Neilson Park of my heart

For many, Shark Beach at Neilson Park is a haven.
It captures the heart, feels like home and no other beach - no matter how far travelled one is - can capture it’s magical essence.

Locals flock to its humble mounds of sand, wake at dawn to swim up and down its netted pool. Visitors brave the traffic and scramble for parking to dip into its healing shores. And many have been doing so for decades. It’s a place for all ages and walks of life. Its magnetism is enthralling.

I often say to my husband if I’m lucky to live to a ripe old age I’d like to be swimming here until my final days on earth. Yes, the connection for many is that of a lifetime, as deep as it gets.

I’ve been photographing Shark Beach at Neilson Park for decades now and the news of the development and having to part with a family member for a time inspired me to create this post and share some of my favourites. So we can visit the times past while we await for the next chapter of our love affair with a place so many of us call home.


Slabs of blue - Crete

The island of Crete, the largest of the Greek islands has a multitude of hidden gems. Here are a few as seen through my eyes (and felt beneath my toes) .

Balos

Half an hour or so drive from Chania Old Town to Kissamos the journey begins. It is here that the Gramvousa/Balos ferry whisks you away to a place like no other in the world.

Working out where to buy your tickets before rushing frantically to the port makes for an authentic Greek experience - but rest assured, a calming exhale will follow suit.

The scenic ride along the water doesn’t quite prepare you for what’s to come. It’s only when the shoreline comes into frame that you’re sucked in at quick sand pace.

Balos blues | by Mary Karananos | Crete, 2014

Balos blues | by Mary Karananos | Crete, 2014

Before you is a magnificent scene where two blue shores almost kiss. It’s not long before you drop your gear and dive in to join them.

Instantly, a multitude of different shades consume you; from translucent greens to vibrant aqua hues. Every dive under brings memories of life’s greatest joys to the surface. As you bask in this state, time stands still.

Up a sandy path you can take in the incredible formation of Balos; you imagine what this might look like through an airplane window before heading back onto the ferry and over to the next stop; the island of Imeri Gramvousa.

This beautiful island carries with it some history; a Venetian Fortress sits atop the rocky formation overlooking the beach at 137m high. This fort was also once used by pirates.

But what really captures your attention is an old myth that tells of a great treasure buried on the island. Something reins true about this, you just can’t quite put your finger on it.

- M x

From blue to bluest | by Mary Karananos | Balos, Crete, 2014

From blue to bluest | by Mary Karananos | Balos, Crete, 2014