Αρχεία Ημερολογίου για Φεβρουάριος 2018

Φεβρουάριος 02, 2018

#CreteNature Almanack 2018 – Late Winter

A little break as we wind towards the end of our East Crete Upland Village Tour. This week sees the true midwinter between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. This is the coldest part of the year here in Crete (as it is in the rest of the northern hemisphere) so I thought I'd compile a little list of some of the things to look out for in the coming weeks. February 1st was long considered the beginning of the year before Julius Ceasar got his hands on the calendar and it is still celebrated as such in the Pagan wheel of the year as Imbolc. A time for resolutions (in case your January 1st ones have gone by the board) and for starting the spring cleaning (watch out for the Greek version: Clean Monday on February 19th which is a national holiday). Or if all that sounds a bit onerous why not have a midwinter party instead and celebrate the oncoming warmer weather?

Posted on Φεβρουάριος 02, 2018 0617 ΠΜ by stevedaniels stevedaniels | 0σχόλια | Αφήστε ένα σχόλιο

Φεβρουάριος 24, 2018

40 Saints II – Land of the Levitating Goat

Rather a scenic little walk this morning as we continue along the track eastwards along the southern slopes of Agioi Saranta musing among the mysteries of nature as the goats pecefully levitate about a foot above the ground. (OK, so I caught him in mid air as he dashed across the track; don't spoil the llusion). Last week we were looking at the rock rose family, the Cistaceae, with that little Fumana we found. There are a couple more examples here; the Pink Rock Rose (Cistus creticus) and the white Sage-leaved Rock Rose (Cistus salviifolius). The essential oils from the leaves are used to combat psoriasis and eczema and are also held to be effective against acne and wrinkles. I wouldn't advise trying it here and now, it will just highlight your wrinkles a nice shade of green. It is a useful plant in the field though as, applied to cuts, it stops the bleeding and disinfects the wound.
http://cretenature.blogspot.gr/2018/02/40-saints-ii-land-of-levitating-goat.html

Posted on Φεβρουάριος 24, 2018 0659 ΠΜ by stevedaniels stevedaniels | 6 παρατηρήσεις | 0σχόλια | Αφήστε ένα σχόλιο