Wednesday 24 October 2012

The Heron and the Fisherman

Every dawn the heron eagerly awaits the arrival of caïques - Greek fishing boats
Circling time and time again, he watches as they tie up at the water's edge


 As the men leave their boats he lands on one, and then another and then begins to gingerly step over another half a dozen as he heads towards a lone fisherman  


Within seconds sits on the rudder and waits and watches 
as the fisherman goes about cleaning the deck


Eventually, he is rewarded -  white bait for “proi-no” (breakfast) - fresh from the Aegean Sea.  


Once satisfied the heron flies off - gracefully circling the lake three times 
before disappearing into the golden light


The fisherman tells me this dawn ritual has been going on for years ....
.... always at the same time
 and always on his boat 


The fisherman then disappears into a nearby cafeneoin  
which smells of fresh Greek coffee and Assos cigarettes ....
.... no doubt another ritual which has been going on for many years.
The simple pleasures of the heron and the fisherman are so enriching!








16 comments:

  1. Wonderful where alike friendship is possible.

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    1. It was magical to watch in the golden light of the morning Robert. An amazing friendship!

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  2. Your words are as graceful and golden as the heron and the sky - love

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  3. Thank you for sharing this story and your beautiful photographs. I am sure the fisherman would love to se e them as well.
    Bises,
    V

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    1. When I return I shall certainly show him V - the ritual will continue - of this I am sure. F x

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  4. What a lovely tale! At Lake Macquarie we used to have a 7pm pelican who without fail swooped onto the jetty.

    We have herons in the fields here - I love their patient gazing. I also love the cafe aroma at the end of your story! Xcat

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    1. Thank you - oh to photograph a pelican at 7 am - that would be very special. Fx

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  5. love this tale Francesca, I'd like to have a familiar heron too!
    Sharon
    x

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    1. Thank you Sharon - I was blessed to have witnessed this every morning for the 10 days I stayed in a hotel overlooking the lake - magic!

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  6. What a beautiful story Francesca :-)

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  7. Replies
    1. Thank you Eva - it was a magical time. F xx

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  8. Hi Francesca, just stopping by to say how delightful your blog is. I have recently found it and am now following you. Hopefully you will follow me also. Hugs, Chris
    http://chelencarter-retiredandlovingit.blogspot.ca/

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    1. Hi Chris - lovely to have you on board and certainly - popping over to you now! Thank you and have a lovely day F

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I love reading your comments - so please feel free to add something. Thank you! F x

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