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Spring In Greece
Visits made by the Greek Branch in Spring 2002
Kea
Words and photos by Davina Michaelides
In April, the MGS arranged a three-day excursion to Kea, a Cycladic island only a 75 minute ferryboat trip from Lavrion (a 1-hour drive from Athens). Sixteen members participated and Kea surprised more than a few of us. Usually visited during the summer months, we'd thought of it as a dry, rocky island where the wind blows endlessly. What a pleasant surprise, therefore, Kea turned out to be with its abundant wild flowers, delightful walks, verdant valleys, ancient sites, beautiful old stone walls . . . and no wind! We were particularly fortunate in having the participation of Kostis Maroulis, who, as a resident of the island well versed in its folklore, history, agriculture, archaeology and old pathways (kalderimia), guided us to Karthaia and Milopotamos and answered countless questions.
And of course Sally Razelou's ability to point out and name every plant and tree that grows is always such a joy.
It may have been the winter snow and the out-of-the-ordinary wet spring this year that made Kea so spectacular, but let's hope that a spring excursion to Kea becomes a permanent fixture on the MGS calendar.
Wild lupins, poppies and almond tree - Lupinus micranthus
(syn. L. hirsutus), Papaver rhoeas and Prunus dulcis (syn.
Amygdalis communis).
A closer look at the beautiful blue wild lupins, Lupinus
micranthus (syn. L hirsutus) and anthemis.
Olive, Olea europaea, in a stone wall
Oak, Quercus macrolepis with Ballota acetabulosa
Tree euphorbia, Euphorbia dendroides and wild garlic,
Allium neapolitanum
Shady dell
Old drystone wall
Old stable
The ancient city wall of Karthaia
The Temple of
Pythios Apollo at Karthaia
The Lion
The stone wall of the old watermill at Milopotamos
See also: The Olive Grove by Davina Michaelides
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