Wednesday 7 July 2010

Wind & Weather

I woke this morning to light drizzle, combined with a fresh breeze which would have quickly dampened the enthusiasm of anyone venturing out. An opportunity then to catch up on a few domestics and post a few left out photos from yesterday in Devon.

Probably another of the Hawkweed group,

but with the Field Guide noting then as 'difficult', what chance I?

Seven-spot Ladybird

Foxglove

Naval Wort

Rosebay Willowherb

Rosebay Willowherb (detail).

Today I can announce the addition of our 74th country to the readership, another of our South American friends Paraguay. I can only think the link must have been passed on by one of the neighboring countries, as it's been a long time since I was there, but nonetheless 'buenos dias' and here's hoping you enjoy the read!

It was the (English) winter of 2001 that Mike Hughes and I flew to Sao Paulo, Brazil, then onward to Asuncion the capital of Paraguay, via the Iguassu Falls, then undertook the long haul through the 'pampas' and palm fields of northern Argentina finally ending up in Buenos Aires. Below are a few shots that will doubtless be familiar to any residents of Asuncion.

Government Buildings

The National Guard

Getting to meet El Bomberos, the Fire Brigade.

The 'high alter' inside the cities Cathedral.

and just 3 of a number of remarkable photographs sent to me by my childhood friend John (and Marion) Wood. These are some cloud formations during the passage of hurricane Katrina through Mississippi on the morning of 29th August 2005. When the accompanying tidal wave slammed into the communities of Bay Saint Louis and Waveland, it destroyed 99% of structures along a 9 mile stretch of beach.

Is it a bird, is it a plane, no it's a Twister - Bill Haley & the Comets.

I haven't seen a 'front' like this across West Bay!

Now that's what you call a 'funnel effect'.