Today’s Pictures: 6 June 20

On By stuartakenIn Author, Creative Writer, Nature, Photography, Poetry
The field we sometimes cross, as it should be today. But grey cloud and cold winds reigned, so I give you this from a better day. After all, the point here is to bring cheer.

Trying to brighten the day for those people isolated indoors during the Covid-19 pandemic.

This Weird Weather

Wettest second month ever known
Sunniest fifth achieves another record
The sixth is supposed to be hot
But in today’s forest winter coats call
And spring hay fever does its worst
A massive sneeze means explanation
For strangers met upon a wide-berthed path
To let them know the dread virus is no cause
Chilled lightly fevered coughing spluttering
Can this be summer truly really
Or has Arctic wind brought down new winter
Dry now land just weeks ago for months sodden
Rain sprinkles where new torrents are welcome
But walking the hills brings spiritual calm
As overarching trees break the surfing air
Like waves of sea upon a distant beach
And spirits rise again to meet hopes

And, in contrast, the barren volcanic islands reforming in the watery caldera of Santorini, basking under a hot Mediterranean sun. Taken in September 2013. While we ‘toured’ these with our guide, she let us know we were standing in probably the most dangerous spot on Earth, and five of the gases escaping the fumeroles around us would poison us if we were to stay too long!


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12 thoughts on “Today’s Pictures: 6 June 20”

  1. Pingback: Today’s Pictures: 6 June 20 | In the Net! – Stories of Life and Narcissistic Survival

  3. Beautiful post today Stuart. The view of the field and valley is so lush and gorgeous. Your words are so beautifully written, “But walking the hills brings spiritual calm As overarching trees break the surfing air Like waves of sea upon a distant beach And spirits rise again to meet hopes” just lovely visuals. I like your contrasting shot of the barren volcanic islands of Santorini – I found myself wondering how long you could safely be there, giving what your guide told you. Still there is beauty in this photograph as well. That dark blue of the Mediterranean. Hope you have a great weekend Stuart. After lunch I am going to sit down and read your story. You and yours stay safe. Love Joni

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    1. We were on the rocky island only for an hour or so, Joni. The Greek tourist authorities don’t think it would be a good idea to poison their visitors by leaving them near the fumeroles for too long!
      I’m missing that Med blue, too. We have a holiday booked on a Greek island for our wedding anniversary in September. Whether we’ll actually be able to go is doubtful at present, but we’re keeping our fingers crossed.

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      1. Stuart that sounds so amazing. I hope it will be safe by then and if not that you can at least get your money back. Imagine the photography opportunities and inspiration for writing as well. Hugs to you both. Love 💕 Joni

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        1. It’s a reputable company, Joni, so if we can’t go, we’ll be refunded. It’s an island we haven’t previously visited, so we’re looking forward to doing some exploring. And, of course, my camera will be travelling with us. It’s a good job Valerie is so supportive – I stop so often on some walks that it’s a real stop-go experience!
          Keep safe and stay well.

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    1. We learned later that the warning was real. The rebuilding volcano had last erupted in 1950, but is considered dangerous because it could erupt again without much warning. Of course, it’s last violent eruption, which destroyed most of the island, occurred in 1610BC. That was the one that created a huge tsunami that wrecked a large part of the island of Crete.
      But there’s a wonderful sense of being part of the natural world as you stand on this volcanic island with the deep blue ocean all around you, Noelle.

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      1. I got that feeling! We did some walking where the active volcanoes on the Big Island in Hawaii spew their lava – the heat, even in the hardened lava, was intense. We had to yank the kids out of there, especially my son who wanted to see the lava flow ()which it was at the time).

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        1. I’ve always wanted to visit Hawaii and see the lava flows, Noelle. Fascinates me to watch molten rock flow. Amazing!
          Santorini is a little less spectacular at present, as the majority of the volcano remains below the water. It’s also the type of volcano that is more likely to explode than simply spew lava. The folks on Santorini island monitor it very closely!

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