The Adventures of Melvyn and Lesley
Having retired we are busy pursuing the things we enjoy
The first bike ride into the hills is always a challenge if you’re not a proper cyclist. And we’re not!
I wanted to bring Lesley on this route, I had previously run it and the flowers are amazing at the moment. It was a tough ride as we wanted to see the damage caused to Staffi’s (a local baker and restaurant owner) restaurant by the earthquake, which is an extra bit of uphill work. Lesley loved it!
We decided to have another look at these impressive waterfalls early in the season. Last year it was very busy with lots of people and I wanted to try and take some photos. I think to be a true photographer you have to be very patient, especially if there are unwanted people about.
It was quieter and it was less busy so I was able to get a couple of pictures. It’s also a pleasant stroll when it’s not too hot.
A beautiful sunny start to the day (7:40) when I set off on my first foray into the hills. The plan was to run to Agios Petros, see how I felt and either come back via the deserted village (16km), or, if I felt good, I would head off towards Nikolis (21km).
Unfortunately, someone has stolen the handle from the spring tap at about 5 km, I usually stop there for a drink, but I couldn’t turn the tap on. Plan B was to stop at the cafe in Ag. Petros and have a frappé, a better idea altogether.
The roads out of Ag. Petros were stunning, the flora and fauna (well some cats and a snake), were stunning and I had to keep taking photos.
As I approached the turn off for the deserted village I felt good so decided to push for the turning down to the olive groves just before Nikolis. I’d heard from the local baker, Staffi, that the earthquake over the winter had hit the area around Nikoli, he has a restaurant there and can’t open until the council has repaired the outdoor seating area. On the road back to the olive groves I could see some of the damage done to the road.
On the ferry. Very quick and easy and no problems after the recent Greek strike. They didn’t bother about the length of the car or the height so that was good. In fact, because we are too big for the car bay they have put us in front of all the lorries and it looks like we could be first off.
It’s lovely to have a cabin and a window, wifi in the room and our own shower facilities – we didn’t have that when we stayed in the motorhome!