed by dramatic bluffs of ancient rock. Here at Boomerang Beach on the Mid North Coast of NSW, the winter waters are pristine, and the views south are clear to the lighthouse on Sugarloaf Point.

There is something moody and dramatic about coastal beaches in wintertime that leads me to quiet introspection.

I’ve commented before (eg: Coastal Walks) on the rugged beauty of the east coast of Australia. I live within a ten minute walk of a beautiful beach and stunning headlands. I listen to the waves of the Pacific roll in – or roar in, depending on the ocean’s mood – every night before sleeping, and visit regularly on my morning walks.

But I guess I take it for granted! I almost never take my cameras with me, and seldom even take pictures with my phone.

When I am away from home, however, I treat my surroundings differently.

Some winters ago, I had the chance to stay on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales in the tiny resort community of Pacific Palms. It was the early days of Covid-19: there was still panic about the spread and no vaccine had yet been developed. Masks were mandatory and the few tourist accommodations open were operating under strict guidelines.

This normally bustling holiday destination was almost deserted: it was the middle of winter, and Sydney – some three-and-a-half hours south – was in another complete Covid-19 lockdown. In order to reach the Mid North Coast from my home on the Far South Coast, I had to skirt wide to avoid the Sydney embargo.

But, it was worth it!

Pacific Palms is partially surrounded by the beautiful Booti Booti National Park, which itself occupies a narrow peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and Wallis Lake.  The quiet, almost deserted beaches that are at every turn in this area were a balm for the cabin-fever I had been experiencing. Most days, my phone (my old iPhone6) and I went for morning and evening walks to the nearby Elizabeth Bay; one day we drove the twenty minutes north to the coastal town of Forster for some restaurant meals and window shopping; and another day we spent the afternoon driving between points of interest in the Myall Lakes National Park, just twenty minutes south.

Join me for some quiet beach walks:

Gray skies over Booti Hill and Elizabeth Beach, NSW Australia

Elizabeth Beach
Overcast skies and morning sea mists over Booti Hill make for a quiet morning on an empty beach.

Glossy green ferns, Booti Booti National Park, NSW Australia

Ferns and Wet Ground
My accommodation in Pacific Palms was bounded by Booti Booti National Park. One morning I followed the bush track through to the beach. As beautiful as it was, it was was soggy underfoot: saturated from all the winter rains. My shoes ended up sodden and I didn’t walk that particular track again!

Morning waves on Elizabeth Beach, NSW Australia

Waves in the Morning
Most days I ended up on the same stretch of beach twice; …

Evening waves on Elizabeth Beach, NSW Australia

Waves at Sundown
… but even though the setting was the same, the waves and light were different.

Runoff creek dark with tannins, Elizabeth Beach, NSW Australia

Where the Forest Meets the Sea
The plants in the forest decompose very slowly, releasing tannins and lignins into the ground; the heavy winter rains run this mineral-rich yellowy- brown colour into the waters over the beach.

Waves of sand under a creek dark with tannins, Elizabeth Beach, NSW Australia

Almost Abstract : Patterns in the Sand

View over Boomerang Beach and Charlotte Head, Elizabeth Beach, NSW Australia

Afternoon over Boomerang Beach and Charlotte Head
Every few kilometres there is a new beach and another bluff.

Yellow treasure flowers, Elizabeth Beach, NSW Australia

Treasure Flowers – Gazania Rigens
I love the low-growing flowers that cling to the sandy soils near beaches.

View of the tied island at Seal Rocks from the road, NSW Australia

Slow Down! Seal Rocks Ahead!
It was a short drive south to Myall Lakes National Park and the popular waters and beaches at Seal Rocks.

Waves of water and bluffs in the background, Seal Rocks, NSW Australia

Rugged Coast through the Trees
The beaches and headlands stretch off to the north, undulating like a bowl of ripple chips.

Waves rolling onto the sand, Number One Beach, Seal Rocks, NSW Australia

Waves on Number One Beach
The waters rolling in from the Pacific here are beautiful, and every time I looked, they changed colour.

Runner on the sand at Number One Beach, Seal Rocks, NSW Australia

Beach Runner

Three people in beach chairs at the waterfront, Number One Beach, Seal Rocks, NSW Australia

Beach Chairs
With their Esky and their beach chairs friends enjoy front-row seats on the mighty Tasman Sea.

Young couple facing the ocean, Number One Beach, Seal Rocks, NSW Australia

Young Couple
It might be the middle of winter, but the afternoon sun has just enough warmth for the young and brave to sport their swimming costumes.

Surfer on a small wave, Number One Beach, Seal Rocks, NSW Australia

Riding the Waves
The rocky break-water here makes this a safe area for beginning surfers.

Surfer on a small wave, Number One Beach, Seal Rocks, NSW Australia

Sliding Home

Beach access path, Mungo Beach, NSW Australia

Down to the Beach
The afternoon light drops quickly; …

View north to Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse, Mungo Beach, NSW Australia

View North to Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse
… by the time we drive a short way south to Mungo Beach, the shadows on the landscape are long …

White water waves, Mungo Beach, NSW Australia

Afternoon Waves
… and the water is dark.

Morning on Elizabeth Beach, NSW Australia

Sparkly Beach Morning
Back on Elizabeth Bay the next morning …

Patterns in the sand, Elizabeth Beach, NSW Australia

Almost Abstract : Sand Patterns
… I am again entranced by the patterns left in the sand by the retreating tide.

Morning on Elizabeth Beach, NSW Australia

A Curve of Beach

Flotsam and foam on Elizabeth Beach, NSW Australia

Still Life Found : Flotsam and Foam
I love the art that nature makes!

Storm clouds and rain on Elizabeth Beach, NSW Australia

Storm Clouds
My last morning at Elizabeth Beach was even wetter than many of the days before.

You take your chances with weather when you travel – and even more so in an east-coast Australian winter. There certainly was a lot of rain during my week on the Mid North Coast!

But, I had good books and my computer with me, and a warm, comfy room to snuggle into. I’m a walker, not a swimmer, so the inclement weather didn’t keep me indoors all day. Plus, rains wash the landscape, and can make beaches more interesting. 

Text: Happy Rambling

Still, the storm clouds on my final morning made me glad to point the car back home!

Happy Rambling!

Pictures: 26-31July2020

Inside the colourful entry of Vedapureeswarar Temple, Pondicherry South India.

Candy-Coloured Entry
Like other Hindu temples built in the Dravidian architectural style typical of Southern India, Vedapureeswarar Temple in Pondicherry is a riot of pastel-coloured Gods and decorations.

India is wildly colourful.

This is true everywhere, but the Dravidian people of South India take it to new whole new levels.

The ethnolinguistic family of people known as the Dravidians are considered native to the Indian subcontinent, although their pre-Neolithic roots are probably in Western Asia, around the Iranian plateau. The language family is at least 4,500 years old – one of the oldest in the world – and split into the variants spoken today across Southern India and Sri Lanka around the 3rd millennium BCE.

The ancient Dravidian religion was animistic and it is believed to have influenced the Hindu scriptures and practices – especially with respect to the concept of divine kingship, the cult of the mother goddess, and the worship of village deities and sacred flora and fauna.

What was most noticeable to me as an outsider, however, was the unique expression of art, architecture, and dance.

In Pondicherry – now more properly known as Puducherry – these rich Dravidian traditions have been influenced by years of colonial rule – first by the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the Danes, and more significantly and more recently by the French. This shows up in the architecture of the old city, with French Colonial and Franco-Tamil buildings still standing in White Town, the old French Quarter, and the Tamil Quarter on the other side of the now-empty canal.

But, the influence goes both directions. While the French left behind a strong Catholic minority in Pondicherry and the rest of the south, the construction and decor in the local cathedrals and churches have clearly been influenced by the Dravidian style and colour palate.

I was travelling in Southern India with a small group; we had spent the first part of the morning at Goubert Market before moving on to some of the local architectural treasures: particularly the five-hundred-year-old Vedapureeswarer Temple, rebuilt in 1788 to replace an older one that was destroyed by French troops in 1748. In contrast, the nearby Catholic church, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, is just over 100 years old, having been opened in 1907.

They are equally colourful!

Join us for a tour:

Non-Indian visitors outside Vedapureeswarar Temple, Pondicherry India

Vedapureeswarar Temple
Our group waits in the street outside Vedapureeswarar Temple. The seven-tiered raja gopuram, the gateway tower, rises to a height of 23 meters (75 ft) and is decorated with a pantheon of Gods and topped by seven golden kalasham, which represent the sun meeting the temple.

Gods in domes on the roof of Vedapureeswarar Temple, Pondicherry India.

Gods on the Roof
Vedapureeswarar Temple is dedicated to Shiva; he and other Gods are depicted everywhere around the temple, including inside the entry.

Small brass representations of Hindu gods, Vedapureeswarar Temple, Pondicherry India.

Brass Gods
While the main temple is open to the public, parts of it are closed off; …

Small blackened representations of Hindu gods, Vedapureeswarar Temple, Pondicherry India.

Behind the Gate
… small gated alcoves around the outside of the inner courtyard are full of little Gods that have been carefully draped in silks.

Small blackened representations of Hindu gods, Vedapureeswarar Temple, Pondicherry India.

Gold Plaques
People give generously to their temples; each of these offerings probably represents someone’s hopes and prayers.

Metal locked gate, Vedapureeswarar Temple, Pondicherry India.

Locked Gate

Bronze representations of Hindu gods, Vedapureeswarar Temple, Pondicherry India.

Gods behind the Gate
Some of the icons are quite large – and clearly old and precious.

Brass representations of Hindu gods, Vedapureeswarar Temple, Pondicherry India.

Gods in Yellow

Visitors walking inside Vedapureeswarar Temple, Pondicherry India.

Inside the Temple
The second story of the temple is open to the air outside – but it is hot, still, and fairly dark inside.

Visitors walking inside Vedapureeswarar Temple, Pondicherry India.

Shiva as Vedapureeswarar
Images of Shiva are everywhere we look.

Front pavilion, Vedapureeswarar Temple, Pondicherry India.

Candy Colours
The details are amazing, and all tell stories that I can’t interpret. The brassy pole to the right of this image is the base of the dhvajastambha, a flagstaff which is a common feature in South Indian Hindu temples. It is one of the items that symbolically protect the temple sanctuary from the impure and undevoted.

Inside Vedapureeswarar Temple, Pondicherry India.

Temple Courtyard
The whole complex is enclosed by a granite wall.

A table laden with flower offerings outside Vedapureeswarar Temple, Pondicherry India.

Flowers for Sale
Outside the temple walls, flowers, candles, and other offerings are available for devotees to buy.

Portrait, flower seller, Pondicherry India.

Flower Seller
Even though I have finished my temple visit, and clearly won’t be buying any offerings, the flower seller happily poses for me and my camera.

A South Indian couple sitting on the sidewalk, Pondicherry India.

Rest Break
The city is full of life and colour.

Rusty bicycles stacked up, Pondicherry India.

Bicycles
Many of the streets – and the objects in them – wear a patina of age.

White mandala drawing, Pondicherry India.

House Kolam
The front steps of houses are decorated every morning with fresh designs made from chalk dust or rice flour. A kolam (கோலம்) is a geometric line drawing in a pattern of straight lines, curves, and loops that is thought to bring prosperity to the home.

Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus from the street, Pondicherry, India

South Boulevard
Our next stop is a short distance away, where we alight our bus to visit one of Pondicherry’s most famous landmarks.

Statue of Jesus, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pondicherry, India

Jesus Calls

Outside the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pondicherry India

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Built between 1902 and 1908 in neo-Gothic style, the outside of the church is imposing, …

Inside the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pondicherry India

Inside the Basilica
… but the inside, with its South Indian colours …

Inside the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pondicherry India

Basilica Dome
… and its stained glass story panels is just jaw-dropping.

Outside the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pondicherry India

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
The church was given Basilica status in 2011. At 50 meters (164 feet) long, 48 m wide and 18 m high, it holds 2000 people, and is thought to be the largest in Pondicherry.

Male shopkeeper in front of shelves of carved rosewood and sandalwood, Pondicherry India

Beautiful Wood
Our last stop before lunch was in an upmarket shop filled with beautiful crafts and fabrics.

Old buildings, White Town, Pondicherry India

Tumbledown Street
Back outside in the pounding sun, the beautiful old buildings of White Town are slowly crumbling into elegant ruins.

I added to my ever-growing collection of elephants and picked up paper maché decorations for my grandchildren.

Sign-Off-Happy-ShoppingFor as wonderful as it is to learn about new places and cultures, taking a little bit of it home is an even greater pleasure!

Photos: 22January2023

Fishing boats in Elounda Harbour, Crete Greece

Boats in the Harbour
The harbour in the little town of Elounda on the picturesque and mountainous northwest side of the Bay of Mirabello in Crete, Greece, is home to colourful fishing boats as well as luxurious tourist craft.

Crete, the southernmost large island of Greece, lives up to its reputation for having a breathtakingly mountainous landscape surrounded by pristine beaches and charming coastal villages.

I booked myself a number of bus tours while I was there, and loved every moment I spent exploring the island.

One of the trips I took was to the ruggedly beautiful and sadly historic rock-island of Spinalonga (see: Colourful Rocks with a Colourful History). After a morning spent walking around the fortress there, we had some time in the delightful villages along the northwestern coast of Mirabello Bay.

Mirabello Bay, or the Gulf of Mirabello/Mirabella, is Greece’s largest bay. On the eastern part of Crete, the waters of the bay lead out into the Sea of Crete on the Mediterranean, which made the region critically important in the earliest days of sail. That is why the outpost at Spinalonga – on that rock in the bay – was originally fortified by the Cretans before the 7th century, and later by the Venetians in the mid-15th century.

At least one of the many beautiful caves around the bay is purported to have been a regular hiding place for the ships belonging to the Ottoman pirates /corsairs, collectively known as ‘Barbarossa’. One or both of these brothers, who were born on the island of Lesbos further north, dominated the trading lines across the Mediterranean for much of the late 16th century.

Today, the bay is home to small fishing fleets and up-market tourist towns. After disembarking our boat from Spinalonga in Plaka, we drove to the town of Kato Elounta (Elouda) for lunch and for some free time exploring. We then drove a short distance south to wander around Agios Nikolaos. This pretty little city is predominantly known as a hub for local tourism: European tourist development in this area took off in the 60’s, after it was used as the location for a number of popular cinematic and television productions.

Come explore!

Gyros with chips wrapped in pita bread, Kato Elounda, Greece

Pita Gyros
This is what ‘fast food’ looks like in Kato Elounda: fresh and tasty meat off the gyros, wrapped in soft pita bread, and complete with crispy chips!

Beach umbrellas and a lifeguard station, Elounda, Crete, Greece

Elounda Beach
It might be September, but the weather is still warm and sunny, and the beaches are busy enough.

Small Elounda street, Crete, Greece.

Elounda Street
It’s a typical Mediterranean scene: orange-tree lined streets backing onto olive-treed hills.

Agios Konstantinos Ke Agia Eleni church in the sun, Elounda, Crete, Greece

Agios Konstantinos Ke Agia Eleni
You are never far from an Orthodox Christian church in Greece.

Dome of the Agios Konstantinos Ke Agia Eleni church, Elounda, Crete, Greece

Tiled Dome

Three colourfully painted disciples, Agios Konstantinos Ke Agia Eleni church, Elounda, Crete, Greece

Disciples Inside

Black iron rails on a white balcony, Elounda, Crete, Greece

Lines And Patterns – a Cretan Balcony
White-washed buildings help beat the heat; wrought iron balcony rails add elegance.

Bird statue, Schisma Eloundas, Greece

Bird Statue
I thought these were doves or pigeons, but Google Maps lists this piece in Elounda Square only as ‘Bird Statue’. I could find no information on the provenance or the significance.

Nikos Koundouros statue, Agios Nikolaos Greece

Nikos Koundouros
This statue in Agios Nikolaos was easier to identify: the Greek painter, sculptor, and film director Nikos Koundouros was born here in 1926.

Boats on Lake Voulismeni, Agios Nikolaos, Greece

Boats on the Lake
The centrepiece of Agios Nikolaos is a small lagoon, Lake Voulismeni, which according to local legends is bottomless and connects underwater with the volcano of Santorini. It is deep (64 m / 210 ft) – but not bottomless.

Cat reclining on the foreshore of Lake Voulismeni, Agios Nikolaos, Greece

Cat on the Foreshore
The walkway around the lake makes a lovely place to stroll – or nap.

Couple reclining on the stone shelves, Fisherman’s Crypt, Agios Nikolaos, Greece

Outside Fisherman’s Crypt
The tiered stone walls outside the little church at the southwest corner of the lake make a shady rest spot to take time out …

Man in a sailing hat with a traditional stringed instrument, foreshore of Lake Voulismeni, Agios Nikolaos, Greece

Musician on the Foreshore
… or to play traditional music.

Muscovy ducks, Fisherman’s Crypt, Agios Nikolaos, Greece

Ducks outside Fisherman’s Crypt
Muscovy ducks roam freely.

Entry to Fisherman

Fisherman’s Church
The little church here is dedicated to the safety of the local fishermen.

Winged creature carved on the door to the Fisherman’s Crypt, Lake Voulismeni, Agios Nikolaos, Greece

Door to Fisherman’s Crypt
I was lucky to find the doors open; behind the church is a dark, tunneled crypt which has been turned into a makeshift ‘museum’.

Looking out from the Fisherman’s Crypt, Lake Voulismeni, Agios Nikolaos, Greece

Temple Cave on Lake Voulismeni
Grated windows are the only source of light inside.

Shrine in the Fisherman’s Cave, Lake Voulismeni, Agios Nikolaos, Greece

Shrine in the Fisherman’s Cave
The cave houses a shrine and some iconography, as well as some dusty fishing relics.

View over Lake Voulismeni, Agios Nikolaos, Greece

Bridge and Buildings on the Lake
Back outside in the afternoon sunshine, my circuit takes me up a steep staircase, which affords wonderful views over the little city.

View over Lake Voulismeni, Agios Nikolaos, Greece

Buildings on the Lake
This is a mecca for summer tourism, and the the buildings surrounding the lake all look quite modern and upmarket.

View over Lake Voulismeni, Agios Nikolaos, Greece

Boats on the Lake
There are plenty of stylish boats on the water and trendy cafés on the foreshore.

Colourful street corner, Agios Nikolaos, Greece

Street Corner

Fishing boats, Agios Nikolaos, Greece

Boats on the Harbour
Back on the main harbour, many of the boats are serious fishing vessels.

The Abduction of Europa statue in Agios Nikolaos, Greece

The Abduction of Europa
A stone slab at the base of this sculpture reads: “Europe is my name I am the daughter of the Phoenician King Aginoras and mother of King Minos creator of the Minoan civilization”. The statue was designed by Nikos Koundouros – whom we saw in the square earlier – and created by Nikos and Pantelis Sotiriades.

Portrait: Olive-oil maker, the Cretan Olive Oil, Lassithi, Greece

Olive-Oil Maker
Our last stop of the day was at the Cretan Olive Oil Farm where we were treated to an explanation of traditional oil production and an extensive tasting experience.

The fresh bread dipped in different mixtures of herb-infused olive oils was very moreish!

And, it’s all a part of a glorious afternoon around Mirabello Bay, East Crete.

Text: Bon Appétit

Until next time,

Bon Appétit!

Photos: 06September2022

Wooden chalets on the Orient viewed from Mount Morrisey, Sun Peaks BC Canada

Sun Peaks
From the flank of Mount Morrisey one has views of the modern chalets on the ski slope across the valley.

There is something charming about a mountain resort village – even in the off season.

Sun Peaks is a popular ski resort in the Monashee Mountains, 410 kilometers (255 miles) east of Vancouver, British Columbia . It boasts the second largest area of skiable terrain in Canada (see: Sun Peaks Resort) and claims to average over 2000 hours of sun a year.

I visited in spring, not winter. And, much of the time I was there, there was little or no sun. But, the air was fresh, the streams were flowing, and the mountain pathways beckoned.

Like many other ski resorts, this area has attempted – with some recent success – to reinvent itself and attract more year-round visitors. Summer bike paths were built in 1999 and an 18-hole golf course was completed in 2005. The village itself has only been incorporated since 2010, but its population more than doubled between the last two censuses, reaching a grand total of 1,404 year-round residents in 2021. 

I was making use of some timeshare points, and found myself in a lovely lodge a short walk away from the quaint main street. Because it was spring (not summer), bikes weren’t available, and the chair lifts weren’t running, which limited my activity choices somewhat. But, there were plenty of trails to walk – allowing me to justify some wonderfully decadent meals in the nice selection of local restaurants. The town boasts just enough inviting shops to make wandering enjoyable.

Join me for some not-so-sunny walks.

Sun Peaks Village in spring, BC Canada

Sun Peaks Village
Summer season was still weeks away, but there were just enough residents and visitors around to keep shops and restaurants open.

Fresh buds on a willow branch, Sun Peaks BC Canada

New Growth
Spring is the time for fresh buds on the willow branches. Patches of snow remain on the ground in the shadows.

Corner tower, Crystal Forest Condominiums, Sun Peaks BC Canada

Crystal Forest Condominiums
Many of the newly-built condominiums and lodges seem to be modelled on European alpine styles (eg: Leysin, Switzerland).

Robin on a gravel path, Sun Peaks BC Canada

American Robin – Turdus Migratorius
I didn’t have much luck with the wildlife; although a mother bear and cubs had recently been spotted, the best I could do was the occasional bird.

View of grassy ski runs on Sun Peaks from the Packhorse Climb, BC Canada

View from the Packhorse Climb
The clue is in the name! It’s a steep hike up the ski runs on Mount Morrisey.

The Village
I hiked up the Packhorse Climb twice – but never made it to the top of Mount Morrisey. I blame jet lag!

Pesto fusilli in a dish, Capones Italian Kitchen, Sun Peaks BC Canada

Pesto Fusilli in Capones Italian Kitchen
I used the walking I did do as an excuse for some wonderful meals …

A 6oz Sirloin with jacket potato and vegetables, Sun Peaks Lodge, BC Canada

A 6oz Sirloin in Sun Peaks Lodge
… and even treated myself to a steak.

Pita Bread sandwich and onion rIngs, Sun Peaks, BC Canada

Pita Bread Chicken ‘Burger’ at Bottoms Bar & Grill
Mind you, the day I swapped out fries for onion rings I could barely walk home afterwards!

Old man

Old Man’s Beard – Usnea
The spring sun doesn’t have much reach, and many of the forest paths are dark and mossy, with ferns underfoot and lichen overhead.

Wild strawberries ion flower, Whitecroft Falls Trail, BC Canada

Wild Strawberries – Fragaria Vesca
I only pulled the car out once all week: that was to drive seven minutes down the road to the Whitecroft Falls Trail Head.

Maple spinners, Whitecroft Falls Trail, BC Canada

Maple Spinners
It is only a short track (1.6 km – 1 mi) running alongside McGillivray Creek, but there was plenty to look at, so I was rather slow.

Dandelions and a small fir tree, Whitecroft Falls Trail, BC Canada

Dandelions and a Baby Tree
Douglas firs regularly live over 500 years – which explains how something this small can grow to 100 metres (330 feet) tall.

Tree trunk, Whitecroft Falls Trail, BC Canada

Birch Bark

Melissa blue butterfly, Whitecroft Falls Trail, BC Canada

Melissa Blue Butterfly – Plebejus Melissa

Heartleaf arnica, Whitecroft Falls Trail, BC Canada

Heartleaf Arnica – Arnica Cordifolia
These cheerful spring-bloomers were everywhere on the forest trails.

Western serviceberry flowers, Whitecroft Falls Trail, BC Canada

Western Serviceberry – Amelanchier Alnifolia
The saskatoon berries were also in bloom on their trees.

McGillivray Creek from Whitecroft Falls Trail, BC Canada

McGillivray Creek
Finally! The creek I’ve been hearing along the track finally comes into view. The path is soft underfoot.

Western Red Cedar, Whitecroft Falls Trail, BC Canada

In the Cedars
The branches of the tall western red cedars (thuja plicata) droop gracefully.

Whitecroft Falls, BC Canada

Whitecroft Falls
The waterfall is small, but very pretty – and the spray splashes high onto the banks …

Carved bench, Whitecroft Falls, BC Canada

Bench
… soaking the ornate wooden bench overlooking it.

Boulders in the white water of McGillivray Creek, Whitecroft Falls, BC Canada

Boulders in the Creek
The waters continue their race downstream.

Trees and boulders on the Whitecroft Falls Trail, BC Canada

A Rocky Path
It always surprises me how different the same path looks when you are retracing it!

Oregon grape, Whitecroft Falls Trail, BC Canada

Oregon Grape – Mahonia Aquifolium

Conifer needles, Whitecroft Falls Trail, BC Canada

Nature’s Artworks : Conifer Needles

Trailhead, Whitecroft Falls Trail, BC Canada

Back at the Beginning
The way back was much quicker, and in no time at all I was back at the trailhead.

Text: Happy Walking!

It was a lovely little walk – and a fitting end to a week of pleasant hikes in the woods, along creeks, and across ski hills.

I’m hoping to return some time when the summer ski lifts are operating, opening up a whole new batch of trails.

Until then,

Happy Walking!

Pictures: 19-26May2023