Tag: Nature

Hiking in Majjistral Nature Park– Part 2

Published on by Anita23 Comments

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

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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.

WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge / Prolific

Soft Sunday…

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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…

Hiking in Majjistral Nature Park– Part 1

Published on by Anita33 Comments

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

 

Macro time

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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.

WPC – Smile

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This week, Ben invites us to point our camera at something or someone that puts a smile on our face.
Happy people jumping of joy a cold day in January here in Malta. Keep smiling, regardless of image quality. “There are hundreds of languages in the world, but a smile speaks them all”

A child’s spontaneous drawing, natural colors from flowers and even the strict but yet colorful stained glass found in many churches. “A smile is the universal welcome”An unexpected smile during last weekend’s walking in Majjistral National Park.

💖If you meet someone without a smile, give one of yours💖 

WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge / Smile

A Special Flower of the day

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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

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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

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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…

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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.

WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge  / I’d Rather Be…

Beautiful view

Majjistral Nature Park – Malta

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Yesterday we went to Majjistral Nature/History Park, the only natural park in Malta that includes coastal cliffs and a rich ecological and rural heritage. Thanks to Fanny, we discover new amazing places here on the island.Mimosa blossoms.It was a lovely day with blue sky and a temperature of 20 degrees. My dear husband and my lovely dog, always by my side, waiting patiently while I’m constantly taking new pictures.

Maltese Pyramical Orchid
Maltese Pyramical Orchid.

There are around 430 different species of plants in the park and during spring, the best time to visit the park. I saw hundreds of flower and different plants. These, I believe, are Maltese Pyramical Orchids. Guess if I was a bit sad that my macro lens is broken. But not too bad, now I have a reason to buy a new one!!

Friday’s thoughts…

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Sometimes, I get a feeling of not knowing why or for whom I post my pictures on this blog. You’ll find that some of my pictures are posted without any special intention. I’ve no inspiration to take part in photo challenges at the moment. Right now, I’m just trying to keep my blog alive but…

Weekend in Greenery

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Some pictures from Malta in early March.

I have a little too much around me right now but tomorrow I’ll take the time to visit You!
You are my inspiration, take care out there!

Spring Flowers

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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.

CYW – 18-24 February

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21. Outrageous Orange.
I love this one painted by my husband. Colorful in thoughtful simplicity.18. Forest Green.
Some greenery from Ta Qali park here in Malta19. Pacific Blue.
Fisherman at the clear Mediterranean waters of the Mediterranean Sea.These are the week’s colors in Jennifer’s Color Your World Challenge.

Dogs!!

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Dogs! I know that some of you aren’t interested at all, like me when it comes to sport. But this weekend when we let Fanny run freely without leash for the first time she was exceedingly happy, and so was I!!

I have read so much about letting Basenjis run freely. They completely ignore you and take the opportunity to search for their own adventures. That´s not true, she ran away but not too far without being aware of where we were.There were also exciting meetings with other dogs in Ta Qali National Park.

Suzy was friendly, just trying to scare you with her ugly smile while another dog just laughed. At home  after a fantastic weekend!  She´s now seven months old and I love her so much…

WPC – Tour Guide

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This week, Krista asks us to share images of where we live. What do we love about where we live?
Malta is an island in the Mediterranean Sea located south of Italy. It´s one of the smallest countries in the world with an estimated population of 422,000. It´s a popular tourist destination with its warm climate and architectural and historical monuments. Malta has some of the oldest free-standing structures in the world and the capital Valletta is designated as the Capital of Culture 2018!
Love the wonderful nature, especially in spring with all wildflowers and a stunning greenery all over the island. Not to be found during the hot summer months.Who doesn’t love the typical Maltese balconies, painted in different colors…

… and where in Europe can you buy fresh sweet strawberries even in winter.
The local wine is very tasteful as well as many other local produces.Then we have the colorful fishing boats known as Maltese luzzu. There are much much more I would like to share, but I think I have to stop here and consider a part two…

WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge  / Tour Guide

Color Your World 2018 / 1

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This is my first entry for Jennifer’s Color Your World challenge which began in January. I haven’t had time to participate from start, but from now on, I will try to create at least one post per week in this fun challengeScreaming Green.Sun glow.Outer Space.

CYW 2018

 

Nature’s diversity

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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.

Monday’s mix of weekend pics

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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.

 

Weekend pics from Malta

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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

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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

Saturday’s mix from Malta

Published on by Anita33 Comments

Tack finaste bloggvännen Beate för det mjuka paketet som kom med posten. Hahaa.. vilken överraskning, till glädje för både mig och Fanny. Två färgstarka leksaker att tugga och bita i. Behövs verkligen, hon biter i allt!Ice cream in November!  I prefer this prickly pears but not to pick them by myself.You always find something to photograph while waiting for the traffic light.That’s all for today!!

CBW: Weather

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I love color, need color and can`t live without color around me, but I also like challenges.
That`s why I take part in Cee’s Black & White Photo Challenge and this week the topic is Weather.This was a beautiful day last spring here in Malta. As always this time of year, there were lots of yellow and reddish flowers among all greenery. In black and white, it looks very different.Our terrace on the 6th floor a rainy day in October.Sunset with storm clouds.Sunshine, warmth and enjoyment by the Mediterranean Sea in July 32+.

Cee’s Black & White Photo Challenge

WPC Satisfaction

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There are so much in this picture that makes me feel satisfied, besides holding the camera. Memories, the sense of freedom, the amazing landscape and the natural colors of the great ocean as well as the blue sky.
Road Trip California in 2014, a trip that gave me great satisfaction and lots of lovely memories.“A journey of thousand miles must begin with a single step and every exit is an entrance to somewhere else…”

Weekly Photo Challange
Satisfaction

Rock formations

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An unusual rock formation found in Bako National Park in Borneo, Malaysia.
Looks a bit like the profile of a face and I like the different colors of the stone.

These are from the same place, and I have shown them before. But still, so unusual and unique.

Weekly Photo Challenge
Unusual

Bubble

Published on by Anita38 Comments

Life is nothing but a bubble, a valuable and sensitive one.
It sometimes feels, like we all walk around on a bridge, over troubled water…

When you’re weary, feeling small
When tears are in your eyes, I’ll dry them all
I’m on your side, oh, when times get rough
And friends just can’t be found
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

When you’re down and out
When you’re on the street
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you
I’ll take your part, oh, when darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

Sail on silver girl
Sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way
See how they shine
Oh, if you need a friend
I’m sailing right behind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
“Paul Simon“

There is a place where adults and children gather to blow bubbles. It`s amazing to see how all these bubbles, somehow, build bridges of fellowship between so many people. There´s so much joy between everyone and it`s funtastic to take part. Conclusion, we need more bubbles in our world, to build more bridges of joy between each other.

Bridge

En doft av sommar (113/365)

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Igår söndag tog vi bilen ut på landet här på Malta. Termometern orkade knappt nå upp till 20+ men det kändes helt underbart. Det är grönt på ön nu, ängarna är fyllda av gula blommor där Vallmon bryter av med sina röda färg. I medelhavet är det 17 och på stränderna låg många och njöt i solen medan andra tog årets första dopp.Ville så gärna föreviga allt det här och kom hem med över hundra bilder men de blev inte bra och jag fick slänga nästan alla. Hoppas ändå kunna förmedla lite vårkänsla, eller kanske hellre, en doft av sommar.

Fotokonst (112/365)

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Att fotografera är en konst i sig. Att finna motiv, fånga ljus, stämningar och färger. Vi fotograferar, bildbehandlar och lägger ut våra alster till allmänt beskådande för att låta bilden bedömas utifrån andras intryck, vi vill synas. Fotokonst är resultatet av vad vi skapar, oavsett bedömning och där varje bild är unik.

Eget tema 2/Fotokonst

Slut på säsongen (109/365)

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Tulpaner, nu är det sen länge slut på säsongen för den till Malta importerade blomman. Nu badar de gröna ängarna på ön i en mångfald av gula blommor och mimosaträden bär gula små bollar. Utanför mitt fönster
syns pelargonernas oräkneliga röda blomsterprakt och en ny säsong har börjat medan en annan är på väg.

Dåligt gömställe (100/365)

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Inte lätt för en liten Proboscis att gömma sig när det prasslar bland löven vid minsta rörelse. Den här ungen fanns i det begränsade grönområdet intill Sarawak River. Så nära bebyggelse, fordon och människor trodde jag aldrig att de sökte sig. Den hade förmodligen sin familj tätt intill, fast de tycktes ha funnit ett bättre gömställe.