Nature’s miracle, an amazing world to explore.
Everything happens for a reason, take care out there…
Tag: Macro
Hiking in Majjistral Nature Park– Part 2
Last time, we went along the narrow path to the small buildings that you can see in distance at above image. From there we continued our walk in search for the staircase up to the plateau, where we got lost.
Here we are still on our way to the buildings by the sea and the path is easy to follow. My dear man carries my pink bag with water, my macro lens and some snacks. Fanny is the leader while I, as usually, walk behind.
Surrounded by huge cliffs…
…and the Mediterranean Sea below.
Don’t look up, don’t look down look where you put your feet, it´s quite deep down to the sea..
A steep slope of dry mud. A place I’d not choose to walk on after a rainy day.
Always curious about what’s waiting around the corner.
This wooden bridge was not entirely safe to walk on.
I could follow the path for hours. Hear are lots of beautiful and small flowers.
Suddenly we are surrounded by high grass..
The scenery varies quite a lot but we just have to follow the narrow path and there’s no risk of getting lost.
Finally, by the sea to rest for a while. I dip my feet in the water before continuing our walk around the corner.
Water and some chicken for Fanny…
…while I take a look at some of the pictures I have in my camera that I’ve taken along the way. 
Now I realize that even this post will be too long so I finish as last time with a picture of my beloved and brave Basenji Fanny. Part 3 will come later but to give you a clue, there were no easy paths around the corner…
WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge – Prolific
This week, Krista asks us what “Prolific” makes us think about. The most prolific must be the earth itself as home of all known life. Water, microorganisms, oxygen, mammals, dinosaurs, flowers, insects, humans…
A never ending process, of which these images are just a tiny fraction from my little corner of the earth.
The nature, not always easy for humans to explore, but we are attracted and we are curious about it. 
…and we are part of an amazing landscape and scenery. 
In search for life and color.
We all know that behind the clouds the sky is always blue but rarely think of the valuable air we breathe.
And when the sun sets, another day is gone and life on earth continues in an eternal circle, constantly prolific. With or without homo sapiens…
All images are from Majjistral National Park here in Malta April 2018.
Soft Sunday…
Instead of Silent Sunday. But the pictures may speak for themselves anyway.
Today we spent another day at Majjistral National Park in search for the way around, more to come…
WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge – Awakening
This week, Jen asks us to show an image/s of awakening or some kind of renewal.
While enjoying the awakening of nature after winter…
…seeing a butterfly is an obvious proof of that spring is has arrived…
…and when you see these you know that even this summer, you can enjoy eating fresh figs…
…while a wild cat yawning, renewed with energy after a few hours sleep in Independence gardens.
Poppies
Poppies, or Vallmo as we say in Swedish, are one of the most beautiful wild flowers I know and very common during spring here in Malta. 
Looks like this one is dancing, despite some lost petals.
I always think about Princess Cakes when I see the pistil of these flowers.
Stamens and pistils along with amazing colors create a beautiful flower. Nature is a wonderful world.
Hiking in Majjistral Nature Park– Part 1
In my last post, I mentioned that we went hiking in Majjistral Nature Park last Saturday. We walked for about three hours and we got lost. These are just a very few of all the pictures I took, just to give an impression of how it looks in the park. You can choose between walking at the flat plateau which we did the first time… 
…for more adventure you can choose to walk along the slopes on narrow winding paths, and that’s what we did this time. Me, my husband and our brave Basenji Fanny. Here at the beginning the walkway is quite wide.
Our first stop will be at the small buildings by the water. When we were here last time we thought this was a dead end but on our way back we meet a couple who said that you can continue around the corner and further up there are a stairway where you can get up to the plateau. No need to go back and just a few hours walk.
This trip can easily be a very long trip since I stop all the time to take pictures. Here´s the second butterfly I seen so far this year. Sadly, my macro lens was in my bag, but I managed to take some close ups anyway.
Now the paths have become more narrow and the slopes down towards the sea are steeper.
We will soon arrive at the small buildings where we will rest before moving on to see what’s waiting around the corner. It became quite exciting, but I’ll leave that until part two. 
Before I finish, I have to mention my beloved four-legged friend. She’s soon nine months old, still a puppy but very clever and so brave. She proved that on several occasions during the next part of our adventure.💖💖
I think this post may fit well with the theme of breathe with its breathtaking views, the breathtaking adventures, and our deep breaths when we were exhausted after climbing and when we realized we were lost. If that’s not enough then it’s obvious above how Fanny breathes.
Photo Challenge by Frank / Dutch Goes the Photo’s / Theme: Breathe
Future
This week, Frank invites us to share one or more photos that makes us think about the future.
Yesterday, we were hiking for three hours in the Majjistral National Park where nature is stunning. The sea, the huge rocks in different shapes, all wild flowers and the swirling footpaths gives a feeling of being truly in the middle of nature. That we totally went lost is another story…
Nature is both delicate and strong. As long as we let nature take care of itself, it will also survive…
One of many threats to the future of our nature is plastic. In the deep oceans, as well as on land.
What every generation teaches to the next…
…will be the result of our future. And I strongly believe in the future.
Photo Challenge by Frank / Dutch Goes the Photo’s / Theme: Future
Macro time
I think this is a Vinbärssnäcka. That´s what it called in Swedish but I´m not sure about the English name.
Here I let the pictures speak for themselves.
This is the first butterfly I managed to capture so far this year. It flew among the flowers in Majjistral National Park. This one was not easy to catch with the camera, but I’m very happy that I found it.
Flowers…
…without the sun there are no flowers and without flowers there’s no sun.
Silent Sunday
A Special Flower of the day
I’ve never seen these flowers before but there are thousands of them growing in Ta Qali Park right now.
When I first saw them, I thought they were some kind of fungus.
Apparently, insects are attracted to them too.
I found similar but in a different color and my dear man picked one for me.
I have no idea what kind of plant these are but I’m sure some of my blog friends know.
The joy of insects
Is it really possible to feel joy when watching small insects while most people try to wave them away.
Yes, if you have a camera and if you are really eager to learn more about macro shooting and the amazing world that you can explore through your camera. Just wish I started to learn this earlier in my life.
Maybe too close, but I really had fun!!
In my next life I´ll be a photographer specialized in macro, a botanist and entomologist.
Until then, I continue to practice, learn and have fun…
Flowers & Colors
Above, you see flowers from San Anton Gardens in Attard where I was last week. All planted but so beautiful and full of colors. Click on an images to enlarge. Below are some wild flowers from Ta Qali National Park. 
Yesterday I came home with more than 300 pictures in my camera after visiting the park for a few hours. There are hundreds of different wild flowers and trees in the park, many of which I never seen before, plus insects… 
…so it’s likely that there will be more wild flowers here, from my little corner of the blogosphere.
WPC – I’d Rather Be…
Where would I rather be, I asked myself when I was sitting in front of my computer and worked last Friday. I decided to take a day off and went to Majjistral National Park a second time to explore and enjoy the nature. Just me, Fanny and my camera. I’d Rather Be out there than sitting on my office chair.
In the park you´ll find wild flowers and different plants everywhere. Most of them are quite small so you have to look for them. Now I also got the chance to try my new macro lens but sadly, it was very windy and for some reason, my M mode setting doesn’t work anymore. But it was a lovely day, where I´d rather be…
Click on an images to enlarge.
Spring Flowers
Just a few scenes from last weekend. All from Ta Qali National Park here in Malta, except the last one.
Some trees are blooming now…
…while most are still bare.
This flower is a bit special, I’ve shown it before but have no idea what it’s called..
This yellow one is very common in spring, often seen blooming all over the meadows like a carpet of flowers.
Another small and colorful flower and that’s all for today. Now I’ll go for a walk with Fanny… 
…and today we will walk along this path.
Wordless Wednesday
Nature’s diversity
Above is part of where I walk with Fanny every morning. The rocks along the Mediterranean stretch from Sliema Pitch to Balluta Bay. It takes more or less an hour and a half back and forth if we walk pretty fast, including stops when we meet other dogs..I love the scenery and Fanny jumps with joy along the rocks.
In the weekends we take the car to Ta Qali National Park where nature is completely different. This is a large recreation area with walkways and a wide range of plants and trees as well as animal species.
We are not far from the rocks near home but we are in a completely different scenery.
Here we find lots of greenery and beautiful plants, many of which I’ve never seen.
This is part of nature’s diversity on this small island in the Mediterranean Sea.
WPC – Beloved
Besides my beloved husband, I have a wonderful beloved Basenji puppy.
Fanny doesn’t mind taking part in the week’s theme, but only partially.
Nature’s soft colors
Malta 28 January 2018.
A sense of spring
When the almond trees bloom here on the island, it feels like spring has come.
Malta 22 January 2017
Why Malta – This is my Malta part 4
Yesterday we went to the countryside as we often do during the weekends. Chapels like these are often seen along the country roads, while all the small villages and towns have their magnificent churches in the center.
Some flowers I found in Ta Qali National Park while Fanny ran around and explored the lush surroundings.
For me, this flower is unique. They are quite small and you don’t notice the colors if you’re not really close. There are lots of these rare flowers that bloom now here in Malta. 
In my next post, I’ll show almond trees that already blooming on the island.
Monday’s mix of weekend pics
Another wonderful weekend at Ta Qali National Park here in Malta.
It feels like spring is already here when I see all these flowers but still, only 16-17 degrees in the air.
What is this? One of nature created works of art!
A small visitor, I wish I saw more of them.
This one is not so good, I know!!!
Now that we have Fanny, we go to the park every weekend. I feel so happy when I see her running in the high grass and how she really enjoys it. She is now 6 months old and not always easy to catch with my camera…
If you like, click on an image below to enlarge.
Wildflowers…
Some of the year’s first wild flowers and plants I found in Ta ‘Qali National Park.
Malta January 2018.
Fanny, really enjoy being in nature among the green grass and all white flowers. Still we can´t have her loose but with an eight meter long leash she can run quite freely. At least when she´s wise enough to run in a circle. Next Friday we will take her to school to learn more about behavior, obedience and much more…
Power of flowers and colors
Isn’t it amazing that the flowers I gave to my husband in June are still blooming. Flowers with power.
Some flowers from our terrace, January 2018.
Hibiscus close-up.
Finally, some sweet strawberries I bought from a farmer. Yes, they are grown even in the winter here in Malta. Thanks for all new year’s greetings! Let’s take some power from our flowers and create joy of all colors!!
Flower of the day
Colors and Flowers…
…and a sweet little visitor.
Happy Friday from Malta!
Weekend pics from Malta
Above you see pictures from our terrace and below from Ta Qali National Park where we went with Fanny last weekend. We also found a Dog Park but Fanny is too young to visit it, we have to wait until she is at least six month old. But she enjoyed the other part of the park while we trained her to walk well kept on leash.
A lovely flower I never seen before.
It was really green in the park!
Love the color.
The National Park is a big green space in central Malta, used for several events throughout the year. Ta’ Qali National Park stands where once was a Royal Air Force airfield and barracks between 1943 and 1950. During the Second World War the Ta Qali National Park was used as an airfield and is today a very popular picnic area with plenty of space.
An exciting meeting with another dog of the same size.i
Click on an image to enlarge. To some picture there’s a short text.
WPC – Transformation
This week, we share images that embodies transformation.
There are so much. Like a bud above that turns into a beautiful flower! 
Or the slow and natural transformation of something once shiny.
Nature, an old church and all details look completely different when reflected and in water.
Click on the link below and you’ll find lots of transformations from other participants.
WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge / Transformation by Jen.H
CFFC – Letter N
Nature lovers, on hiking in Malta in November.
Natural look. 
Neat and so lovely, but nearly too close.
Flower(s) of the day – In Red only
Today I choose red flowers. The only one I know the name of is my favorite, the bougainvillea.
This is a picture from Malta taken in October last year. One day left and I’m home again.
Flowers of the the day
Wordless Wednesday
Click on an image to enlarge.
Weekly Photo Challenge – Waiting
Photographing insects with macro often means waiting for the perfect moment.
Click on a circle to enlarge if you like to see the whole image.
Most waves them away while I chase them with my camera, waiting…
Worth waiting for.
WPC Structure
Even an ordinary flower..
…has an exciting structure.
As well as shown in this close-up of a hibiscus.
Structure of a feather. This one is actually not larger than a little finger nail.
A completely different but still, a kind of structure. A construction, a creation.
My husband’s secret project. It’s not really done yet… 
Look at the wings on this little beetle! We easily shoo them away and forget to watch closely.
The last picture is from my archive while the others were taken today.
Kort och blandat
Lite tyngda av mitt vattnande men vatten är vad som behövs. Det har inte regnat på flera månader här på ön.
Tror jag var lite darrig på handen här 🙂
Solguld, en tacksam blomma.
Vackra men för mig, namnlösa. De här växer inte på vår terrass men i Independence Gardens här i Sliema.
Som så ofta några blombilder och en insekt. Klicka för att förstora, till varje bild finns en kort text.
Fann den här bilden i arkivet från Sandhamn i Stockholms skärgård. Vilken idyll! Sverige när det är som bäst!
Med huvudstaden Valletta i bakgrunden, en idyll i sig med värmen och medelhavet så tätt inpå. Mer än så blev det inte idag. Har badat, det är fortfarande 30+ på dagarna och livet går sin gilla gång här på Malta..
Avslutningsvis, Lek i tvättstugan. Nej, jag har inte sysselsättningsproblem eller brist på motiv, det är värmen.. 😉
Macro / Bevingat / Winged
Hope you don’t get tired of my winged little ones.
They are busy buzzing among our flowers.
They look almost the same.
It’s not the same images but could be the same insects that I photographed.
Hope you enjoy
😀
Click on an images to enlarge
WPC Macro and Color, Soo Shiny!
Failure is success in progress! Ooh, Shiny 😅
Even a colorless can appear as shiny through a delightful detour. 
Colors among our flowers and a welcome little visitor gives delight and diversion.
A fly can distract in two different ways. Choose the positive one…
Click on an image to enlarge.
Weekly Photo Challenge Diversions, Distractions, and Delightful detours
Ooh, Shiny!
WPC Distraction
In this week’s Photo Challenge I’ll try to find what´is distract me and makes me feel “Oh, shining!”?
This flower grew when I planted a bunch of chives that I bought at the supermarket. They have already started fading. But yet, oh, shine! I will certainly find more that distracts me during this week.
Tuesday’s mixed pics from Malta
These flowers got a shower and belongs to one of my favorite colors.
So cute and a bit shaggy.
Simple art on a bottle of wine can also be an art in itself.
Another watercolor, this time with reflections from a house in Spinola Bay, San Ġiljan.
