Ibiza, Sperm Whales 03/09

I said sometime ago that I would return to my Ibiza trip in March, and I felt that it was a good time on a gloomy December day to look back at the incredible sight that we had, while sitting waiting to watch a stunning sunset.

This gives an indication of how high we were, above the sea level on a cliff overlooking the sea towards Spain.  Probably the clearest sky I have ever seen in Ibiza, and the sunsets at the best of times are pretty spectacular there.

 I love the terrain here and the natural bonsai pines growing out of the rocks are an inspiration to me.

It was at this point in time while looking out to see and waiting for the sunset, that I looked down at the sea and saw:

I hope you can see this.  It was a long way down to the sea!

We found out later that Sperm Whales had been seen around the island.  We saw about three Whales in the pod, we think.  But it was certainly the end to a perfect day.

Stodmarsh, Kent

If I ever needed to look for a good as to why we moved to Kent, this is just one of them.  Difficult to find but well worth the effort and so close to Canterbury. The place is full of bird watchers who in the main do not seem to want to communicate, as it is a bit of a solitary hobby.  We always take our binoculars ans see lots of birds, not quite sure what they all are.  We did see a Marsh Harrier in the distance.

 Flocks of Lapwings, coming in to land on the marshes

Amazing reed beds that give cover for birds.

This is a picture from one of the hides for birdwatching.

I am using these images as inspiration for me to produce some watercolour paintings.  I am trying to teach myself to paint.  I doubt if they will make it to the blog as it may put off readers looking forever. Environments like this do provide me with inspiration for gardens.  The intensity of solid monotone colour is excellent.