Paphos - Cyprus

Paphos is a city on the southwest coast of the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. Inhabited since Neolithic times, it has several sites relating to the cult of goddess Aphrodite, whose mythical birthplace was at Old Paphos (Kouklia). New Paphos is the modern city that incorporates the harbor, and the ancient ruins of tombs, fortresses, theatres and villas at Paphos Archaeological Park.

We visited the archeological site of Kato Pahos Park that contains the major part of the important ancient Greek and Roman city and is located southwest. The park is still under excavation within the Nea Pafos ("New Paphos") section of the coastal city. 

Its sites and monuments date from prehistoric times through the Middle Ages. Among the most significant remains that I found most impressive was the elaborate Roman villas: the House of Dionysos, the House of Aion, the House of Theseus and the House of Orpheus, all with superb preserved mosaic floors, especially an Orpheus mosaic. These mossaics were very detailed and created from very small pieces. Facial features were very expressive.

It was also a site to see many different species of birds.  Here is an example the Sardian Warbler.

Venus Pools

After a tough journey up the M6 I made sundown at Venus Pools.

 

Welney Cambridgeshire

Lakenheath Nature Reserve

The Solway Firth

 The Solway Firth is a firth that forms part of the border between England and Scotland, between Cumbria (including the Solway Plain) and Dumfries and Galloway. It stretches from St Bees Head, just south of Whitehaven in Cumbria, to the Mull of Galloway, on the western end of Dumfries and Galloway. 

The firth's coastline is characterised by lowland hills and small mountains. It is a mainly rural area, with mostly small villages and settlements  Fishing, hill farming, and some arable farming play a large part in the local economy, although tourism is increasing.

The northern part of the English coast of the Solway Firth was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, known as the Solway Coast, in 1964. Construction of the Robin Rigg Wind Farm in the firth began in 2007.

Within the firth, there are some salt flats and mud flats that can be dangerous, due to their frequently shifting patches of quicksand.

We walked along the beach from Allonby taking the view across the Solway firth.   

Venus Pools Shrewsbury

Great to be at Venus Pools but a bit of challenge after an eye injection as my focus was not very good. Thank goodness for auto-focus but when I can see I may see that I have not quite got these sharp.